Why does QB not run properly on WindowsXP or Windows2000, and what would be a possible soultion?

Some of the most frequently occurring posts are concerning WindowsXP or Windows2000 and QBasic.

WindowsXP reacts differently to DOS programs for each different hardware configuration. I mean, even if you are using the same WindowsXP CD-ROM for two of your computers, if the hardware configuration is different between the two they will react different to QB or any other DOS app.

One XP machine works with all DOS programs with no trouble, QB loads and even uses any SVGA Libs I may have without a glitch. On the other hand, the other XP machine refuses to load any DOS programs at all... They seem to close themselves before they ever really start.

Why all of these problems? WindowsXP uses a DOS emulator, which seems to be pretty buggy (perhaps intentional, we all know how they feel about DOS...) or just not capable enough to handle all DOS situations.

There seems to be no solution to fixing these problems in WindowsXP, but if you have a Windows98 CD and a Windows98 boot floppy, you can install a dual-boot system between WindowsXP and Windows98.

Most of the time when someone starts talking about a dual-boot system between any two OS's, the 'red light' goes up. Disturbing images of long hours executing a complex series of steps appear in one's mind. However, when it comes to a dual-boot system between WindowsXP and Windows98, most of the complexity is removed because WindowsXP handles nearly all of the process automatically.

In fact, installing a dual-boot in this case is little more then a normal Windows98 installation. There is plenty of additional documentation on this subject, but this should give you the run-down and all the information you really need.

1) First, make sure that you have a running WindowsXP system already installed on the computer you want to make the dual-boot on.

2) Insert the Windows98 boot floppy and when the menu appears tell it you want CD support.

3) Run the SETUP.EXE program from the Windows98 CD.

4) Go through the menus and dialogs until you get to the point where you specify the install directory. Type anything as the Windows98 install directory except the WindowsXP directory.

5) Finish the setup. After you are done with the installation, every time you boot a menu will allow you to select which OS you wish to run.

This also works with Windows2000. Hope I been of help.