Running version 9.5 in DOS in Windows 2000

[Quakers]

Apparently Great Plains does not run in DOS mode under XP. I have heard that it does run under Windows 2000.

Does anyone know how to do this? I have tried some solutions with XP integreating the new Pervasive 8 workstation (remember than this is a stand alone user with no network access and Pervasive Server) but get an error of "Trouble Loading Screen Image" in DOS.

Also what versions of Windows 2000? Is there a conflict with certain softwares?

I have seen the white paper referring to Windows 2000 and Novell with Pervasive SQL 2000 but I can't find implementation with Pervasive 8.

 

[stef315]

Isn't there some feature in XP that lets you run programs under another version mode?

Oh, it looks like Right-click on the exe and go into properties. Then click on Compatibility mode.

Can't guarantee that will work but worth a try I think.

 

[cnhiatt]

I have just upgraded all my server equipment and the OS to Novell 5.1 as well as Pervasive SQL 8.6 and have updated several workstations to Windows XP Professional and am using Great Plains 9.5 DOS just fine.

Have used GPA DOS 9.5 for years and can't imagine the headaches involved in changing.

Running GPA in a DOS Window on the XP Machines, in a full-screen DOS for the Win98 boxes.

 

[stef315]

Headaches in changing to what? Great Plains for Windows?

I think they are more headaches in NOT changing! No support, worrying about compatibility, no service packs, no tax updates; besides just being behind the times. For a small, one user company, maybe it's okay. If the business is of any substance, you're just asking for trouble. Remember, you have to invest in your business and that includes your business software. The new versions are so great with integration to MS Office. You get so much more use out of them than just recording transactions.

 

[Dukester0122]

Small business owners are the hardest to convince when it comes to upgrades. With the small money they have, they want to find the most return on investment. If this company is into manufacturing, the owner would then decide if he would invest in raw materials to make his products or upgrade the computer system. Which one do you think matters more to him?

 

[cnhiatt]

Why fix something that ain't broken.

You're right, in spite of my economic position, I don't have money to "throw away". Now, I guess if you're spending someone else's money that might be different. However, I have both windows and DOS based applications running in my business, and I'll take the DOS-based apps over the windows any day. So much easier to navigate with a fraction fo the mouse-click, key-strokes.

When Microsoft bought Great Plains the first thing they did was bust it all up. Now to upgrade, I'm doomed to some half-dozen third-party partners for all my extra modules. Maybe something like 30 grand in software with no gaurantee that they're seamlessly compatible or I'll retain my histories of some 16 years.

Granted, there's a time looming in the future, I'll have to come to some serious crossroads, but I figure before the 64 bit windows comes out I'll upgrade everything as current as possible and tray toi make it to retirement/sellout (maybe 8-10 years). I figure (and hope) I'll be good through about 2010-2012.

When I was upgrading over the past couple months and was met with all the issues that kept cropping up (some with the XP DOS issues), I found your forum when searching for information. I just thought I'd enter a thread for those that want to make GPA DOS work on the newer platforms and have something better to spend their money on. For me, it's been a great program with total intergration for everything I need. Support? I haven't had support since 2000! (Haven't had to pay for it either, hee hee) Tax updates? Manually enter them! I don't know why you think I'm asking for trouble.........It works. Where's the trouble? Corrupt a file?...restore it! I think my biggest risk is always hardware related anyhow. That's why I'm busy bringing everything current, starting with the servers and working out to the workstations.

 

[Dukester0122]

I just attended a Citrix User Group meeting last night and all I hear is...latest and greatest!!!

Latest is not always the greatest, I'm still in 7.5 and don't plan to upgrade soon because I don't think the cost of upgrading vs new features is worth it in our environment.

 

[cnhiatt]

Yeah, I hear ya on that! Well, just an FYI for future consideration: I may have some answers for anyone wanting to get past some issues with regards to GPA DOS. That first issue in this thread is probably a BTI.CFG setting. One of the biggest problems I had was getting the SQL Engine enough 'breathing room' to properly operated the GPA Data files.

I didn't even 'rebuild' the data files to 8.6, left 'em at v7.

I have had my fill of paying for support only to be met with the 'we don't support that anymore' or 'You're application is incompatible, you need to upgrade' excuse. Sometimes I think the softwares are out-pacing the technicians! LOL