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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 23 March 2011 13:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eagle of Fire

 
Lt. Commander

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As far as retarded actions by Microsoft to down compatibility with their older programs, this is really not new.

Win 95 was already a pain in the bottom to use when you wanted to run DOS programs on it. Even games ported especially to Windows 95 didn't run well most of the time.

Win 98 started to remove compatibility with DOS. It was still only a matter of adjusting settings and messing with the (empty) autoexec.bat and config.sys files, but still... With the introduction of "Windows DOS" which is in fact a really toned down version of DOS refitted to work in conjunction with Win 98, it was easy to see what their intentions were.

Windows XP dropped compatibility with DOS altogether. DOS is not even used anywhere on XP (which was not the case for Win 95 and 98 who still ran on DOS in the core). When you use the infamous "Windows dos box" (not to be confused with the program named DOSBox) you have no compatibility whatsoever, especially for sound. To my knowledge, there is no way to get any either unless you use specialized programs. Thus why DOSBox was created.

Vista then started the retarded "16 bits is evil" scheme with the 64 bits version. Some say that 64 bits versions are simply not compatible with 16 bits, but this is just crazy talk as it has been proved countless times since then that you can run 16 bits programs under a 64 bits OS...

Anyways... Ending ranting mode.



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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 23 March 2011 13:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
slimdrag00n is currently offline slimdrag00n

 
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Once again I want to thank Nmid for helping me get Dosbox running for stars.

I understand what Eagle of Fire is saying. It isn't that 16 bit is not compatible its that Microsoft wants you to have to buy there Windows 7 upgrade so that you can use a XP virtual machine. So its more like laziness that they don't want to implement 16 bit and the fact they straight up want you to upgrade because they just cant seem to be rich enough ect...

I do like my 6 gigs of ram which supposedly isn't possible without 64 bit thus the only reason I like it 64x







......
Ranked games: 8-1
Recently won the game Knife Fight.
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Re: Windows 7 64bit Thu, 24 March 2011 19:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
neilhoward

 
Commander

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One issue with 16 bit applications is that they were not very future proof or forward compatible. There are older programs that used processor limitations as processes. One that comes to mind is pseudo randomisation by running a formula until the memory is gone, recording last x number of bits and then dumping.

When I read folks whinging about new products they can't use as being bad, it makes me think of some fellow that complains to ministry of transport for not designing the high-speed mag rails with his horse drawn cart in mind. Laughing

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Thu, 24 March 2011 21:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eagle of Fire

 
Lt. Commander

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What you are saying would make a lot of sense if it wasn't for the fact that it is very easy to create compatibility options for different programs.

Heck, just open compatibility options for a given program and select Windows 95 or Windows 98. You could already do that with XP, now with Vista and Windows 7 you can also select XP compatibility option.

It is only a matter of Microsoft creating an emulation of 16 bit software like it is so easy to do and port it to their newest OS. They are already doing it for programs they want to support anyways... To say that it is a waste of time is a laughable attempt to save their face as they only have to do it once like they did with so many other programs and they are set for life.

How many versions of Minesweeper and Notepad have we got so far? I think I made my case.



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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 30 May 2011 14:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Xolarix is currently offline Xolarix

 
Civilian

Messages: 1
Registered: May 2011
Greetings,

I'm new to this forum, and I signed up as I had a little question about Stars on my Win7 64bit Professional laptop.

I put in the cdrom, and get a little screen with my serial key and a button for the setup... but I get an error when clicking on that button.
Now I've done some research and found this forum and thread, and found that this is because the 64 bit version of windows doesn't support 16 bit stuff anymore. Too bad, but not very surprising (keep on movin' forward.)

So I've downloaded the DOSbox and got it to work. I can play Stars! now, but unfortunately, it's the old version of Stars that I got for DOSbox.
My cdrom has the newer version of the game, which is a little bit more pleasing to the eye. So I'd like to know if it's perhaps possible to replace the old game that I currently run on DOSbox with the new version that I have myself.

I also heard something about virtual PC with windows XP mode or something... I hope that if I download that, I only get a windows XP version running on my computer, and not replace my windows 7 operating system with windows XP, right?
And then if I'm right and I can safely use it without endangering my 64 bit programs; can I use this virtual PC with windows XP to install Stars! from the cdrom? Smile


I hope someone's still active here to answer my question XD

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 30 May 2011 14:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
nmid

 
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Xolarix wrote on Tue, 31 May 2011 00:08


So I've downloaded the DOSbox and got it to work. I can play Stars! now, but unfortunately, it's the old version of Stars that I got for DOSbox.
My cdrom has the newer version of the game, which is a little bit more pleasing to the eye. So I'd like to know if it's perhaps possible to replace the old game that I currently run on DOSbox with the new version that I have myself.


Xolarix wrote on Tue, 31 May 2011 00:08


I also heard something about virtual PC with windows XP mode or something... I hope that if I download that, I only get a windows XP version running on my computer, and not replace my windows 7 operating system with windows XP, right?
And then if I'm right and I can safely use it without endangering my 64 bit programs; can I use this virtual PC with windows XP to install Stars! from the cdrom? Smile



Greetings Xolarix, plenty of oldtimers still around and plenty of fresh blood too Smile

1. The cdrom might just look like a new version, but I'm sure dosbox has 2.7jrc4 as well.
Dosbox's star version does feel "uncomfortable" to use though.. if you've gotten used to playing stars on Win XP etc.

2. Virtual Pc works fantastic, but you need to get a rip/cd-clone of Win XP along with a serial key (Genuine or ripped) for it to boot.
Let me explain it this ways.
The virtual Pc is your desktop without an operating system.
You need to have an install CD of WIN 95 / ME / Xp or even Vista to play stars on it.

3. I'm sure you'll get more help from other users.

Regards,
Nmid.



I know my minefields.. but I'm a chaff sweeper.
I used to curse when I got stuck in traffic... till I realised I AM traffic.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 30 May 2011 18:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mlaub is currently offline mlaub

 
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Xolarix wrote on Mon, 30 May 2011 13:38



I also heard something about virtual PC with windows XP mode or something...


I hope someone's still active here to answer my question XD


I use windows7 Pro. I use the free tool from Microsoft. You can get it here. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

This only works with windows7 Pro versions, but you mention that that is what you have. I recommend this method. Not the easiest virt solution out there, but I have been using it for 10 months with zero issues. It's supported by MS, and its free... Wink

-Matt



Global Warming - A climatic change eagerly awaited by most Minnesotans.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Fri, 10 June 2011 02:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
neilhoward

 
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Welcome Xolarix. Please let us know how mlaub's solution works.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 18 July 2011 10:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ron is currently offline Ron

 
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You can now run Stars in a portable VirtualBox virtual machine.

http://starsautohost.org/sahforum/index.php?t=msg&th=487 3&start=0&rid=1&S=3609d99b288b25017771f3de8be568 d7



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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 12 December 2011 20:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
beanspoon is currently offline beanspoon

 
Chief Warrant Officer 3

Messages: 182
Registered: June 2008
If anyone's still having problems with this, I've started a topic here that explains how I got around the problem and hopefully will help you too.

[Updated on: Sat, 14 January 2012 21:52] by Moderator





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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 29 February 2012 10:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
imkeshav is currently offline imkeshav

 
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I have Windos 7 64bit Home basic. I tried DosBox and it worked. However I took nmid's advice and tried Oracle Virtual Machine
(Thanks nmid for the links)..much better for UI and playing stars.

But you will need a copy of windows xp and serial number.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 29 August 2012 08:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Pordy is currently offline Pordy

 
Crewman 3rd Class

Messages: 4
Registered: August 2012
Hello!


can somebody help me in this case.

I need a idiot guide for dosbox. I tryed start dosbox but i tracked on command window.
Can sombody explain me step by step the download and installion.

I want play whit my 3 friend this game but i cant figure out the solution.
Pls help me!

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 29 August 2012 10:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BeeKeeper is currently offline BeeKeeper

 
Officer Cadet 1st Year

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I have used DropBox in Win 7 64 bit and don't remember any problems running it. They have a help page here: https://www.dropbox.com/help

You also need to install inside the XP virtual machine, not in win 7. At least that is what I did and it works.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 29 August 2012 11:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Pordy is currently offline Pordy

 
Crewman 3rd Class

Messages: 4
Registered: August 2012
I know the dropbox, but i dont talk from dropbox:)

I tried the DOSbox emulator, to start the 16 bit Stars in 64 bit ultimate windows 7.

I want ask from you a detailed guide to play this game in win64 (whit multiplayer) from the beginning.

How can i use the virtualmachine etc. im not a stupid technical impotent:) (but my friends are:D ) and i want play whit those:)


[Updated on: Wed, 29 August 2012 11:11]

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 29 August 2012 12:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BeeKeeper is currently offline BeeKeeper

 
Officer Cadet 1st Year

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Sorry, must get new glasses - I read it as DropBox not DosBox.

Hopefully someone will come along to answer your question but there is an alternative to getting Stars! running on Win7 although it does not work on all versions. However, you have a one of the right versions. What you could do is install virtual XP, which is a free download from Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/

It is a big download but after you have installed it you can open a window which is just like XP and install Stars! as you would with an XP computer. The screen will look a bit like this: [img] http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/7888289904_9c158b71ef_c.j pg[/img] Which is a screen shot of my PC with the XP window running.

Many players with Win7 are using the virtual XP instead of DosBox.


[Updated on: Wed, 29 August 2012 12:39]

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 29 August 2012 13:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Pordy is currently offline Pordy

 
Crewman 3rd Class

Messages: 4
Registered: August 2012
Smile np:)

So i want search my old xp disc and install to a virtual drive, what i create whit virtual pc.
I try:)
thx!

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Fri, 31 August 2012 05:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Pordy is currently offline Pordy

 
Crewman 3rd Class

Messages: 4
Registered: August 2012
Ufortunately, i cant persuade my frieds to install the virtual pc, istall a XP. They think this as evil thing Very Happy...

There is other way to play this game whitout XP install?
Somody who use the DOSBOX can help me how can i start the game? I have DOSBOX 7.4 installed, and i downloaded http://wiki.starsautohost.org/files/DOSBoxStars.rar DOSBOX STARS from starsautohost wiki page. http://wiki.starsautohost.org/wiki/Downloads.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Thu, 22 November 2012 04:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
XAPBob is currently offline XAPBob

 
Lt. Commander

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Is their issue with a VM or with XP?

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Sun, 25 November 2012 09:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
craebild is currently offline craebild

 
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Hi,

I just got myself a new PC with Windows 7 Pro (no sense trying to play with Windows 8, that is only a month old), and got Stars! to run fine in Windows Virtual Machine XP mode Very Happy

But that brings me to the next problem, how do I make sure the Stars! turns are backed up ?

I don't want to back up the entire virtual machine, that is 20 GB now and may grow larger, I just want to back up the new/changed files of ongoing games.

XP mode can see the drives of the Windows 7 environment, so I could just copy the files manually before making the backup, but I would prefer an automated process.

Do any of you have any ideas for that ?



Med venlig hilsen / Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Christian Ræbild / Christian Raebild

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Sun, 25 November 2012 14:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
XAPBob is currently offline XAPBob

 
Lt. Commander

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Run stars from a mapped drive (is that the MS terminology)

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Sun, 25 November 2012 18:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
craebild is currently offline craebild

 
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XAPBob wrote on Sun, 25 November 2012 20:24
Run stars from a mapped drive (is that the MS terminology)

A good suggestion (and one I had not thought of), but the drives in the Windows 7 environment are already mapped drives, and Stars! cannot open game files on mapped network drives, even if Stars! is run from the same mapped drive.



Med venlig hilsen / Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Christian Ræbild / Christian Raebild

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 26 November 2012 04:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
m.a@stars is currently offline m.a@stars

 
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craebild wrote on Sun, 25 November 2012 15:03
I could just copy the files manually before making the backup, but I would prefer an automated process.

Do any of you have any ideas for that ?

Perhaps a batch file for copying? Or add the copying of backups to the batch file used to run Stars! ? Rolling Eyes



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Re: Windows 7 64bit Mon, 26 November 2012 06:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LittleEddie is currently offline LittleEddie

 
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I think I had my dropbox set up in each VM, after the setup it didn't use much bandwidth to keep it updated.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Wed, 28 November 2012 16:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
XAPBob is currently offline XAPBob

 
Lt. Commander

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I run under Linux on a remote server (NX for remote access).

I have a set of scripts, one to download a turn, another to upload and archive. Because the archive is part of the upload it is updated if I change anything and resubmit.

I'm sure someone could do similar for windows - the curl commands used for the upload are in the questions about autohost forum under an FTP play thread.

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Re: Windows 7 64bit Thu, 20 December 2012 14:25 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
skoormit is currently offline skoormit

 
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LittleEddie wrote on Mon, 26 November 2012 05:46
I think I had my dropbox set up in each VM, after the setup it didn't use much bandwidth to keep it updated.



This.

Install the Dropbox dekstop app on the VM. (If you have a lot of stuff in Dropbox already, configure the app to only synch your stars folder.)

I usually have two laptops running side by side. One with Win7 running a WinXP VM (running Stars). The other with WinVista running my planet management spreadsheet. Both are synching with Dropbox. I've got a cable internet connection with a good bit more latency than is typical (a wireless repeater sits between my wifi router and the cable source). Nevertheless, the time between hitting F9 and seeing the Dropbox update on the WinVista machine is only a couple seconds.



What we need's a few good taters.

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