How to run 16-bit program on Win7 64-bit

Hello all!

I have recently bought a new HP61 laptop with Windows 7 64-bit OS. I have a 16-bit program that runs on my desktop PC with XP, but will not run on Win 7. I have installed Virtualbox and then installed XP as a guest, and the program runs, but the XP screen is small, and the system 32 screen even smaller. So I have 2 questions.

1. How can I make the screen bigger/full size?
2. Is it possible to partion the hard drive and install XP there, instead of using VB?

Many thanks in advance.

fare.

1. Aren't there standard windows controls in the upper right of the window including the maximize square? (I use Microsofts virtual PC not Oracles virtual box so I've never used it)
2. Yes you can create a dual-boot machine

Thanks for your reply. Yes, there are the normal maximise/minimise buttons, but even maximised the screen is only about 2/3 normal size.

Regarding the dual-boot machine, is there any disadvantage over a virtual machine? Does it take a lot of memory? or any other problem? Is it difficult to do?

What program is it?

If you were to successfully install XP in a dual boot situation, It will be more advantageous than a VM because you won't be sharing the resources of the computer.

You can do it for no money if you have a legitimate copy of XP that is not being used on another computer.

It can be difficult to do if there is a hidden partition for recovery on that computer. If you want to go ahead with it, I strongly recommend creating a back-up image of the entire hard drive with Macrium Reflect or Easeus Todo Backup to another hard drive first. If you don't have a USB drive or an additional drive for that computer, then there could/should be some expense for such a drive.

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
http://www.todo-backup.com/

Give it some thought and get back to us. There is plenty of help around here.

The only disadvantage to dual boot if you own a copy of XP is that to switch back and forth you must reboot.

I have read setting up the dual boot can be a challenge and what I've read suggests XP should be installed first. This may only be an issue when installing on separate partitions of the same hard drive; it may be easier if you use two hard drives, but I don't know. I use Microsoft VirtualPC and have never tried to set up dual boot.

When I look at this picture of Virtualbox Vista it looks like it would be nearly full-size when maximized ...
http://www.virtualbox.org/attachment...ts/5-logon.png
Maybe you need to set it up to run in it's own window or something?

Oh, I'm wondering if your old program just can't handle the higher resolution screens of today. Maybe in the virtual window you could set the screen resolution to 800x600.

Like yoda asked, what program is it?

Yeah, the reason I asked was it may run on the 32bit version of W7. That may be an easier solution.

Yes, true, it's possible it might run on a 32bit W7.

I just hate to ever suggest what I see as a downgrade to 32-bit for an old old program. The RAM limitations of 32-bit are enough that I would always suggest 64-bit if the hardware supports it.

If you have Professional, Ultimate, or Enterprise you could also try Microsoft's Virtual PC - XP mode. Maybe it would look different. I suppose it depends om whether it is the applications max resolution or what is causing the size issue.

Hi Guys,
Many thanks for your valuable suggestions. The program is a custom made design/calculation program and no chance to upgrade to 32 or 64-bit. The HP61 has 4GB of RAM (plus 4GB more possible) and 320GB hard drive, but there is already one 12GB partion with recovery prog. I would need to save 52GB to back up the whole system. I think the program would run OK in Win 7 32-bit. Would there be any advantage in installing Win 7 32-bit over XP, in a separate partition?
My laptop is missing some virtual software, so up grading to Professional etc, is a no go.

Is it a dos program or windows 3.1 GUI? The reason I ask is because if it's DOS then it might work under DOS-Box.