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How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

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Tags: Hardware, Operating Systems, Windows

I have my geneology program and data on a MS Dos computer. I want to remove the HDD and try to run it on my Windows 11 computer. I have the cables and adapter to connect it through USB. Before I damage the HDD, the program or data, I needed to know if this is possible and how. Ultimately, I am wanting to convert the data to a newer software but I need to make sure I have a backup and can verify data integrity before I convert.

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Re: DOS

In reply to How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

You can get the HDD out of the DOS computer and connect it to the Windows 11 computer. Then you can copy your data to your Windows 11 computer. But you can’t run DOS programs on it.

However, it’s doubtful (although not impossible) that you can read that data with any program. You might have to write your own program, if you know exactly how that data is structured and stored.
Maybe, the DOS program you’re using now has an option to export the data to something readable. Which doesn’t mean, of course, that a new program can import it. Then you’ll have to retype it. And the same if you can only print it on your DOS PC.

Installing and running MS-DOS in a virtual computer would be an interesting experiment.

First, let’s talk about

In reply to How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

1. Backups. The program and data is usually small so it could fit in a folder on your current PC. If you don’t backup, you won’t have data for long.
2. Running old DOS app. I like to use DOSBOX. See https://www.dosbox.com

How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

In reply to How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

I’m currently on the road but as soon as I can get access to the Dos Computer, I will see if it will boot up and I can open Roots III. If so, I will check to see if there is an Export feature which is a great idea as an option. The data will be significantly large since I have over 5,000 names entered with each person’s bio. But compared to today’s program and data files, it may be small. Regardless, I can pull the HDD and connect it to my computer and move the data or export the file over. I was hoping to be able to run the DOS Program after I transfer the data and import it to Roots Magic so I could compare the data for integrity. I cannot have both computers in the same office at the same time. I don’t have room for both.
I thought about DOS Box, but the last time I tried using DOS box, I was not comfortable with it and it was a little complex to my liking. Maybe there has been improvements over the years. I’ll have to keep that in mind if all else fails.
Bottom line, you’ve answered my question and I now know what steps I need to take to accomplish getting this file onto my computer for conversion. Thanks for your immediate response and advice.

Reply To: How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

In reply to How can I run an external Dos HDD on a WIndows 11 computer

To allow older DOS programs to run on newer Windows platforms, the Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) is used. Windows 10 32-bit includes this, but 64-bit versions and Windows 11 don’t. Instead, Windows users will see a pop-up alert that DOS programs can’t run.

Regards,
James

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