Re: **Accessing an old Dos-Shell .bat/,pif file through XP Pro or Home

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: RSMAGI (rsmagi978_at_bellsouth.net)
Date: 02/23/04 

Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 11:11:08 -0800

Pavel,
Thank you for your reply. I too, was somewhat confused by Squire's reference. However, before even attempting the shortcut, I was able to "see" the .bat file that was used on the 3 older computers to launch the program. If I tried to double-click on that file, that black DOS window briefly appeared. Then I did exactly as you suggested and entered the DOS shell on one of the XP machines, maneuvered to the network drive and attempted to start the program directly from there. Unfortunately, that too failed. I am puzzled!

Thanks,

RSMAGI
     
     ----- Pavel wrote: -----
     
     PIF file extension refers to the Program Information File that may be
     associated with a DOS application in the Windows environment. This file
     contains information about how the DOS application will run in Windows.
     
     The PIF file is equivalent to LNK file. You could do properties on this PIF
     file and see what is causing the problem you experiencing. Could be as
     simple as setting the compatibility mode to Windows 95. Regardless of what
     you do, by pointing to PIF file in order to create shortcut, you are
     creating a secondary shortcut since the PIF file is also a shortcut. Instead
     of creating shortcut to the PIF file, create a shortcut that points to the
     executable file that the original PIF file is pointing to.
     
     
     The 'black window' you see is probably some message from your dos program
     telling you of some problem. If you still get this 'black window', you can
     simply open DOS session by using the Command prompt from your Start
     menu/Accessories and execute the program directly from there.
     
     I do not know what is Squire talking about with the NTFS/FAT32 read
     compatibility since it has nothing to do with your problem.
     
     Pavel
     
     "RSMAGI" <rsmagi978@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
     news:952BBB3D-D9E5-45B9-9799-ADB621EAB2F7@microsoft.com...
> We are in a medical office with "antiquated" equipment. The 3 existing
     computers run on Win 95 (1) and 98 (2). Our basic practice management
     software runs on a DOS shell and is set-up on the main computer and easily
     accessed on our simple, hub-based, network.
> We have now brought in 3 new computers that all run on XP Pro or XP Home.
     When plugged into the network, they can see the "main" computer with our PM
     software, its drive, folder, etc. But when we attempt to create a shortcut
     to the program on any of the new computers, we either get a ".pif file
     error," or a less than full black window appears momentarily (which is how
     the PM program begins on the 3 old computers), but then, the program does
     not load and the black window quickly disappears; too quickly to be able to
     read the DOS-style message that appears in that black window.
> Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
>> Thank you.
>> Steve
>

Relevant Pages

  • Re: **Accessing an old Dos-Shell .bat/,pif file through XP Pro or Home
    ... However, before even attempting the shortcut, I was able to "see" ... If I tried to double-click on that file, that black DOS window briefly ... The PIF file is equivalent to LNK file. ... The 'black window' you see is probably some message from your dos ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: **Accessing an old Dos-Shell .bat/,pif file through XP Pro or Home
    ... Pavel ... Then I did exactly as you suggested and entered the DOS shell on ... >> The PIF file is equivalent to LNK file. ... > creating a secondary shortcut since the PIF file is also a shortcut. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: COM1 Port Settings
    ... You should be able to run your DOS serial I/O program under Windows ... modify the DOS session settings so that your DOS program runs ... For creating the PIF file, the following article on the Microsoft web ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.general)
  • Re: **Accessing an old Dos-Shell .bat/,pif file through XP Pro or Home
    ... Not all DOS programs will run under WindowsXP environment. ... However, before even attempting the shortcut, I was able to "see" the .bat file that was used on the 3 older computers to launch the program. ... If I tried to double-click on that file, that black DOS window briefly appeared. ... > The PIF file is equivalent to LNK file. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: How do I make my program start fullscreen ?
    ... > os = windows xp ... For an EXE, one approach is to create a shortcut (I believe making a ... PIF file will also work, but haven't tried that) and modify the ...
    (comp.lang.python)