error message when playing old games

[mystvearn]

I got this game from HOTU, but when I wanted to play it, double click the icon, this message
16 bit ms-dos subsystem comes out. Invalid startup directory, please check your pif file. Choose 'close' to terminate application. How do I play this game?
I tried using command prompt(win xp) the screen turn blank. I had to alt+tab to get out.

The game pinball illusion and pinball fantasy

[Nuclear Krusader]

What are the requirements for that game?

Have you looked in the HOTU page for specific instructions?

[mystvearn]

My system is on XP pro. The game wanted it to run in DOS. "Run in pure DOS only", the website stated. How do I play?

[R7044]

I took an old PC out of the closet and installed DOS 6.22 on it just to play the dozens of oldies but goodies that I've collected over the years. I had to pretty much put them away since Windows 95 came out.

[Nuclear Krusader]

mystvearn, I had the same problem, check out this thread:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?threadid=62747

As much as I hate dual booting, seems to me it's the only way to go for those old games that need to access the HW directly. :(

[mystvearn]

You mean I have to find 300 bucks?too much man. I rather get myself a new graphic card with that money. Maybe I'll ask the screen savers or x-play

[Nuclear Krusader]

I downloaded the trial version but I haven't had the time to actually try it.

As I said before, I think dual boot is cheaper and less time consuming.

[mystvearn]

I'll try it. Is there some kind of dos program-not command prompt for xp. maybe dos 9.00:rolleyes: My bro did it once, not using dual boot, he actually did edit e few files and got another old game running but without sound. I believe the game was Star Wars Chess.

[Nuclear Krusader]

That is the problem: you cannot setup the sound because it needs to access directly the HW and Win2K/XP won't allow it. These OSes, unlike the 9x/ME ones, have total control of the HW.

You can use the Compatibility Wizard but it doesn't always work, especially for games that run in real DOS.