Can I use old software on Windows XP ?

I have a 2001 version of Microsoft Streets and Trips that I would like to use on Windows XP. It still works, so I don't see a need to get a new one. However, MS Streets and Trips apparently requires its CDROM to be in drive D:, which is quite inconvenient. Is there any way I can copy the Streets and Trips CDROM to a disk file, and then make the program use that file instead of the CDROM drive? I specifically do NOT want to try to repartition my disk drive in order to accomplish this. Is there any other way? or any other source of further information that I could consult? Thanks for any response.

 

I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR

I am also looking for ideas here

But as far as I can see right at the moment it is something that WE are going to have to live with.

I am having that same thing happen with some of my Sierra Software. I did SUPPOSEDLY a FULL install and it still requires the CD it be inserted.

And then when I do insert the CD it comes up with the " Install, Play " screen. I think/HOPE I can ( with some help ) shutdown the AUTO PLAY of the CD.

BillyBob

 

Also the problem ( at least here ) is not just with XP. It is the same with 98SE.

BB

 

Hello Roger,

Is the issue using a ROM drive at all or one of using another ROM drive? If you don't want to use a ROM drive at all, I don't think there is a way to force an application program to use a HD for that purpose w/o a programing change which you can't do obviously.

If it's about using a different ROM drive other than D, uninstall the program and re-install and when the disc is called for, use the other ROM drive.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks for all comments. Charles, what I would really prefer is for the program to use a disk file so that I would not have to use a CD drive at all. Changing which CD drive is used wouldn't be much help to me. I just thought there might be some add on utility program or driver which would allow an application program to refer to a disk drive and then have the utility driver somehow translate that into a reference to a disk file. It seems quite possible to me, but I don't know of any utility that actually does it.

 

Charles is correct. You'll need help if you want to fool the system.

There is software that can accomplish your goal. It's called VirtualDrive

I have tested it and found it to work very well. It requires HD space for the program as well as a copy of any disk you want to emulate. It's available for free trial so test it for yourself.

However, if your goal is not to emulate the cd drive but instead to direct it to a drive designation that differs from the pre-programmed one, a simple editing of the particular .inf file may be all that's necessary.

Another source here. All CD emulators are not equal so read carefully. Some can do the whole job, others require you to pitch in. Some can handle "copy protected" material - others can't.