FAT-16 to FAT 32 problems

Howdy Y'all:

I made a new computer for my BBS. The old one is a 486-40 and with Windows 95a. Please note, the FAT 16 version of Windows 95. The new one is a Pentium-500 machine with an 80 gig HD which is formatted in FAT 32. After the installation of Windows XP, I hooked up the old HD and copied all files to the new HD. Some of the programs work and some don't.

I have several questions:

1. Many of the programs I try to setup, like "RG-Y2K-INST.EXE," which is Renegade's installation file, will not work when I click on them. The message it gives says something like, "Windows can not run this program because it is a FAT 16 file" Sorry for the inaccuracy. Can't remember exactly what it said but that is close.

2. I have a need to run a program called ALLFIX in my BBS. Several people told me they could not get it to work in Windows XP. I haven't given up yet but no success so far. Is there a way to see whether it will work or not? I also heard that the program's owners will not communicate. Someone said they are out of business.

3. What Fossil Drivers (a serial Input/Output (S10) communications driver) will work with Windows XP? I am trying to get X00 to work but no luck, so far.

Thanks in advance,

AileronTLC

 

Hi AileronTLC and welcome to the BBS,

Actually your problem has nothing to do with converting from FAT16 to FAT32 formatting but all to do with 16-bit programming running in a 32-bit environment. Many older programs were compiled as a 16-bit format and will not run on a 32-bit system such as Windows XP or even Win9x systems. Some will, some won't, you have no control over it nor can you fix it with ordinary skills.

If you want to pursue any particular problem with software incompatibility in XP, visit the authors site. If they offer no relief, you're probably outta' luck pal.

Read this and come back and tell me how it affects you.