Legacy Hardware & Software
Running Older Computers - Legacy Solutions
Obtaining Legacy Software and Hardware
Troubleshooting WinNT, Windows 3.x & DOS
Running Older Computers
There are still folks running Pentium I and even older computers (although these are rare today). These systems will not generally run the newer software and often you are unable to upgrade them with newer hardware because the pieces just don't fit into the slots or the system requirements are too demanding.
Even the newer 400 Mhz and slower computers can have challenges, particularly if they are using the older power supplies that are hard-wired to the computer switch and have more of the ISA (black slots) than the newer PCI (white slots).
These older computers still do the job they were designed to do, but the demands on computers have increased to the point where many are struggling to make these units work. Often such people feel they can't afford to upgrade or they have just become accustomed to the older technology.
Even such casual users may find that many legacy programs no longer work for them and need to squeeze just a few more months out of their systems. There are several issues that may affect you.
- Database and spreadsheet programs that either have only two-digit dates or make poorly chosen assumptions about the century digits (i.e. 19xx or 20xx) may make sharing files with others difficult.
- Some early programs are hard coded with date limitations that have nothing to do with Y2K. One such example is Delrina's WinFax Lite software that was once included with most fax modems. This program has a date limitation that you will be unaware of until you actually attempt to send a fax. The options for the year go no higher than 1999. Delrina was bought out by Symantec where WinFax Lite is no longer supported.
- Some programs offer no fix other than purchasing a replacement (often requiring that you upgrade your entire system).
So what do you do?
Check with the manufacturer for information about updated drivers or software patches that may include Y2K compliance. You may use a search engine to find the data you need. Include the following information in the search string:
- software manufacturer
- product name
- fixes
There are some sites that specialize in locating drivers and manuals:
If you are running an older operating system you may not find a workable solution without upgrading both your hardware and software to accommodate current technology levels. Fortunately prices have come down drastically, making such an option more affordable than ever before. You may wish to consult with us before purchasing a new machine in order to get the best value for your money and the right components for what you intend to do with your computer. It sometimes pays to spend more to begin with to avoid spending more later.
If you wish to continue with your old computer, one possibility is to try using another operating system. Linux will run on legacy 386 and 486 systems and many of the solutions are more current than those offered to users of DOS and Windows 3.x. Of course you shouldn't expect to run the full graphical operating system and all the available programs on older computers.
You may need to bite the bullet and upgrade your software and hardware to a more recent legacy computer. The more modern your system, the more likely you will find a solution. Pentium II and III class computers have become very affordable on the used marked as newer equipment becomes cheaper and these systems will run Windows 95, 98 or Linux and more current browsers and much of the newer software.
If you plan to install Windows 95 or 98 you should be aware that Microsoft no longer supports these operating systems and you may not be able to obtain security updates and patches for them, particularly through Windows Update.
However, one of the main vulnerabilities is the Microsoft VM which can be replaced with Sun's free Java Runtime Environments.
You can also search for helpful articles on the FAQs and Information Sites page.
Obtaining Legacy Software and Hardware
There are several sources for legacy software and hardware that you might try if you need to replace a component that has failed or to add to your software collection. Your success will vary and in most cases the warranty will not extend any longer than the time it takes for the vendor to collect your money.
- Garage sales provide a tremendous source of such equipment.
- Check the "bargain bins" in second-hand computer equipment stores.
- Friends may have useful stuff they will give to you.
- Government surplus sales can provide you with parts and sometimes working systems.
Be aware that most of this stuff has been sitting in a dusty corner for some time - and probably for a good reason. Don't pay more than a few dollars for anything over a few years old. While the vendor may have paid a fortune for their goods, the declining price of new equipment and software has a similar, if more rapid, effect on used computer goods.
If you would like some help in locating used software, parts and working computers (in the Greater Victoria area) you can contact us. Remember that we must charge for our time and expertise and that such costs may easily exceed the value of these older systems.
Troubleshooting WinNT, Windows 3.x & DOS
Troubleshooting Windows NT
Windows NT "Last Known Good Configuration" boot selection might enable you to recover if critical system files are not damaged. The Emergency Repair Disk contains system files which can recover damaged system files, correct damaged Registry information and rebuild your startup files.
Note: You can create an alternative boot diskette for Windows NT using the instructions and XXCOPY freeware (read the licence requirements) on A better boot diskette for WinNT/2000/XP.
Windows NT Recovery
Recovery is greatly enhanced if you have an emergency boot diskette for your system. Create and keep a current copy of the emergency boot disk handy:
Windows NT
Windows NT - Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)
- Insert a blank, formatted floppy disk into the floppy drive. This disk must be formatted under Windows NT, not any other operating system.
- Select Run from the Start menu and type "cmd" (without the quotes).
- Run Rdisk.exe from the command line (with the /S switch so that it includes the default user profile and passwords).
- Run either Create Repair Disk or Update Repair Info depending on whether you need to create a disk or are updating a previously created disk (from the same installation).
- The WinNT system will copy the necessary files to the diskette.
- Remove and label the diskette "Emergency Repair Disk" and include the date it was created for future reference. You should also indicate the operating system for which it was created.
This disk should be created (updated) each time you alter hardware or make significant changes to the operating system.
If the files on the Windows NT Emergency Repair Disk don't match your system (such as an old disk with outdated or invalid information and files) you may be unable to recover your system without reinstalling. Run the file Rdisk.exe from the command line (with the /S switch so that it includes the default user profile and passwords) to update the Emergency Repair Disk whenever you change software or hardware.
If you are running more than one operating system you should be aware that changes to some "hidden" files on the NT boot drive by the other operating system could disable your ability to start NT. See my Multi-Operating Systems on One Computer page for more information.
Troubleshooting Windows 3.x & DOS
Keep a backup copy of these system files on a disk:
Windows 3.x
- win.ini
- system.ini
- config.sys
- autoexec.bat
DOS
- config.sys
- autoexec.bat
www.RussHarvey.bc.ca/resources/legacy.html
Updated: September 16, 2005
