DR-DOS 7.0,1 with FAT32 partition.

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ruthan
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DR-DOS 7.0,1 with FAT32 partition.

Post by ruthan »

Hello,
i care about DR-DOS 7 because of its Multitasking feature, but i was disappointed that i dont supports FAT32.

I did some research and found this page:
https://liam-on-linux.livejournal.com/58013.html

He is how to make DR-DOS 7.0.1 working with update 01.06 and keep multitasking features (except task switching its broken - it return incorrect OS version message).
But it is only for on system FAT32, i wasnt able to make it working with system FAT32 partition, i tried to convert FAT16 to FA32 using Paragon tools, but MBR code is not longer working, i installer is not working with FAT32 HDD at all, at least 7.0.1 i as far i know there only patches not full installable versions of 7.01.06.. and most of links about OpenDOS now i dead.

I did my testing of DR-DOS compatibility with virtual machines 166 games here are result:
https://docs.zoho.com/sheet/published.d ... &mode=html

At least 11 games has problem with its FAT32 implementation and reporting of incorrect amount of freespace. Except FAT32 problem compatibility seems quite line.

I wonder if here is some DR-DOS/Open DOS expect - long time user. They should be OpenDOS sources codes and fix freespace reporting doesnt seems like most complicated thing to fix.

I know that there is are versions 7.0.1.7 and 7.0.1.8 WIP with some FAT32 fixes but they have broken Multasking, i dunno maybe is possible backport FAT32 changes.
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Quadko
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Post by Quadko »

Cheers for the Wahooka character image!
Good luck hunting for your specific question, that seems quite the narrow focus of interest, no idea myself.

At this point, why try to mix two old-ish technologies that didn't coexist? I mean, more power to you trying to get it to work if you want! I'd love to hear your tale of success. But much easier in most scenarios to just treat each individual game or scenario as a single good old-school scenario? I think you'll have more success. But I'd hate to discourage you from what you really want to do; I have those passion projects myself. :)

Best luck either way, but consider not trying to mix different technologies from different eras, but maybe another path to success?
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ruthan
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..

Post by ruthan »

First of all, im trying to gather some information from DR-DOS/OpenDOS users, if they exist. I can do something wrong etc, there is not too much info, its really niche for now.

Main motivation is research if DR-DOS could be real alternative to MS-DOS 7.1 and tune up it how much its possible. With size of more modern DOS games is FAT32 partition really must have feature.. its more important than task switching / multitasking what is main point to use DR-DOS (except that is free).
With working multitasking you could have for example continually running mTCP ftp server on DOS machine for file transfers, at least in theory.

On paper DR-DOS should support both FAT32 and Task Switching / Multitasking, problem is that is bugged.. code went between 3 companies in short period of time.

But even if code is broken, there is hope, because is open sourced, so someone can fix it.
Im Vogon, worst kind Marwinical (most modern HW as possible and multibooting obsession). Im goal oriented, i care about facts and freedom, not about egos+prejudices. Hoarding=sickness. If you want respect, gain it by your behavior. I hate stupid SW limits, SW=virtual world, everything should be possible if you have enough HW bruteforce. My X58 sound card pure DOS compatiblity matrix: https://docs.zoho.com/sheet/published.d ... &mode=html , Dos fast videocards benchmarking: https://docs.zoho.com/sheet/open/a2vv94 ... de568c62b9 , DOS-Win networking: https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=61823 , multibooting DOS to Win10 - https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=60392
Want you have world better: 1) Mod Daggerfall for hiresolutions 2) Add Audio support for Dos Virtual CD emulator 3) Make Sound blaster working with PCie MBs - anyhow at any price, compatibility is the king.
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