Running DOS apps
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Running DOS apps |
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If you want to run 16-bit DOS programs in Take Command tab windows, you need to be aware of some limitations in the 16-bit support in Windows.
32-bit and 64-bit console applications can be run in any size tab window (subject to any internal limitations in the program itself). However, when Windows starts a 16-bit DOS program, it will always force the console buffer to resize itself to 80x25, 80x43, or 80x50 (whichever is nearest to the current console size). This has three implications:
| • | If Windows increases the console window size, Take Command has to increase its window height to match, and |
| • | You will lose everything in your scrollback buffer when you start the DOS program, and |
| • | You will not be able to scroll through the output of the DOS program. |
When the DOS program exits, Windows will resize the screen buffer to its original size (but it keeps the screen window at the same size). If Take Command increased its window height, it will not resize itself to its previous size.
If you size your Take Command tab windows to 25, 43, or 50 lines, Take Command will not need to resize itself when running DOS programs.
You can also start a DOS program in a tab window (with the Run dialog). Take Command will not need to resize its window in this case, as the console manager will be forced to size the console downwards rather than upwards. Or you can run the DOS program in a separate console window (with the Run dialog or the TCC START command.
Whenever possible, we recommend you retire your DOS programs and replace them with Windows console applications!