Have 1994 CD software that if my PC goes, a new PC will not support--Need suggestions.

jaes

New Member
I have a 1994 Broderbund CD-ROM version 1.4 of "3D Home Architect" When I rehab buildings, it is absolutely the best (and easiest) program for laying out interior changes in a house. Again, for me it is the absolute BEST. A few years ago, when my widows 95 (think that's correct) PC broke-down, I got a new PC with windows XP --my program worked!. About 2 years ago, that PC gave out, and I found new PC that was selling with Windows 7 installed ---I bought it hoping that my 1994 program would work ---well it didn't (those of you who know about these things, would have guessed that). I was having some trouble with the new PC with Windows 7, so, I called in a tech. As he was fixing the PC problem, I was telling him my sad story of my 1994 program ----He said, "Why don't we just install a virtual XP program, and you program should run." IT DID! --PROBLEM: It is only a matter of time when this PC. with the virtual Windows XP will die. A new computer may "leave me out in the cold" with my 1994 program. Any suggestion? By the way, for me this 1994 program outshines newer versions. Periodically I would think: "Ok, it's been years and years since you purchased this 1994 program ---there certainly must be new and improved versions!" I went through that thought process more than 3 times and spent more than $350 on several new versions. I need help preserving this 1994 program, more importantly, I need help figuring out what to do when this Windows 7 machine dies. Naturally, I would like a workable solution in place before the current machines dies. Thanks for any help. Jaes.
 
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johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Not much you can do but buy the new version or keep buying used pc's with windows 7 on them. If it doesn't work on windows 7 without being in a VM then its not gonna work on windows 10. Have you tried installing in it compatibility mode in windows 7? But you should be able to create a VM of XP with windows 10 as well. I'm sure someone else will chime in and verify what I said, I don't know much about VM's.
 

Agent Smith

Well-Known Member
Vmware Workstation with windows XP is your ticket for future computers when the one you have now fails. VMware Workstation is free. XP can be obtained free, too, but I can't say on here how. I'm sure you can buy XP on eBay, and it is eBay where you can buy a boat ton of old computers, laptops or desktops. But like I said, with a new computer, just do as you did before and virtualize the XP operating system in VMware Player. You should be good to go with a new computer running Winblows 10 and the latest version of VMware player.

You might want to make a few back up copies of that CD. To do that, insert the CD and run a small program called Aray scanner. Now use Alcohol 120% and copy the CD off based on the type of security Aray scanner told you. If it even has any security.

I personally backup my computers to external drives and data on optical media and all of that is stored in a fireproof safe. So you might want to invest in a fireproof safe rated for electronics. It shouldn't cost no more than $30, and you'll be prepared. Important data and documents like a deed or social security card should at all times be kept in a fireproof safe. Never carry a social security card in your wallet by the way.

Anyway... You have lots of options. I used to mess around with Punch Home and built my dream home. Well, not in real life.



http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/ARay-Scanner.shtml


http://www.alcohol-soft.com/

Alcohol's website forum can help you copy it.
 
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jaes

New Member
First, thanks to all who took the time to reply to my request for help. I appreciate it. Agent Smith, I appreciate your suggestion about backing-up the program and putting the original in a fireproof safe. A few days ago, I was able to find an original, exact same version of the program (CD_ROM disk ---exact same 1994 version!). This was a great find, because, through the years, I would go on line and try to find an old copy, with no success. ---Well, finally, I have found one, and I bought it. Beside putting my copy in a fire proof safe in my home office, when the 2nd copy comes, I will put it in a bank safe deposit box (yes, the program is that valuable to me). Again, thanks to everyone who took the time to help me. ---Jaes
 

Agent Smith

Well-Known Member
Just want to tell you about bank safes. While nice they are not full proof like a personal safe you might have bolted to the floor at your home. I have read the Feds rated a man's bank safe and took all his crap without recourse. So buyer beware for what you get. This is especially true if you owe taxes.

Just had to post that. LOL
 

Twiki

Active Member
I'm guessing that the software is 16 bit. The newer OSes dropped supports for 16 bit proggies so there's that problem. If you have an older OS disk you can use for it you can set up a dual boot on your system.
 
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