DOSBox 0.74 Released – MS DOS Emulator Now With Improved Support For Windows 7

After what seems like ages, DOSBox has finally been updated to a newer version. This hugely popular MS DOS emulator lets you run most applications and games that require native MS DOS support on modern operating systems such as Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS and Linux. The latest build (v0.74 dated 12/5/2010) includes a number of bugfixes including some compatibility updates which add improved support for Windows 7. If you are in love with those old school games such as Prince of Persia, Dangerous Dave, Aladdin, Commander Keen but can’t play them on your new operating system, give DOSBox a go. It’s easy to setup and works with most DOS based games that are around.

A long list of new changes/fixes introduced in v0.74 can be found on DOSBox homepage. An updated version of the DOSBox manual is available from this location.

Once you have downloaded DOSBox and need help setting it up, check out our tutorial. This has step by step instructions on how to configure the app and use it to play your favorite DOS games on the PC. If you run out of DOS games to play, you can download a ton of these from SquakeNet for free.

Download

[Click Here] to download DOSBox 0.74 from the official download page (includes separate installers for multiple platforms including Linux, Mac OS X and Windows)

Related Articles

• SquakeNet – One Of The Best Sites To Download Old DOS Games & Adandonware
• How to run DOS games and applications on Windows Vista, Linux, and Mac OS X using DOSBox

SquakeNet – One Of The Best Sites To Download Old DOS Games & Adandonware

I’m a huge fan of PC gaming and have been at it for over 15 years. The classic games that were released in the early 1990’s/late 1980s (such as Dangerous Dave and Prince of Persia 1) still fascinate me. Needless to say the games are so old and most of these titles are now considered obsolete (aka abandonware). However, there are a ton of sites out there which offer free downloads of these classic gems. SquakeNet is one such site that maintains one of the largest download link repositories for old DOS based games and other abandonware. If you are looking to revisit the past or willing to play popular titles of a bygone era, SquakeNet can be a useful resource to have.

At Squakenet, each game has it’s own detailed descriptions page. This page usually contains a summarized description of the title, user reviews, links to extras (walkthroughs, cheats, manuals), YouTube videos of gameplay, screenshots and of course, download links. Speaking of download links, SquakeNet itself does not host any of the game files. Instead, it fetches download links from external sites (such as Dos Games Archive) and indexes them in a separate section of each game’s page. These links are reliable and are almost always working apart from the odd 404 not found.

A single indexed game usually has several different download links from different external sites that host it – Squakenet is linked to some of the largest abandoned games hosting sites on the net such as Home of the Underdogs Revival and C:Dos. If you are having trouble finding where the links are indexed, click on the floppy disk icon which is usually located beneath screenshots in a game’s detailed description page.

Note that SquakeNet does not link to cracked games. Indexed downloads are either totally free (Ex- Prince of Persia) or shareware (examples would be Doom and Doom 2). It lists some of the newer games such as Half Life 2 but these do not have download links. Overall this is an excellent resource for DOS gamers and abandonware collectors.

[Click Here] to visit SquakeNet homepage

How to play DOS Games on Windows Vista, Windows 7, etc

Modern operating systems such as Windows XP/Vista/7 do not come with native DOS support. This almost always causes problems with older DOS based games. Thankfully, you can easily solve such problems with the use of a MS-DOS emulator such as DOSBox.

[Click Here] to read our step by step tutorial on how to play DOS Games on modern OS using DOSBox

DOSBox 0.73 – Play DOS games on Windows Vista, XP and other operating systems

Some of the best games I’ve ever played in my life were released  for the MS-DOS platform (Prince of Persia 1, Dangerous Dave 1 to name a few). These games were so good that they can still be enjoyed now, even in 2009. Unfortunately, modern operating systems such as Windows Vista does not include full support for legacy OS such as MS-DOS. DOSBox is an application that can really help you in such cases – it’s an MS-DOS emulator that’ll allow you run all your favorite DOS games and applications on operating systems without native DOS support (Windows Vista, Linux, Mac OS X and a number of others).

Now we’ve posted about this application here on this blog before - Reason why we are mentioning it again is the release of DOSBox v0.73. This release includes a number of new features, enhancements and bugfixes and is a must have upgrade for any new old or new old DOSBox users.

Most noticeable changes:

• Support for more graphics modes and cards.
• Improved Vista support.
• New OPL emulation cores.
• Sound fixes and improvements for Mac OS X.
• Lots of compatibility fixes.
• Lots of cdrom detection improvements.
• Lots of memory (EMS/XMS) improvements.
• Various fixes and enhancements for the recompiling core.
• Support for evdev.
• Lots of DOS fixes.
• Slightly faster!
• More stable.

Download

[Click Here] to download DOSBox 0.73 from the official download page (includes separate installers for multiple platforms including Linux, Mac OS X and Windows)

[Click Here] to read our tutorial of DOSBox if you are a beginner at using this application

Dangerous Dave 1 (1990) Download (Vista/XP/Linux/Mac OS X)

While we wait for new PC titles to be released in 2009, here is an old classic that’ll help you kill time. Dangerous Dave is definitely one of my favorite games of all time. It’s a platform game where you assume control of ‘Dave’. You have to make your way through 10 levels filled with various hazards and creatures as well as diamonds which you can collect to increase your score.

I’ve been playing this game from time to time since the early 1990’s and but haven't managed to beat it yet (which is a little embarrassing). I’ve made it to the 10th level but never got around to finishing the game completely. All in all it’s a fun game to play, even in 2009.

Download

Believe it or not this game is only 95kb in file size.

[Click Here] to download Dangerous Dave 1 from DOS Games Archive

How to play Dangerous Dave on Windows Vista, XP, Linux and Mac OS X

If you current operating system does not support MS-DOS programs and games, you may receive errors such as “This system does not support fullscreen mode. Choose ‘Close’ to terminate the application” as well as other general protection faults. You can easily play Dangerous Dave (or any other DOS based game) on such operating systems with DOSBox. For a complete tutorial on how to download, configure and play games with DOSBox, refer to this article.

P.S.- Has anyone really managed to grab those 4 diamonds above water without losing a life?

Prince of Persia 1 (1990) Download (Vista/XP/Linux/Mac OS X)

2008 was a relatively good year for PC games with many popular titles such as Spore, Mass Effect, GTA 4, Fallout 3 and Red Alert 3 being released. There are no more major new PC titles to be released this year – why not play a classic game while we wait for new PC titles to hit the streets in 2009? Prince of Persia 1 was where it all started for many present day gamers.

In Prince of Persia 1 (POP1), the player assumes control of the prince. The goal is to rescue the princess imprisoned by the Jaffar. In order to rescue her, the prince must make his way to the top of the castle through a dungeon filled with many baddies and hazards. I’ve beaten this game countless times since 1993 (that’s when I got hold of it) but it never gets old – even in 2008. POP 1 is a true masterpiece and I think every gamer out there should play it at least once (It’s only 339KB).

Download

[Click Here] to download Prince of Persia 1 from Abadonia (339KB)

How to play Prince of Persia 1 on Windows Vista, XP, Linux and Mac OS X

If you current operating system does not support MS-DOS programs and games, you may receive errors such as “This system does not support fullscreen mode. Choose ‘Close’ to terminate the application” as well as other general protection faults. You can easily play POP1 (and any other DOS based game) on such operating systems with DOSBox. For a complete tutorial on how to download, configure and play games with DOSBox, refer to this article.

How to run DOS games and applications on Windows Vista, Linux, and Mac OS X using DOSBox

I started gaming back in 1993 on a computer which had a 40MHz processer and ran MS-DOS. Over 15 years have passed and I still love those old DOS games which I used to play back then. Unfortunately, most modern OS such as Windows Vista does not include native MS DOS support – you’ll get error messages if you try to run DOS games or apps on such operating systems. This is where DOSBox comes in – DOSBox is an MS-DOS emulator which will help you run all your favorite DOS games and applications on Windows Vista, Linux, Mac OS X and a number of other operating systems.

If you are currently using Windows Vista, whenever you try to run a DOS game or an app the following error will be displayed: “This system does not support fullscreen mode. Choose ‘Close’ to terminate the application”. If you ignore it an continue, another error is likely to follow and the program will shut down. With DOSBox around, you will have to face no more of this nuisance.

How to download and configure DOSBox

1. Download DOSBox from the official download page.
2. Once the download is complete, run the installer and install DOSBox.
3. Now you need to move your DOS games and applications to a single directory. For example, create a directory C:\DosGames and move all your DOS games under that directory. (It’s better to place each game in a separate subdirectory Ex- C:\DosGames\Dave\…, C:\DosGames\Prince\…, etc)
   
   Note: Steps 4-9 is based on the assumption that your dos games directory is C:\DosGames. If you used another directory, change the commands accordingly.
   
4. Run DOSBox. Type the following command in DOSBox command prompt:
   mount c C:\DosGames
5. Now you will be able to navigate to C:\DosGames directory using standard DOS commands and run any game placed inside that folder. If you have forgotten DOS commands, read on.
   
6. Type C:\ and press enter in the DOSBox console.
7. Type DIR and press enter. A list of subdirectories in the DosGames folder will be displayed.
8. You can browse to any subdirectory in the DosGames folder using the cd command. Ex- to browse to Dave directory simply type:
   cd Dave and press enter.
9. Once you are in the game directory, type the game executable and press enter to play. This executable can be found using the DIR command.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment.

From today onwards, we will be posting some classic games downloads such as Prince of Persia 1 and Dangerous Dave on FILEnetworks Blog. So keep an eye on our Classic Games section for these posts. Hopefully this section will become as popular as our game leaks section and the private trackers section.

Max Payne 1 + Max Payne 2 : The fall of Max Payne Download

Max Payne 1

I think this game redefined the 3rd person shooter genre when it first came out. It was the first game i played which had the now common 'bullet time' (slowmo) effect. Although it's nearly 7 years since the game's release, you can still enjoy it today. If somehow you missed it or are willing to give it another go, here is your chance.

Max Payne is a man with nothing to lose--a fugitive undercover cop framed for murder, and now hunted by the cops and the mob. As Payne, you'll uncover plot twists, engage in dramatic "bullet-time" firefights with thugs, and fight your way through an unforgiving New York blizzard. Max can wield a variety of weapons including pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, sniper rifles, grenades, and Molotov cocktails. Prepare yourself for an involving story combined with slick action.

 

Max Payne 2: The fall of Max Payne

The sequel to the popular Max Payne 1. This game featured one of the best physics engines developed to date. The game was released back in 2003 but you may find the experience a refreshing one, even today.

A follow-up to 2001's Max Payne, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne features an all-new intriguing story and more slick combat. You play the role of Payne, a cop caught in a violent, film noir love story with a femme fatale murder suspect. Experience Payne's signature slow-motion gunplay with all new guns and new moves. The game features fully interactive environments, characters with ragdoll physics, and believable enemies. Max Payne 2 sets out to raise the bar for action game intensity once again.

 

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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [606MB RIP]

The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series of games are known to be revolutionary games in the video gaming scene. With the recent release of GTA 4 for consoles, we thought it would be best to post several of the series's older titles for the die hard fans as well as for those who missed the action. Here we present GTA San Andreas. Please not that this is a rip of the full game with reduced file size (606MB). Cutscene dialogs have been removed. The rest of the sound effects and all missions are intact.

Set in the early 90s, the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series brings you to San Andreas--a city troubled by gangs, drugs, and corruption. You'll follow a rising gang member in his journey to save his family and to take control of the streets. As you travel through the game's California-inspired locales, you can customize your character's appearance, invade houses, learn martial arts, take control of a variety of vehicles, use stealth to kill your enemies, and much more.

System requirements

• 1 GHz Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon CPU
• 256 MB RAM
• 8x DVD drive
• 3.6 GB hard disk space
• 64 MB DirectX 9.0-compatible graphics card
• DirectX 9.0-compatible sound card
• Windows 2000/XP/Vista

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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City [239MB RIP]

The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series of games are known to be revolutionary games in the video gaming scene. With the recent release of GTA 4 for consoles, we thought it would be best to post several of the series's older titles for the die hard fans as well as for those who missed the action. Here we present GTA Vice City. Please not that this is a rip of the full game with reduced file size (239MB). Cutscene dialogs and radio stations have been removed. The rest of the sound effects and all missions are intact.

Image: GTA:VC DVD cover for the PS2. The version featured in this post is for the PC.

From the decade of big hair, excess, and pastel suits comes a story of one man's rise to the top of the criminal pile. Vice City is a huge urban sprawl ranging from the beach to the swamps and the glitz to the ghetto, and is the most varied and complete digital city ever created. Combining nonlinear gameplay with a character driven narrative, you arrive in a town brimming with seedy opportunities and are given the chance to take it over as you choose. Take control of a variety of vehicles including high-performance cars and motorbikes, powerboats, golf buggies and helicopters. Browse through the radio stations, with styles ranging from rock to electro to find a sultry melody or pumping beat to suit your mood. No matter what type of man you are, Vice City is always full of surprises.

System Requirements

• 800 MHz Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon CPU
• 128 MB RAM
• 8x CD-ROM drive
• 915 MB hard disk space
• 32 MB DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card
• DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card
• Windows 98/98 SE/Me/2000/XP/Server 2003

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Grand Theft Auto 3 [417MB]

The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series of games are known to be revolutionary games in the video gaming scene. With the recent release of GTA 4 for consoles, we thought it would be best to post several of the series's older titles for the die hard fans as well as for those who missed the action. Here we present GTA 3; the first title in the series to be presented in fully 3D.

 

Image: GTA 3 DVD cover for the PS2. The version featured in this post is for the PC.

Crime does pay. The highly controversial Grand Theft Auto franchise moves into 3D in the dark and seedy underworld of Liberty City. You play a crook with link to the Mafia. A man named 8-ball assigns you tasks ranging from delivering an item to killing the leaders of rival gangs. But you don't have to take that route, as Grand Theft Auto III gives you the freedom to go anywhere and cause your own trouble. Some of your activities might consist of jacking people's cars, beating pedestrians, and testing out your huge arsenal of weapons--including assault rifles, shotguns, rocket launchers, and flamethrowers--on the police.

System requirements

• 450 MHz Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon CPU
• 96 MB RAM
• 8x CD-ROM drive
• 500 MB hard disk space
• 16 MB DirectX 8.1 compatible graphics card
• DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
• Windows 98/98 SE/Me/2000/XP

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Mortal Kombat 4 (PC) Download

This one is an old gem. Used to play this with friends back in the late 1990's when it just came out. And it still is an addictive game now in 2008.

Mortal Kombat 4 was the last arcade game that Mortal Kombat had in its series. It is one of the few 3D fighting games to have been described as having "2D gameplay."

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