From: Gary Sandhu <garygsandhu@gmail.com>
Subject: Running Windows 4 and 7 on Windows using VDOS
Date: 4 August 2014

Robert,


Here's some instructions I put together for you. Let me know when you have it running or if you have any problems or would like
additional details.


1. download VDos from here http://sourceforge.net/projects/vdos/
2. I installed it in c:/vdos
3. I installed Wordstar 4 in c:/vdos/WS4 directory
4. doubleclick on the vDOS icon to test it: if it works, it'll run DataPerfect Testdrive program.
6. use F7 to exit the DataPerfect Testdrive program
7. EDIT the autoexec.bat to read as follows:
(the important part is to place "rem" in front of the "CD DPTEST" line and the command "DP26yi/s" so that it doesn't automatically run the DataPerfect Testdrive program.
Note that vDOS doesn't use extended directory names.
**********************************************
@ECHO OFF

rem This is essentialy the autoexec.bat of DOS.
rem Only one additional vDos specific command: USE.

rem At startup only z: (bootdisk/command.com) is known by vDos.
rem So first you assign one or more DOS driveletters to Windows folders.
rem Use <driveletter:> <Windows folder>
rem Files/folders that don't confirm to the DOS 8.3 filenaming are hidden (as it should).

rem To just use the vDos working folder as C:
USE C: .\

rem Switch from Z: to C:
C:

rem Select the DPTEST folder
rem CD DPTEST
CD Ws4


rem Start the DataPerfect Testdrive program.
rem Note: This is only to demonstrate and confirm vDos is working.
rem Use [F7] to exit the program.
rem DP26YI /s
ws


rem Close the vDos window as DP is ended
EXIT

rem Lines in this section will be run at startup.
rem You can put your MOUNT lines here.

EXIT
**************************************************



8. You can change the config.sys file to change the look of wordstar. I used:

***************

WINDOW = 80,0:0
rem ******this puts the wordstar screen size to 80% of maximum and in the top left hand corner.
LINS = 50
COLS = 80
rem ************the above two lines designate the number of lines and columns visible

*****************************

9.
Printing.
The DOSPrinter.exe file only supports Epson printers.
 There's a statement in the config.sys file about PCL and PS printers :
" the program pcl6.exe (PCL) or gswin32c.exe (PS) is required in the vDos folder.rem
You can download these at http://www.columbia.edu/~em36/ghostpcl.html"

That links to the actual download page here http://www.ghostscript.com/download/gpcldnld.html

For printing from WS, I picked Epson LQ1500.
When you print from wordstar, wait a few seconds (6 seconds for a test file on my computer) and a pop-up
 window opens up that allows you to select between printer, preview, or email. I pick preview to get a PDF
file open up in Adobe acrobat with underling, italics, and etc. intact. The print function also works directly
 to my modern Samsung laser printer.

__________________________________________________________________________________-
10 Additionally, unrelated directly to the above, if you're using Windows,
 if you want to change your caps lock key to ctrl key you can edit your registry
 with the following file instructions saved as a an ascii text file named CapsLockToCtrl.Reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,02,00,00,00,1d,00,3a,00, 00,00,00,00

Or, you can use autohotkey available here http://www.autohotkey.com/
and run the following command in an autohotkey script:
Capslock::Ctrl
to change the capslock key to a ctrl key.

---------------------------------------------------


Rob,
I hope you've had a chance to look over the last email I sent you regarding VDos and Wordstar.
I came across Boxer here http://boxerapp.com/ that allows wordstar (or other DOS programs) to run in Mac OS.
Very easy to use -- drag the WS folder (on a USB stick, say) to the app and click on the new icon to run Wordstar.
Haven't tried printing from it but it certainly runs very well. Kind of neat to have Wordstar running on my MacBook Air (and the cap lock key remapped to ctrl).
Best,
Gary.