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Q: how can i run 16 bit windows app on OS X

Hi,

I have an iMac late 2009 3.06 ghz intel core 2 duo 4 gb 1067 mhz ddr3

 

I have el capitan, bootcamp, windows 7 pro 32-bit.

 

I daily use an app written in VB3 (16bit) written by me beginning in 1994

 

I would like to upgrade to windows 10 32-bit so I could continue to run my app but that seems impossible

because there are no drivers for windows 10 32-bit. Any ideas?

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1), Do not want to rewrite app now

Posted on Dec 13, 2015 5:17 AM

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Q: how can i run 16 bit windows app on OS X

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  • by Templeton Peck,

    Templeton Peck Templeton Peck Dec 13, 2015 7:50 AM in response to salesware
    Level 9 (62,070 points)
    Dec 13, 2015 7:50 AM in response to salesware

    Ask on a Windows forum since that's the OS you want to use and the OS your app runs on.

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Dec 13, 2015 8:17 AM in response to salesware
    Level 7 (24,307 points)
    Safari
    Dec 13, 2015 8:17 AM in response to salesware

    You have the option of installing a Virtualization engine (Fusion, Parallels, VirtualBox) and running W10 32-bit with the assumption that your application does not need direct hardware access.

     

    Your 2009 Mac does not support W10. Use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp - Apple Support  lists the supported models.

  • by Christian Stueben,

    Christian Stueben Christian Stueben Dec 14, 2015 5:40 AM in response to salesware
    Level 1 (120 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 5:40 AM in response to salesware

    To run 16bit Windows programs, you definitely need Windows XP. This is the latest version of Windows that supports 16bit programms. All later Windows versions expect the programms to be at least 32 bit. Even the 32 Bit Win Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 expect 32 bit programms.

     

    In my opinion, your best option would be to run Windows XP in a virtual machine like VMWare Fusion or Parallels. I myself have a Windows XP still surviving under Fusion.

     

    But keep in mind, Microsoft Support for XP has ended, you can install it but you can´t upgrade/patch your XP installation, so virus and malware protection depends solely on your own prudence and precautions!

     

    greetings from germany

    Chris