Expanded/extended memory?

Davies · 10-07-2006, 05:05 AM

I have some REALLY old games that I'd like to take a look at. When I try to run them, they complain that the computer doesn't have enough expanded memory (or is it extended memory?). When I try to change the memory settings, I get messages like "you aren't authorised to do this".

Obviously, the computer has more memory overall than was ever dreamed of when these things were put on floppy disk. How can I fiddle with the memory settings to make these games happy?

Kurufinwe · 10-07-2006, 05:10 AM

Use DOSBox?

Davies · 10-08-2006, 02:02 AM

Worth a try, I suppose. Will let you know how it turns out!

giga · 10-08-2006, 03:49 AM

All I remember is that you have to use emm386.exe or something like that to create expanded memory. It's also required to create 60k extra base memory, which is often required if you are using a lot of drivers (for instance CD and soundblaster drivers)

QuietOne · 10-08-2006, 04:02 AM

DOSbox is probably the best option, that's what I use for most of my DOS games and you can edit pretty much anything in the config file to suit the game.

Here's a bit of it involving memory.

[dos]
xms = true | false

Enable XMS support.

Default is true.

ems = true | false

Enable EMS support.

Default is true.

*stepurhan* · 10-08-2006, 11:21 AM

If you've got a DOS machine then you should find there is a program built into the operating system called memmaker. Run that and it will change all the memory settings for you accordingly. I'd really recommend running it off a Boot disc though so it doesn't change your main boot files.

If you don't have a DOS machine then DOSbox is definitely the way to go as it handles all that stuff for you. The only problem with DOSbox is you need a fairly meaty machine to run late era DOS games (as it emulates the hardware as well as the software taking up vast amounts of system resources) Be sure to shut down anything you don't need (e.g. MSN Messenger) before running it.

Davies · 10-10-2006, 01:38 AM

Sounds like DOSbox is definitely the way to go, then. I do have a fairly modern and meaty laptop, and tend not to run anything unnecessary in the background, so it sounds like it ought to work.

Have downloaded DOSbox and will try it out some time.

10-07-2006, 05:05 AM	#1
Davies Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Somewhere in England Posts: 403	Expanded/extended memory? I have some REALLY old games that I'd like to take a look at. When I try to run them, they complain that the computer doesn't have enough expanded memory (or is it extended memory?). When I try to change the memory settings, I get messages like "you aren't authorised to do this". Obviously, the computer has more memory overall than was ever dreamed of when these things were put on floppy disk. How can I fiddle with the memory settings to make these games happy? Share Share this post on Twitter

10-07-2006, 05:10 AM	#2
Kurufinwe Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 3,038	Use DOSBox? Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Currently reading: Dune (F. Herbert) Recently finished: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (J. K. Rowling) [++], La Nuit des Temps (R. Barjavel) [+++] Currently playing: Skyrim Recently finished: MCF: Escape from Ravenhearst [+], The Walking Dead, ep. 1 [+++], Gray Matter [++]

10-08-2006, 02:02 AM	#3
Davies Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Somewhere in England Posts: 403	Worth a try, I suppose. Will let you know how it turns out! Share Share this post on Twitter

10-08-2006, 03:49 AM	#4
giga Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 70	All I remember is that you have to use emm386.exe or something like that to create expanded memory. It's also required to create 60k extra base memory, which is often required if you are using a lot of drivers (for instance CD and soundblaster drivers) Share Share this post on Twitter

10-08-2006, 04:02 AM	#5
QuietOne Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4	DOSbox is probably the best option, that's what I use for most of my DOS games and you can edit pretty much anything in the config file to suit the game. Here's a bit of it involving memory. [dos] xms = true \| false Enable XMS support. Default is true. ems = true \| false Enable EMS support. Default is true. Share Share this post on Twitter

10-08-2006, 11:21 AM	#6
stepurhan Freeware Co-ordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: South East England. Posts: 7,309	If you've got a DOS machine then you should find there is a program built into the operating system called memmaker. Run that and it will change all the memory settings for you accordingly. I'd really recommend running it off a Boot disc though so it doesn't change your main boot files. If you don't have a DOS machine then DOSbox is definitely the way to go as it handles all that stuff for you. The only problem with DOSbox is you need a fairly meaty machine to run late era DOS games (as it emulates the hardware as well as the software taking up vast amounts of system resources) Be sure to shut down anything you don't need (e.g. MSN Messenger) before running it. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ No Nonsense Nonsonnets #43 Cold Topic A thread most controversial, that’s what I want to start Full of impassioned arguments, of posting from the heart And for this stimulation all will be thankful to me On come on everybody it won’t work if you agree

10-10-2006, 01:38 AM	#7
Davies Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Somewhere in England Posts: 403	Sounds like DOSbox is definitely the way to go, then. I do have a fairly modern and meaty laptop, and tend not to run anything unnecessary in the background, so it sounds like it ought to work. Have downloaded DOSbox and will try it out some time. Share Share this post on Twitter

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