So I picked up the Archival FR RPGs for $5, but I have no idea how to play them or run in DOS mode for 1. For 2, I don't want any PC problems, so depending on what I hear I might install them on my old PC and the hell with it. Anyway, how the hell do I play these games or run them in DOS? Anyone familiar withthem? Like Curse of the Azure Bonds and so forth? please help a PC neophyte...

First, go to either full DOS if you have an old enough computer, or to DOS prompt. If you have a newer soundcard it's very likely that you won't be able to get it to work in DOS since no one makes drivers for DOS any more. Anyway, install the game by looking for an install file, either named something like install.XYZ or setup.XYZ. XYZ will be either exe or bat. That archives CD will most likely have an install program from which you can install any of the games on the CD.

Then you'll simply select a directory where you want it installed, and that's it. When you want to run the game you'll look for that directory and locate the exe/bat executable in it and run it. In some versions of Windows you can do this from Explorer without any problems. It'll switch to DOS mode automatically. In the worst case your computer will hang up and you'll have to restart, but there's no harm in that.

[This message has been edited by Taluntain (edited June 03, 2002).]

In Windows NT 4, 2000 or XP the games will probably not work from Windows, and you will not have the "Restart in DOS mode" option when you shut down the computer. In Windows 95, 98 or ME the games should be playable from Windows...