Bill:
 
There are several old fractint mailing list articles that discuss makefcfg.exe being compiled in such a way that it requires DPMI services,
 
I downloaded   csdpmi3b.zip available at
 
http://linux.sarang.net/ftp/mirror/editor/jed/misc/csdpmi/
 
Download it and and extract it onto a DOS boot floppy
 
Boot your machine with your DOS 6/7 Boot floppy
 
go to the A:\BIN sub-dir
 
Run cwsdpmi.exe -p
 
Then log into to your Fractint sub-directorie
 
Run makefcfg.exe or makefcfg.exe -h
 
Then run "makefcfg.exe true overwrite"
 
If you have any do edit utilities, then...
 
Run edit fractint.cfg
 
You will want to determine your optimal boot video format and remember it's <FKey>. In my case I like to open Fractint up in 1024 x 768 mode, so for me that is F6
 
Run "makefcfg.exe truecolor F6 overwrite"
 
Run "makefcfg.exe" again just to check everything out
 
If you want to stay in DOS
 
You will have to unload the dpmi tsr, Fractint doesn't seem to run well under it.
 
Run cwsdpmi.exe -u
 
Run fractint.exe
 
fractint should now load with your selected video format as the default startup.
 
If the program loads properly in your dos boot disk configuration it should also load ok in WinXP (Fingers crossed)
 
I still have to go back and edit and tweak my fractint.cfg file to get it all to run just right.....
 
Tony
----- Original Message -----
From: BillatNY@aol.com
To: fractint@mailman.xmission.com
Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2002 7:22 AM
Subject: Re: [Fractint] Re: Fractint and Windows XP

In a message dated 10/24/2002 12:59:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time, tgparker@worldnet.att.net writes:

Here's a possible "tweak" that might help Fractint in WXP.

There's a very interesting setting that I found on my Win95/98 Fractint Dos Box "Properties" window. Right click your Fractint Dos Box, click Properties >Program  (tab) >Advanced (radial button). Check out all the different Dos Modes and configurations that you can set your Dos box to. I partuclarily like the  "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows". There are also other specific custom DOS configurations that can also be set.
 
Hmmmm methinks this is the area to really look into......
 
All the best,
 
Tony


Tony,

Thanks for the tip.  There is no exact equivalent for that selection in XP though.  I also found an article in PC Magazine that explains how every application can have its own autoexec and config.sys files.  I haven't yet found what to put in them to solve the problem, but I'm still playing.  In the meantime, I can continue to boot to DOS.

I also want to say that I completely agree with your clear statement of the open-source program issues.  I'm one of the folks who'd be willing to pay for Fractint.  I fully understand and respect Tim's position on this, though.  And, as Tim points out, a 13year life-cycle (and still counting!) is an incredible run in any case.

Bill