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danbury

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Using Word Perfect 6.1 with XP & Service Pack 2

I have a user who insists that moving on from Novell Word Perfect 6.1 circa 1994, is just not possible for him.  Unfortunately his equipment must be updated.  He currently runs XP Pro without the service pack2 or any updates in order to allow WP 6.1 to run.  The newest equipment is due in soon and I really want to get him to SP2 with current updates.  The software loads correctly but then fails to initialize.  I've tried the old standby of deleting the bif and rebooting.  I'm thinking my next step is to identify the files and check permissions? After that, driver conflicts?  

Has anyone conquered this issue?  I know 6.1 fans are devote in general.  Does the above troubleshooting plan seem feasible?

Thank you in advance for giving this matter consideration.

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Gary Case
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Two thoughts ...

(1)  Have you TRIED loading Word Perfect?  (or is your comment based on your user's assertion?)   I've got Word Perfect 5.1 installed (almost never use it ... just have it there so I can look at old WP documents => something I confess it's been years since I've done) and it works perfectly on an XP SP2 system; an XP SP3 system; and even works on Vista Ultimate (although it won't go full screen on Vista).

(2)  A simple alternative is to install Virtual PC and install an appropriate OS for Word Perfect => you could use '98, ME, 2000, or XP without the service packs.   Any modern system will run that virtualized PC at nearly full speed.
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danbury

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garycase:

Thank you for your thoughts.  Yes I've been trying the load myself on a Latitude laptop.  I'm going to try this evening on a Dell 530 which is the same model and very close to the same config he is getting.

Thought 2 actually leads me to my backup plan question.  I actually have an older laptop that is running either 3.1 or 95. (Don't know what made me keep it all these years).  So I was going to try that, my only concern is does that leave the network or his PC vulnerable to attack?  Or will virtual PC provide some firewall protection?
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Gary Case
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I've had success installing WP 6.1 after installing WP 9, 10 etc.  It has been a hit and miss solution.  A few times the 6.1 installation worked without needing the other versions being installed.  With most it required the other installations in various orders until it worked.  

All on Dell XP Pro SP3(now) machines.  Seems to work on Dell desktop boxes in most instances after hitting the right order.  But not on Dell laptops, no matter the installation order.