Method 1: You can try and use DxWnd to run older windows games in a windowed mode environment. It’s pretty straight forward and forces games to run in a window mode and works surprisingly well a lot of times.
Method 2: Use different emulators that are tailored for what you’re trying to play.
Method 3: A self-contained XP SP3 Virtual Machine that can run most games between and including 1996 and 2005. It’s easy to set up – simply install VirtualBox, open the Virtual Machine, and begin installing all of your old retro games that crashed and burned.
Usage Instructions
- Download Virtualbox from here and install it.
- Create a new VirtualBox and load the ISO from here.
- Make sure you fill in the unattended install settings and check the “Guest Additions” box.
- Important! Guest Additions make shared folders and drag and drop available.
- Fill in the rest of the settings as you please, allocate enough disk space, memory etc.
- Windows XP will now install itself and once rebooted you go ahead an familiarize yourself with the VirtualBox environment. It’s pretty straightforward.
You can also try using WMWare Workstation which is free for personal use. VirtualBox is easier to use out of the box but I found that WMWare has more settings for a smoother experience. Download it here.
Also when playing games, the mouse cursor will lock into the virtual machine, so when you push the mouse at the edge, it won’t escape the VM window. You can switch out of the virtual machine (without closing the game) by pressing whatever keybinding the virtual machine you use have set, make sure you look this up before booting up a game.
