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Running a Win 3.1 / Win 95 program on Windows 10 64-bit

Anonymous
2020-08-02T15:26:42+00:00

I am trying to extract my now deceased mother's recipes created in Mastercook 4.07 (a Sierra Home 1997-98 program that was part of Generation Family Tree) and attempting to install the program but find incompatibility with every attempt (despite using the incompatibility settings). I have also tried to find programs that might covert the files with no success. I wonder if it makes sense to try to create a Win 95 emulation virtual machine, but not sure it is worth the hassle/risk but not sure if that is feasible or would work. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Gary

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-08-02T16:00:32+00:00

    Wow! What a fast response.

    I discard old computers, so don't have anything available that might work - everything is Win 10 and now I only have one computer with a CD/DVD drive, let alone older floppy drives. :-) (At least this program is on CD).

    I have looked at the file (extension is .mcf) in notepad and most of it is gibberish, with a few discernable words so that I know that is where the data is. I have been unable to find a file converter that will work with it and not interested in purchasing the current version of Mastercook as it may not do thee trick anyhow (and they are seeking ~$100 for the program). 

    As for uploading the data file, I do not see that option on my interface, though I suppose I could create a link to it on my OneDrive.

    Gary

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-08-02T16:30:20+00:00

    Oh well. Maybe my IT colleagues at the university or hospital have something hanging around... I'll ask.

    Thanks,

    Gary

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  3. DaveM121 869.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-08-02T16:05:38+00:00

    Hi Gary

    From that extra information you have provided, the software developer is storing the data in a custom file type and the data is encoded in Binary, and so will not be accessible in any other software . . .

    The only real option now is to try to gain access to an old PC, and install that software to copy out those recipes . . .

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  4. DaveM121 869.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-08-02T15:31:56+00:00

    Hi Gary

    That software definitely will not run under Windows 10, not even in Compatibility Mode, the best option would be to try to access an old PC, install that software and gain access to those recipes

    What file format are those files saved to, and could you upload one of those to see if the data can be pulled form the file . . .

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