Because it is a Windows program and DOSBox only works with DOS programs.

Yup I got that, thats why I said I was considering getting something OTHER than dos. Any helpful advice?

you can try copying the contents of the CD to hard drive, then see if the setup.exe will fire up using W98 compatibility mode. If it installs, but needs the CD to play, make an image and load that with Daemon or another virtual drive app.

If it is a Windows 3.1 game (and it sounds like it) then you can either install Windows 3.1 in DOSBox, or use a virtual machine such as VMware, Virtual PC, or VirtualBox. (If you are going to use a virtual machine, you might want to use Windows 95 or 98 instead; those will probably be better supported by the virtual machines, and should have no problems running most Windows 3.1 software.)

Is the computer you are trying to run the game on 64-bit? Or rather, are you using a 64-bit version of Vista or Windows 7?

Also, please never, ever create a thread with a subject line like "Any help would be beyond appreciated...". If everyone did that nothing would ever get accomplished, now would it?

Sorry this is my first post ever on a site like this 😒

I am running a 64 bit on win 7

Are there any links that show how to use daemon or how to instal windows 3.1 in dosbox?

Are you trying to install the program with Windows 7? You can't use any program with a 16-bit installer with an x64 Windows 7. You'll only be able to install in a virtual machine that allows 16-bit installers.

stephaniadarling wrote:

Sorry this is my first post ever on a site like this 😒

May I suggest How to Ask Questions the Smart Way ? I sometimes go back and read it myself.

Are there any links that show how to use daemon or how to instal windows 3.1 in dosbox?

Windows 3.1x DOSBox Guide
Or alternatively https://www.google.ca/search?q=windows+3.1+dosbox

However, now that I look again, it is probably quite likely that this game will not run under Windows 3.1.
http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/game-of-life_

DOSBox really won't help you at all to get this game running. Before we go any further, what exactly happens when you try to install it under Windows 7?

When I try to install it a window pops up stating it cant be run because its incompatible with win 64 bit.

Can I install win98 into dosbox?

This game is using InstallShield 3.x. Of course this version of the installer isn't working with 64-bit OS, because all 3.x packages are 16-bit.
To install:
1) Copy all cd content to directory on hdd.
2) Unpack attached setup32.exe to this directory.
3) Install the game with this setup32.

thanks Gc - I grabbed setup32 too. Always cool to add to the bag-o-tricks..

Indeed, I thought you still had to do it the hard way with unpacking utilities.

I'm sorry 🙁 is there a link that can explain exactly how to do this? To copy the cd into the hdd and unpack? I'm completely lost on how to do that.

If you were able to install DOSBox, I'm sure you can manage this. 😒

"Copy all cd content to directory on hdd" means:
Make an empty folder on your hard drive somewhere
Browse to the CD with Windows Explorer
Go to the Edit menu and click Select All
Go to the Edit menu again and click Copy
Browse to the empty folder on your hard drive
Go to the Edit menu and select Paste.

You probably don't have 7-zip installed, so here's setup32.exe again in a Zip file. Just unzip the Zip file into that same folder you made before, with the CD contents.

Gamecollector wrote:

This game is using InstallShield 3.x. Of course this version of the installer isn't working with 64-bit OS, because all 3.x pack […]
Show full quote

This game is using InstallShield 3.x. Of course this version of the installer isn't working with 64-bit OS, because all 3.x packages are 16-bit.
To install:
1) Copy all cd content to directory on hdd.
2) Unpack attached setup32.exe to this directory.
3) Install the game with this setup32.

Thank you, now I can install simcity2000! however I can't change the installation directory.