Ask the site where you downloaded the files.

The original media has the .exe files.

We do not support so called "abandonware" here.

chaco wrote:

Hello, I hope this is in the right location. […]
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Hello, I hope this is in the right location.

I am trying to run some old DOS games such as Blakestone or Police quest, but, when I downloaded them, they had no EXE. files!
I have tried clicking install and various other files within the folders, but, nothing is working.

Is there a way to "create" an exe file within these folders, so I can run my games through DOS box? (note that my operating system is Windows XP and so I cannot use normal Dos which is why I'm using DOS Box!)

If anyone could help me, I'd really appreciate it! If you need any more information, let me know.

you downloaded it from an illegitimate site? Shame on you!

If it was purchased and there are no exe, bat or com files and its police quest or blake stone then it is damaged or missing files.

Even if the disk is damaged, the exe files should still be there, though corrupted. unless the file table is corrupted. then you're screwed.

There is no DOS game that is not without binary legally.

Whcih reminds me of a certain posters' threads about wanting help for "ScummVM games" that don't carry their binaries...

leileilol wrote:

Whcih reminds me of a certain posters' threads about wanting help for "ScummVM games" that don't carry their binaries...

Yeah, they can ask on the ScummVM forums for help with their "download version" of a non-freewared game. 🤣

More likely they did have EXE files, but they were virused, so your anti-virus silently quarantined or BELETED them. Happens more often than you might think.

Yet another reason to beware downloading games from shady places.

Both Blake Stone and Police Quest are available for purchase at http://www.gog.com for low prices in fully-supported versions that are likely to work without any problems.

Maybe it's time to display a message to those just registering at this forum to agree not to post or ask help regarding "abandonware", by making them tick a check box before confirming the registration.

There can be a minor group who may honestly be not aware of the illegality of the "abandonware", but at least, they can be pointed back to the agreement - "Didn't you read the terms before registering?" etc.

And maybe creating an Announcement topic saying 'no abandonware or illegally downloaded games discussion allowed', especially in the Dosbox Games/Apps, Dos and Windows sections.

Nah, you'd just get people coming in saying "It's not illegal, it's old so it's free now".

Also, no one reads agreements.

Go get the original game off of Ebay or Amazon. When you get the original media and you still have a problem the contact this forum.

Malik wrote:

Maybe it's time to display a message to those just registering at this forum to agree not to post or ask help regarding "abandonware", by making them tick a check box before confirming the registration.

There can be a minor group who may honestly be not aware of the illegality of the "abandonware", but at least, they can be pointed back to the agreement - "Didn't you read the terms before registering?" etc.

And maybe creating an Announcement topic saying 'no abandonware or illegally downloaded games discussion allowed', especially in the Dosbox Games/Apps, Dos and Windows sections.

That's a good idea. One thing I do wonder though, how would this site treat emulation discussion then? Surely most people who use emulators don't ACTUALLY own cartridge copiers to backup their own games.

mr_bigmouth_502 wrote:

Malik wrote:

Maybe it's time to display a message to those just registering at this forum to agree not to post or ask help regarding "abandonware", by making them tick a check box before confirming the registration.

There can be a minor group who may honestly be not aware of the illegality of the "abandonware", but at least, they can be pointed back to the agreement - "Didn't you read the terms before registering?" etc.

And maybe creating an Announcement topic saying 'no abandonware or illegally downloaded games discussion allowed', especially in the Dosbox Games/Apps, Dos and Windows sections.

That's a good idea. One thing I do wonder though, how would this site treat emulation discussion then? Surely most people who use emulators don't ACTUALLY own cartridge copiers to backup their own games.

I have wondered the same thing. I couldnt help but notice some with their noses turned upwards towards piracy are into the emu scene.

According to Nintendo if you do have the actual cartridge to the game you can NOT have the rom. Downloaded roms are illegal and are considered piracy. I don't see why the emulators are legal for video game consoles. If the roms are illegal then what use is the emulator for that console. The only way I think you could use a game console emulator is if you can actually plug in the cartridge to the computer. If the Nintendo wanted to have their licensed games played on the computer they would make their own emulator and have you download their roms off of their site. On another subject Bethesda announced that they will have The Elder Scrolls Anthology available in stores Sept. 13, 2013. Ii will have all the Elder Scrolls series from Arena to Skyrim. In other words it looks like that Arena and Daggerfall are no longer freeware. So maybe any discussion of those to games being downloaded will be considered not allowed. Because any download of these to games due to the New anthology could be considered warez. Its just a thought.

The OP didn't use an original copy.

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