Need to retrieve data from some old documents or spreadsheets but cant open them in modern apps?
Have some old applications or games you want to run, but your rig refuses to install them?
Its over 40 years since the first home computers were sold.
Many of us have several decades of digital data, much of which seems inaccessible.
In fact, now is probably the best time to retrieve that data, before it is too late.
Loading the media might be impossible; the app possibly doesnt work on your operating system.
This last point could be due to hardware compatibility or a different operating system.
Fortunately, software can also be the solution.
Check the Storage Media Is Readable
Getting data off the original media can also be difficult.
Old CDs and DVDs can usually be retrieved using a USB optical reader.
Other, older formats are harder to deal with.
For example, software released between 1995-2010 was typically published on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.
(Since that time, downloads have become more popular).
For example, there is such a thing asdisc rot, which affects optical media.
Similar problems can affect magnetic storage (floppy disks, cassettes, etc.).
With 3.5-inch disks this might simply be a case of hooking up aUSB floppy drive.
In most cases, these can be bought on eBay.
All I needed was an optical drive and software for creating an ISO from the disc.
This disc image was then run on the computer without the original media being necessary.
Instructions for each are listed below.
First, ensure the DVD or CD is inserted in the optical drive.
Download:BurnAware Free
With the software installed and running:
Wait while the file is created.
See our guide tocreating ISO disk images on a Macfor more full instructions.
Wait for the ISO file to be created, then double click to open and browse the file.
it’s possible for you to remount the original disc and compare the contents, if necessary.
You have four options:
Each option is explored further below.
Finding the right emulator can be tricky, which is where a tool like RetroArch comes in useful.
This collects all the best emulators for classic computer and console platforms under one user interface.
See our guide torunning RetroArch on Windows; the software also runs on macOS and Linux.
Download:RetroArch(Free)
However, RetroArch can be considered overkill in some cases.
This can then be used to install an operating system different to the one you are using.
They’re also developed in tandem, and as such the steps for using them are almost identical.
the Software Center on Ubuntu).
After installation, run PlayOnLinux, then:
The software is now open and ready to use.
This is available in Windows 10 and 11.
Compatibility Mode is not a reliable way to run old 32-bit software on a 64-bit system.
Similarly, 16-bit software (i.e.
intended for Windows 3.x) is also unlikely to run.
