Possible Duplicate:
Why 64 bit OS can't run a 16 bit application?
How do I get 16-bit programs to work on a 64-bit Windows?
Here at work my new development machine is Windows 7 64-bit (so I can use extra memory and run VMs). However I have a dilemma: it appears that 16-bit DOS programs do not run under Windows 7 64-bit.
I have an old legacy program written in Clipper that I need to run periodically.
I cannot access the compatibility setting as Windows 7 just greys them out.
You gave your own solution in your question:
so I can ... run VMs
Just run a VM that is capable of running your Clipper application, VMWare with an earlier version of Windows or FreeDOS (or real MSDOS).
Just be aware that you generally need licences to run operating systems in virtual machines (which is why FreeDOS may be a viable option if you can't get a licence for the Microsoft DOS).
Might be a bit OT, but since the question is Tagged Windows...
It is also possible to run Win16-Applications through DOSBox since, given installation disks of windows 3.1 or images thereof, it is possible to install and run Windows 3.1x again.
Detailed isntructions can be found here: http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=9405
I would recommend you D-Fend Reloaded.
It includes DOSBox and a graphical user interface which makes it much easier to configure. You can even download D-Fend Reloaded with some freeware games already included and configured.
The short answer is not without a third party emulation of the 16 bit DOS environment. The long answer is covered in this Wiki Article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_DOS_machine , which notes the absence of the NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine) exclusion from the 64 bit environments.
