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VMware and CP/M (8-bit)

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Curtis McCain

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Mar 6, 2009, 6:00:03 PM3/6/09
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I've been lurking and watching the discussion on VMware here with great
interest.

I'm tinkering with VMware Server and was wondering if it is possible to
build a virtual CP/M with Server?

Has anyone done it?

Thanks,

Curtis McCain

Peter Howard

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Mar 7, 2009, 1:11:54 AM3/7/09
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Curtis McCain wrote:

> I'm tinkering with VMware Server and was wondering if it is possible to
> build a virtual CP/M with Server?

I don't think so. VMware Server is IA86 architecture, CP/M 80, the
8 bit version, can not run on such a platform. For CP/M 86
there might be a chance to get it running. For CP/M 80 you need
something like simh.

Peter Dassow

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Mar 7, 2009, 2:45:45 AM3/7/09
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It depends. VMWare Server or similar x86 PC emulators are helpful, if
you want to run DOS or CP/M-86 based software - e.g. MyZ80 for DOS, or
CP/M-86 based CP/M-80 emulation - with Microsoft Windows Vista.
Vista makes it very difficult to use DOS based software for example.
You can also try "DOSBox" if DOS is your preferred base for
Emulators/Simulators.
But there are also native 32bit software emulators, so you must not use
VMWare Server or similar software even if you are running Vista only.
And, last but not least, e.g. Udo Munk's z80pack will run also under
Linux smoothly.

Regards
Peter

Bill Buckels

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Mar 15, 2009, 10:03:46 PM3/15/09
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"Curtis McCain" <curt...@suddenlink.net> wrote:

>Has anyone done it?

Sort of. I created a CP/M 86 Hard Disk that will boot and load into VMWARE
Player latest version and Virtual PC both under Windows XP. However running
under Virtual PC 2004 the filing system goes flaky when copying files from
floppy to HD and I don't know why.

Anyway, it gets worse with WMWARE. The floppy that I used is an MFM punched
onto a 1.44 image. Virtual PC 2004 likes it just fine. Loves it:) But VMWARE
Player chokes on it.

But, now I am too frustrated and bored to continue this charade, so I have
zipped-up my VMWARE - Virtual PC images and they are available for download
for anyone who wants to play further.

Here's the link:

http://www.cpm8680.com/vcpm86.zip

Have Fun!

Bill

PS - cpmtools can't deal with this floppy image for whatever reason. I
haven't the energy to find-out but suspect it doesn't expect an mfm on a
1.44. I used vfd to capture it BTW. Diskette Tools using libdsk can
recognize it though. I didn't get a chance to play much with cvv, cvvmkbo
and 144feat and my thinking is that if this is flaky then why bother.

I


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