mdp_mason
Member
Hi,
Not sure if this belongs here or on the tech support side. I am looking for advice on learning to debug DOS programs. In particular I would love to patch some old accounting software so that it can handle dates from the 2000's and allow transactions past 1999. It uses two digit years (I'd like to make this bullet proof by going to 4 digits) and has a limitation on posting transactions only between 1980 and 1999.
Before I get into any more details, is this a lost cause/terrible way to learn how to debug and understand old programs? I have beginner experience in python and I have barely dabbled into assembly. The only thing I seem to understand very well is bash from years of Linux use.
If this isn't a totally dead idea, what programs would everyone recommend to do so? If possible I'd like to run this on my 5170 (PC DOS 7). If its a matter of availably or convince emulation is a welcome suggestion as well. I tried running debug and it works fine, problem is me not understanding the HEX codes and where would these date controls be stored.
Looking forward to suggestions!
Not sure if this belongs here or on the tech support side. I am looking for advice on learning to debug DOS programs. In particular I would love to patch some old accounting software so that it can handle dates from the 2000's and allow transactions past 1999. It uses two digit years (I'd like to make this bullet proof by going to 4 digits) and has a limitation on posting transactions only between 1980 and 1999.
Before I get into any more details, is this a lost cause/terrible way to learn how to debug and understand old programs? I have beginner experience in python and I have barely dabbled into assembly. The only thing I seem to understand very well is bash from years of Linux use.
If this isn't a totally dead idea, what programs would everyone recommend to do so? If possible I'd like to run this on my 5170 (PC DOS 7). If its a matter of availably or convince emulation is a welcome suggestion as well. I tried running debug and it works fine, problem is me not understanding the HEX codes and where would these date controls be stored.
Looking forward to suggestions!