Ford Ranger 1994 Factory CD

[Mazda]

So I have a Ford factory CD with all service and wiring diagrams that is pretty much invaluable to me.

Problem is that it will not run on anything higher than Windows XP. I am pretty computer literate as that is part of my job, but I cannot get this thing to run on Win 7 or Server or even Ubuntu. There is something with the loader.

So can I send a copy of this to anyone that might know what to do or can write a new loader for Win 7.

Thanks Bryan

 

[RonD]

I will assume the DVD/CD drive in the W7 computer works with other DVD/CDs

When you put the FORD CD into the drive, you should get a popup window asking what you want to do.

Select Open or View Files
There should be an "install", or "autorun" or "setup" icon, not a folder, an icon
RIGHT click on the icon, you will get another popup window
You are looking for "Compatibility" or "troubleshoot compatibility"
If you don't see that close window and select next icon and RIGHT click on it.

It WILL be there on one of the installer icons.
Select XP compatible, when choice comes up and "always do this" if that check box is available.
It may do this "select XP" automatically, been awhile since I had this issue.

But your W7 will open and read the FORD CD for sure, like most things today it is just a matter of pushing the right buttons in the right order to get it done, lol

 

[tinman_72]

Have you tried using a virtual machine? I personally like Oracle's VirtualBox.

 

[adsm08]

The red discs are date sensitive too. They don't work after a certain day.

Disable your internet connection, set the date to something mid-1994, and try again.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

This thread helps me out too. I have a 93 factory CD that I haven't been able to get to work. Thanks guys.

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

 

[Mazda]

I will assume the DVD/CD drive in the W7 computer works with other DVD/CDs

When you put the FORD CD into the drive, you should get a popup window asking what you want to do.

Select Open or View Files
There should be an "install", or "autorun" or "setup" icon, not a folder, an icon
RIGHT click on the icon, you will get another popup window
You are looking for "Compatibility" or "troubleshoot compatibility"
If you don't see that close window and select next icon and RIGHT click on it.

It WILL be there on one of the installer icons.
Select XP compatible, when choice comes up and "always do this" if that check box is available.
It may do this "select XP" automatically, been awhile since I had this issue.

But your W7 will open and read the FORD CD for sure, like most things today it is just a matter of pushing the right buttons in the right order to get it done, lol

I have tried all that so many times and so many configurations I can't even tell you.

I have my work laptop set to dual boot Win 7 and WinXP. Just really don't like taking my $2200 laptop into the garage and work on the truck. Or running in/out to look at the data.


tinman_72: Tried using the virtual machine also...
adsm08 : Have no idea what color the disk is as it's a copy ( Um backup)

Okay all I have solved the problem.

Program needs to be installed into a 32bit OS. I only use 64bit so that is why it will not install. Went to Dads and it installed fine on his Win7 32bit. Came home and tried again on my machines and NO GO!! But for some reason my WinXP is 32bit.

Thanks for the help all.

 

[RonD]

Yes, the compatibility for software/programs is the 32 or 64bit issue, which is why that Selection was there.

Your win7 may not have the 32bit backwards compatible software installed or the CD you are using is actually 16bit.

Have a look here and then check the CD software in XP: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/320127

If it is 16bit then it won't run in win7

 

[Mazda]

Yes I just confirmed the Ford CD is 16bit.

I do have some 32 bit software running on my laptop and tower. So I know I have the 32 bit software on both machines.

I think I'm just going to buy a cheap laptop and run WinXP on just to run this CD.

 

[4x4junkie]

This is precisely why I like good ol' reliable paper book manuals. They don't "expire" or are unreadable because the electronic device you're trying to read it with is "too new" lol. Nor do they depend on electricity (to run the device needed to read it) and should you somehow accidentally drop it onto the concrete shop floor, all you do is reach down and pick it back up and then (if necessary) return to the page you were on. Even spilled oil/grease/water/soda/coffee/milk won't render them unreadable (at least not right away)


Sorry guys, I just couldn't resist.