Questions to ask about your legacy Foxpro application(s)
How long do you need to continue using the application? The longer your time frame is, the wiser it may be to convert. For a 16-bit DOS or Foxpro for Windows 2.6
application (see below), your time may be up soon. Fewer Windows PCs are made now that can natively run 16-bit applications.
If your computer is 64-bit, then you would need to
run the application in "XP Mode", which is awkward at best. On the other hand, if you are running a Visual Foxpro application, then
it should run on Windows platforms at least for the near future, assuming nothing specific to your application gets in the way.
Visual Foxpro itself should not present a problem. Yet.
Does the application need occasional updates? For example, an internal chart may need to be adjusted from time to time.
This implies that you are relying on a specific vendor for these updates. Ask them how long they expect to be able to maintain the
software.
Is the application a Foxpro for DOS application?
In this case, there is some urgency, assuming you want to continue using the application. That version of Foxpro does not run natively
on 64-bit Windows computers. That is, you would need to run it in "XP Mode". Also, DOS programs with graphics will not run properly
(if at all) on Windows Vista or later, even in XP Mode. In this situation, your most cost-effective option might be to convert to Visual Foxpro 9
(the latest version). This might be the right way to go if a need for further maintenance seems unlikely.
We can also help with that.
Is it a Foxpro for Windows 2.6 application? Foxpro for Windows 2.6 was also a 16-bit program, and has essentially
the same problems and solutions as the DOS versions do.
Do you have (any or all of) the source files for the application? How would you know? Vendors of custom software sometimes provide the source files in a folder near the location of the application
itself and/or your data files. (Review list of relevant file types.)
If you can't find source files on your own system, your vendor may be
willing to help. If you have access to source files, a conversion process
can create a more faithful implementation of your application than otherwise. Some Foxpro applications come with partial sources; for example, you
may have report files (extensions FRX and FRT) installed on your system.
