I have a registered copy of PLC2 from the late 80's on 5 1/4" floppy and would like to load it on my lap top and run from the C:\prompt. Is there any way to convert the activation files (offline and online master disks)? I have tried to copy them to 3 1/2" with the proper volume labels and all data seems to transfer if you compare file sizes but it gives the message " this is not an authorized copy" when the disks are asked for during the setup process.

I would suggest contacting Rockwell Software. If your 5.25" disks are legit, Rockwell should have no problem swapping you for 3.5" disks.

Will they help if we don't have a support agreement? I have had no luck with other issues and questions.

Go thru your distributor; they may be able to get Rockwell to do it w/o any hassle. Your larger issue will be getting software from that era to run on a newer Widows O/S.

Win XP definitely won't work.

AI is going to expect to take direct control of the computer com port, something that Win XP is not going to let it do.

My suggestion is to find an older but working 486 or Pentium I or II computer and a 5.25" drive, load DOS, and dedicate it as a programming terminal. You can find them on ebay and at various computer recyclers. I keep an old heavy 386 portable with DOS 6 and WIN 3.1 around for exactly that reason.

Nevermind. I talked with my "Buddy", (Allen Bradley), today and they don't support the old ICOM software so I guess this is a non-issue. I can't believe the cost of a new copy of PLC-2. Sounds like they are trying to price it so you'll upgrade.

I can't believe no body suggested DosImage!! Been using it for years. Do a google search. It will make a hard disk image of the 5 1/4 that you can restore to the 3 1/2. Bulletproof!

Ever try installing Dos 6.22 on your USB memory stick along with the AI software?
It works great for me, I use a DELL laptop and just boot from the memory stick.