PCem is an open source emulator created to recreate older PCs specifically in the 1990s and 1980s. It is renowned for its precise emulator of hardware components giving users the ability to relive experience on older operating systems, such as MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, and earlier version of Windows 95. PCem can emulate particular elements like CPUs or GPU as well as sound cards. It allows users the ability to create a customized system to run older software.
What is 86Box?
86Box is, on its own, however it is a fork of PCem that comes with more enhancements and support for hardware. It has the same objective of imitating old PCs, however it focuses more on accuracy as well as a wider range of options for hardware. It is a result that 86Box may favor more compatibility to certain older hardware and software configurations.
Storage in PCem and 86Box
Both emulators work with storage devices. This is typically done through placing virtual hard disk files such as floppy image files, CD images. Virtual hard drives are made in various formats including VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) as well as images from raw disks being some of the most frequently used. The virtual hard drives contain all the data as well as OS applications required to allow the emulated system to work.
Key HDD File Formats
The kind of HDD format you select is important as each format PCem and 86Box work with specific formats:
- VHD (Virtual Hard Disk): A format designed by Microsoft that is compatible with a variety of emulators and virtualization programs.
- IMG/RAW The raw image format that does not have metadata that is universally compatible, but it requires mounting.
- QCOW2 It is used primarily by QEMU as well as other virtualization programs However, it’s not used as often for PCem or 86Box.
To ensure the compatibility of PCem and 86Box It is generally recommended use VHD and IMG formats as they are the ones that are most commonly used across all emulators.
How to Use the Same HDD in PCem and 86Box
Step 1: Create or Select the Suitable HDD File Layout
If you’re beginning with an entirely new virtual disk, prepare it in IMG or VHD format. as well as IMG formats with PCem or 86Box can work with these formats. This article will show you how to create the right disk for you:
- Create a new disk on PCem or 86Box Create the new virtual hard disk with PCem. Navigate into the PCem settings and select the appropriate size to fit your emulated system. The file you create will usually come in raw disk image format.
- design the disk in the Guest OS: Once made, create a formatted disk in your guest OS that you’re replicating (e.g., MS-DOS or Windows 95). This is essential so that both emulators can be able to properly read the disk.
Step 2: Transfer the HDD Image Between Emulators
When you have your HDD image has been set up within one of the emulators, PCem or 86Box Transferring it requires moving the file into the storage directory of another emulator and then loading it into the parameters of the configuration.
- copy of the HDD File Find your HDD image file within the PCem directory, typically using the
.imgor.vhdextension, and transfer it to an area that is accessible to 86Box. - Then, mount the Disk within 86Box: Inside 86Box you can open the emulator, then go to the settings for your hard disk. Choose the same disk which you have used for PCem. Select the same disk you used in PCem and then mount it as your primary hard disk.
- Check for compatibility Test the compatibility of your virtual machine inside 86Box in order to warrant it’s able to access the HDD properly. The operating system should start up with all information intact, assuming there are there are no compatibility problems.
Step 3: Check for Configuration Differences
Although PCem as well as 86Box are both compatible regarding the storage format, their emulator settings may be different that could hinder booting on the shared HDD. Here are a few suggestions for managing these settings:
- Set Hardware Matching Check that the settings for your hardware (CPU motherboard, CPU etc.) in 86Box match as closely as they can be to those you were using for PCem. It also reduces the risk that your system will be unstable or have driver problems inside an emulated OS.
- Change BIOS settings The BIOS settings of the virtual machine could require modification. Make sure that your HDD is chosen to be the main boot device within the BIOS of 86Box if it fails to begin to boot up on its own.
Limitations and Troubleshooting
Although PCem and 86Box are very similar However, some limitations could be encountered:
- driver and hardware differences The reason is that 86Box provides more hardware options than PCem does, certain settings may not work when they depend on specific drivers for hardware. If you have problems, you can try simplifying your hardware configuration down to a less simple configuration.
- compatibility with Specific Operating System Installations The operating system you are using could require slight changes to their configuration as they switch between emulators especially when they were built using specific hardware.
For troubleshooting, start your virtual OS using safe mode or try an uninstall of the most important drivers in your guest OS.
Advantages of Using a Shared HDD Between PCem and 86Box
- Efficiency sharing an HDD with PCem and the 86Box allows you to create different environments. This is ideal for testing or developing software that is older than you are.
- Extended Hardware Options You may utilize PCem for less complicated setups before switching to 86Box when you want to run the OS tests using more specialized or atypical hardware configurations.
- Consistency Utilizing the identical HDD across different emulators ensures the consistency of data, which means it is not necessary to reformat or install OS components.
Conclusion
Utilizing the identical HDD sharing the same HDD PCem and 86Box are doable in the event that you choose the appropriate storage format, such as VHD and IMG. When you carefully set up and moving the HDD files, you will be able to benefit from the versatility of the two emulators, without requiring separate installs. This compatibility helps to simplify your process, making it simpler to investigate various configurations and try them out as well as preserving your data and information across all devices.
Although some troubleshooting may be required, particularly with regard to drivers and settings The overall procedure is simple and extremely helpful for people who are together older systems.
