I would not do that. Why would you even consider doing that? Those versions are extremely outdated and not secure, they are not supported by Microsoft so should not be run.

are you having some kind of problem with xp? if so tell us what is happening and possibly we can help you work through it but trying to use those extremely out of date versions is not a viable option.

You could do it, but you shouldn't do it. You're simply asking for trouble.

Ah, those days of trial and error :~) If you are looking for a challenge then go for it, you obviously have a spare computer to play with. Really you have nothing to lose except time and if the project fascinates you then the time will be well spent. You will also need your DOS disks, 6.22 was the last version to be released.

Here is an emulator close enough for the purpose of the demonstration for those too young or later joining this incredible computer world.

If you proceed let Google be your friend as there are millions of sites out there with all kinds of help including some Youtube videos. Let us know how you make out

Just to clarify - you are talking an application designed to run on Win3.1/95 right? (As opposed to installing a cd-rom unit itself). Depending on which app, it may or may not work. Funniest example I've had was the kids installing an old pacman type game on XP that was written using the cpu clock cycles. Well it worked, but I can't think of anybody who had a chance at the game - about 4 seconds and it was all over.

we do need some clarification, I understood it as can they replace xp with windows 3.1 or 95. That definitely would not be a good idea unless as owbist said this is just a spare pc you want to play with and even then I would say why. Yes I have had all of those versions on a pc, can not imagine wanting to go back.

If it is some program or app that was designed for 3.1 or 95 wow whether they would even run on xp would be the question and with out doubt they would not be secure being that old. I personally would not try it.

then the 3rd option of it being the actual cd drive out of an old pc that had 3.1 or 95 on it is yet another issue, old and slow compared to the ones out today and since they are pretty cheap for a basic one I would go for something newer.

This is like Jeopardy, which question is it LOL

It is a program for CAD that I have from years ago and would prefer not to have to buy a new one for my XP computer because this particular one is now a few hundred dollars.

If you think I won't ruin my computer, how would I get it to work?

marie-
The way you originally described it, it sounded like you wanted to install an old version of an operating system, not simply an older program. You can go ahead and install your old program. It may work, and the worst thing that will happen is that it won't work. If it doesn't install or doesn't work properly it will not ruin you computer or do anything bad to it. If you have problems with it after the install, try the link below for further options.

Here is a link that might be useful: Compatibility mode

If the software mfr is still in business, I'd email their tech support about it (bearing in mind they'd like to sell the latest and greatest). If not, I'd back up my data, set a restore point in XP, and give it a try. It might be worthwhile checking / asking in the CAD application forums also.

Ah, you had the adrenalin going there, I thought we had found an old geek that wanted to back to another life. As kudzu suggests just try to install it and see where you go but I would be very surprised if it did function normally. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I had tried to install it but it couldn't read the disc. Is there something different than using run or browse to get it to work? I am so opposite an old geek. My knowledge of installing things on the computer is quite limited.

I would guess that is your answer then it can not read the disc and will not be able to utilize it. I think the suggestion to go to dedicated forums which deal with that program is an excellent idea. They may know more about it than we would. I just googled and found this one
CAD discussions

also exactly which CAD program and version is this?

marie-
If it couldn't read the disc, that may mean the disc is scratched. Take a look at it to see what condition it is in. Is it possible for you to navigate to the disc in Windows Explorer and locate the install folder or the .exe file? Or is it totally not able to recognize it?

I can open the page that shows the different items on the disc but when I click on any of them, they won't open.

Thank you everyone for your help.

Have you double-clicked on the items?

If the CD drive is drive D sometimes typing D: Setup in the Run box will sometimes start the install.