DISCUS - Abandonware?

fireberd · Apr 25, 2022

I've used DISCUS for CD label printing (direct to disc) and jewel case liners for my recording studio clients for years. Best label program, and I have several others but they don't come close to all the flexibility and features Discus has. I suspect the main reason is the program would need to be rewritten as it requires Apple QuickTime, which is also discontinued.

The program still works on Win 11 as I still have the old QuickTime installed but it appears to be abandoned as the companies web site is gone.

Anyone else still use this?

glasskuter · Apr 26, 2022

Remove any desktop shortcuts then try running it in compatibility mode. Go to C:\program files (x86)\programname. Find it's .exe file, right click on it, compatibility tab. Under 'run this program in compatible mode for', choose an earlier version of Windows. I'd start with windows 7 if the program is that old. You may also have to do the same with Quicktime. You can then make new shortcuts if it works.

fireberd · Apr 27, 2022

glasskuter said:
Remove any desktop shortcuts then try running it in compatibility mode. Go to C:\program files (x86)\programname. Find it's .exe file, right click on it, compatibility tab. Under 'run this program in compatible mode for', choose an earlier version of Windows. I'd start with windows 7 if the program is that old. You may also have to do the same with Quicktime. You can then make new shortcuts if it works.

Not a problem, runs OK in Win 11.
Just lamenting about it appears to now be abandoned by the author/company. Needs a minor fix for proper alignment for printing discs with a Primera Bravo Disc Printer (what I have).

glasskuter · Apr 27, 2022

fireberd said:
runs OK in Win 11.

Sorry, I read something else in your original post. I think MS has done an overall great job of designing later versions of windows so that MOST old x86 programs continue work as they should, even no longer supported ones. However, some just won't or features work in limited capacity. This is especially true when those outdated programs rely on other programs. Companies go defunct, are bought out by other companies, or just abandon support for their less successful programs.

That said, I have also seen old programs work just fine on one computer and not on another. It's my opinion that's due to some conflict with other software or registry entry. Case in point, I've used MS's own old Windows Live Mail since 2006 and out of habit just won't let it go. When MS stopped supporting it and Windows evolved, some of it's features quit working and the program became unstable at times. I catch hell from my non-techy husband who doesn't understand why it doesn't work as well as it used to.

It's my belief that the time will come when MS abandons letting us use ANY x86 application. From a design standpoint, it has to be a logistical nightmare.

fireberd · Apr 27, 2022

glasskuter said:
Sorry, I read something else in your original post. I think MS has done an overall great job of designing later versions of windows so that MOST old x86 programs continue work as they should, even no longer supported ones. However, some just won't or features work in limited capacity. This is especially true when those outdated programs rely on other programs. Companies go defunct, are bought out by other companies, or just abandon support for their less successful programs.

That said, I have also seen old programs work just fine on one computer and not on another. It's my opinion that's due to some conflict with other software or registry entry. Case in point, I've used MS's own old Windows Live Mail since 2006 and out of habit just won't let it go. When MS stopped supporting it and Windows evolved, some of it's features quit working and the program became unstable at times. I catch hell from my non-techy husband who doesn't understand why it doesn't work as well as it used to.

It's my belief that the time will come when MS abandons letting us use ANY x86 application. From a design standpoint, it has to be a logistical nightmare.

A lot of code and its maintenance could be eliminated if they drop older hardware and software support.