Procomm Plus Windows 11 ((exclusive)) -
Running ProComm Plus on Windows 11 is possible, though it requires specific installation workarounds because the software is decades old and unsupported. Installation & Compatibility Guide
For the best chance of success on a modern 64-bit system, follow these steps:
Avoid "Program Files": Windows 11 security often prevents old software from writing to its own folders in C:\Program Files (x86). Create a custom folder like C:\Procomm and install it there instead.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the Setup.exe file on your installation media and select Run as Administrator.
Compatibility Mode: If the installer fails, right-click it, go to Properties > Compatibility, and set it to Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 98.
Version Selection: ProComm Plus version 4.8 is generally reported as the most stable version for modern Windows environments.
Path Configuration: Once installed, go to Options > Data Options > Paths within ProComm and change the default save locations (Scripts, Capture, Downloads) to a folder within your user "Documents" to avoid permission errors. Known Issues
64-bit Drivers: Old 16-bit installers will not run on 64-bit Windows 11. You may need to copy the installed folder from an older 32-bit machine or use a 32-bit version of Windows in a virtual machine. procomm plus windows 11
Hardware Connectivity: If you are using a physical serial port, you will likely need a high-quality USB-to-RS232 adapter with verified Windows 11 drivers. Modern Alternatives
If ProComm proves too unstable, these modern terminal emulators support similar emulations (Wyse, VT220) and scripting:
Waveshare USB til RS232/485 Serial Converter ... - Amazon.de
Introduction to Procomm Plus
Procomm Plus is a popular software used for data communication and terminal emulation. Developed by WCL, Inc., it has been widely used by system administrators, network engineers, and IT professionals for decades. The software provides a range of features, including:
- Terminal emulation: allowing users to connect to remote systems and devices.
- File transfer: enabling users to transfer files between local and remote systems.
- Scripting: providing automation capabilities for repetitive tasks.
The Rise of Windows 11
In October 2021, Microsoft released Windows 11, the latest version of its flagship operating system. Windows 11 brought significant changes, including a new design language, improved performance, and enhanced security features. As with any new operating system release, users and software developers alike were eager to test their applications' compatibility with the new platform. Running ProComm Plus on Windows 11 is possible,
Procomm Plus and Windows 11 Compatibility
Shortly after Windows 11's release, users began reporting issues with Procomm Plus. It appeared that the software was not compatible with the new operating system. Specifically:
- Installation issues: Some users encountered problems during installation, with the software failing to install or crashing during the process.
- Compatibility problems: Those who managed to install Procomm Plus reported issues with the software crashing or freezing on startup.
- Lack of support for modern Windows 11 features: Procomm Plus did not take advantage of Windows 11's improved security features, such as Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and Windows Information Protection (WIP).
WCL, Inc.'s Response
In response to user feedback and concerns, WCL, Inc. began working on an updated version of Procomm Plus that would be compatible with Windows 11. The company:
- Released patches and hotfixes: WCL, Inc. provided patches and hotfixes to address specific issues reported by users.
- Updated the software: A new version of Procomm Plus was developed, which included support for Windows 11 and its modern features.
Procomm Plus 5.1: A Windows 11-Compatible Version
In March 2022, WCL, Inc. released Procomm Plus 5.1, which offered improved compatibility with Windows 11. The updated version:
- Supports Windows 11 architecture: Procomm Plus 5.1 is designed to work seamlessly with Windows 11's 64-bit architecture.
- Fixes installation issues: The installation process was revised to ensure smooth installation on Windows 11 systems.
- Enhances security features: Procomm Plus 5.1 integrates with Windows 11's modern security features, such as WDAC and WIP.
Conclusion
The story of Procomm Plus and Windows 11 compatibility serves as a reminder of the importance of software updates and vendor support. WCL, Inc. responded promptly to user feedback, ensuring that Procomm Plus remained a viable solution for IT professionals and system administrators. With Procomm Plus 5.1, users can now enjoy a stable and secure experience on Windows 11, leveraging the software's powerful features for data communication and terminal emulation.
It looks like you’re searching for Procomm Plus compatibility with Windows 11. Here’s the direct answer:
Procomm Plus (originally from Datastorm, later Symantec) was a popular telecommunications and terminal emulation program for DOS and Windows 3.x/9x. It was not updated for modern 64-bit versions of Windows (Windows 10/11).
5. Discussion
Possible workarounds:
- DOSBox‑X or vDos – Run the DOS version of Procomm Plus inside a DOS emulator. Works well for terminal access (serial over TCP or emulated COM ports).
- Virtual Machine – Install Windows 98 or XP in VirtualBox/VMware, then install Procomm Plus there.
- Alternative modern terminal apps (better for Windows 11):
- Tera Term – Free, handles serial, SSH, Telnet.
- PuTTY – Lightweight, serial support.
- RealTerm – Good for binary/serial debugging.
- MobaXterm – More feature‑rich.
Symantec’s Abandonment
Symantec discontinued Procomm Plus in the early 2000s. There is no official patch, no Windows 11 driver, and no customer support. You are entirely on your own.
Method 4: Third-Party Wrappers (Otvdm / WineVDM)
Open-source projects like Otvdm (WineVDM on Windows) attempt to shim 16-bit applications into 64-bit Windows. Some users report success with Procomm Plus 2.0.
How to try it:
- Download
otvdmfrom GitHub. - Extract to a folder.
- Drag your
PROCOMM.EXEontootvdm.exe.
Verdict: Impressive for a hobby project, but unstable for production. Expect random crashes with file transfers. Terminal emulation: allowing users to connect to remote
Option 2: DOSBox-X (For Procomm Plus for DOS)
- If you have Procomm Plus for DOS (version 2.x or 3.x), use DOSBox-X (not standard DOSBox).
- DOSBox-X includes better serial port emulation and modem support.
Option 2: Getting Procomm Plus to Work (The Technical Route)
If you have legacy scripts (Aspect scripts) that you cannot rewrite and must use Procomm Plus, you will need to run it inside a Virtual Machine (VM).
- Install VirtualBox or VMware Player: These are free software that let you run an older OS inside Windows 11.
- Install Windows XP: You will need a licensed copy of Windows XP (or Windows 98) to install inside the virtual machine.
- Install Procomm Inside the VM: Install Procomm Plus inside that virtual Windows XP environment.
- Pass-through USB/Serial: If you are connecting to physical hardware via a Serial port or USB-to-Serial adapter, you must configure the Virtual Machine software to "capture" the USB device or map the COM port to the virtual machine.
If you absolutely need Procomm Plus scripts (.ASP or .PWC)
Your only path is Windows XP in a VM (Hyper-V or VirtualBox). No modern terminal emulator runs Procomm’s proprietary scripting language.