Activity Feed Forums Software Discussions Signlab Software Signlab 4.95 software, help needed?

  • Signlab 4.95 software, help needed?

    Posted by Dave Sanders on December 12, 2024 at 3:02 pm

    Hi all,

    yes, an old Signlab, cut only, but to this day I use it after 27 years!

    My problem is the computer side really… inevitably no back up or help with such a ‘defunct’ programme, but I wonder if anyone has an old Windows 98SE computer or programme out there collecting dust, that can help me out?

    I do have Signlab 7.1 too, running on XP, but there are many many differences that my tired old brain struggles with.. I think it’s the print side and ‘layers’ that causes me confusion.

    I really only ‘edit’ shapes & lettering and love my 4.95 for it’s simplicity & accurate facilities, all the created work is then sent to another computer running a Geber Edge, different programme of course.. but, I’m after ANY advice on getting my 4.95 running again.. I fear the floppy discs may be …faulty, or even ‘old’

    I shall be away from the computer for a few hours, but shall return as soon as possible to see how many folk call me an ‘Old Git’ and tell me to upgrade..

    Regards all,

    Titch Sanders

    Dave Sanders replied 2 weeks, 2 days ago 3 Members · 9 Replies
  • 9 Replies
  • RobertLambie

    Administrator
    December 13, 2024 at 10:03 am

    Signlab 4.95
    This software and version, I would say was the most stable forward-thinking vector software of its time. It was the sign makers digital “Pencil Case”. It was so simple to use, and did the job accurately, everytime.

    Are you saying that you cannot get the software to run on a computer newer than Windows 98SE?

    I could be wrong, but I am positive that we had signlab 4.95 running our AXYZ CNC Router on a newer terminal. Or do you just mean that the software installation discs that you have won’t install on a newer version of Windows?

    • Dave Sanders

      Member
      December 13, 2024 at 10:29 am

      Hi Rob,

      Thanks for commenting, yes that’s the problem…4.95 will not run correctly on anything after Windows 98se.

      I’m using it daily on a vey old notebook now, but I desperately want to get it on a desktop running 98.. just hope the floppy discs are OK to enable me to load it on…

      I love that Signlab.. and very conversant with it too..

      Regards,

      Titch

  • Phill Fenton

    Member
    December 13, 2024 at 10:07 am

    I understand where your are coming from. I too use old software such as Casmate which dates back to 1996 I also use an old version of Signlab for it’s weld features. Like you I have had to stick with older operating systems to run this legacy software and I have purchased re-furbished computers to ensure I have a back up should my current PC fail. I think windows XP is probably the latest OS that still runs your version of signlab and these re-furbished machines are readily available as there is a demand from gamers for these.

    My philosophy is if it ain’t broke don’t fix it so there’s nothing wrong with using legacy programs. The developers hate it though because they want you to upgrade and ideally go onto a subscription service where they can continue billing you for ever more as long as you continue using their software.

    Good luck

    • Dave Sanders

      Member
      December 13, 2024 at 10:34 am

      Thanks Phil,

      yes too, ‘If It ain’t broke… etc etc’

      It will not work on XP, tried it a few times over the years..

      I am hoping a friend can ‘Ghost’ the notepad I’m using to enable it on a 98SE computer.. I really do think that’s my last chance… I was hoping someone may have that Signlab in a drawer collecting dust really, ‘but’ will the floppy discs to load be OK…

      It’s a dilemma that’s been faultless for nearly 30 years now of course, ‘modern’ printing isn’t my aim & never has been..

      I thank all so far for understanding my dilemma!

      Regards,

      Titch

  • RobertLambie

    Administrator
    December 13, 2024 at 12:07 pm

    Dave,

    You could always get one of these from eBay or Amazon.
    It will allow you to access the Floppy discs from any machine.

    • Dave Sanders

      Member
      December 13, 2024 at 12:26 pm

      Hi Rob,

      yes, thanks.. I have one & external CD drive on usb.. just in case..

      Regards,

      Titch

  • RobertLambie

    Administrator
    December 15, 2024 at 9:51 pm

    Dave,

    I looked at this sort of thing in the past, and it might work for you.
    I managed to source an old computer to run my software, so I never took it further, so I can’t advise on how exactly this works.

    Basically, you are using a website that lets you create a “virtual computer” running the old software.
    You create an account and install the version of Windows, that you want.
    You will need the “Windows 98SE installation disc”
    You then install your Signlab to that cloud-hosted window and run your software.
    That’s the general basics of it. Might be worth looking into.

    https://www.virtualbox.org

    • Dave Sanders

      Member
      December 16, 2024 at 8:55 am

      Thanks Rob,

      yes, certainly another avenue… I have got a chap attempting to put Windows 98se on an old computer.. will be a couple of weeks though..then we’ll attempt the floppy discs installation..

      But Thank You, it is another angle to look at yes..

      Input much appreciated here,

      Regards,

      Titch

  • Dave Sanders

    Member
    January 9, 2025 at 10:57 am

    Hi Folks,

    again, thank you for all the input here.. I am trying to avoid, for now, Ghosting or whatever, the notebook that I’m working from now.. in great fear of any disasters.. but I accept that one day I may have to take that ‘plunge’

    I have now got a refreshed & clean Windows 98se computer built up by a very good trustworthy & reliable friend, but,…and it’s a big but… it appears that one of my floppy discs for putting 4.95 on is corrupt, faulty or whatever… so the big question is.. does anybody have or anybody know of anyone, worldwide that may have the programme still sitting in a drawer anywhere please?? There is one for sale in the Netherlands, but no guarantee that the discs are useable, and it’s a lot of money that they want to ‘risk’ the money.. I have spoken to the chap via email, but he can’t just 100% guarantee as such?? I wish he’d test it out for me but..?

    Very very slim I fully appreciate, OR even a computer with such old software on with the dongle so that I could run it, or even ‘ghost’ that one?? It’s a pretty desperate plea, but one with appreciation fully intended?

    Regards & Happy New Year,

    Titch (aka) Dave Sanders

Log in to reply.