Hey everyone! I recently got my hands on an old Ranma 1/2 screen saver from the 90s at a hobby store, and it's pretty cool! However, I quickly found out that it has file types that modern computers don't recognize. It's designed for Windows 3 to 5, and the main application is in a REE file format, which I can't even open. I've tried using a virtual machine with a disc drive, but that didn't work out. I'm not super tech-savvy, so I'm wondering if trying to run this screen saver is just a lost cause? It would be great to hear your thoughts or any suggestions!
5 Answers
It sounds like you're dealing with a 16-bit DOS executable, judging by the information. I recommend using DOSBox since that could be the easiest way to run it and view the videos. About that REE file, it could just be a proprietary format, so it might not be the main application after all.
Also, there's some confusion about Windows 3-5—those versions don't really exist. The versions were Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.11, followed by 95. If you have the packaging, maybe post a picture of the requirements listed there? That might help clear things up.
Running that screen saver directly on your main OS might be tricky. Have you considered using a virtual machine or DOSBox? Just keep in mind that it would only run in those applications, not directly on Windows 11.
If you can share the file, that would be awesome! I'd love to check it out. If no tools are able to read it, it might make for a fun Rust project. Also, how did you get the screen saver? Is it from a floppy disk or a CD?
You're facing quite a challenge there! I think your best bet is to share the original files and see if someone can reverse engineer them. I'm in my 50s and have been working with computers since the late 80s, but I've never heard of a 'REE' file—would love to see what it looks like!
It’s actually a CD! Looks like I might need some help figuring it out.