How do I tranfer/convert a database (about 12,500 records; four pages each record) from the defunct RapidFile database running on an old DOS machine to FilePro 7 running on a more modern Gateway XP machine? Can it be done without losing data?

"FilePro" is different from "FileMaker Pro". For support with FilePro, check here:
http://www.fptech.com/

FileMaker Pro can import a variety of standard formats. I've never heard of "RapidFire", but if you can export your data into files of one of those standard formats, you can then import the data into FileMaker Pro. You will still have to recreate the layouts, calculations, and table relationships (if they exist in your old system).

Yes, it is FileMaker Pro. My mistake. I will work on this. I thank you for the input.