February 26, 2010

Windows Compatibility

So you have and old application that just will not run right or will not install. What can you do? You really want to play that old game again or need that application that does things just right. Don’t fret anymore Windows Compatibility Mode is here!

Windows Compatibility Mode allows you to run or install programs as if they were on an older Operating System.

Here is how it works!

If the program installs ok but just will not run or it runs with errors:

1. Locate the shortcut to the program on your desktop or in your Start Menu.

2. Right-click the icon and choose Properties on the menu that appears.

3. In the Properties window select the Compatibility tab.

4. In the Compatibility Mode section put a checkmark in the ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for:’ option.

5. Next select an Operating system that the program did work under from the Drop Down List.

6. Under ‘Settings’ select the options that are needed for the program to work (you may need to try different settings to make the program run properly).

7. In the ‘Privilege Level’ area select ‘Run this program as an administrator’ if it still has problems running.

8. Click OK and run the program. Now you can enjoy those old applications you missed so much!

If your application will not install:

Follow the same steps above but right-click on the setup.exe or the install.exe file instead of the shortcut to the program.

by: Steven Hodges

Next week: But what if you are getting errors that indicate your application is not 32bit (because you have a 64bit Operating System) and it just will not install. Do not give up hope. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! Next week we will discuss... Running a Virtual Machine to get that beloved program working again

My program installs but does not play the videos


Select - Run program in compatibility mode


Choose the settings that are needed


Running as administrator can sometimes help


The error is fixed and the program works as it should

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