How to run old software in Windows 7

Posted Date: 07-Jul-2010		Category: Microsoft Windows
Author: D.Jeya Kumar(JK)	Member Level: Diamond
Rating:	Points: 20 (Rs 12)

This article explains how to run older programs which is compatible with Windows XP or Vista in Windows 7 using Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and other ways

How to Run Windows XP compatible software in Windows 7

Windows 7 can able to run most of software which is compatible with Windows XP. Some of the Windows XP compatible software cannot be run directly in Windows 7, but we can make the application to run in Windows 7. Windows 7 has provided some options to run old XP compatible software's.

Using Windows 7 we can check the software compatibility using Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

To Run older program in Windows 7 using Windows Compatibility Mode

First check the software exe by right clicking the executable (.exe) file and click the "properties".

Click the compatibility tab, Select the check box "Run this program in compatibility mode for" it will enable the below dropdown box

Select the Windows compatibility mode for the select application depends on the original design

How to run older programs in Windows 7 with Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

If the above procedure didn't work then you can try the "Program compatibility troubleshooter" in Windows 7 will detect common errors and it will fix most of the compatible issue. Windows 7 trouble shooter will be available in control panel, open the Control panel and then in right top search box type troubleshooter, and click the Troubleshooting and it will show as Programs. Click the program and then open Program Compatibility which will make older programs to run in this version of Windows.
The above method didn't work then download "XP Mode" software from Microsoft site and it will work with Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate version.

Before downloading the XP Mode software check the hardware requirements in Microsoft site.

Check the below link to download XP Mode software.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

Select your Windows 7 version and then select the language and click the
Windows XP Mode and then it will download WindowsActivationupdate.exe file.

Once the validation is completed then it will pop a window which will ask you to save the file or to run the file. The file is nearly 500 MB. Download the file and install in Windows 7.

Once the XP Mode is installed, now download and install the Windows Virtual PC and it will download Windows6.1-KB958559-x86.msu for 32 bit processor or Windows6.1-KB958559-x64.msu for 64 bit processor and install in Windows 7.

How to work with Windows XP mode in Windows 7

Open the Windows Virtual PC Folder from All Programs and open the "Windows XP Mode" will open Download and Install Updates window will open and click the "I Accept" button to install. Now you need to create credentials to run the XP Mode in Windows 7 and click the "Next" button to continue. The Window "Windows XP Mode Setup" will ask you to select a option to continue select "Help protect my computer by turning on Automatic Update now" and click "Next" button to continue.

Now Windows Virtual PC will open from Windows XP mode. Now you need to Set "Windows XP Mode" settings .Select the "Tools" menu from Windows XP Mode and then select Close/Shut down option which is in left panel. In the right panel the select "Shut down" and then click "OK". Now you can see a shortcut in Windows 7 menu when you install any program with Windows XP Mode & Windows Virtual PC

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