Running Legacy Programs on Windows 7

Microsoft does try hard to make old software work on their systems. Windows Vista users did have problems with some older applications and drivers. Windows 7 users, especially ones using Professional/Ultimate/Enterprise, will be surprise at how many programs still work.

You can run a test on your current computer to check for compatibility problems using Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is far from complete in its information. It can skip some applications, so you do not know if they work or not. However it does a good job telling you if the hardware of your current computer is appropriate for Windows 7.

Solution 1. Compatibility Mode

If the program will not run try:

1. Right clicking on program and select “Properties” and “Compatibility” tab.
2. Check box “Run this program in compatiblity mode for:” and select the version of Windows it used to work with.
3. Some programs made need to run as Administrator. Select this check box only if you have to.
4. Select “Apply” and “OK”

For more information go here: Make older programs run in this version of Windows

Solution 2. Windows XP Mode
Windows 7 Professional//Enterprise only.
Hardware must support VT (Intel) or (AMD) AMD-V

If Compatibility Mode did not work try:

1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx
   
2. Follow the instructions, which include downloading and installing two programs, “Windows XP Mode” and “Windows Virtual PC”
3. Once installed click the start button and type Windows XP Mode or selected from the All Program Files/Windows Virtual PC/Windows XP Mode.
   
4. Recommended: Run Microsoft Update and install an antivirus program, such as Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
   
5. While running XP Mode install the legacy programs. The physical CD/DVD and hard drive of your computer will be visible to Windows XP Mode.
   
6. You will notice a bar at the top of the screen with “Action” on it. Select “Close”. This will cause the virtual machine to “hibernate”.
7. Go to Start Button/All Programs/ Windows Virtual PC/ Windows XP Mode Applications. Select the application you want to run.
8. Optional: Right click on the program icon in the taskbar and select “Pin this program to taskbar”. Now you can get to that old application quickly.

XP Mode takes a lot of work to get going but you can run that old version of your favorite program on Windows 7.