Running Old and Older Programs or Games on Vista

Windows Vista is very much different from Windows XP in kernel design, graphics, security control, and many other aspects. Although most programs previously works properly in XP should run smoothly in Vista too. However, some old programs or older applications may have compatibility problems and issues when running in Vista, making the program unable to run, distort display, cannot right click and etc. In this case, Program Compatibility mode can come to a rescue.

Windows Vista offers Program Compatibility mode that allows users to run programs not compatible or not compliant with Windows Vista, such as those written specifically for earlier versions of Windows or using features that no longer exists.

To run a program or executable in Vista compatibility mode, follow theses steps:

1. Right click on the .exe or .com executable file for the program that needs to be run in compatible mode. It’s also possible to right click on the shortcut to the program instead of actual executable itself, which is more accessible in desktop, Quick Launch bar or Start Menu.
2. On the right click contextual menu, select Properties.
3. Click on the Compatibility tab.
4. In “Compatibility mode” section, check the Run this program in compatibility mode for: option’s checkbox. Then, in the drop down list, select the operating system that you want Vista to emulate in the compatibility mode. In most cases, Windows XP (Service Pack 2) will work.

   

5. In some really old programs, there may be a need to configure other settings if simple XP compatibility mode doesn’t work. The additional settings mainly related to display issues. Under the “Settings” section, tick any additional settings such as Disable Visual Themes and Disable Desktop Composition check boxes to try if the program now run properly.
6. Click OK button.

Program Compatibility mode is not the guarantee way to make old programs work in Vista. It’s wise to ensure that an application is compliant and certified to support Vista before commit a purchase. Always check for updates with developers as there may upgrades available for Vista. And also, Program Compatibility mode feature should not be used with certain applications such as anti-virus, disk management utilities, or system utilities as it may cause data loss.

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 31st, 2007 at 3:48 am and is filed under Windows Vista. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.