How do I troubleshoot program compatibility problems?

Question

How do I troubleshoot program compatibility problems?

Answer 1

Most programs written for Windows Vista also work in Windows 7, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't run correctly, you can try changing the compatibility settings for the program, either manually or by using the Program Compatibility troubleshooter.

To run the Program Compatibility troubleshooter:

1.      Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

2.       In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting.

3.      Under Programs, click Run programs made for previous versions of Windows.

4.      Follow the instructions in the troubleshooter.

If you can’t install a program, insert the installation disc for the program and, using the troubleshooter, browse to the program's setup file, usually called Setup.exe, Install.exe, or something similar. The troubleshooter is not designed to work on programs that have an .msi file name extension.

Answer 2

Okay, I've been PLAYING around with this and I may have a solution for you?  Do you have a large external drive?  I do.  I had loaded my programs on there before because my laptop wasn't large enough to handle my phot shop, print shop, video camera, and movie program.  I had those loaded onto the external drive which used firewire for the cable (faster than the usb).  That said, have you tried to load your programs onto an external drive and see if they'll play from there?

It came to me when I was frusterated after the last reboot and recovery on 7.  I was able use the camera w/o the software to pull the videos and pictures off it.  The other programs work from the external drive w/o any issues.  The only issue I noticed was with my brower program for the videos I cannot convert them to mpeg format which is what I need to use the videos w/my video program (for making dvd's and such things for youtube).  That's a bummer!  But the rest work! 

So, maybe if you try that you might get your games to work?  Just a thought.  :0)

Answer 3

This compatibility issue of Windows 7 not being able to run software that could run on earlier versions of Windows can easily be solved if the user is running Windows 7 Pro, which has the feature that allows users to run programs in the Windows XP mode by downloading a free add-on.

Hopefully Microsoft will serve its customers by making this program available to users of less expensive versions of Windows 7, such as Windows Home Premium.

Come on, Microsoft, listen to your suffering loyal customers!

Aaron

Answer 4

Ok, I had a post for my video camera and this is the response...  Maybe it will help you?  It didn't help me at all but I'm not able to get my software on the laptop to stay, but if you are and it's not running this might help you?

Hi cyndi007,

Thank you for using Microsoft Answers forums.

First create a system restore point to be on the safer side. Then uninstall and reinstall webcam drivers and application.

Method 1: Steps to uninstall the webcam driver:

1.    Click on start button.

2.    In the search box type devmgmt.msc and then press enter.

3.    Select the webcam device and right click on it

4.    Now select Uninstall.

5. Restart your computer, this should install proper driver for webcam. You can also download latest drivers for manufacturer's website and install it.

For more information visit:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Create-a-restore-point

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

If the above method didn't help you in resolving your issue then, this may be because of some software conflicts. Try performing clean boot on your computer.

Method 2: Starting your computer by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program. This kind of startup is known as a "Clean boot."

To perform a clean boot on a computer, follow these steps.

   1.    Click Start, type msconfig in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

   2.    On the General tab, click Selective Startup.

   3.    Under Selective Startup, click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.

   4.    Click the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.

   5.    Click OK.

   6.    When you are prompted, click Restart.

   7.    After the computer starts, check whether the problem is resolved.

   Please monitor the system in the Clean Boot environment. If the problem does not occur, it indicates that the problem is related to one application or service we have disabled. You may use the MSCONFIG tool again to re-enable the disabled item one by one to find out the culprit.

   If your issue is resolved, follow the How to Determine What is Causing the Problem section in the KB article to narrow down the exact source.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796 . Also, see the section on how to return your computer to a Normal startup mode

Hope this information is helpful.

Let me know if this worked.

Thanks and Regards:

Umesh P - Microsoft Support

Answer 5

This compatibility issue of Windows 7 not being able to run software that could run on earlier versions of Windows can easily be solved if the user is running Windows 7 Pro, which has the feature that allows users to run programs in the Windows XP mode by downloading a free add-on.

Hopefully Microsoft will serve its customers by making this program available to users of less expensive versions of Windows 7, such as Windows Home Premium.

Come on, Microsoft, listen to your suffering loyal customers!

Aaron

Thanks Aaron, that was a good suggestion. Unfortunately my laptop doesn't support hardware virtualization, which is apparently required to run the Windows XP mode add-on.

It would be great to hear some suggestions from Microsoft on this one...