Running Win XP (32-bit) Executable on Win 7 (64-bit) Computer ??

Question

Hello;

1) Having transferred most of my programs (Win XP, 32-bit) to a new laptop (Win 7, 64-bit), I’ve just realized that the majority don’t run successfully on the new m/c. But some do.

2) When my executable fails, I get the error message:

“This version of myProg.exe is not compatible with the version of Windows you’re running. Check your computer’s system information to see whether you need x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and contact the software publisher.”

3) Windows 7 Help on the subject reads:

“Most programs designed for 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs.”

OK. But my executables are 32-bit and are not antivirus, or drivers or devices, so why the incompatibility ??

4) Re-compiling those programs on the new m/c (Win 7 Pro, 64-bit) maybe the only remedy for me as we speak. But in some cases it is impractical or even impossible.

One needs to dig out the latest (and workable) version of the source code, find a modern & reliable compiler, learn how to use it, experiment with it, and in the end it may or may not work!

Can I force Win 7 Pro 64-bit to run a particular program, say myProg.exe, in a Win XP 32-bit mode ??

Is there another way ??

Thank you.

Monir.

(New to both: XL 2010 & Win 7 Pro)

Answer 1

Yes - you can try compatibility mode - just like in Windows XP and Windows Vista before it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Make-older-programs-run-in-this-version-of-Windows

You can also - if running Windows 7 Professional or above - install Windows XP Mode.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7

Answer 2

How to install and run an older program in Compatibility mode..

• Locate the setup file, right click on it and select Properties
• Click on the Compatibility tab and check 'Run this program as administrator' in the Privilege level section
• Check the 'Run this program in Compatibility mode' and select the operating system which you know that the program ran in without problems
• Apply the changes and OK to exit
• Run the setup file.
• After the program has installed, locate the desktop or Start Menu icon, right click and select Properties
• Go to the Compatibility tab and check 'Run this program as administrator' in the Privilege level section.
• Apply the change, OK to exit and then start the program from the icon

Please note that some programs will never run for a variety of reasons.

One of the main reasons: some software authors write in OS identifiers. What this does is restrict a program to the operating system of the day, and forces the software user to 'upgrade' to a newer version if any attempt is made to install on a future operating system.

If you find programs to be incompatible, you should do the above. If that fails, your next port of call should be the software author website..

Answer 3

Robert;

Thank you for your inquiry.

1) As I indicated earlier in my post # ... (I’d suggested a while back to have the posts numbered for easy ref.):

I’ve tried the following on one of the problem programs myProg.exe (Win XP SP3, 32-bit):

a. Properties*::Compatibility tab (as perMike**’s suggestion; post # ...)*

b. Troubleshoot Compatibility (as per my earlier suggestion; post # ...)

c. Control Panel*::All Control Panel Items::Troubleshooting::*Programs –>

... Run programs made for previous versions of Windows (as per Shenan’s link/suggestion; post # ...)

d. Same error message (OP, Item2)

“This version of myProg.exe is not compatible with the version of Windows you’re running. Check your computer’s system information to see whether you need x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and contact the software publisher.”

2) Following Mike’s statement:

“If it doesn't run in compatibility mode, it is not going to run.”

I had no choice but to re-compile my source codes in the new environment (Win 7 Pro, 64-bit).

Keep in mind that among the dozen or so transferred (copied) custom in-house executables (Win XP, 32-bit) to the new laptop (Win 7, 64-bit), about 6 programs wouldn’t run under any circumstances in the new environment, and the other 6 run perfectly with no questions asked.

3**)** I’ve started re-compiling those problem programs one-by-one, and just put the final touches on ONE of them.

Now it works fine in the new system, with no errors {Item 1)d. above} and no problems so far.

Once I’m done with the remaining 5 executables, I’ll post a concluding summary.

Kind regards.

Monir

Answer 4

What does, "Having transferred most on my programs (Win XP, 32-bit) to a new laptop" mean?  You installed the applications from their respective media?  Any other way... probaby going to fail.

A programs compatibility with 64-bit (or Windows 7) is not something you should go to Microsoft about - but the makers/supporters of said applications.  You not only went ahead TWO versions of Windows, but made a jump from 32-bit with 16-bit compatibility to 64-bit with 32-bit comapatibility.

What are the names and versions of some of these applications?

Are they made in-house?  If so - yes - they will likely need to be compiled so they run on 64-bit systems.  Custom code usually is not written to be used as broadly as, say, large vendor applications like Office suites and phot editing software you can purchase in stores or download online.

Answer 5

Shenan;

Thank you for your prompt reply.

By “Transferring my programs” I mean:

“Copying my custom in-house executables developed in Win XP (32-bit) to the new m/c (Win 7, 64-bit).”

Some of those programs work fine in the new environment, and some don’t.

Hence my questions:

a. Is it possible to configure Win 7 Pro (64-bit) to run a particular program, saymyProg.exe, in a Win XP (32-bit) mode ??

b. Is there another way short of re-compiling those programs ??

Regards.

Monir

(New to both: XL 2010 & Win 7 Pro)