Legacy software won't work

Question

My legacy software won't work after Office 365 crashed and had to be re-installed. I identified a problem with a win-x upgrade in February 2018 as the culprit.

The network was operational.

Microsoft put a level 1 technician on the job, who recommended re-installing X [the unknown quantity]. This didn't work properly, so ".....we will need to remove and re-format the drives...".

I removed over 1.5TB data and this was done. Now no legacy software will install.

Level 2 technician says "...your computer is too old and will only work on 8.1....". Funny, legacy software worked on X OK before the (around) 18th February 2018 update of X. I asked why and could not answer the question.

Went to a level 3 technician. Same issues and blamed the system as incompatible. 

[By the way, bought a new machine and the technician could not even install the DVD drivers and this did not allow my network, legacy software and stopped my lcd display to work].

The problem is an error in NTVDM.exe execution.

I just want my machine back to where it was operational with legacy software and using Office-365.

Simple request, now level 3 technician will not return calls, despite agreeing to do so.

So now I have:

• 4 machines [2-laptops, 1-desktop and one server] not networking;
• No legacy software;
• $500,000 of developed software unavailable;
• A disaster;
• Almost 6-months without a proper operating system;
• Can't turn off the win-x auto update to prevent problems like this as I had stopped "auto" a long time ago when there was a similar problem with WIN-PRO

Further to this, there was a WIN-7 update which resulted in the ATI drivers on my laptop being destroyed. No screen and 5 hours to fix.

NOT HAPPY

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks, I will try that tonight.

It disturbs me that the paid microsoft staff are getting away with not fixing things and then blaming "...incompatibility...".

I asked for patches for the legacy software, which microsoft purchased, being Lotus 123 and dBase III [Ashton Tate] and the "...tech..." didn't know what this stuff was!!

Rob

Answer 2

Hi Rob. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

If you want to complain to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. But Microsoft will not even see it here because this is a tech forums where we are mostly volunteers trying to help solve your problems.

What I would do instead of messing with technicians is follow these illustrated steps in this link which compile the best possible Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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