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Running older software applications in Vista

02/01/2007Show another tip

JamisonDCush

By Jamison Cush, CNET Editor

Level: Intermediate

142 out of 148 users found this tip helpful

Filed in: Microsoft Vista Home Basic , Windows Vista Home Premium , Windows Vista Ultimate , Windows Vista series ,

One concern for Windows XP users is if their favorite software applications will run once they upgrade to Vista.

Luckily, Windows Vista uses a feature called Compatibility Mode which tells the software application that Vista is actually an older OS, specifically Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, or XP.

Here's how it works:

If your software application won't install, open or work properly, right click on the application's .exe file. Select Properties and then click the Compatibility tab. From there, pick the previous Windows operating system you were on (most likely Windows XP). If you're a system operator, you can set this up as an administrator to make it easier for your staff.

Vista Compatibility Mode

Information in this tip courtesy of McGraw-Hill

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