When the next generation change of the Windows operating system occurs, many users are faced with the fact that familiar programs refuse to run in the new environment. This was the case with the transition from XP to Windows 7. However, there are ways to run old programs on a new operating system.
Who needs old programs on Windows 7
The easiest way to achieve the launch of the necessary programs in a new OS version is to update the program version to the current state. Software developers usually respond quickly to the next generation of Windows and release new versions of products.
However, this method does not always work. Some programs are no longer supported by the creators, new versions are simply not released. This often happens with the products of small firms and lone programmers. Often, the rights to software products are bought by large companies, after which they disappear from the market.
Sometimes programs after the next update become worse and lose useful functionality. This can force users to stay on outdated software versions and solve compatibility problems with updated hardware and new OS versions.
Compatibility Mode
The easiest way to make old programs work on Windows 7 is by using compatibility mode. To use it, just a few clicks of the mouse are enough.
Select the program shortcut on the desktop or the exe file in the program folder. Move the cursor over it and press the right mouse button. In the context menu that appears, click Properties and go to the Compatibility tab. Check the box next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for". A drop-down menu will become active, in which you can select the OS version with which the program you need is able to work with.
Unfortunately, this method does not always work. If choosing compatibility with previous versions of Windows did not help, you can try using different settings in the compatibility tab. For example, run an application in windowed mode, force a low resolution, or limit the color gamut. This may help some very old programs get started.
Compatibility mode can also work in automatic mode. To do this, right-click on the program's shortcut and select "Fix Compatibility Issues" from the menu. A window will appear in which you need to select the "Program Diagnostics" item. Check the boxes and click Next. Select the OS version in which the program was launched. After that, you need to click "Start the program". If it works, save the parameters by selecting the appropriate item. Otherwise, discard saving and try changing the settings.
Run in Windows XP Mode
There is also a more serious tool offered by Microsoft. This is Windows XP Mode, or XP Mode. It is a virtual environment in which a full-fledged version of this operating system starts and runs. It can be run as a virtual OS, which allows you to do full-fledged work: install and run programs, open files, work with text. If you do not need this, you can use XP Mode as a means to open old programs in Windows 7. To start working in this mode, you just need to select the appropriate shortcut in the Start menu.
This feature is not available to all owners of Microsoft OS, but only to users of the "Professional", "Corporate" or "Maximum" versions of the "seven". You need to download from the Windows website Virtual PC - a free virtual machine with which you can run XP inside Windows 7. Your computer must meet the system requirements, which you can find on the Microsoft website.
