Run Old Programs in Windows 7 64-bit with Compatibility Mode Options

If the switch from 32-bit version of Windows 7 to 64-bit version is certain transition will be slow. Although Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all have 64-bit versions are available, many people still opt for 32-bit versions. The biggest reason for this is the problem of compatibility with older programs, hardware, and drivers.

Microsoft recognizes that want to use the old program is a barrier for people who might be considering moving to 64-bit versions of Windows. In anticipation of this obstacle, the software giant built into Windows 7 features the ability to select different options to ensure compatibility of older programs have the opportunity to work under 64-bit operating system is new.

Before you start using the compatibility option in Windows 7, you must know some things. First, there is no guarantee that the compatibility option will make all your old software work. This option is only an attempt to simulate the Windows version of the operating environment.

Second, you can make changes to both the compatibility of the program itself or a shortcut to the program. Well, you will need to undo these changes if you want to return to normal operation mode. If you make changes to the compatibility of the program shortcut and then delete the shortcut it, you'll have to find other shortcuts to programs or files exe program to cancel or make changes to further compatibility. If this sounds complicated, do not worry it is not. Choosing a compatibility option for a simple program such as choosing and not choosing the option from the Option.

Change Options Compatibility

Say you have a program installed on the PC 7 long 64-bit Windows, and you have trouble running it. The problem may be compatibility issues. Although Microsoft has done a good job keeping compatibility when users run 32-bit applications on 64-bit platforms, not every contingency can be anticipated or resolved.

To start using the compatibility mode option 64-bit Windows 7, right click on the programs or shortcuts to programs that do not run well and then select Properties from the menu.



You should now see the properties for the program. Click the Compatibility tab and notice that you had a number of options available. Each option falls into one of three categories: Compatibility Mode, Settings, or Privilege Levels.

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Below are descriptions of each option.

Compatibility Mode

This option is a great choice when you know exactly where you are running versions of Windows programs properly. For example, if your program when Windows XP was released on the reigning version of Windows, click the box titled Run This Program Compatibility Mode and select Windows XP from the drop-down is a good choice.



Note that compatibility mode offers up to eleven options ranging from Windows 95 to Windows Vista. Also notice that you can even choose to run the program in compatibility mode you use different settings for the operating system service pack.

Settings

This section compatibility option allows you fine tune your experience compatibility for your old program. Generally, this option is for programs written for and run on very old versions of Windows such as 95, 98 and ME.

For example, resolution and color depth of the original Windows 95 is only 640 × 480 at 256 colors. If your older programs running but seem to be too small or has a strange color, try two options.

If Windows 7 warns you that this program is not compatible because of some video problems, consider trying compatibility settings labeled Disable Visual Themes and Disable the Desktop Compotion. This setting is often disturbing video rendering obsolete the old programs.

Finally, if your program is written for the screen ratio of 4:3, consider trying the option called Disable Display Scaling on High DPI Settings. This one will not have a program to fit the current resolution and aspect ratio of your monitor.

Privilege Level

Last option on this window related to how Windows currently provides access rights in Windows 7 and how that used to determine access rights in previous versions operating systems. Windows 95, 98, and ME do not take advantage of multiple user accounts, everyone uses the same desktop, have the same access rights, and have complete control over every aspect of the operating system. Basically, everyone is a top-level administrator.

This is a problem for programs released under the condition because they enjoy almost unbridled access to the hardware, software, and drivers. Checking this option will ensure that the program has the permission needed to run as if a kind of control anymore.

It seems everyone has some old program that they want will work under Windows 7. If you are running Windows 64-bit 7, you are even less likely to get programs running than if you use 32-bit versions.

However, by taking advantage of the compatibility mode option you may use your old software anymore and avoid the need to consider other options such as dual boot your PC with Windows version or run a virtual PC within Windows 7.