Windows Compatible Software for System Stability

How to use Windows 7 Compatibility Mode to run Older Software

Jan 13, 2010 Matthew Ferraton

When upgrading to Windows 7, running older Windows compatible software is still possible by setting programs to run in compatibility mode.

Windows compatibility mode is a useful feature in Windows 7 that allows the user to install and use older software for different versions of Windows that may not be compatible software in normal circumstances.

Running older software in Windows 7 compatibility mode provides several benefits:

User can extend life of older software
Can maintain system stability

This article will show step by step how to:

Locate the installed application folder for older software
Determine best options for Windows compatibility

After the user installs their older software, Windows 7 will create a program folder for that program. This article will show how to locate the application folder and choose proper settings to run older software.

To Locate the Installed Application Folder for Older Software:

Click the round Windows Logo (formerly called Start) located on the left side of the Windows task bar.
Click Computer, located on the right side of the Windows menu. A window will appear showing drives and devices installed.
Under the Hard Disk Drives category, double-click the drive labeled (C:) or the drive which the program was installed.
Located the folder called Program Files and double-click to open the folder
All the user's installed program folders will appear. Locate the program folder for the older software and double-click to open the folder
The contents of the application folder will be displayed. Locate the .exe file. In most cases, the file will have the same name as the program, often with the program's icon. If the Window is set to Details view, the user can also verify the file by checking the label in the Type column. It should be labeled Application.
Right-click the program icon.
Scroll down the menu and click Properties.
The program properties will display providing valuable information. Confirm that the correct file is selected by verifying that Type of file: is labeled .exe
Tabs will be displayed on top of the window. Locate the tab labeled Compatibility and select it.

Determining the Best Options for Windows Compatibility

The user has several option settings for running older software in compatibility mode. The Compatibility tab is divided into three sections:

Compatibility Mode: The user can check the box and select the previous version of Windows that the program worked correctly. For example, if the older software worked in Windows XP Service Pack 3, then select that OS. Windows 7 Compatibility mode provides compatibility back to Windows 95.
Settings: The user can select default program settings such as Run in 256 colors and Run in 640x480 screen resolution by checking the box on the left. These settings can be useful for older software not designed to run on advanced settings.
Privilege Level: The privilege level allows the user to set the program to run as an administrator. This feature can be very useful for older software that will modify the system in any way while it is running. By selecting to run as administrator by default, the user will not be required to give permission for the program every time it is run.

The window also has a button labeled: Change settings for all users. Click this button only if all users of the computer will need compatibility.

Once the desired settings have been selected, click on Apply button located at the bottom right of the Program properties window.

Running older software in Windows 7 is possible following simple steps for compatibility: locating the installed application folder for older software and determining the best options for Windows compatibility. In many cases, the user will be able to prolong the use of their older software and maintain systems stability.

Links:

How to Access Compatibility Mode Through the Windows Start Menu

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The copyright of the article Windows Compatible Software for System Stability in Computer Software is owned by Matthew Ferraton. Permission to republish Windows Compatible Software for System Stability in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Select the Disk Drive With Older Software	Right-Click the Application .exe File for Menu	Compatibility Mode for Systems Stability
Selecting an Older Version of Windows