XP Compatibility

Running Legacy Software On Windows XP

Much of the PC software you will find in our catalog is designed to run on an earlier version of Windows or DOS. Because of this, the operating system specs will not specifically list Windows XP. This does not mean the software will not run on Windows XP, in fact, lots of software can be successfully installed and operated on XP. However, we do not guarantee software designed for a different operating system will run well or at all on the latest version of Windows. If you intend to to try, buy a used copy so you can return it to us if it will not work (opened new software can not be returned).

With some research, you may be able to get compatibility information for some popular application software and games. A great resource to check is http://www.ntcompatible.com, which (despite its name) provides a user-supplied compatibility list for a huge range of software and hardware along with a bulletin board system for peer support. Also, check with the software maker to see if there is an update for the software. Click here for a short list of the major software publishers update web pages. Unfortunately, once a publisher introduces a new version of software specifically designed for Windows XP, the update information sometimes disappears, and for more obscure software, no information may be available.

If you can not find specific software compatibility information, how do you know if you will have compatibility issues? You won't until you try to install and run the software. Some problems are immediately obvious such as a setup or install routines will not run. Others include applications that work some of the time but crash, error messages, poor graphics, lousy sound, etc. The following are suggestions to coax old software to run on Windows XP and are to be used at your own (or computers) risk. Please understand, RetroSoftware does not offer technical support in any of these areas, it is FYI only.

• Windows Compatibility Mode which is best suited for application software and games.
• Run multiple operating systems by using virtual machine technology.
• Run multiple operating systems by partitioning your hard drive.

Windows Compatibility Mode (Easiest Option)

Note: Utilities such as hard drive tools, defragmenters, some CD-burning programs, virus-detection utilities, backup and other system programs that require low-level access to previous versions of Windows should not be used with Windows Compatibility mode. You might cause irreversible damage.

The safest way to use the Windows Compatibility Mode is via the Program Compatibility Wizard. To launch the wizard click start>all programs>accessories>program compatibility wizard. The Compatibility Mode emulates prior versions of Windows and allows you to test settings on your software before making any changes.

The wizard will first ask how to locate the program you would like to run with compatibility settings. Your choices are (1) from a list of programs (2) from the cd-rom drive or (3) manually which will allow you to browse your hard drive. The next step is to select a compatibility mode, meaning the operating system under which the software was originally designed to run. Your choices will be (1) Windows 95 (2) Windows NT (Service Pack 5) (3) Windows 98/ME (4) Windows 2000. The next screen allows you to monkey with display settings where you can choose to run your application in 256 colors or in 640 x 480 pixel screen resolution, both of which can be useful with some older games and educational programs that will only run properly in 640 x 480 x 256 mode. You can also disable visual themes on this page, a step that can overcome various problems. Next, the compatibility wizard will launch the program to test these settings (assuming no error message). Once you confirm if the software is working properly or not, you can exit the program and return to the Compatibility Wizard to confirm the settings, try again with different ones, or throw in the towel.

A quick way to accomplish applying these settings to a program is to right click on the .exe file for the software or right click on the program shortcut and select "properties" from the drop down menu. The third tab is labeled "Compatibility" and using the check boxes, you can accomplish what we described above without the testing mode.

Note: Program Compatibility mode deals with some software problems, and will not solve hardware issues. Visit the web sites of your hardware card manufacturers to download the latest XP drivers for your devices, including soundcards, graphic cards, modems, network cards, and so on.

Running DOS Programs in Windows Compatibility Mode

First, install the DOS based software from the command prompt. To open the command prompt, click Start>Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt. What appears to be the classic MS-DOS window opens and from there you can install the software according to the instructions.

Next, create a shortcut for your DOS based software: Right click the desktop, select "New" and then "Shortcut". The Create Shortcut wizard will open. Follow the steps to create the shortcut (be sure to point to the programs start-up or executable file).

Now you can adjust settings to get the software to run properly under Windows XP. To do this, right click on the shortcut you just created and select properties. The following tabs, in the newly opened window, are most useful to tweak your software:

• Program: Uncheck the box "Close on exit" temporarily so you can see the error messages that may cause the program to shut down.
• Memory: Some MS-DOS based programs require various types of extended or expanded memory. You can adjust those settings here. In most cases, you can leave the defaults alone, but if your program gives you an error indicating that it needs a certain amount of a certain type of memory, you can allocate that resource here.
• Screen: Specify whether you want the program run full-screen or windowed.
• Compatibility: Same as the Program Compatibility Wizard options discussed above.

You may need to experiment with several of the settings in the shortcut's Properties dialog box to get the DOS software to run properly.

Additional reading:

Getting old MS-DOS games to run in Windows.

Beginners Guide to Running DOS Games/Applications on Windows XP/2000

Running DOS games on Windows XP ...

Run Multiple Operating Systems Using Virtual Machine Technology

Another option is to install software that enables you to run multiple operating systems on one computer. Virtual PC allows you to create separate virtual machines on your Windows desktop, each of which virtualizes the hardware of a complete physical computer. Use virtual machines to run operating systems such as MS-DOS, Windows, and OS/2. You can run multiple operating systems, at the same time, on a single physical computer and switch between them as easily as switching applications instantly, with a mouse click. If you can not get your legacy software to work properly on Windows XP, this is the next best solution.

Connectix Corporation popularized this technology with it's Connectix Virtual PC software. Microsoft acquired Connetix in January 2003. Microsoft continues to publish later versions of the software, the latest being Microsoft Virtual PC 2004.

Another option is VMware offering similar virtual machine technology. Several versions were/are being published for PC, Mac and OS/2.

Run Multiple Operating Systems By Partitioning Your Hard Drive

A third alternative is to partition your hard drive. Today's computers come with monster drives which have plenty of room for multiple operating systems. One tool that you will find useful in setting up multiple operating systems is Partition Magic, originally by PowerQuest, bought by Symantec in 2003. Partition Magic lets you safely run multiple operating systems on a single PC and includes Boot Magic to easily switch between operating systems. This is software is available for download form Symantec.

Another partitioning option is V-Com System Commander and Partition Commander which supports every compatible operating system for the PC. Both these titles are available for download from V-Com's website.