Reinstall windows 7 programs - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Since the release of Windows 7 many of my clients have been asking me about program compatibility and which programs will run on Microsoft's new operating system.

Their concerns were mainly because of Vista not running very well and they thought that they may be in for some of the same type of compatibility problems that Vista had.

Before Windows 7 was released to the public Microsoft said in a statement that "Any program that works on Windows Vista will certainly work on Windows 7"

Microsoft has certainly delivered their promise and much, much more!!!

I tested both the beta and the RC (release candidate) editions of Windows 7. In October of this year I was so impressed with Windows 7 I went out and bought Windows 7 Ultimate.

I was glad i did because Windows 7 is being welcomed with very open arms, people are upgrading so i need to know my may around the operating system.

At first i was weary about programs not installing because of compatibility problems but the procedure to either install a program or get it running when installed is relatively simple and is the same way that Vista uses.

How to install an XP/Vista program on Windows 7


First of all locate the setup or installer file, this will be either in the contents of a CD/DVD (you have to explore the contents of the CD/DVD) under the name "setup" or a downloaded .exe (executable) file.

Right click on the setup file and select "Properties" from the sub menu.

A Properties windows will appear on screen, click on the "Compatibility" tab.
At the bottom of the tab you will see the header "Privilege Level".

Check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator"

Also at the top of the Compatibility tab you will see "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
Check that box and if you have the option select Windows XP (service pack 3).

Click Apply and then OK and install your program.

NOTE: if you have upgraded from Vista Windows XP mode may not be available depending on how you system was configured.


How to run an installed program on Windows 7


Some programs will install but they won't run on Windows 7. Again this down to compatibility but unlike Vista, Windows 7 has the compatibility mode working down to a tee.


Locate the desktop icon or the program in "All Programs" from the Start Menu or Orb as it's affectionately known today.

Just as in my tip about installing a program it is just the same.

Right click on the icon or file and select "Properties" from the sub menu.

A Properties windows will appear on screen, click on the "Compatibility" tab.
At the bottom of the tab you will see the header "Privilege Level".

Check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator"

Also at the top of the Compatibility tab you will see "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
Check that box and if you have the option select Windows XP (service pack 3).

Click apply and then OK and run the program.


NOTE: Again, if you have upgraded from Vista Windows XP mode may not be available depending on how you system was configured.

Sometimes you will get a message that says "This program may not have installed correctly, Reinstall using recommended settings and This program installed correctly"

It's up to you what you do from here, if the program works choose the latter. If your not too sure click on Reinstall using recommended settings"


So far (and i keep my fingers crossed) i have absolutely no problem in getting a program installed and running on Window 7. I will however provide more tips as and when they surface.

Please be aware that not all programs will work on Windows 7. These are programs which are mainly pre-XP like programs designed for Windows 2000, Windows 98/95.