Old CreataCard Version

Copying the files will not necessarily work, certain registry settings etc will not be established. you may try to install the program (CreataCard Gold 3) using compatibility mode and check if it can be installed. Access the link below and follow the steps to manually change the compatibility settings and install the program in compatibility mode and check if it helps. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Make-older-programs-run-in-this-version-of-Windows
If the above steps do not work I would suggest you to contact the program manufacturer to verify if they have any updates of fixes to install this application on Windows 7.

CreataCard Platinum 8 was written for XP and older versions of Windows. Changes in the OS make it difficult/impossible to install.

Do you have the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of Win7Pro? Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System. If the title reads Windows 7 Professional x64, it's the 64-bit version. (If it doesn't end with the x64, you have the 32-bit version.)

In any case, the best option is to try running an older version of Windows on another machine, a dual boot system or a virtual computer. With the Pro version of Win7, you can run a virtual XP for free (if your hardware can support it). Download and install Virtual PC and the XP mode package from Microsoft. (You'll need to set aside some memory for the virtual PC to run.) Then install CreataCard when running XP mode as if this is your only computer.

The only real problem is that you will not be able to have hardware installed on the virtual XP and the Windows 7 real machine at the same time. (So you can't share a printer.) Also, to share files between the two "systems", you will need to save them to external media (flash drive or optical disc, for example). Your motherboard and CPU need to support Virtualization. You have to turn this on in your BIOS on some systems. (Press Esc, F1, F2 or F10 repeatedly depending on your system right after turning on the system. If you miss the timing, shut down the computer and then retry.)

Other virtualization programs are Parallels and VMWare. However, with those programs and the other possible options for running CreataCard, you need a licensed version of the older version of Windows.

If you have the 32-bit version of Windows, you can try the Compatibility Mode. (Right click on the installer and choose Properties. Then click on the Compatibility tab and select Run the program as compatible with an older version of Windows. Apply the changes and click OK. Then right click on the installer again and choose Run As Administrator.) You may have to repeat this on the program icon after installing. However, the compatibility mode doesn't always work even if you have the 32-bit OS (and thus don't need the signed driver).

An alternative is to upgrade your software to one that is Win7 compatible. I'm not sure which of these Broderbund design and print products are most similar to CreataCard: http://www.broderbund.com/c-6-design-print.aspx . However, you will probably not be able to open old documents.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(XP mode is available with Win7Pro and Ultimate. At my house, we have two computers with Win7Pro with one running XP mode. At least once, the virtualization was turned off during a BIOS update and XP mode failed until the setting was corrected.)

On your old PC that has the registered Variety Packs, under the C:\Windows folder you should be able to find the vp.cc1 file. Copy this over to your new PC's C:\Windows folder and copy there. It is a good idea to backup this vp.cc1 file since this little file tells the CreataCard program what variety packs you paid for!

You should be now be able to access the Variety Pack with the Variety Pack maintenance kit that is included with the program. That way you can install the addons directly to the hard-drive instead of running it off of CD.

Start the "Windows Compatibility Wizard", and tell it that you want to install a "Windows XP" program. Windows 7 will then read the CD, and install the program, and run it in "XP" mode.

That version will only work with Win XP. Since Win 7 is all together a different operating system, many old software versions will not work with it. I am sure you will have to buy a different version to work with Win 7. See http://www.epinions.com/pr-Broderbund_American_Greetings_Creatacard_Platinum_8_047956855711/display_~full_specs

You can try to run the software in compatibility mode, which means that you can tell Windows 7 to run the software as if it was any previous version of Windows. To do this, browse to the setup.exe or install.exe file on the disk, right-click and select "Properties". Go to the "Compatibility" Tab, tick the box and select a previous version of Windows - the back of the CD Case will tell you which is the best version.

The CreateACard Gold 3 (CAC Gold 3) will never work with Windows 7 64bit unassumingly because the software producing company has not upgraded their software for even Vista 64bit.
I recommend you to switch to " Hallmark Card Studio Special Edition" it has all the features of CAC Gold 3. You will enjoy it as there should be no problem installing it with Windows 7 64bit.

Good Luck!

you will have to get 64 bit version of creatacard

Its not XP compatable so maybe you can get a upgrade or maybe you will have to get a new version or a similar program for it to work.

Hi, the only reason that comes to mind here is your version of XP. A retail version will load on almost anything, a version supplied with a brand name computer may only be suitable for that brand, Dell/HP etc. Sorry if I am not much help, don't discard your old board, you could buy an add on card for ide connection then disable the onboard one and continue with the old system. Goodluck mistyman