Software runs on win 98 but not on xp?

Question

I have software runs on win 98 but not on xp. I heard stories by tinkering on control panel the older softwares can run on newer os.
What are the most possible shooting can solve the problem and its alike?

Answer 1

Others have suggested compatibility mode. Clearly they have never actually tried to get older software to run under XP. Or they have and it worked, however, in my case, it has not. Every single piece of software I have from the Windows 95/98 days WILL NOT run under XP, even under compatibility mode. All compatibility mode does is try to fool the program by reporting XP as Windows 95 or 98, the reason this doesn't work so well is that some of the older programs are looking for DOS components which are not present in WIndows XP. Sorry to say that most likely your older software will not run under Windows XP. Either buy a newer version of the same program, find a freeware substitute or... just cut your losses and move on (in the case of games that's what you'll have to do).

The other option is to partition your hard drive (or get a second hard drive) and install Windows 98 itself and boot into it only when you need to use whatever program will not run under XP.

And to Na, you will have to install the Windows XP drivers for your sound card, no doubt they exist. Sometimes you'll get lucky and Windows update will pick up the driver for you or find your driver restore disc, sometimes Windows XP can make use of a Windows 98/ME driver.

Answer 2

Right click on the application you are trying to run, Click on properties in the right click menu.

In the new window click the compatibility tab.

Check the small box next to the drop down box, and select Windows 98 from the drop down.

Click Apply and try again.

*note, If this still does not work, check the software website for patches or fixeds for Windows XP compatibility.

Answer 3

right click on the icon of the program. Click on the compatability tab and tick the first option "Run this program in compatabilty mode for" and select Win98 from the drop down menu. Press OK. now try running the prog.

This should help u run the software.

Answer 4

You know I have the same problem since I upgraded to Xp. I lost my sound and the use of some software I installed. I can't wait to hear the answers on this.