Configuring Windows XP to play older pc games?

Question

I was told there was a way to do this, however, I haven't been able to figure it out. I would like to purchase some older pc games for my kids to play that are only compatible with Windows 95,98, 2000, or ME. If anyone can help, I would really appreciate it.

Answer 1

Don't get games compatible with ME, and 95 games won't play on XP, but I'm still playing some old Windows 98 and 2000 games. You make the games compatible by running the Program Compatibility Wizard:
To start the Program Compatibility Wizard, click Start, click Help and Support, click Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP, and then, under See Also in the navigation pane, click Program Compatibility Wizard.
Set the compatibility properties manually
As an alternative to running the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can set the compatibility properties for a program manually. The settings are the same as the options in the Program Compatibility Wizard.

To set the compatibility properties for a program manually
Right-click the program icon on your desktop or the shortcut on the Start menu for the program you want to run, and then click Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for your program.
Notes

The Compatibility tab is only available for programs installed on your hard drive. Although you can run the Program Compatibility Wizard on programs or setup files on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, your changes will not remain in effect after you close the program.
For more information about an option on the Compatibility tab, right-click the option and then click What's This.
Update your program or drivers
If your program does not run correctly after testing it with the Program Compatibility Wizard, check the Web for updates or other fixes, as follows:

Check the Web site of the program's manufacturer to see if an update is available.
Check Windows Update to see if a fix is available for the program. Click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, then click Windows Update in the right pane.
If the program is a game that uses DirectX, ensure that you are using the latest version of DirectX. In addition, check the Web site of the manufacturer of your video card or sound card to see if newer drivers are available for either of them.

Answer 2

sometimes you can use a rollback driver to see if they are compatible ...if you cant program it that way the only other option is a dual windows install and its a pain in the rumpus room

Answer 3

http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/news.php?show_news=1
Also works