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Running Programs in Windows® XP Using Compatibility Mode
Most programs run properly on Windows® XP. The exceptions include some games and other programs that were written specifically for an earlier version of Windows®. The Program Compatibility Wizard can allow older programs to run on Windows® XP.
The Program Compatibility Wizard prompts you to test the program in different modes (environments) and with various settings. For example, if the program was originally designed to run on Windows® 95, set the compatibility mode to Windows® 95 and try running the program again. If successful, the program will start in that mode each time. The wizard also allows the use of different settings, such as switching the display to 256 colors and the screen resolution to 640 x 480 pixels.
The Program Compatibility Wizard provides step-by-step instruction for use. To run the Program Compatibility Wizard, complete the steps below.
Close programs, return to the desktop, and click Start on the Windows® taskbar.
Click All Programs, choose Accessories and select Program Compatibility Wizard. The icon appears as a question mark (?). The Program Compatibility Wizard Welcome window will open.
Click Next.
Click the "I want to choose from a list of programs" radio button. A list of programs will appear.
Select the program that is to run in a Compatibility Mode.
Click Next. A window presenting the different Windows® Compatibility Modes will open.
Click the radio button next to the desired Compatibility Mode and click Next. The window that appears allows for the selection of 256 Colors and/or 640 X 480 Pixel Screen Resolution. Check your box to see if you need either or both of these to be enabled.
By default, Windows® XP uses visual themes that may change the appearance or behavior of other programs, especially those games or educational programs that include intensive graphics and animation. To prevent the visual themes from affecting these programs, check Disable Visual Themes.
Click Next. A window showing the heading "Test Your Compatibility Settings" will appear. In addition, the settings that you selected will appear.
Verify that the settings are correct.
With the correct settings selected and showing in the "Test Your Compatibility Settings" window, click Next. A screen showing the following question will open: "Did the program work correctly?" In addition, the program selected in Step 5 (above) will launch.
Run the program to test the settings.
After testing the settings, minimize (or close) the program to return to the Program Compatibility Wizard.
NOTE: After the program is minimized (or closed), the window with the "Did the program work correctly?" question will reappear. The "Yes. Set this program to always use these compatibility settings" will be selected.
If the program functioned properly using the compatibility mode that was selected in Step 7 (above), click Next. The Program Compatibility Data window will open.
NOTE: If the program did not function correctly, click "No, try different compatibility settings" and complete the Wizard. After completing the wizard, try the program again.
In the window that opens, select Yes or No and click Next. The 'Completing the Program Compatibility Wizard' window will appear.
Click Finish to close the window.
Launch (if necessary) and use the program.
NOTE: If you have questions regarding the Program Compatibility Wizard or Windows® XP (or both), contact Microsoft®, or go to for additional information. |
