How to Use Windows 7’s Compatibility mode to run a troublesome older app?

Use Windows 7’s Compatibility mode to run a troublesome older app

Ajay. E

     It happens every time a new OS debuts—a few of your favorite programs get left behind in the shuffle, no longer compatible with the new OS. Windows 7 will likely be no different in that regard, but you may not need to abandon your apps or wait for a new, compatible version of the software to emerge. Microsoft claims that most Vista-compatible software should work without a hitch on Windows 7, but it remains to be seen how true that is.

     If you didn’t use Vista, you may not be aware of Windows Compatibility mode, introduced with that OS. It’s back in Windows 7, and we suspect that it will get more attention in this release. A tool for dealing with balky older software, it lets you run a given app as if it were running under an earlier version of Windows.

     To activate Compatibility mode, right-click on the affected program’s icon, then click on the Properties item in the menu that pops up. In the Properties window, you’ll see a set of tabs across the top; chooseCompatibility. In the resulting dialog box, you’ll want to check off the box Run this program in compatibility mode, then select the latest version of Windows with which your app worked properly:

     You can also try out several additional settings here that can eliminate problems, such as running at 256 colors or 640x480 resolution (unlikely to help unless your app is really old) or disabling themes (which can help with troubles displaying menus or buttons properly). Experimentation is the order of the day here, though Microsoft warns that you don’t want to use Compatibility mode with crucial system-level apps such as antivirus software or disk utilities. For obvious reasons, that can lead to bigger problems

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