So, you've upgraded to Windows XP and now some of your old programs don't work. I hate that! It's been our experience that most older programs designed for Windows 95/98/ME will run on XP, regardless of what previous version of Windows they were originally designed for. The only ones that refuse to run are the ones you really, really need :-)

If you can't get a program to run on XP, try this:

1. Right click its icon under the Programs menu, then select Properties from the resulting menu,

2. Now, click the Compatibility tab. You can choose what version of Windows you want XP to pretend to be.

For example, let's say you have a program that installs but refuses to run. If you set its compatibility for Win 98, you may find that it's now perfectly happy doing it's thing on XP (of course, it's blissfully ignorant of the fact it's been tricked).

This usually works about 50% of the time, so don't bet the preverbal farm on it.

Windows XP also has a "Program Compatibility Wizard" that will search for the best version of Windows to run a program under. To get there, click Start, Help and Support, then "Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP", and finally, under "See Also" in the navigation pane, click Program Compatibility Wizard. You will be given instructions on what to do.

Another suggestion is to update your program. How often do you go to the website of a software manufacturer and look for program updates? What about updated drivers for your sound card? Most of the time you can download update patches for free!

With some luck, you will be playing your favorite old games or using that older software in no time.

~ Steve