Here’s a question I get asked quite frequently. I just updated my Operating System to (or I just bought a new computer with) Windows XP and now many of my software programs won’t work. Is there anything I can do as I like these programs?

Many of the older software titles were designed for Windows 95/98/Me. If you
are having trouble running your program on Windows XP there may be a way to
get it to run using the Compatibility Mode feature. Try one of the following:

(1) If the Program Installs but does not run properly:

Click on Start
Click on All Programs
Go To the Program Folder
Put your mouse pointer over (name of the program) to highlight it and RIGHT
click once with the RIGHT button of your mouse
Click on Properties in the Menu that appears
Click on the Compatibility Tab at the Top
Put a check mark next to Run in Compatibility Mode for Windows 95 (or
Windows 98/Me), and put a check mark next to Run in 256 colors
Click Apply & OK
Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive
If a window appears asking if you want to run the program click “NO”
You will need to start the program every time from the programs list
Click on Start
Click on All Programs
Go To the Program Folder
Click on (name of the program)

(2) If an Error Message appears during Installation:

It is probably a generic error message.
Insert the CD
If auto run comes up, exit out.
Go to Windows Explorer and find the setup.exe .
Right click on the setup.exe file
Click on properties
Click on the compatibility tab
Put a check in “run this program in the compatibility mode”
Select win Windows 95 (or Windows 98/Me) as the operating system
Click OK
Run the setup.exe program

Some times it will get you past the error message and you will be able to
install the program.

Broderbund also has some good tips for installing and using programs in Windows XP. Click Here to view their tips.

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