Is it possible to run older software on new OS's?

Mighty Boosh · Jan 15, 2012

Hi all,

Until fairly recently I used XP but have since moved upto Win 7 Ultimate 64. My problem is that I have a CAD programme which wont run in Win 7. I have dual boot on my machine so I can still use it but that is the only time I bother to boot in XP as I find it a bit of a pain having to do so. My question is, is there a way to use older apps on newer OS's with any kind of trick or tweak? I have asked the software provider but all they suggest is buy the latest version which is no great surprise. I can and would do this but trouble is I vastly prefer the old version that I already have as I am used to its layout and the way it works.

Any help greatly appreciated

Kreij · Jan 15, 2012

Have you tried running it in compatibility mode for Windows XP?

Sasqui · Jan 15, 2012

What CAD software?

Mighty Boosh · Jan 15, 2012

Kreij said:
Have you tried running it in compatibility mode for Windows XP?

Hi Kreij,

Didnt know this is possible or how to do it either if I'm honest. Something to try for sure.

Sasqui said:
What CAD software?

Hi Sasqui,

Software in question is Intellicad 98 so its quite an old programme.

Kreij · Jan 15, 2012

Right click on the exe file and select properties.
Under the compatibility tab, check run this in compatibility mode and select Windows XP from the dropdown.
You may be able to do this with the shortcut too. Not sure.

Mighty Boosh · Jan 15, 2012

I'll give it a try buddy

W1zzard · Jan 15, 2012

you could also use some kind of virtualization software like vmware

Mighty Boosh · Jan 15, 2012

Thanks W1zzard.

One other question though. Currently I have the programme installed on this machine on the XP side. I,m guessing that I would have to install it on the 7 side somehow or dont I?

Edit: Currently downloading Windows XP Mode from MS.

t_ski · Jan 15, 2012

I'm going to guess you are running Windows 7 64-bit due to the 8GB of ram you have installed. I have seen some issues with some 16-bit apps running on a 64-bit OS. You're best bet is to try the compatibility mode, and if that doesn't run, see about setting up a VM, either through MS or VMware.

Although I don't deal with this, a few of my co-workers have (several times) taken a running PC or server and cloned it to a VM.

Drone · Jan 16, 2012

When I need to run old programs/games I run Windows 98SE on a virtual machine. Compatibility mode in windows in 99% doesn't do any shit.

Radical_Edward · Jan 16, 2012

If you get windows 7 Pro or Ultimate you can get a free Windows XP virtual machine from Microsoft's website.

Mighty Boosh · Jan 16, 2012

Hi all,

Just checking in to say that all is good. As suggested I downloaded and installed MS XP Mode/Virtual PC from HERE, ran the programme and now I can run the CAD programme in question.

Big thanks to all who offered their help

Kreij · Jan 16, 2012

Glad you got it working and thanks for posting the fix in case someone else has a similar problem. :toast:

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Is it possible to run older software on new OS's?

Mighty Boosh

New Member

Kreij

Senior Monkey Moderator

Sasqui

Mighty Boosh

New Member

Kreij

Senior Monkey Moderator

Mighty Boosh

New Member

W1zzard

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Mighty Boosh

New Member

t_ski

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Drone

Radical_Edward

Mighty Boosh

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Kreij

Senior Monkey Moderator

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