Getting older programs to run on Windows XP

Most programs run properly on Windows XP with no difficulties whatsoever.  But what if you have an older LucasArts Entertainment, Sierra On-Line, ORIGIN Systems, SSI, or other classic PC game that you want to play?  Well, if they were written for an earlier version of Windows, this guide is for you!  Without further ado, here are a few steps to consider:

The Program Compatibility Wizard
This wizard prompts you to test your program in different modes (environments) and with various settings. If the program was originally designed to run on Windows 95, set the compatibility mode to Windows 95 and try running your program again, and if successful, the program will start in that mode each time. The wizard also allows you to try different settings, such as switching the display to 256 Colors and the screen resolution to 640 x 480 pixels. If compatibility problems prevent you from installing a program on Windows XP, run the Program Compatibility Wizard on the setup file for the program. The file may be called setup.exe or something similar, and is probably located on the either the first diskette or the Installation CD for the program. To run the Program Compatibility Wizard click Start, click Help and Support, click Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP, and then, under See Also in the navigation pane, click Program Compatibility Wizard.

Set the compatibility properties manually
As an alternative to running the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can set the compatibility properties for a program manually. The settings are the same as the options in the Program Compatibility Wizard. To set the compatibility properties for a program manually, right-click the program icon on your desktop or the shortcut on the Start menu for the program you want to run, and then click Properties. Click the Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for your program. The Compatibility tab is only available for programs installed on your hard drive. Although you can run the Program Compatibility Wizard on programs or setup files on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, your changes will not remain in effect after you close the program. For more information about an option on the Compatibility tab, right-click the option and then click What's This.

Update your program or drivers
If your program does not run correctly after testing it with the Program Compatibility Wizard, check the Internet for updates or other fixes.  There are many options:

1. Check the Web site of the program's manufacturer to see if an update or patch is available.
   
2. Check Windows Update to see if a fix is available for the program. Click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, then click Windows Update in the right pane.
3. If the program is a game that uses DirectX, ensure that you are using the latest version of DirectX.
   
4. In addition, check the Web site of the manufacturer of your video card or sound card to see if newer drivers are available for either of them.

I hope this guide helps a few people play some games that would otherwise be sitting collecting dust on a shelf!  Good luck and happy gaming!

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