Although Windows XP is designed to be compatible with a wide range of
application programs and hardware devices, some older programs and
devices may not be usable. Check the Microsoft website at
www.microsoft.com for application programs and hardware devices known
to be compatible. When buying new software and devices, look for those
that are labeled as ready for Windows XP. If you encounter problems using
an application program designed for an earlier Windows operating system,
Windows XP provides a compatibility mode feature (see "Program
Compatibility Wizard"). If you are unsuccessful at installing application
programs or hardware devices designed to operate on earlier Windows
operating systems, contact the manufacturer of the product for information
or updates for Windows XP.
Windows XP also includes a new technology that addresses the problems
sometimes encountered on previous operating systems with Windows
application programs that, when installed, replace current versions of
certain Windows files with older versions. This situation can cause
problems with the newer application programs, which rely on the replaced
files. To eliminate this problem and improve operating system stability,
Windows XP manages multiple versions of files and invokes the correct
version required by a program.
NOTE: If you experience problems with your operating system or other
applications after performing an installation, you can use System
Restore to return your computer to a previous stable condition.
A program compatibility feature is provided in Windows XP that solves
some issues that may be encountered when attempting to run older
application programs. Using the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can
configure a program to run in an environment closer to Windows 95,
Windows 98/Me, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5, or Windows 2000.
To use the Program Compatibility Wizard:
Click Start, point to All Programs—> Accessories, and click Program
Compatibility Wizard.
When the Program Compatibility Wizard appears, click Next>.
Select how you want to locate the program to run with compatibility
settings: from a list, available on a CD, or manually located. Then click
Next>.
Select the type of operating system for which the program was
designed or on which it ran successfully, and then click Next>.
If necessary, as for some games, select display settings for the program.
Click Next>.
To test the compatibility settings for the program, click Next>.
After you have determined whether the program is running correctly, return to the Program Compatibility Wizard window.
Select Yes if the program ran correctly, No, try different compatibility
settings, or No, I am finished trying compatibility settings and click
Next>.
Select either Yes to send information about the settings you used and
whether they fixed the problem, or select No, and then click Next>.
