One of Microsoft's biggest strengths - and weaknesses - is its focus on backwards compatibility. Most Windows applications will work fine on Windows 8. This is especially true if they worked on Windows 7, since Windows 8 is very similar to its predecessor.
Solution to the problem:
Older games and software, in particular those designed for older operating systems, including XP and Win 98 or DOS, may not work properly. Regardless of the software you're dealing with, whether it's a PC game or business software, a Google search with the name of the game followed by "Windows 8" or the exact error message you received will probably help you decide. problem. The tips below apply to different types software, but search additional information, regarding your particular program, is always a good alternative.
Why can games and programs be incompatible?
There are many reasons why an application might not work properly on Windows 8.
Bad programming: Some programs may be dependent on administrator rights, work fine on XP, but have problems running as a normal user on newer versions. Some, for example, depend on requests early versions Windows, which have since been deprecated in new versions of the OS, as cases of application hacking were recorded behind them.
Dependency on old software versions: The software may use old libraries, for example, NET Framework version 3.5, which is not installed on Windows 8 by default.
16-bit software: 64-bit versions of Windows no longer have compatibility for 16-bit Windows applications. If you have a 16-bit application written for 3.1, you need to use the 32-bit Windows version 8 to run it.
DOS A: Windows 8, like all versions since XP, no longer runs on top of DOS. While some DOS programs still work, advanced software written for DOS, such as computer games for DOS - does not work in the Windows Command Promt (Command Line) environment.
Before the update
Microsoft offers some information that you can review before upgrading. You can download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, which will scan your computer and tell you if games, software, and hardware will work properly on Windows 8. Of course, the app isn't 100% guaranteed, but some useful information provides.
Software update
If the game does not work on Windows 8, you must update it to latest version and install all available patches. For example, an old game installed from a disc may not work on Windows 8, but the developer of the game may well have released a patch that allows you to run the game on new versions of the OS. For example, many of the games Windows Live do not work properly until the update is installed.
You may also need older libraries required to run the software. For example, Windows 8 includes .NET Framework version 4.5. If you see an error related to the .NET Framework, you must go to the control panel and install the .NET Framework 3.5 package, which will run software that depends on NET 3.5, 3.0, or 2.0.
Run as administrator
Launching a problematic application can be quite simple, sometimes it is enough to run it as an administrator. Windows, as a rule, independently determines if the application needs additional rights, and runs it as an administrator, but this function may not always work. To run the program as an administrator, click right click on its shortcut and select "Run as administrator".
You can also fix this problem by disabling User Account Control completely. However, we do not recommend disabling User Account Control as this important point security, and related errors became rare, as the system began to work much better after Windows Vista. Almost all programs for Windows work fine with User Account Control enabled.
Compatibility Mode
Windows 8 includes a compatibility feature for troubleshooting. Just right-click on the shortcut of the program that won't start, select "Properties" and go to the "Compatibility" tab. From here, you will be able to run the Compatibility Troubleshooter. Alternatively, you can trick the program into appearing to work on previous versions Windows, including XP or Win 98. This will help solve problems with software that worked well on previous versions of the OS. The Compatibility tab also allows you to always run the program in administrator mode - useful if the program is only run as administrator.
Use DOSBox
If you have an old DOS application that doesn't work on Windows - probably an old game like the original DOOM - you can run it from DOSBox. DOSBox is free app, which emulates a full DOS environment in a window, allowing you to run DOS applications on Windows. DOSBox has better compatibility than the command line. It works so well that some developers optimize their games for DOSBox - if you buy the original DOOM or Quake from the Steam store, they are bundled with DOSBox.
Use virtual machine
Virtual machines allow you to run programs that ran on previous versions of Windows. With a virtual machine, you can install XP, for example, and run it in windowed mode. After that, you can run legacy software from under the virtual machine. Windows 8 does not support XP compatibility from Win 7, but you can get this feature by installing XP in VirtualBox or VMware Player.
It is worth noting that virtual machines are not ideal for games, as they are much slower and 3D graphics work very mediocrely. However, virtual machines have limited support for 3D graphics, so if we are talking about a very ancient game, it should work well on a virtual machine. You may also run into problems when software requires direct access to certain hardware - you can plug a USB device into a virtual machine, but software that depends on direct access to the computer's hardware will not work.
Troubleshooting tips for specific games
G8 users are more likely to experience problems with games than with software, which is timely replaced by new versions or updated. If you're running into issues with a specific game, try searching for the game on the PC Gaming Wiki. This site provides detailed troubleshooting information for most games - not only for Win 8, but for other versions of Microsoft operating systems as well as other operating systems.
Both confident PC users and those who are just starting to comprehend the basics of computer science are equally not immune from malfunctions in their favorite device. However, many of the problems that arise can be solved by downloading operating system in safe mode. In this case, it is enough to cancel recent activities produced on a computer - and it will work as it should. However, if for some it is a simple way out of difficult situation, then others is a new serious problem. How about on a PC running Windows XP? Let's figure it out.
What should I do if a problem with the computer was detected before it was turned off? For example, after checking antivirus program Mountains of viruses "from nowhere that came from nowhere" were discovered, which tritely interfere with work. Is it possible in this case to start the PC in safe mode without leaving Windows systems XP? Still would! To do this, just use the Run utility installed on the computer.
To get started, look for the "Start" button on the taskbar and click on it with the left mouse button or find the icon on the keyboard and click on it. Now in the "Start" menu we look for the "Run" tab and similarly open it with a mouse click: 
In the system window that appears, enter the value in the empty field msconfig and confirm your choice either by pressing Enter on the keyboard, or by clicking on the OK option suggested by the system: 
As a result, the "System Settings" window will appear:
In the upper part of the open system window we find the BOOT.INI tab and click on it with the left mouse button. In this section, in the boot options, check the box next to SAFEBOOT and, depending on the option you need, next to Minimal, Network or Minimal (AlternateShell).
What is the difference? In the first case, Windows XP with basic settings; in the second - with access to network drivers; in the third - with the ability to use command line. However, no matter which option you like, to confirm the settings made in Windows XP, at the bottom of the tab, you need to click the OK or Apply button: 
In the next window, select the "Reboot" option:
After that, the “Safe Mode” parameter will be set on the computer and Windows XP will automatically reboot in the selected safe mode, notifying you immediately after the full boot by the appearance of the corresponding system window:
After booting into safe mode, this warning will appear, here you should click "Yes" to continue working in this mode
In order to save the "Safe Mode" parameter in response to the system message, left-click on the "Yes" option or press Enter on the keyboard. A few minutes and the computer is ready to go. As you can see, nothing complicated!
Perhaps this is the most famous and widely used method by users that will help you quickly launch on Windows computer XP in safe mode. How to use it? Just!
To do this, turn on the computer, as usual by pressing the power button, and immediately before the window appears Windows boot XP for 3-5 seconds, continuously press the F8 or F4 button on the keyboard. As a result, the Windows menu should appear:
After the mode selection is made, press Enter to confirm it. As a result, the system will log in in safe mode.
Sometimes it happens that no matter how hard you try, the computer will not want to start in safe mode by any of the known methods. The reason for this problem is naively simple - viruses have damaged Windows registry. In this case, there are two options:
If you took care of the archival copy, that's great. However, if there is nothing to restore the system from, then best option in this case, download and install on a PC free program Safe Mode Repair or SafeBootKeyRepair. With their help, you can "reanimate" the damaged values of the registry keys and, accordingly, run on the computer after a reboot safe mode. The main thing - do not forget to check your favorite device for viruses after solving the problem!
As you can see, there are various ways to start Windows XP on a PC in safe mode. Choose the option that suits you best and troubleshoot quickly and efficiently!
We all remember the good old games that we played at the dawn of the development of high computer technology and which are sometimes so lacking today. Raster and evolving graphics, gameplay, software features gaming industry, but sometimes you want to take a break from all this abundance and play something old and familiar. This is where the catch awaits us - old games do not run on new operating systems, they work too fast, or they don’t want to install at all. What to do if you want to play, but the game does not start. This article will help you solve this problem and tell you how to run older games or slow them down.
So, let's look at acceptable options for "revitalizing" old games, which, due to the invincible nastolgia, we wanted to play. Old games can be roughly divided into two categories: games for the DOS platform and more modern games for Windows 95/98 platform. The first type, DOS games, were created for a completely different type of operating system, so they will flatly refuse to run under Windows XP and, even more so, under Windows Vista. However, there is always a way out and we will tell you how to start old game for DOS on Windows XP/Vista platform.
So that lovers of good old toys do not get bored in the latest operating systems among the abundance of functions and useless features, many DOS emulators have been developed. A DOS emulator is a program that mimics the functions of an operating system. DOS systems, allowing you to run old games in Windows XP and Windows Vista. Learning to work with the program does not require special skills and knowledge, so you can install, configure and run your favorite rare game as quickly as possible. One of the most common DOS emulators is DOSbox (dosbox.sourcefprge.net). The main problem for novice users may be ignorance of the DOS operating system, namely its text interface, however, in this case there is a solution. To simplify the process of working in the emulator, a special graphical shell was developed, that is, an intuitive interface - DOG. For installation DOG, you need to install dosbox, then run setup file and tell the installer the path to your DOSbox emulator. Now you can easily run old DOS games on Windows XP and Windows Vista using the Dosbox emulator, equipped with a user-friendly DOG GUI. Copy desired game to your hard drive and run the emulator. Find the control panel, and on it the button Profiles - New Profile and enter the name of the game in the field profile name. Next click Select after the filename with EXE. Click OK and launch the game by double clicking on it.
Download DOSbox emulator and GUI DOG You can from our website using the appropriate links.
Some of the old DOS games that were loved by the public at one time have been reincarnated for new operating systems, thanks to enthusiasts and fans. Try to find a "ported" version of the old game on the Internet, perhaps someone has already created a version for Windows XP or Windows Vista.
With games made for newer Windows 95/98 operating systems, but those. who still do not want to run under Windows control Xp or Vista, Microsoft developers have provided most useful feature. On Windows XP/Vista operating systems, there is special utility, which allows you to run old programs and games in compatibility mode with the new OS. In order to enable compatibility mode, you need to find the downloaded game file and go to its properties (right-click on the file - properties). Go to tab Compatibility and check the box next to Run the program in compatibility mode for... Select operating system Windows 95(or another, depending on which OS the application was developed for) and the apply button. Now run the old game and enjoy!
Developers of old games often resort to developing patches for new types of operating systems. Patch(in this case) is an add-on program that allows you to run the old game on Windows Xp or Vista. Install the game, download its patch and install it to the desired directory. if the developers have tried their best, you can fully enjoy the game.
So, for example, the developers of the domestic game did S.T.A.L.K.E.R. developed for the Windows XP operating system. The game refused to run or worked incorrectly on the newer Windows Vista OS, after which the development company released a patch for the game on the newer operating system.
Another problem for old games for new PCs can be speed. gameplay. After all, the gigahertz of modern processors is growing every day, thereby forcing some old games to work much faster than they should. You will understand what we are talking about when faced with this. If your game is running too fast, like it's in overdrive, you'll need a program that will force your CPU to slow down. One of the most popular programs of this kind is CPU Killer. It is very easy to use and compact. Download CPU Killer- a program that reduces the frequency of the processor, you can from our website.
First of all, you need to download CPU Killer and install it. Installing CPU Killer is quite simple and is no different from installing regular programs - you will be greeted by the installation wizard and prompted to specify the installation folder. Follow the prompts of the wizard and run the program.
Novice PC users are not recommended to change the settings of the program, so let's go straight to using it. On the screen of the program, you see a graph of the processor, as well as a scale with a slider below. To reduce the frequency of the processor, you should move the slider to the desired percentage to the right and click start. After that, the forced reduction of the processor frequency by the program will immediately take place. CPU Killer. Roll up the window and play! To turn off just press stop.
As you can see, the program can be used safely and without fear, as well as turned on or off at any convenient time and for the desired period.
We hope you will have no problems running old games on Windows XP or Windows Vista and have a great time playing old games. Commandos or UFO.
One of the most popular operating systems, despite Windows exit 10 is Windows 7. Users prefer it. However, some programs, mainly office ones, and games work correctly on Windows XP. You have to install a second operating system. However, if the PC is weak or has a limited amount of hard disk space, this option is not the best. Therefore, you can try to emulate this operating system with Windows XP mode.
Windows XP Mode runs on the Windows 7 operating system as a virtual machine and as a means of opening some programs. Windows XP Mode starts in a separate working window and, when you turn on the PC, is displayed in the list of programs of the Seven. It can be compared to a program, but it will not be correct, since it is a fully functional version of Windows XP. In it, you can create and save documents, surf the Internet, access services and programs, use a CD-DVD drive.
Before installing Windows XP Mode on your PC, it is worth double-checking whether the computer meets the following requirements:
The XP mode virtual machine does not work on Windows 7 Home build versions. However, that doesn't mean you can't make it.
We go to the Microsoft website using the link and select Windows 7 Professional as your operating system. You should not set Home, as the site will not allow you to download the installation file for Windows XP Mode. Next, select the language and click "Download".
After downloading, it is worth downloading Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode update. They need to be installed in this order:
It is not necessary to violate the order of installation, so as not to cause errors. If, however, an error occurs during installation: "This update is not applicable to your computer”, then you have chosen the wrong operating system.
The "Unable to start Windows Virtual PC because hardware-assisted virtualization is disabled" error can be ignored. It is resolved through Windows installation XP mode.
After installing all three packages, you need to restart your PC. The mode will be set. However, it will not be possible to launch it from the Start menu. To fix this "problem", you should go to the "C" drive, then to the "Program Files" folder, "Windows XP Mode".
We find the file “Windows XP Mode base.vhd” in the folder and right-click on it. Select "Properties". Go to the "Security" tab and click "Advanced".
In the advanced options window, open the "Owner" tab. The default will be "System". Click "Change".
In the next window, select your current Windows account.
You will be notified that you have been granted rights to the file.
We return to the "Advanced Options". Go to the "Permissions" tab. Select "All" and click "Edit".
In the next window, do the same.
We set marks for full access.
In the new window, click "Create a virtual machine". Give it a name and click "Next". Then we set the volume random access memory and click "Next". In the next window, select "Use an existing HDD" and specifies the path to the Windows XP Mode base.vhd, which is located in the "C" drive, the "Program Files" folder. Then click "Create".
Now we restart the PC. Windows emulator XP will work for a while as it is not activated.
Old games on Windows 7. Moving to Windows 7 brings a lot of new features, but also a lot of problems. The first problem that a novice user faces is setting up the program.
For those who have previously worked with Windows XP, it is much harder to adapt to the new interface and settings than for those who immediately start working in new system. But some time passes and those who used to work in the old system understand that everything is not so bad as it seemed at first. Even many older games run fine on Windows 7. For example, my favorite toy Lara Croft (Tomb Raider 1), which was installed in DOS, works well. You just need to know how to do it. There is nothing difficult in this. Just turn on compatibility mode.
I'm sure that many of you still have old games that evoke nostalgia for those times when there was no such possibility as playing online. But what were those times...
I myself used to play all night long, despite the fact that in the morning I had to go to work.
My favorite games were, and are: Immortality, Tomb Raider (from the first to the fifth versions), Alice Through the Looking-Glass, The Seventh Guest, Gift, and many other equally interesting ones.
I still cherish over 200 game discs. And even now I sometimes do not deny myself the pleasure of playing. But if I sit down, then it's better not to touch me.
After such retreats from everyday life, I feel much better both mentally and physically.
In vain, many parents think that games are just games. Thanks to games, my daughter learned almost everything on the computer, and became a programmer.
Previously, just installing a toy sometimes required skills at the programmer level. This was especially true for games written under DOS. It now clicked on the installation file, or a button, and everything was installed and started automatically.
And I remember how we installed the game Seventh guest in Windows 98. That's where the puzzle was. Everything is in English, a lot of files and nothing is clear what is happening. Then Windows XP came along, and some games just wouldn't install. Then we learned to put two systems in parallel. One for the old games, Millennium, and one for the new Piggy.
For a long time we did not want to move to the new systems Vista and Windows 7, but now we new computer You can’t install XP, since it was discontinued and there are no drivers for new equipment for it, but you want to play old games.
Now the seven has improved, and it has become possible to run old games and programs. We will now talk about how to do this.
To do this, we need to enable Windows 7 Compatibility Mode.
Right-click on the shortcut of the program or game and select the entry from the drop-down list - Properties .
Rights Level used only if you want the program to run only with administrator rights. In order for the settings to take effect for all users of this computer, click the button Change settings for all users .
After all changes, click the button Apply And OK .
This turns on compatibility mode in Windows 7 , and old games and programs are launched.
Do you want everything windows settings 7 were at your fingertips, then read:
Video How to run old games on windows 7.
