How do I get 32-bit software to run on 64-bit Windows?

Is this also the case when trying to run 32-bit 'earlier' software on Vista 64?
Some of the programs I own simply do not run once installed, or even balk at the install phase "This program only runs under ME / 2000 / XP Operating Systems"

It's not about "earlier" at all. Some 32 bit software - perhaps correctly, perhaps erroneously - checks for or does things that make it not work on Win 64. I'd check first wit the vendor of the software.

14-Aug-2010

Use the free Vmware player for those finicky apps.

I recently could not get Ulead Photoimpact to run properly on Win 7, 64 bit. I went to Windows 7 Compatability Center website http://tinyurl.com/yhs5gab
and put in the software name. It showed that this would NOT work; however, gave me the version that did work on Vista. I purchased the recommended version, Corel Photoimpact X3, installed, and I couldn't be happier. This website also shows hardware that is/in not compatible. Very simple.

I've been using 64 bit Windows 7 for several weeks now and, as Leo said, Windows has handled the vast majority of my older 32 bit software just fine. Sometimes I install a program and a popup appears saying "this programme may not have installed properly" and giving me an option to reinstall with recommended settings, I always do this and have had no problems. The only major issue I had was with Wild Tangent games manager, my games wouldn't finalize installation but, with help from their support team, I finally got it to work. Try right clicking on an application shortcut and selecting "Run as Administrator" for any software that is problematic, I've solved a couple of issues like this as well. I heard so many scare stories about 64 bit Windows and old software but I am very happy with mine and I'd say its essential for future-proofing a new PC at least as far as possible.

Sorry, but....
Veering ever-so-slightly off-topic, why do my old DOS programs no longer work in a DOS window ?

I get this message:-
16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem
Command Prompt - [prog name]
VDD. An installable Virtual Device Driver failed DLL initialization. Chooes 'Close' to terminate the application.
[Close] [Ignore]

If I click 'Ignore' the program runs - but that's not a lot of use when that program is called by a batch file, etc...

(REAL programmers use
C:/ copy con myProg.zip)

;-)

Reply to Robin Clay:
I've had that exact message, way back in XP. It had to do with a leftover from my Anti-Virus that was doing the 'active protection' bit on my e-mail program. I'd guess you've got a new AV program or version and a piece of the old one is getting in the way.

Not a Win64 problem, I think. Try the support forums for your anti-virus program(s) or email.

What Leo said about 64 bit windows 7 running 32 bit software is correct. However, I have been stumped by trying to install an old game from the original CD. I get an error message that says the program is incompatible. The best I can figure out is that the installer is 16 bit. Does anybody have a work around for that?

Along the same lines (I think) I have a small company where I set up a filing system under Access 97 on a server and am running PCs on Windows 98. I'm preparing to buy a new PC with buku memory and windows 7. Should I anticipate having to buy a new Access program or will my PC still pick up from the old server? How about if I try to download the old access system into the new PC and go with 1 computer only?

But Window Professional costs a pretty penny. And so far with Windows Home Premium, I have not found any way to download Adobe Flash Player.

The only problem I had when I changed was with printer driver and scanner driver from Canon. Both devices were said to be compatible on the win64 page but neither worked. Canon where less than helpful other than to say they will advise when drivers updated. Over a year later still waiting for the update. Needless to say another company had my business for a new printer/scanner. Most other devices worked perfectly.