Run your non-Vista software on Vista
Program Compatibility is a mode in Windows that allows you to run programs written for earlier versions of Windows. Vista offers a quick way to run these programs in compatibility mode when you encounter a prompt that tells you the program was not suited for your OS.
When you encounter a situation where Windows Vista won’t accept your old programs, this feature can help you out.
Please make sure not to use this feature with antivirus, disk utility, or system programs as it may result in data loss.
- Right click on the installation or program file.
- Select Properties.
- Click on the Compatibility Tab.
- Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”

- Select the mode in which you want to run the file in.
- Checkmark any additional settings you wish to enable or disable.

- Click Ok.
This feature should let you run most old programs on Windows Vista fine. There will be the odd occasion where it won’t work though.
Still need help? Check out our new forums where you can get an even faster and better response!
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:59 pm
hi
September 19th, 2007 at 1:15 am
I had this game called heavy metal fakk2, from Ritual, running fine on all win 9X and just got impossible after XP all OS, so far, by all means i could inforce. I got Vista HPremium for the last month and turns out the same routine…its just a grain of sand my case and i´ve gave up trying. It as gone 7 years once this game come from 2000 abouts. The cd install all but when it comes to play it asks for the cd presence when its the original itself in the drive! My last hope with you, please. A point its that all the soaps and novels they do now with soaps and movies, this game its brutal potencial for development over more episodes then anything else in the present since then.My only solution so far its having windows ME running for the case and this its like aids, waitting for a vacine into the future as the time goes by. Thank you for all your work here!!
March 12th, 2008 at 1:41 am
[...] Run your non-Vista software on Vista [...]
August 16th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I’m trying to run Homeworld Cataclysm in Vista. Choosing the compatibility modes for 2000 or XP get me no further. Anything else that might work that doesn’t require installing another OS in some fashion?
October 25th, 2008 at 4:05 am
I have the same problem.its a good game.I also have other good games/softwear that wont run on Vista,compatibility mode does not seem to work at all on some stuff.
I’m trying to run Homeworld Cataclysm in Vista. Choosing the compatibility modes for 2000 or XP get me no further.
Help on this would be nice
October 26th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
You can try playing it under virtual OS. Get Microsoft Virtual PC
May 4th, 2009 at 3:45 am
[...] you may have to run the setup file in Vista compatibility mode for it to work. Consult this guide for more help if needed. You may have to install the Vista drivers in compatibility [...]