Old Old Software on Windows 7 compatibility problem

I bought a new laptop with Windows 7 and was trying to install an old program (it originally was on a 3.5" floppy). I need to install 2 old setup.exe programs before I can update it to the latest as the latest is looking for an existing program (since it's from an upgrade). When I try to run the first setup.exe, I get...
The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

I've tried the right click, troubleshoot compatibility and that didn't do anything, tried with windows 95 and windows xp (it did load there without problems) . I have the Window 7 Home Premium 64 bit. I have e-mailed the software publisher, but it's a small operation and not sure I'll get anywhere there. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

If it's on a 3.5 floppy disk, I'm going to assume it's DOS based?

Even if it's not, I must tell you that old programs like yours on Windows 7 64 bit are typically not going to work. Basically, we've arrived at a point of no return on old programs, especially DOS programs working in that type of environment.

I had the same problem at work with an old DOS Sampling program. Works fine on Win 7 32 bit, but on 64 bit, forget it. We had to eventually host it via Citrix.

 

Might try a virtual machine if your Windows 7 doesn't have it built in. (old article:http://apcmag.com/inside-windows-7s-virtual-xp-mode.htm)
VMware player might work for what you need or VirtualBox, and last & not as robust Microsoft VirtualPC.
But you need an OS to load.

 

Thank you for the replies. It's a windows program, that is a database for keeping my cross stitch supplies and diary of work. I'm not interested in going to the extent of setting up VM for just this little program. It'd be cheaper/easier to just buy the latest version or investigating alternatives. I have it on an old computer, so I can also get it to extract into spreadsheet, so I wont have lost the data. I was just hoping there were other tricks that I could try.

Thanks for you time, I appreciate it!

 

Ok, but if you change your mind you might try
http://majorgeeks.com/Paragon_Go_Virtual_d6516.html