Running old programs on XP

Specifically: I've got alot of old video games that are windows 95/98 or Dos based games. Windows XP won't run these. I've tried changing the .exe files to run in windows 95 compatability mode (through the properties menu), but that still doesn't work.

Is there something else I can try or am I stuck (hoping beyond hope) that the game manufacturer has a patch to support XP?

Thanks for the help in advance!

 

I have played alot of older games on my Windows Xp System. Some run great but others won't. The fix I did for my system was to set my video mode to 800 x 600 pixels. Just do that on the desktop and then try one of the older games. If that doesn't work, maybe someone else can help you.

 

Just tried and it didn't work

 

Download this program work with almost all dos program:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4381.html

Still having fun with dune2

 

JINKIES!!! That works! Thanks for the help!!!

 

Things to do for old games:

For DOS games, keep your DOSBox up to date - new releases tend to be huge improvements in compatibility and speed, more so than other emulators. VDMSound (http://sourceforge.net/projects/vdmsound/) is also a good one.

For Windows games - first of all, look for a patch that may have been released. Even if it's not specifically designed to make the game run on XP, it might do the trick (to quote an example, Max Payne). Other games might have patches that are specifically made to make the game run on XP. If the game is 3D (and old enough) try running in software mode and see if that works. Some old games will only run in 640 x 480, particularly old Sierra games - try enabling this in the Compatibility section.

Failing all this, blag yourself a copy of Win98 from somewhere. On EBay it's likely to be dirt cheap.

 

Maybe install a second hard drive. Set one up for XP and one for W98SE. Saves a lot of hassles. Just switch boot up preference in BIOS when you boot up or use a dual boot program. Bazza

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