Windows 7: Older games won't work

Hello,

Recently, I decided to buy some new guts for my computer. I also decided that I would update to windows 7. This has turned out to be a huge mistake, as now none of the old games that i loved work, some of the titles are

Diablo 2, Simcity 4, Warcraft 3, and total annihilation.

I get the same problems each time, direct X settings. I can't change them, i need to disable some of the features and they are all read only. I'm frustrated, I can't beleive that I spent so much money only to be worse off then before.

Anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

Have tried running the games in Windows Vista or Windows XP compatability mode?

Many of the problems installing older games come from the fact that we do not want to install directx when the game asks us to do so, if you do it, you'll be fine and it won't ruin or damage anything.

Another thing is not to forget that, instead of letting autorun install the game, explore the folder and Right click on either autorun or setup.exe and use Run as Administrator, this will give you Elevated rights and it won't show you the read only problems you are having.

About the only issues I have had so far with Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit is the Medal of Honor games and my G9 mouse, aside from that, I have just finished playing all the old CoD games, Far Cry and many others.

and fyi, i also have diablo 2 expansion installed and runs without hitches.. though i have to wait for a second or two for the game resolution to load because it still runs in the 1024 x 768 format.. but other than that, i have no problem..

It is indeed good practice for those of us that run older games to download DX9.0c as the newer versions will not automatically include all the components. I think its was (?august 2009?) that had those older components last. After that is installed the dxwebsetup from microsoft should grab everything between them and now. You should run the games themselves as administrator as well, remember they can out during Win XP and had full access most times.

Jaypels, edit the reg key to change screen size, if you can deal with a little fish bowling.

dont know if this will help but multiboot to an older operating system have the best of both worlds, I too have games that i like to play but windows 7 wont run them, i plan on multibooting good luck

@kelen it's ok to wait a second or two (i mean literally two seconds max) for the game to adjust.. it is not a hassle and i make it a point not to touch my registry so that i would have no problems if ever i make a mistake

Multiboot, heck... I can not even go to my Vista boot anymore, let alone go to XP for gaming... Win 7 64 has spoiled me so bad is not even funny!

It might sound stupid but sometimes if you have a graphics card at too high of a spec for the game, the game will struggle. Perhaps update your graphics card drivers or downgrade to more suitable drivers? Just a suggestion.

People still play SimCity 4?