When to Install as Admin and Compat Mode


  1. Posts : 36
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    When to Install as Admin and Compat Mode


    Just generic questions here...

    As a matter of course, for older games (not sure what year to start for Win 7 compatibility issues, maybe 2008 or 9?), should you install, running as admin and setting compat mode for XP or Vista? Or should you check this site for specific titles, to see if its necessary to make those changes on the install and if the compat mode needs to be set a certain way?

    Is it safe to assume that newer games (2010) and games going forward work fine with Win 7 (just auto install and play, no tweaks) or even the newer/future games need special handling like manually running the install, custom installing to a games folder and not to program 86 folder, etc?

    Thanks for any input!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #2

    rogbrez said:
    Just generic questions here...

    As a matter of course, for older games (not sure what year to start for Win 7 compatibility issues, maybe 2008 or 9?), should you install, running as admin and setting compat mode for XP or Vista? Or should you check this site for specific titles, to see if its necessary to make those changes on the install and if the compat mode needs to be set a certain way?

    Is it safe to assume that newer games (2010) and games going forward work fine with Win 7 (just auto install and play, no tweaks) or even the newer/future games need special handling like manually running the install, custom installing to a games folder and not to program 86 folder, etc?

    Thanks for any input!
    Hi and welcome

    There is no definite rule, but anything before 7/13/2009 (windows release date) may need to be installed in compat. If you know it is a couple of years old the sure sure.

    It does no harn to install in compat. I also install everything as admin.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 169
    Win7 Ultimate x64
       #3

    The best way is to attempt the install and if it fails try admin/compat. I have a few older games(some back to 2005) and I think the only one that ever gave me a problem is F1 Challenge. Results will vary of course though as I doubt we have all the same games :)

    As far as what folder to install I have all mine on a separate HD from the OS and haven't faced any issues.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 391
    Windows 7 Professional x64 Backtrack 4 R2
       #4

    jr26 said:
    The best way is to attempt the install and if it fails try admin/compat. I have a few older games(some back to 2005) and I think the only one that ever gave me a problem is F1 Challenge. Results will vary of course though as I doubt we have all the same games :)

    As far as what folder to install I have all mine on a separate HD from the OS and haven't faced any issues.
    I think so too, some games have worked for me which are older then games much newer which i thought would work straight out.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 389
    w7
       #5

    No probs here or yet. All my games so far install to defaults- I have not had to use admin or compat mode.

    I installed sp1 last night no probs yet- but holding onto saved folder [replaced with sp1 stuff] for a bit see if any probs- if not I will delete it in a month or so- Pages on web sites seem to load a lil faster. I guess it is ok..

    see ya..
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,962
    Windows 7 x64 (Ultimate)
       #6

    I always install with elevated admin rights (right click Run as Admin), that's a given for the most part. I only use compt when the game fails to start or I get an error.

    For the most part, all my FPS games have started w/o the need for Compat.

    Rule of thumb... always install directx when the game asks you to do so.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,292
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #7

    I have figured out so far that all the games released before 2006 have a bigger chance to work if I use Compatibility mode with XP. This isn't always the case, of course, but for the majority of games I own, that's exactly what I do.

    Also, I agree that all games and programs should be installed with admin priviledges without even thinking, old or new; just a couple additional clicks saves me frustration of reinstalling if something goes wrong.
      My Computer


 

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