Old DOS game won't run: 64-bit compatibility problem

I found one of my favorite old DOS game (I attached it).

When I try to run it I got a dialog box which displayed this error message:

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 tried every compatibility option for the exe file under
"Right Click > Properties > Compatibility"
but still it is no good.

Is there any emulator or something like that for running these kind of old incompatible 32-bit or even 16-bit applications?


My system:
Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit, up-to-date

Maybe try XP mode?

Tews said:

Those are 16bit programs and will not run on windows seven ... sorry....

Isn't there any way to run those programs? I need simpler way than using a virual PC, because that is the last option.

electrotune1200 said:

Maybe try XP mode?

Already tried it.

severedsolo said:

What was the issue with XP Mode? Did it give you a specific error message? XP Mode is integratted into Windows 7 so should give you no issues.

Now installing the "XP Mode", will report the result soon...

Are you getting XP mode confused with Compatability Mode?

I don't use XP mode myself as a VM. So I'm not really sure if XP Mode would run in x64 being that your version of 7 is x64.

severedsolo said:

Hi there hkBatousai welcome to SF if noone has said it already.

As you have Windows 7 Ultimate can I suggest you run your game in XP Mode: Download Windows XP Mode that is effectively a free 32-bit OS for you in a VM

and of course, you wont have to worry about XP modes technical limitations, as I doubt that an old DOS game will tax your PC at all

When I attepmt to download XP Mode, it makes me download this "WindowsActivationUpdate.exe". I can't continue to my download, and encounter this Windows activation pop-up every time.