Windows 7: Access 97 in Win 7 64 bit

I attempted to install Access 97 ( have to use it due to the applications written in it) in Windows 7 64 bit and apparently because it can't write to the c:\windows\system32 folder the installation fails. I also tried installing it with administrative privileges and it didn't work. I installed it in XP Mode and got the same results.

Initially the installation said that ctl3d32.dll couldn't be installed, then an error saying system.mdw wasn't installed. When I try to create system.mdw using the Workgroup Administrator it fails, probably because it can't write to the /windows/system32 folder.

I am sure this is a common problem but I can't find a solution.

I am a developer so I have a ton of apps to install, but this is the only problem I have with running applications in the 64 bit Windows 7.



Any ideas?

Thanks for your help...

Probably cannot find a solution cause it is not a common problem. Not many people are going to install an application from 1997 on a modern day OS. What you are probably going have to do is create a new virtual machine, not the one that came installed as XP Mode. Might want to use Windows 2000 or even Windows 98...

Dang,
Other than this I have been able to install literally all of my applications in 64 bit Win 7 and have them work like clockwork. I hate to have one app that needs a virtual machine.

If anyone has solved this please pipe in. In the meantime I'm installing Win 98 SE in a virtual machine...

Thanks

I solved it (without the VM)! Access 97 is now running in 64 bit Win 7.

I did this Google search:
install windows inside virtual machine
and clicked on the Windows Virtual PC home page. Then I clicked Help and How To: Windows 7. Next I clicked Make older programs run in Windows 7. I viewed the video on Windows 7 Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows and went the troubleshooting route. Its running fine now.

I ran the troubleshooter on the Workgroup Administrator which allowed me to create the system.mdw that wasn't created on initial install.

What fixed it was allowing permission changes to the /Windows/System32 folder.

So far Windows 7 is a dream. The 8Gb of RAM and quad CPU certainly helps.

I have the same issue! How did you change the permissions on the system32 folder?

I have the same issue here. I tried copying files and changing owners & permissions. Still no luck.

Anyone who has solved this issue please provide detailed steps. Thanks.

Methinks RockyMtnHI is a bit too high I am having the same issue and wonder if he/she really did what was claimed.

My problem regarding this issue:

a) Trying install without troubleshooting: Windows 7 says not compatible application, and don't let me install

b) With compatibility troubleshooting: Start program button doesn't do anything

My windows version is Windows 7 professional 64 bits. SO, I cannot install office 97 (SR1) in my windows 7 64 bits

That program is 13 years out of date and is not compatible with a 64bit OS... You need to get a later version ... Office 2010 ...

I am all for getting a new version of office, but with access its not that simple. You have to convert the db to go from version to version. With one that out of date, you'd be better off starting from scratch and just importing the data.