Windows 7: Running old 16 bit on a 64 bit computer

I am in the process of upgrading my dads computer to windows 7 ultimate 64 and he wants all of his old software back on his newly upgraded computer but most of his old software was built for windows 95,98,2000 witch weans it is 16 bit and are not compatible with his computer...what can I do? is there a compatibility software, or a common workaround that I can use?

Thank you

From what I have read you cannot run 16 bit on a 64 bit OS. 32 will still handle it but not 64.

There may be a workaround but I don't know of one.

The only way i know of is,

If the program installs fine, run it.

If the program wont install, then it wont work at all.

If the program starts and you still have problems then use Windows Compatibility.

Right click the .exe icon of the program not working (Or go through My Computer - C:\\ Drive - Programs ( Programs x86 if you are using x64 bit version of windows) and then look through the list of folders for the software manufacturer or the name of the program not working - enter that folder - then look for the .exe icon) - properties - compatibility mode.

Tick the top one next to windows xp sp2, click the drop menu and choose 95.
Keep trying all versions till you have success, if nothing helps then it just plain wont work on the OS.

Hope this helps

This would be where I would say try to use the Virtual XP mode for those older apps that you still want to run.

Get a copy of Virtual Box, or VM Ware Workstation, and set up a virtual machine. If you need help in setting up a VM go to the "Tutorials" Section here on the Forums; some great information there on setting up VMs.

Also since you are using the Ultimate version you can download and install the Win 7 version of Microsoft Virtual PC along with XPM (XP Mode). Again the Tutorials section will give you some great info on the subject. Good Luck.

Also, Welcome to the "Seven Forums."

This is definitely the OP's best bet, but I wanted to mention one other idea that has allowed me to run a few programs that use 16 bit installers when the application itself is 32 bit.

Simply install the program to a folder on the desktop of a Win XP machine, then copy the folder over to Program Files your Win 7 box and run it in compatibility mode from there.

Pretty frequently this does not work, but I've successfully done it with three programs in the past.

Could you list the software he wants? Maybe we can find updates or alternatives.

If they are dos programs then you could use DOSBox or as suggested above virtualisation.

Emulation, emulation, emulation. 16bit was scrapped in any of the windows 64bit OS's. Infact, even in linux it's scrapped. You need an emulator of some sort to run 16bit.

zophar.net is a good start.

virtual machine for 16bit apps on a 64-bit OS. That's the way you do it.

I would ask him which he wants. A new 64 bit system, or run old programs. If he really wants to run old programs get him a Pentium III running Win98 if you can find one at a flea market.

Chances are if you set up some kind of virtual box he'll just keep blowing it up on you. If there's a ton of ram maybe you should go with 32 bit and just use the extra ram for ram disks and cache. Why create a 64 bit superstructure just to put a sandbox in? If he's really happier running the old stuff I'd stick with 32 bit.