Windows 7: Compatibility Mode

Hello Mitchell,

Sure, you can change the Compatibility Mode settings for a program at anytime without having to uninstall it.

It would be best to try installing the program without Compatibility Mode first to see if it runs properly or not in Windows 7. If not, then you can always change the Compatibility Mode settings for the now installed program to one that may work instead.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thank you Shawn, that gives me clarity not only for now but also for the future much appreciatted

You're most welcome Mitchell.

Excellent post and very helpful. I have a question regaring one element of it:

3. Click on the Compatibility tab. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: If the Compatiblity options are grayed out, then it is a 64 bit program and cannot be changed.

Why is it that you cannot change compatability options on a 64 bit program?

Is there any way around this?

The reason is that I have had to install the x86 version of Media Player Classic as opposed to the 64 bit version as I need to 'disable visual themes' and 'disable desktop composition' in order for my ATI Radeon 'theatre mode' to correctly launch the application in full screen on my second display.

Without disabling these options the application incorectly launches in a window on my second display.

As the compatability options were greyed-out when running the 64bit version of the application I had to install the x86 version instead

Does anyone know how to set these compatability options for 64bit applications?

Hello Thomsk, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You might see if you can adjust the Compatibility Mode settings for the 64-bit program using the tutorial below. It's the same in Windows 7 as Vista.

Compatibility Mode List of Programs - Vista Forums

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Brink - Thanks for the welcome and the link. I'll give that a try to see if it works for me.

Shawn:

Great article on compatibility mode. My problem is since upgrading from Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium, I get random internet disconnects when downloading anything. I was wondering if compatibility mode could be used on my modem? Never had any problems with this before upgrading to 7. Really love 7 but this is driving me nuts.

Thanks,

Rick

Hello Rick, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I do not believe this would make any difference. You might post this with all details about your connection issue that you think may help in the Network & Sharing forum though to see if we can get you a solution.

is windows vista compatibility mode available in windows 7 home premium edition as i understand you can not use xp mode unless you have more than just 7 premium?

Hello Dazzap, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Yes, Vista compatibility mode is available in all editions of Windows 7, but you will still not be able to use "Windows XP Mode" in any edition except Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, or Enterprise.