32 Bit program, can't get it to run in 64 bit

Well, I've got an older program that I need to run for some car tuning software (OBD-2 Vehicle Explorer Scan Tool Browser, careful if you click the link, that website will hurt your brain reading it!). That software is the only bi-directional option for an older GM diesel truck I have.

My current laptop is a sony Vaio, and it's running window home premium. It came pre-installed on the laptop and it has the "oa" sticker.

I've tried installing/running as administrator, I've tried compatibility modes and nothing works. It refuses to even install.

Some googling turned up "xpmode", but home premium doesn't have it. Need Pro or ultimate to run it apparently. Figures I would be running "home".

Needing XPmode seems consistent with the programmers requirements: Use Windows 3.1, 95, 98, BOB, ME, 2K, XP, Vista-32 bit, 7-Ultimate, 7-Professional, 386 processor or higher, optimized for low cost mobile laptops and netbook screens.

No home editions listed there, so it must be looking for XPMode to run in Win7.

I tried a couple virtual machines, but apparently I'm not "tech savvy" enough to get that to work either.

Anyone have any "workarounds" on how I can get this program to run in Home premium?

If only it had xpmode already........

Do you get any error messages?

So the program is designed to run the listed operating systems?

I don't see how, there would any difference between Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate and Home Premium, apart from some additional features?

just this one.

From the system requirements it appears the software will run on any 32 bit version of Windows. It will also run on Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions of 64 bit Windows 7 because they support XPMode. The difference between these and home editions is in the features they support, being able to run XPMode being one of them. This is documened by Microsoft.

I don't think there is any way this software will run on your system without a virtual machine. You would need to install something like VirtualPC or VirtualBox and install a legal supported OS on that. On that OS you can install the software.

32-bit operating systems are backwards compatible with 16-bit programs.

Windows Virtual PC - Create Virtual Machine and VMware Player - Install and Setup Zorin

The VMware Player tutorial shows how to install Linux, but the concept will be the same to a certain extent.

x BlueRobot said:

32-bit operating systems are backwards compatible with 16-bit programs.

Windows Virtual PC - Create Virtual Machine and VMware Player - Install and Setup Zorin

The VMware Player tutorial shows how to install Linux, but the concept will be the same to a certain extent.

Well, this has given me a measure of success!

I installed windows virtual PC and am running XP on it. The link was immensely helpful, but I still had to do some digging around to get it all working.

That allowed the "carcode" program to install and run.

I also installed the USB driver the program usually needs in teh virtual machine.

Next step is to see if I can get it all to connect to the vehicle and run properly....

Another small success thanks to the tutorials on the forum.

Managed to tie the VM into my wireless and get my old copy of xp pro activated.

Now to see if it all will talk to the truck.

Crossed fingers and out to the garage I go.....

Success!!!


Well, mostly success.

Running in virtual PC, I take control of the USB device (obdii interface) and sometimes the program connects, sometimes it doesn't. The program wants com1 or com 2. If it's not on those I have to go into device manager and force the com port.

Then it's an "iffy" proposition whether the program will see the interface or not.

But once it finds it, everything works right. Data display, systems test, etc.

What a pita, but at least it's usuable again.

I'm glad you've managed to get the program running almost perfectly :)