Installing programs that won't install on Win7 using Setup.exe


  1. Posts : 9
    Windows Home Premium x64
       #1

    Installing programs that won't install on Win7 using Setup.exe


    Looks like it is time to retire XP. I have some programs that I am quite attached to but they won't install on Win7 using the original disks presumably because the Win7 doesn't like the setup.exe. I have had to move my XP directories and sub directories to the Win7 machine. Since these are all 32bit programs they all work BUT there is no registry support which results in some "inconveniences".

    Three questions:
    1. Can I use Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit to make the setup.exe compatible so I can do a normal install and get registry support?
    2. If not can I use ACT to discover the registry calls and add them to the registry.
    3. Most all the info on the ACT is focused toward enterprise. Does anyone know of a tutorial or general instructions for a standalone PC?

    Thanks for your help
    ********************************************
    My decision was based on your decision not to decide :)
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  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Boa, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    You could try installing the program using XP compatibility mode on the setup.exe to see if that may help.

    You might also try using Run as administrator on the setup.exe if you have any permission or access issues during installation.

    Hope this helps, :)
    Shawn
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9
    Windows Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Had tried that but got a error "The version of the file is not compatible with this version of Windows...." and goes on to say I need to get a 32bit or 64bit version of the setup.exe. This error is the same if setup is on the CD or HD. The Troubleshoot compatibility routine is a dead end.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    In that case, it sounds like it is actually a 16-bit setup.exe file just labeled as supported in 32-bit. 16-bit will not work in 64-bit, only 32-bit and 64-bit will.

    Is there a newer version of the program available that supports Windows 7?
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  5. Posts : 9
    Windows Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Yes, I should have stated the problem was installation on a 64bit Win7 machine. The setup.exe runs and installs fine on a Win7 32bit machine. I think you are correct but I am surprised as the program executable runs fine on the 64bit without using compatibility support. Seems strange to write a 16bit setup for a 32bit executable. Still, is there any work-around you know of?
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  6. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    Not if it's a 16-bit setup. They just won't run in a 64-bit Windows.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9
    Windows Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for your help. Last thing. Do you know of any instructions or tutorials for the ACT for desktop computers?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    You're welcome. Here's more info on ACT.

    Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) (Windows)
      My Computer


 

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