Application locks during "file - save as"

[need0help0]

Hi -
I have and older application that I am trying to run in Windows 7 -32 bit.
It has run successfully in all versions of windows from 3.1 – Vista 32 bit.
The program installs and launches without issue, but when I click “file-save as” the program locks up once the “file window” opens. I cannot type a file name or select a location. Once I close the program using task manager I get an error about a “ole2disp.dll” (Any option in the “file” tab that causes the “file window” to open has the same result.)
The program runs if I create a virtual XP machine, so I don’t think the problem is with “ole2disp.dll” itself, but more one of w7 permissions. I have tried various “compatibility modes” and taking ownership and giving full control to everything I can, but still no success. (another clue … when closed through task manager it prompts me to save my work, allows me to type a file name into a slightly different looking file window…. But it always saves a new blank file.)
Any thoughts?

 

[MilesAhead]

Since it's an old 16 bit app I'd either try DosBox or look for an application that performs the same function:

Alternative Software And Apps for Windows, Linux, Mac, iPhone, Android, Web Apps/Online And Other Platforms - AlternativeTo.net

 

[need0help0]

Note - Everything works fine if use W7 to create a virtual XP machine; but there HAS to be a way to allow it to access the "file" menu....or at least I really want there to be solution that allows it to run straight up on W7.

Can anyone at least explain why it would lock at at this particular point?

 

[MilesAhead]

Kind of nebulous to try to patch up software with no name that I assume is no longer published. Unless you can find somebody else that got it to work I don't know where to go from here. Best bet may be to install XP on another partition or machine and network them to the W7 machine.