(Solved) Is it possible to run XP software on Windows 7

[grandadfatboy]

Hope this is in the correct section.

 

My wife uses a programme called Printmaster 16, which she uses regularly for her card and craft making. This programme is currently installed on an 4-5 year old desktop pc. However, following a house move, on which we are doing major renovations, it really is not practical to keep setting up and taking down the desktop every time my wife wants to do some crafting.

 

Printmaster 18 is designed to run on Windows 7. However, the Windows 7 version is "rubbish" and customer reviews are all negative, so we don't want to waste our money on it. Add to that the fact the version of Prinmaster we have works perfectly well and has many templates already saved for my wife's many projects.

 

So here is the question: Is it possible to run a programme designed for Windows XP in a Windows 7 environment? If so, can someone kindly describe how installation is achieved please.

 

I realise there is the possibility of installing dual operating systems on my wifes laptop to overcome this issue, but seems a bit like overkill to me, but something I would consider doing.

 

Your advice please.

Pav

[KenB]

Hi

 

Does this help ?

click here

 

Not sure that it will run on Home Premium

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, I run quite a few older programs on my Windows 7 desktop, they all installed and work well and only had problems with one that is now to old.

A lot depends it seems on how old the program is as to whether it will run or not, so if your program is over around 8 years old, it may not.

 

However Windows 7 will sometimes tell you during the install if it cannot run it. So providing you still have the install disk or other media, I would try it first and see.

 

Otherwise it may mean buying the upgrade to Windows 7 Professional in order to obtain the Windows XP environment as per the link KenB provided. That in itself is one of the few Microsoft freebies, it's just the cost of upgrading to Windows 7 pro.

 

Nev.

[RandyL]

Give it a try. You can always uninstall it or do a system restore if it doesn't work right. I'm running some old programs on 7.

 

Keep in mind that some functions may not work. I can't remember for sure but I think my old version of Printmaster used the .hlp file extension for the help files. If that is the case then you won't be able to view the help files as 7 does not support the .hlp file type.

[Plastic Nev]

As mentioned by Randy, help files may not be directly accessible, however Microsoft have sorted that and you can now download the correct program.

 

have a look here=

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607

 

There is a lot of unnecessary stuff on that page, just scroll down to the download link for Windows 7 for the program for WinHlp32.exe. The next page sorts out if your system is 32bit or 64bit. and you just click the "Continue" button.

 

Nev.

[grandadfatboy]

Thank you very much guys. I'm just going to kick my wife off her laptop and give the download a go. If this works and I get Printmaster to work on wifeys laptop I'm going to earn so many brownie points I'll be using them for the rest of the year. I will report back with the results shortly.

 

Thanks again guys.

Ian

[grandadfatboy]

Solved: Is it possible to run XP software on Windows 7

 

I would like to apologise for my tardy reply, but I have been busy with a family emergency. I am pleased to report that with the suggestions here, I have been able to install the software onto my wifes laptop. We would both like to thank you for your assistance.

 

Thanks again.

Ian

[Plastic Nev]

Thanks for the feedback Ian and glad to hear all is sorted. No problem about being late, life does sometimes get in the way and hope the emergency wasn't too bad.

 

Nev.