BleepingComputer.com: Vista And Xp Software

Hey,

What would happen if I install Windows XP software on a Windows Vista Premium PC?
Also vice-versa.

Thanks
deanpcmad

XP software most likely won't work on a Vista system - but using the Compatibility Wizard and some other settings (such as setting all executables in the program's folder to run as XPSP2 and as an administrator) can convince quite a few XP programs to run under Vista.

As for the other way (Vista programs on XP) - it shouldn't be a problem but I haven't tried it with anything except for Office 2007

I agree. I have 39 XP programs all installed and running sweetly in Vista (32 and 64 bit) Only two required the Compatibilty option.
I don't think there are any Vista specific programs, only those recompiled to avoid the compatibility issue. I have not encountered any problems using the reverse procedure although I cannot see a lot of use for needing that facility.

The Vista compatibility list here: http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Wind...patibility_List will give some examples of incompatible apps.

Please note that incompatibility IS NOT an all-or-nothing thing. For example, pcAnywhere v11.5 is not Vista compatible - but it will run just fine until you try to automate some tasks, then it will fail and won't even notify you that it failed. Other programs will work, but will require special gyrations to use, or will require that you avoid using certain commands. When first using AVG Free on the Vista beta's, it required that you install it in Compatibility mode, then you had to dive into the Program Files directory and set all of it's exectutables to run in compatibility mode also.

This isn't a problem for those who are familiar with mucking about in the file system and the registry - but for the average user this just isn't possible. This is because there's not easy way to tell about partial incompatibilities. In my example about pcAnywhere above, my only recourse was to resort to manual tasks until v12 became available.

deanpcmad, on Sep 26 2007, 03:22 PM, said:

I moved a lot of my Windows freeware over from XP. One thing you may find though, is programs written with Borland compilers that use VCL will flicker. To get rid of the flicker in Vista Aero you have to uncheck Animate controls and elements inside windows under the Visual Effects. It's just as well to do this or else progress bars on all programs will keep starting at the beginning and surging. Rather distracting. With this unchecked the progress bars fill in similar to XP style.