Sometimes after updating to a new Windows version some beloved applications fall by the wayside since older software does not run at all or only with errors under Windows 7. In some cases manufacturers offer updates for their applications which solve those problems. To save Microsoft's honor: In comparison to the Windows Vista launch only a fractional amount of applications do not run under Windows 7. Most of the times software is affected which already caused problems under Vista. Furthermore there are still numerous programs that do not work on the 64 Bit Microsoft OS.

Popular games or applications which could cause problems under Windows 7 are Flight Simulator X: Acceleration, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009, G-Data Internet Security 2009, True Crypt Version 6.2a, Nvidia Nforce2 or Assassin's Creed. The problems with games are often caused by incompatible copy right drivers. There are many more incompatibilities which can be found in our gallery below.

We still do our compatibility tests so we are very happy about any feedback. We cannot replicate all problems, sometimes bugs can only be found on a test PC. Please note that many problems depend on the system configuration and not on Windows 7. We also recommend the Windows 7 compatibility center.

Windows 7: Compatibility mode
The compatibility mode simulates an older operating system so that the software will run without any problems. The whole Microsoft 32 Bit OS product line-up is available: Windows 95/98/ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP Service Pack 2, XP Service Pack 3, Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Vista, Vista Service Pack 1 and Vista SP 2. For accessing this menu you do a right click of the program or the shortcut, click on "properties” and select the option "compatibility”.

Windows 7: Virtual XP
For Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate there is a free download of Virtual PC RC including Windows XP license available. In conjunction with an especially adjusted Windows XP version "VHD” a seamless integration with the interface is possible: Windows XP applications can be started from the start menu as usual and are visible in the task bar - only the design of the related window reveals its XP origin. However, support of virtualization technology is required - IVT with Intel and AMD-V with AMD systems.

Windows 7: Parallel use of Windows XP
In case you cannot run your favorite software despite all efforts and neither compatibility mode nor virtual XP are of any help you still will be able to run Windows XP or Vista parallel to Windows 7.





More interesting articles about Windows 7:
• Windows 7 launch in Asia: Masked warriors and groupies
• Windows 7 is on sale - 177 million licenses until end of 2010
• Windows 7: Virtual XP Mode reaches RC status
• Windows 7 with integrated Windows XP