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Windows 7: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7?
- 8/28/09 1:18 PM
Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7?
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 8/28/09 1:18 PM
Question:
Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7?
Hi CNET, I'm planning to upgrade to a new desktop when
Windows 7 becomes available. But I have a lot of programs on
my current XP Home system that I want to continue running.
Some of them are fairly new, and I don't want to pay to
upgrade all of them. I've heard about some sort of XP
virtualization program on Windows 7 that will allow me to run
XP programs. Is this true? Could someone explain to me how
this works? Would it allow me to run my current programs on
a new system? If this isnt the case, is there anything I
can do to run my current XP programs on Windows 7 or am I out
of luck? Thanks!
--Submitted by Bryan from Wilmington, Del.
Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.
XP programs on Windows 7... --Submitted by Watzman
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3108559#3108559
Windows XP program compatibility --Submitted by RyGuy121
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3108645#3108645
Running older programs on XP... --Submitted by Wolfie2k5
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3108752#3108752
Most newer software will work --Submitted by ramarc
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3108531#3108531
Most XP programs will work in Win 7 --Submitted by buckstermcgee
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3108639#3108639
Wait there's more below, so please continue reading all the advice in the the discussion thread below.
If you have any additional advice for Bryan, please click on the reply link below and post it. Please be as specific as possible when posting an answer and if you have resources to share link to them in your posts. Thanks!
most newer software will work
by ramarc - 8/21/09 6:26 PM In reply to: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
generally, if it runs ok in vista it will run ok in win7. if it's wonky in vista, it probably won't run in win7 since they provide virtualization to run a full xp install within win7.
if you're not running vista, run both the vista and win7 upgrade advisors to root out any software on your pc that is known to be problematic.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx
you can also compatibilty for specific apps in vista using this tool (a win7 tool should be out next month): http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/
Best Solution: Run each Windows OS on a Virtual PC
by USA_IT_Consultant - 8/22/09 12:07 PM In reply to: most newer software will work by ramarcMuch Better Solution:
It is worth your time to read the full article here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Virtual_PC
Overview:
Windows Virtual PC
The successor to Virtual PC 2007, Windows Virtual PC, entered public beta testing on April 30, 2009,[1] and is intended for release alongside Windows 7.[2] Unlike its predecessors, this version supports only Windows 7 host operating systems and requires hardware virtualization support (see Requirements).
Windows Virtual PC includes the following new features:[3]
USB support and redirection connect peripherals such as flash drives and digital cameras, and print from the guest to host OS printers
Seamless application publishing and launching run Windows XP Mode applications directly from the Windows 7 desktop
Support for multithreading run multiple virtual machines concurrently, each in its own thread for improved stability and performance
Smart card redirection use smart cards connected to the host
Integration with Windows Explorer manage all VMs from a single Explorer folder (%USER%\Virtual Machines)
Down & Dirty Overview:
Windoes Virtual PC (for Windows 7) will allow you to create multiple virtual PCs. Each Virtual Windows has its own reality that beleives it is all alone with its hardware, and sees the other Virtual Window as a Networked PC. It is kind of like setting up your different users on one workstation, each user has thier own set of desktop shortcuts, programs and so on. But, there is a huge difference: When you create and log onto the next Virtual PC, it can have a different operating system. Each Virtual Windows ownes its own RAM, Hard Drive, registry, USB and so on. It is a great idea to set up two Virtual Windows with Windows 7. Call one Business and the other one Gaming. Log into both. Each Virtual Window will see the other one as a networded PC. If you install that new game from a stranger off the Internet, and it has a nasty driver that totally hoses up your registry and video drivers... your Business Virtual Window is untouched. Hey, you can even back up just your Gaming Virtual Window to restore it very quickly!
Practical Uses:
When the first Intel i-7 processer on Dell portable PC were available (don't ask the price!) a member at the Fox Pro Users group ran Window 7 RC1 with Windows Virtual PC. He had a Virtual PC running Microsoft SQL Server 2000, another one running SQL Server 2005, Running Windows 7 for Visual Fox Pro (latest), another one running Windows 7 for the next to last version of Visual Fox Pro, then he even had Windows 2000 for older Visual Fox Pro...
Bottome line: he had one single Portable running multiple OS to support ever version of Fox Pro (and that goes back a ways), they all appeared to be networked to share data.
With a three key click, he could hide or bring up any of these, they were all running at the same time.
Ideally, you want to run beta software on its own Virtual Window so it does not affect your production version.
So, if grandpa just learned Windows XP and is spitting on your 24" LCD monitor because he hates running Windows 7, don't send him off to the old age home. Modernize and let grandpa log in to Windows XP.
Wait until you see the price of Virtual Windows before making your decision!
Best answer!
by ixxixxi - 8/29/09 1:39 PM In reply to: Best Solution: Run each Windows OS on a Virtual PC by USA_IT_ConsultantWhy move to Windows 7 and pay hundreds of dollars? Have you ever thought about Linux? It's free and the contributions from the Linux community have made it absolutely spectacular. I use Ubuntu (9.04) and if youre looking for some visual asthetics, the compiz fusion desktop is awesome. None the less, you can get free games, office software and many other productive and entertaining software. Do some research before you pay to upgrade 
Some popular current Linux distros:
Suse (11.1)
Ubuntu (9.04)
Fedora (11)
Debian (5.0)
Ever hear of gaming?
by villanim - 10/17/09 7:33 PM In reply to: Best answer! by ixxixxiBecause Linux does not support games (Crysis, Bioshock et al), broadcom NIC's, steep learning curve, the latest and greatest hardware support is minimal at best, you have no tech support if something should go wrong or not work properly other than Linux communities, and their answers are just as varied as the answers here. Let's also not forget how difficult Linux is not only to install but to compile. I will not even get into the command line interface.
another episode
by puma - 8/29/09 8:49 AM In reply to: most newer software will work by ramarcespecially after the vista episode, why would anyone chance win7? many corporations skipped vista all together and likely will do the same with win7... for the average home consumer, why should they spend all this time researching about whether their hw & sw can support it? or spend time troubleshooting it? or spend time upgrading the hw and configuring it? ...when will ms allow us to work with our computers rather than work on it?
for those of you who will waste your time & money and still can not make win7 work like you thought it would, there is many variants of *nix operating systems that will meet your needs...
"root out"?
by duopodcast - 8/29/09 10:28 AM In reply to: most newer software will work by ramarcRoot Out - any software that M$ no longer supports? That's the same kind of effete smug attitude that makes M$ so reprehensible. A table lamp I bought in 1960 somehow still manages to work when I plug it in to my wall. My VHS tapes still work in my player.
M$ doesn't run the world; maybe someday they'll learn to fit in better.
XP Programs on Windows 7 ...
by Watzman - 8/21/09 6:58 PM In reply to: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
GENERALLY, you will be able to run most XP programs on Windows 7 (for that matter, you should be able to run most programs period. I still use both some DOS programs and some Windows 3.1 programs and they still work).
There are, however, exceptions. The number of "problems" that you have will be greater if you run the 64-bit version of Windows instead of the 32-bit version (and this applies to the 64-bit versions of XP and Vista as well).
One solution to this that will work in SOME cases (note, only ***SOME***) is to run XP programs (or Windows 98 programs, or Windows 3.1 programs) in a "virtual" OS. In this case, you are running the programs under the operating system that they were actually written for, so OS compatability problems are solved. HOWEVER, they are running on a "Virtual PC", and that can introduce a new, different set of problems.
Some caveats here:
"Virtual PC" has been around for a while and is now a free Microsoft product. HOWEVER, you need a copy of each operating system that you want to install under virtual PC. And it will need it's own product key and you will have to activate it and it will have to be "validated" (does not apply to pre-XP OS').
So, one bottom line here is that you are typically going to have to acquire a full, legitimate copy of the OS in question (XP ??), and typically that is going to cost $100 to $300 depending on where and how you buy it (and ignoring the fact that in the not too distant future, you will not be able to buy it, because it will have been completely and totally discontinued (technically, it's discontinued now, but at this time, copies are still available)).
Another problem is that Microsoft's licenses forbit running some versions of some OS' on a "virtual" PC. For example, use of Vista Home on a virtual PC violates the terms of the EULA. But it's permitted with Vista Business.
Yet another problem is that SOME of the "Virtual PC" environments will run only on processors that support "virtualization technology", a set of hardware enhancements inside the CPU. There has been, until recently, very little rhyme or reason as to which CPUs had this and which didn't. In the case of Intel processors, for example, some "Core Duo" and "Core 2 Duo" have this feature and others don't. It's not a given that either faster or more expensive CPUs have it and less expensive or slower ones don't .... and it's not easy to tell if your CPU has it or doesn't. So you may be planning on circumventing some issue by using some form of "Virtual PC" and then you may find out that your planned solution won't run on your PC becasue your CPU doesn't support "Virtualization Technology". [There are programs you can run that tell you if your CPU does or does not support it.]
Windows 7 Professional will allow the FREE installation of "Virtual XP Mode". It doesn't come with the OS, but you can download it and install it free. This is basically "Virtual PC" BUT it COMES WITH a fully licensed, legal copy of Windows XP Professional that will activate and validate. That's the good news. The bad news (as I currently understand the situation) is that it does not work with Windows 7 Home Premium (or lower) and that it does require that the CPU have hardware "virtualization technology".
One final caveat, for the most part the "Virtual PC" technologies don't work when the hardware requires direct interaction with hardware. In particular, various device drivers of all types and USB devices have been problematic. So if the XP program that won't work under Vista or Windows 7 is, for example, a custom film scanner program that requires installation of hardware level drivers for the scanner and/or that interacts DIRECTLY with the hardware (e.g. not through a device driver), the entire "Virtual PC" approach may well not work. But there is no way to be sure other than to try it.
THANK YOU WATZMAN !!!!!!
by john3347 - 8/28/09 6:00 PM In reply to: XP Programs on Windows 7 ... by WatzmanYet another problem is that SOME of the "Virtual PC" environments will run only on processors that support "virtualization technology", a set of hardware enhancements inside the CPU. There has been, until recently, very little rhyme or reason as to which CPUs had this and which didn't. In the case of Intel processors, for example, some "Core Duo" and "Core 2 Duo" have this feature and others don't. It's not a given that either faster or more expensive CPUs have it and less expensive or slower ones don't .... and it's not easy to tell if your CPU has it or doesn't. So you may be planning on circumventing some issue by using some form of "Virtual PC" and then you may find out that your planned solution won't run on your PC becasue your CPU doesn't support "Virtualization Technology". [There are programs you can run that tell you if your CPU does or does not support it.]"
Thank You for pointing this condition out. I believe that MANY, MANY users are going to be disappointed, even terribly upset, when they find that their new computer, or their old computer with a new $300 operating system, will not run Virtual XP. I have perused the Intel charts and there are more currently available processors that do NOT support "Virtualization Technology" than do. If a prospective buyer intends to use this feature, they MUST ascertain that their processor supports this technology.
As you point out, there is no obvious rhyme or reason to processors with and without this technology. Each processor number must be verified individually.
xp programs on windows 7
by otj1 - 8/29/09 3:14 PM In reply to: XP Programs on Windows 7 ... by Watzmani agree that there are xp programs and applications that work on vista. i also discovered that the same programs that do not work on the latter os's 64-bit versions do not work also on its 32-bit counterpart, especially the children's educational programs like jumpstart. i think this should be fully resolved before microsoft releases windows 7, otherwise it will just end up in the burner like vista.
XP Programs on Windows7
by sirpaul1 - 8/21/09 7:00 PM In reply to: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Yes! It comes with XP mode. The downside is that you will only have XP protection. Windows7 protection goes "Poof"!
Most Software Should be Backward Compatible
by galvang - 8/21/09 7:02 PM In reply to: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
With the new operating system (OS), software application programs should be backward compatible. Although, the majority of the time as with new OSs it will not be perfect. The new OS will have software bugs or errata that may render the applications to have minor hickups. As time goes on along with OS updates these issues should be to a minimal to almost zero defects.
A lot of it is.
by PsychGen - 8/28/09 5:43 PM In reply to: Most Software Should be Backward Compatible by galvangWindows will probably find a fix for this now that I've opened my mouth. I have several gigs of LEGACY software. Stuff I downloaded and used from the days of my first windows 3.2 system. It runs the gamut from win 3.2, 95,98se, XP. the programs all reside in a folder on a remote network drive simply named software. My Vista machine has no trouble running any of the legacy software. What I find really interesting is these programs are not installed on the vista machine. I launch the Apps EXE and it runs just like it had been installed. It works for me, don't really care why, just find it interesting.
XP software on Windows 7
by waltjones40 - 8/21/09 7:39 PM In reply to: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Most works without any problem. At my company, we have a POS system that won't run under Vista, but runs fine under windows 7 (Beta & RC) with a little tweaking. Programs like Office 2000, 2007, and 2003, Firefox, even Magic Jack run great on Windows 7. With the RC, Magic Jack runs with no problem. It's definitely faster then Vista. The Virtual PC and Virtual XP are free downloads and run literally any XP program. The only caveat is audio recording software. I do free-lance reporting and found that under Windows 7, you cannot record audio from the Sound Mixer like you can under XP. The audio driver hides the mixer as a recording device. Most anti-virus & anti-malware programs work fine under it also. I installed Zoo Tycoon 2 and it worked. The expansion packs required administrator access to install. All in all, it's worth it to upgrade to Windows 7.
Yes, Mostly.......
by haloviper - 8/21/09 7:46 PM In reply to: Can I run my current Windows XP software programs on Windows 7? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
With Microsoft's "Virtual PC" and "XP Mode" you can run many older software titles under Windows 7 but you must have a processor in your computer that has "Virtualization Technology" support. Many AMD and Intel processors do and some do not. I have also been told by other industry professionals that I know that the virtualization technology built in to the AMD chips works better than the Intel chips in XP Mode. I have been using Windows 7 RC with XP Mode on a AMD Phenom II AM3 machine and I have run older XP titles successfully.
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