old game won't work

[Guest]

Hello!
I'm trying to get a really old (1994) Microsoft PC game to work on my XP
computer. Apparently, it's not doing well at all! The game is called
Microsoft Ancient Lands and its System Requirements were that it needed at
least a 386SX and Windows 3.1 (remember those?!). I thought that Windows was
made to be able to play games that were 'under' the latest versions. When I
put in the disk and do Start/Run/D:\setup the main screen of the game comes
up, but then the hourglass just turns and turns and I eventually get a (Not
Responding) message on the top 'tool bar'. This program is a great reference
source and I'd really like to be able to use it - any chance? Thanks much!

 

[Chris H.]

Most of the "older" games will run perfectly well on Windows XP. Some need
to use Compatibility Mode (details are in Help and Support), and this
TechNet article will help you:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx

Basically, what Compatibility Mode does is allow the older program to
"think" it is being installed on the operating system for which it was
designed. You also need to pay attention to the game's requirements, and
some need to be installed using Compatibility starting with the installation
itself by going to Start/Run/Browse and locating the install.exe or
setup.exe file on the root of the CD. You can right-click that file, follow
the pattern to use Compatibility Mode and have it install.

After the install, make sure to update the program from the web site of the
creator, then right-click the icon you'll use to launch the game and make
sure the proper Compatibility settings are ready. You also need to make
sure the proper display and color settings are selected.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -