Compatibility Mode in Win2KPro?

[Walter Donavan]

A post in another ng claimed there is a Compatibility Mode (like Win XP) in
Win2K Pro that makes it possible to run old software. The user said he got a
pgm to run by telling Win2K to run it in win98 mode. If Compatibility Mode
exists, I can't find it. Does it exist?

--
Walter Donavan
Author of "Revelation: The Seven Stages
of the Journey Back to God"
www.revelation7stages.com
www.1stBooks.com/bookview/15479

 

[Rick]

You need to install Service Pack 2 or later and follow these
instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q279792

Rick

 

[Steve Parry [MVP]]

A post in another ng claimed there is a Compatibility Mode (like Win
XP) in Win2K Pro that makes it possible to run old software. The user
said he got a pgm to run by telling Win2K to run it in win98 mode. If
Compatibility Mode exists, I can't find it. Does it exist?

try here

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=279792

 

[Paul]

A post in another ng claimed there is a Compatibility Mode (like Win
XP) in Win2K Pro that makes it possible to run old software. The user
said he got a pgm to run by telling Win2K to run it in win98 mode. If
Compatibility Mode exists, I can't find it. Does it exist?

On your W2K CD is a folder called "Support" with an app called "ApCompat.exe"
inside it. Run that, and use that to launch the older app that won't run.

 

[Walter Donavan]

Thank you all for the help.

Since ApCompat.exe is independent of Q279792, which is preferable to use?
Try both, and see which works?

I am particularly referring to some beloved old DOS games (on CDs) that
won't install.

--
Walter Donavan
Author of "Revelation: The Seven Stages
of the Journey Back to God"
www.revelation7stages.com
www.1stBooks.com/bookview/15479

 

[Rick]

If you prefer having a Compatibility tab available with your
shortcut properties, use Q279792.

Rick

 

[Walter Donavan]

Thank you, Rick.

Both methods appeal to me. ApCompat offers more options; Q279792 is more
convenient.

--
Walter Donavan
Author of "Revelation: The Seven Stages
of the Journey Back to God"
www.revelation7stages.com
www.1stBooks.com/bookview/15479

 

[Walter Donavan]

Yes.

But (sob) neither method would let me install/run Myst (Win95) or Sierra
Family Bundle (world's best Hearts game). The latter crashed during install.

And I suppose there is no hope of installing a couple of old DOS games that
won't run under NT.

I have hung on to this old junk because one day I will get an old computer
that can run Win98 or WInME (both of which I still have) so I can install
and play them.

--
Walter Donavan
Author of "Revelation: The Seven Stages
of the Journey Back to God"
www.revelation7stages.com
www.1stBooks.com/bookview/15479

 

[Rick]

Yes.

But (sob) neither method would let me install/run Myst (Win95) or Sierra
Family Bundle (world's best Hearts game). The latter crashed during install.

And I suppose there is no hope of installing a couple of old DOS games that
won't run under NT.

I have hung on to this old junk because one day I will get an old computer
that can run Win98 or WInME (both of which I still have) so I can install
and play them.

A dual-boot system is an option, if you have enough disk space.

Rick

 

[Paul]

But (sob) neither method would let me install/run Myst (Win95) or
Sierra Family Bundle (world's best Hearts game). The latter crashed
during install.

Both the ApCompat app and other compatibility tweak do NOT guarantee
that all older games will run. (But if the Windows games can also be
run from DOS, then try the tip below).

And I suppose there is no hope of installing a couple of old DOS
games that won't run under NT.

Try using http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/information.php for DOS games.

 

[Steve Parry [MVP]]

Yes.

But (sob) neither method would let me install/run Myst (Win95) or
Sierra Family Bundle (world's best Hearts game). The latter crashed
during install.

And I suppose there is no hope of installing a couple of old DOS
games that won't run under NT.

I have hung on to this old junk because one day I will get an old
computer that can run Win98 or WInME (both of which I still have) so
I can install and play them.

http://www.ntcompatible.com/

this site lists games that have been found to work

 

[Walter Donavan]

Thank you all! You have been so helpful!

Maybe now I can get my beloved Global Conquest (The one from Danni Bunton)
to run properly and with proper sound. It runs in W2K Command Prompt Mode,
but it uses a funny-shaped screen (same as I get during early reboot) that
looks like a bowl, and I can only use the computer's tinny speaker.

As for the dual boot idea, it is *so* obvious I never would have thought of
it! I have <20 GB used of 100 GB available (on two drives), so I have plenty
of room.

My "Que Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional" book
explains dual boot systems at great length. Windows 2K/ME, here I come!

Thanks again to everybody.
--
Walter Donavan
Author of "Revelation: The Seven Stages
of the Journey Back to God"
www.revelation7stages.com
www.1stBooks.com/bookview/15479

 

[Walter Donavan]

No luck. Application compatibility is shown in the downloads, but it merely
refers you to downloading SP3 (I am running SP4).

One question about dual boot: it seems I have to install W98/WME first, then
W2K. Can I avoid this and install W98 on top of W2K? It would save me a lot
of work.

--
Walter Donavan
Author of "Revelation: The Seven Stages
of the Journey Back to God"
www.revelation7stages.com
www.1stBooks.com/bookview/15479

 

[Rick]

No luck. Application compatibility is shown in the downloads, but it merely
refers you to downloading SP3 (I am running SP4).

One question about dual boot: it seems I have to install W98/WME first, then
W2K. Can I avoid this and install W98 on top of W2K? It would save me a lot
of work.

Unfortunately not. Win98 will refuse to install if it finds a newer
version of Windows is already installed.

Rick

 

[Bob I]

If the screen looks like a "bowl" you need to adjust the monitor itself.
There should be buttons that will open a menu and allow adjustment of
the "pincusion" setting.

 

[Steve Carter]

Walter,

Generally speaking, that's the order that they should be loaded in to use
Win 2000's built in loader. You can do it the way you would like using only
Windows products, but it's very involved. An easier way is to employ a
third party application such as Power Quest's Partition Magic (which
includes a boot manager). Just depends if the cost makes it worthwhile to
you.

See this link:
http://www.powerquest.com/partitionmagic/

If you opt for a product such as Partition Magic, be sure to read the
documentation carefully prior to proceeding.

SBC