Is WinXP backwards compatible with Win98 software?

[Dave]

I'm upgrading from an old Win98 PC to a new PC with Win XP home edition.
Is WinXP backwards compatible with Win98 software?
Example, Will MS Money 99 for Win98 work on a new Windows XP PC?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[Pop]

I'm upgrading from an old Win98 PC to a new PC with Win XP home edition.
Is WinXP backwards compatible with Win98 software?
Example, Will MS Money 99 for Win98 work on a new Windows XP PC?
Thanks,
Dave

For the most part, yes, especially the MS applications. For the few times
when a program has problems, XP has a "compatability" option you can apply
to a misbehaving program so that the program will think it's being run on
98. There's also a win95 option. My Money and Quicken ran flawlessly, as
did several tens of other programs I use.
If you run into problems, it's most likely to be with older games.

The only shortcoming in XP is their DOS; it's a scaled-back implementation
FOR windows, instead of windows running ON it. However, most of the things
that are missing, that you would want to use, can be ported from win98
/command folder or even the DOS diskettes. All the important stuff that
"requires" the DOS version be right is provided. You might have to go
looking for Choice & a couple of others if you use much DOS.
Regards,
Pop

 

[Dave]

Thanks again...

For the most part, yes, especially the MS applications. For the few times
when a program has problems, XP has a "compatability" option you can apply
to a misbehaving program so that the program will think it's being run on
98. There's also a win95 option. My Money and Quicken ran flawlessly, as
did several tens of other programs I use.
If you run into problems, it's most likely to be with older games.

The only shortcoming in XP is their DOS; it's a scaled-back implementation
FOR windows, instead of windows running ON it. However, most of the things
that are missing, that you would want to use, can be ported from win98
/command folder or even the DOS diskettes. All the important stuff that
"requires" the DOS version be right is provided. You might have to go
looking for Choice & a couple of others if you use much DOS.
Regards,
Pop

 

[Stephen]

Yes, most will seemlessly.

Sometimes a program will throw an error and say they can't run - BUT - that
doesn't necessarily mean you can't run it. Check this website, watch the URL
wrap:

Run Older Programs on Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/appcompat.mspx

Note though: Programs that are very OS specific - utility programs for the
OS - are most likely not to be compatible. Check the respective software
company for XP versions.

 

[Kerry Brown]

I'm upgrading from an old Win98 PC to a new PC with Win XP home edition.
Is WinXP backwards compatible with Win98 software?
Example, Will MS Money 99 for Win98 work on a new Windows XP PC?
Thanks,
Dave

Unfortunately the answer is maybe. See the following link for details on
some known compatible programs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/checkcompat.mspx

There is no way to know for sure without trying and as mentioned in another
post there are some compatibility options to help make older programs work.
Some programs simply won't work. Money 99 probably will.

Kerry

 

[Ron Martell]

I'm upgrading from an old Win98 PC to a new PC with Win XP home edition.
Is WinXP backwards compatible with Win98 software?
Example, Will MS Money 99 for Win98 work on a new Windows XP PC?
Thanks,
Dave

Most programs for Windows 95 and later will work okay with Windows 95
with some specific exceptions:
1. Antivirus and system utility type programs require versions that
are from 2002 or later, or which are listed as Windows XP compatible
by their manufacturers.
2. Specialized programs that use external authorization controls,
such as parallel port "dongles", to enforce licensing compliance may
not work because Windows XP prevents direct program access to the
hardware. Again check with the manufacturer of any such programs that
you may have.
3. Software that predates Windows 95, meaning DOS or Windows 3.x
applications and games, may not be usable with Windows XP because some
of these apps were designed using shortcuts that are not allowed in
Windows XP such as directly accessing the hardware rather than using
operating system function calls.

MS Money 99 is one program that I know for certain will work with
Windows XP as I have it installed on this computer and use it
occasionally.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[CS]

Most programs for Windows 95 and later will work okay with Windows 95
with some specific exceptions:
1. Antivirus and system utility type programs require versions that
are from 2002 or later, or which are listed as Windows XP compatible
by their manufacturers.
2. Specialized programs that use external authorization controls,
such as parallel port "dongles", to enforce licensing compliance may
not work because Windows XP prevents direct program access to the
hardware. Again check with the manufacturer of any such programs that
you may have.
3. Software that predates Windows 95, meaning DOS or Windows 3.x
applications and games, may not be usable with Windows XP because some
of these apps were designed using shortcuts that are not allowed in
Windows XP such as directly accessing the hardware rather than using
operating system function calls.

MS Money 99 is one program that I know for certain will work with
Windows XP as I have it installed on this computer and use it
occasionally.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

Microsoft did a great job on all their versions of MS Money. MS Money
3.0 (remember that version?) still works well in XP. Try doing the
same thing with an older version of Quicken. <g>

 

[Guest]

officially yes
unofficially no

The upgrade should work.

The CD has a compatability tester built into it, i suggest using that
utility before installing, so you can know.

I hope that helps you

Cheers

Quintin