Running Win 95/98 games on Win XP Home

[Guest]

I recently replaced a 5 yr old PC running Windows 98
(first ed) with new PC running Windows XP Home Ed. I
still have game CDs that I used with my old PC. The game
CDs are labelled for use with Windows 95/98 mostly,
including Jane's WWII Fighters (name?) that never ran
right on the old PC.

My question is can I SAFELY install these Win 95/98 games
on my Windows XP Home PC? A fellow at a local computer
store said installing software not specifically labelled
for use with Windows XP could screw up files in my Windows
operating system. That's something I don't want to
remotely risk doing.

I appreciate your advice.

Regards,
Stro

 

[Chris H.]

Yes, it is safe. I've even run the "made for Windows 3.1" original Myst on
my system. Use Compatibility Mode. There are details in Help and Support,
and also a fine TechNet article with the full background here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx
Remember to update your games from the manufacturers' web sites before
running them. And then go back to that tech and tell him/her he/she doesn't
know what they're talking about.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP
http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Paul Smith]

My question is can I SAFELY install these Win 95/98 games
on my Windows XP Home PC? A fellow at a local computer
store said installing software not specifically labelled
for use with Windows XP could screw up files in my Windows
operating system. That's something I don't want to
remotely risk doing.

Yes you can. That follow needs his head checking.

Windows XP is very tough about letting things screw it up, games generally
wouldn't mess with Windows system files at all anyway.

Although granted there is a chance any peice of software could screw your
system up, but it's like a billion to one chance.

Windows XP has things like System Restore to un-do any "unwanted" changes
anyway.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
http://www.dasmirnov.net/windows/ Windows XP Resource Site.
http://www.smirnov.demon.co.uk/
http://www.doom3portal.com/ A Doom 3 fansite.

*Replace nospam with smirnov to reply by e-mail*

 

[E McCann]

The guy may have been thinking of *utility* software or some such, but
games... no.

Try a regular install. If that doesn't work, set the installer to run in
compatibility mode for Win98. Usually works.

 

[zag]

Hi there,

I've tried out MYST and it works as what you have suggested. But I was'nt
successful when I tried running other Pre Win 98 games s/w such as
Noctropolis, Leisure Larry, Phantasmagoria, Space Quest series, Sherlock
Holmes, PowerChessMonopoly and Voyeur. I consider this as classics

U also mentioned abt retrieving some updates from the Games Manufacturer's
site. I could find any from Sierra online, Interplay, Trilobyte, Virgin
Games, Lucas Films.

Any idea how to overcome this.

 

[Chris H.]

Are you starting the installation in Compatibility Mode, then following up
by double-checking the settings on the link you're using to launch the
games? This works only for Windows-type games, but if you have DOS games do
a little search for DOS in the subject line in this newsgroup. Jimmy has
often posted solutions for the older "classics."
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Drew Boillot]

I've tried endlessly to get games like MechWarrior 2, and USAF to work
in Windows XP Pro. I even tried that program you suggested to him as
well, and unless i did something wrong it still did not work for me.

Do you have any suggestions on those two games, or know of anyway to
get those to work?


Drew

 

[michael @ newsgroup]

Make's u wonder what kind of ppl work in computer stores, my little cousin
knows more about PC's than that moron in the store.

Example, Why would Microsoft make a new OS that doesn't support the old
software ?? (I agree there is soft. that doesnt work like it should on XP,
but thats why there are patche's ppl!! do not underestemate there power,
they are created for a reason.) Bill Gates wouldnt be rich if he did that
now would he. And besides, if the box tells u its not compatible try it
anyway, you'll never learn anything if u keep doing stuff that you know will
work, ask Jimmy S. I have seen his reply's, he knows what i mean. And if XP
doesnt work anymore install your OS again. just make shure u alway's have
back-ups and stuff to contineu working. ( a partition works great, 1 with
just your OS and one with just your soft and game's, depends on how big your
HD is). Thats the point about all thise, dont be afread to try stuff out,
you cant destroy your computer. you just have to re install the OS if it
realy goes wrong.

Sorry about this lecture. its only something for the new computer users, and
the ppl who are afread to do anything wrong. And to not alway's trust the
ppl that work in computer store's, they sometimes know less then you do.
they just act big. (sorry about mentioning your name Jimmy. but you realy
give verry good reply's

Michael