XP sp3's incompatibility with 16 bit applications+installers

[Tdub]

I thought I was wise to get XP on my new Dell PC, since I needed
little problems with program compatability from the software apps I
was running on my prior SP2 XP machine. But since the new Dell XP came
with SP3 it appears I am screwed . . . SP3 doesn't (appear) to work
with 16 bit apps . . . I've spent 8 hours testing and reviewing all
the latest MS kb articles on this topic to no avail. E.g., I use a
Cpen 800C handheld scanner in my work that will not work with SP3, and
they don't make these devices anymore, the current versions don't work
unless hooked up to a computer, the old version has an LCD display and
allows you to work in the field and then come back to the office and
upload your data . . . IS ANYONE OUT THERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO RUN 16 BIT
APPS WITH SP3. IF NOT, HOW DO YOU REVERT TO XP SP2?

 

[Ron Badour]

Question 1. It makes little difference if someone has a 16-bit program
working with XP SP3 since that doesn't change the fact that your program is
not working. You might want to contact Dell and see if they have any
information. MS also offers free support on update issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?LN=en-us&gprid=6527&x=14&y=15


Question 2. If SP3 is listed in Add/Remove programs, it can be removed from
that screen. If it was included (slipstreamed) into the XP CD, I don't
believe it can be removed.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

I thought I was wise to get XP on my new Dell PC, since I needed

little problems with program compatability from the software apps I
was running on my prior SP2 XP machine. But since the new Dell XP came
with SP3 it appears I am screwed . . . SP3 doesn't (appear) to work
with 16 bit apps . . . I've spent 8 hours testing and reviewing all
the latest MS kb articles on this topic to no avail. E.g., I use a
Cpen 800C handheld scanner in my work that will not work with SP3, and
they don't make these devices anymore, the current versions don't work
unless hooked up to a computer, the old version has an LCD display and
allows you to work in the field and then come back to the office and
upload your data . . . IS ANYONE OUT THERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO RUN 16 BIT
APPS WITH SP3. IF NOT, HOW DO YOU REVERT TO XP SP2?

Here's something you can try. Right click the program's icon and do
Properties. You should see a Compatibility tab. From the drop down
menu, try choosing the choosing "Run This Program In Compatibility
Mode" checkbox and use Win95. See if it helps. I haven't heard of many
16-bit issues mentioned here since SP3 was released.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[HeyBub]

I thought I was wise to get XP on my new Dell PC, since I needed
little problems with program compatability from the software apps I
was running on my prior SP2 XP machine. But since the new Dell XP came
with SP3 it appears I am screwed . . . SP3 doesn't (appear) to work
with 16 bit apps . . . I've spent 8 hours testing and reviewing all
the latest MS kb articles on this topic to no avail. E.g., I use a
Cpen 800C handheld scanner in my work that will not work with SP3, and
they don't make these devices anymore, the current versions don't work
unless hooked up to a computer, the old version has an LCD display and
allows you to work in the field and then come back to the office and
upload your data . . . IS ANYONE OUT THERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO RUN 16 BIT
APPS WITH SP3. IF NOT, HOW DO YOU REVERT TO XP SP2?

Hmm. We've got bags of 16-bit DOS programs that run under XP-SP3. We've got
several 16-bit Windows programs that run under XP-SP3 (e.g., Goldmine 95).

I suspect that your problem is NOT with SP3 - or at least not directly.

From a review:
"But --- oi-v-voi --- the download problem is major. The factory product (I
got mine straight from the USA distributor) will not work with Windows XP.
The system simply does not recognize the pen's existence. Technical support
(Sweden) advised me to download a patch from their website."