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Through Properties Page
1. Right click on the program's shortcut, .exe file, or installation program.
2. Click on Properties.
3. Click on the Compatibility tab. (see screenshot below)
4. To Run a Program in Compatibility Mode -
NOTE: Runs the program using settings from a previous version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked in) a specific previous version of Windows.
A) Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for box. (see screenshot below)
B) Click on the drop down menu arrow and select which version of Windows the program was made for. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Always pick the latest Windows version the program was written for to have a better chance of it running properly in Windows 7.
Warning
MSI files will only have the Previous version of Windowsoption available for it. This option will allow Windows 7 to automatically use the previous version compatibility mode it thinks is best for the MSI file to run properly as. You will not be able to do steps 5 and 6 below.
5. To Change the Settings for a Program -
A) Check or uncheck the settings you want for the program. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: See the table below the screenshot for a description of each setting.
Setting Description
Run in 256 colors Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors.
Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution Runs the program in a smaller-sized window. Try this setting if the graphical user interface appears jagged or is rendered improperly.
Disable visual themes Disables themes on the program. Try this setting if you notice problems with the menus or buttons on the title bar of the program.
Disable desktop composition Turns off transparency and other advanced display features. Choose this setting if window movement appears erratic or you notice other display problems.
Disable display scaling on high DPI settings Turns off automatic resizing of programs if large-scale font size (DPI) is in use. Try this setting if large-scale fonts are interfering with the appearance of the program.
6. To Change the Privilege Level of a Program -
NOTE: Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not available.
A) Check or uncheck the Run this program as an administrator box to enable or disable this option. (see screenshot below)
7. To Change All of These Settings Above for All Users -
NOTE: Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.
A) Click on the Change settings for all users button. (See screenshot below)
B) Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 in this window to apply them to all users on the computer. (see screenshot below)
C) Click on OK.
8. Click on OK to apply the changes.
OPTION TWO
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Through Troubleshoot Compatibility
Note
This option is to troubleshoot compatibility of a program by using a wizard to let Windows 7 help decide what is best to try and make the program compatible.
1. Right click on the program's shortcut, .exe file, or installation program, and click onTroublshoot compatibility. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You will not have the Troublshoot compatibility option available for pinned items in theStart Menu or on the taskbar.
2. You will see this for a moment while Windows 7 is detecting what the issues may be with the program. (see screenshot below)
3. The wizard will now give you a list of choices to choose from. Select the option you would like to try, then follow the rest of the onscreen instructions until you are through troubleshooting the compatibility issue with the program. (see screenshot below)
Through Properties Page
1. Right click on the program's shortcut, .exe file, or installation program.
2. Click on Properties.
3. Click on the Compatibility tab. (see screenshot below)
4. To Run a Program in Compatibility Mode -
NOTE: Runs the program using settings from a previous version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked in) a specific previous version of Windows.
A) Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for box. (see screenshot below)
B) Click on the drop down menu arrow and select which version of Windows the program was made for. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Always pick the latest Windows version the program was written for to have a better chance of it running properly in Windows 7.
Warning
MSI files will only have the Previous version of Windowsoption available for it. This option will allow Windows 7 to automatically use the previous version compatibility mode it thinks is best for the MSI file to run properly as. You will not be able to do steps 5 and 6 below.
5. To Change the Settings for a Program -
A) Check or uncheck the settings you want for the program. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: See the table below the screenshot for a description of each setting.
Setting Description
Run in 256 colors Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors.
Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution Runs the program in a smaller-sized window. Try this setting if the graphical user interface appears jagged or is rendered improperly.
Disable visual themes Disables themes on the program. Try this setting if you notice problems with the menus or buttons on the title bar of the program.
Disable desktop composition Turns off transparency and other advanced display features. Choose this setting if window movement appears erratic or you notice other display problems.
Disable display scaling on high DPI settings Turns off automatic resizing of programs if large-scale font size (DPI) is in use. Try this setting if large-scale fonts are interfering with the appearance of the program.
6. To Change the Privilege Level of a Program -
NOTE: Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not available.
A) Check or uncheck the Run this program as an administrator box to enable or disable this option. (see screenshot below)
7. To Change All of These Settings Above for All Users -
NOTE: Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.
A) Click on the Change settings for all users button. (See screenshot below)
B) Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 in this window to apply them to all users on the computer. (see screenshot below)
C) Click on OK.
8. Click on OK to apply the changes.
OPTION TWO
________________________________________
Through Troubleshoot Compatibility
Note
This option is to troubleshoot compatibility of a program by using a wizard to let Windows 7 help decide what is best to try and make the program compatible.
1. Right click on the program's shortcut, .exe file, or installation program, and click onTroublshoot compatibility. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You will not have the Troublshoot compatibility option available for pinned items in theStart Menu or on the taskbar.
2. You will see this for a moment while Windows 7 is detecting what the issues may be with the program. (see screenshot below)
3. The wizard will now give you a list of choices to choose from. Select the option you would like to try, then follow the rest of the onscreen instructions until you are through troubleshooting the compatibility issue with the program. (see screenshot below)
