How to use the Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows Server 2003 (317517)

INTRODUCTION

This article describes how to use the Program Compatibility Wizard with computers that run Windows Server 2003. The Program Compatibility Wizard prompts you to test your program in different modes (environments) and with various settings.

For example, if the program is designed to run on Microsoft Windows NT, set the compatibility mode to Windows NT, and then try to run your program again. If this is successful, the program will start in that mode each time.

The wizard also allows you to try different settings, such as switching the display to 256 colors and the screen resolution to 640 by 480 pixels.

Most programs run properly on computers that run a member of Windows Server 2003. The exceptions are some earlier games and other programs that were written specifically for an earlier version of Windows.

If you experience problems with a program that worked correctly on an earlier version of Windows, use the Program Compatibility Wizard to help you select and test compatibility settings that may correct those problems. Many of the most common issues that prohibit earlier versions of programs from working correctly are resolved. If you run a program and it does not function as expected, run the program in one of the compatibility environments.

WARNING Be careful when you use Compatibility Mode to bypass version warnings in Setup and installation programs. Some programs are designed for a specific operating system and intentionally prohibit the use of later versions. These are most often system tools (such as antivirus, firewall, CD burning, disk management, and backup software) that run at a very low kernel mode and have the potential to cause serious problems if they are installed.

MORE INFORMATION

How to start the Program Compatibility Wizard

To start the Program Compatibility Wizard, click Start, point to Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard.

How to test programs in compatibility mode

After you start the Program Compatibility Wizard, use the following steps to test programs compatibility mode:

In the wizard, click Next.
When you receive the following message, click one of the responses, click the program that you want to correct, and then click Next:
How do you want to locate the program that you would like to run with compatibility settings?"

A. I want to choose from a list of programs
B. I want to use the program in the CD-ROM drive
C. I want to locate the program manually
When you receive the following message, click one of the compatibility modes, and then click Next:
Choose the operating system that is recommended for this program, or that previously supported the program correctly:

Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5)
Microsoft Windows 98 / Windows Me
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP
Do not apply a compatibility mode
When you receive the following message, click one of the display settings, and then click Next:
Choose the settings that are recommended for this program, or that previously supported the program correctly:
256 colors
640 x 480 screen resolution
Disable visual themes
If you are experiencing problems with menus or buttons on the title bar of the program, we recommend that you select the Disable visual themes option. By default, Windows Server 2003 uses visual themes that may change the appearance or behavior of other programs.
Choose whether you want to simulate administrative privileges, and then click Next. Note that these options typically apply to games or educational programs. If your program is not a game or an educational title, you probably do not have to select anything on this page.
When you receive the "Did the program work correctly?" message, click one of the following options, and then click Next:
Yes, set this program to always use these compatibility settings
No, try different compatibility settings
No, I am finished trying compatibility settings
If you click No, I am finished trying compatibility settings, you receive the following message:
Program Compatibility Data

Microsoft has created temporary files that contain information about the settings you selected and whether the problems were fixed. Sending this information to Microsoft will help us improve program compatibility.

Would you like to send this information to Microsoft?
Yes
No

The information will be treated anonymously and confidentially per our data collection policy on the Web.

See the temporary files that would be sent.
Note If compatibility problems prevent you from installing a program on a computer that runs a member of Windows Server 2003, run the Program Compatibility Wizard on the Setup file for the program. The file might be called Setup.exe or something similar, and it is probably on the installation CD-ROM or floppy disk for the program.

How to manually set the compatibility properties

Instead of running the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can manually set the compatibility properties for a program.

To manually set the compatibility properties for a program:

On your desktop or on the Start menu, right-click the program that you want to run, and then click Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab, and then change the compatibility settings for your program.

Note The Compatibility tab is available only for programs that are installed on your hard disk. Although you can run the Program Compatibility Wizard on programs or setup files on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, your changes will not remain in effect after you close the program.

For more information about program compatibility, click Learn more about program compatibility on the Compatibility tab.

Troubleshooting: Program does not run correctly after testing with the Program Compatibility Wizard

If your program does not run correctly after you test it with the Program Compatibility Wizard, check the Internet for updates or other fixes:

Check the program manufacturer's Web site to see if an update or patch is available.
Check the Windows Update Web site to see if a fix is available for the program. To do so, click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, and then click Windows Update.
If the program is a game that uses DirectX, make sure that you are using the latest version of DirectX.
Check the video adapter manufacturer's Web site or the sound card manufacturer's Web site to see if later drivers are available.

REFERENCES

For more information about related topics, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

294895 How to obtain the Windows Application Compatibility toolkit

For more information about how to troubleshoot application compatibility issues in Windows XP, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

285909 How to troubleshoot program compatibility issues in Windows XP

For more information about how to use Windows Application Compatibility mode, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

292533 How to use Windows Program Compatibility mode in Windows XP