Troubleshooting Program Compatibility Issues

A program designed for an earlier version of Windows may not run correctly. It may show an error message or simply crash to desktop. This is particularly true with older programs and games.

Change Compatibility SettingsManually change the compatibility settings. Select a compatibility mode, run the program in reduced color mode, run it in lower screen resolution, disable display scaling on high DPI settings and change privilege level.

1. Right-click the incompatible program icon on your Desktop.2. Select Properties option from context menu.3. Shortcut Properties dialog will open. Click the Compatibility tab.

a. Compatibility Mode:Select an earlier veersion of Windows. Select the version for which the program was specifically designed.

b. Reduced Color Mode:There are certain programs designed to run with limited colors. Use reduced set of colors to run such programs.

c. Run in 640*480 Screen Resolution:It indicates small-sized windows. Some programs do not support full screen mode or higher resolutions. Run such programs in low screen resolution.

d. Disable Display Scaling on High DPI Settings:Some programs tend to resize themselves automatically. The program arises when large-scale font size is used.

e. Privilege Level:This option is enabled only when you're logged in from administrator user account. Some programs need administrative privileges to perform certain operations.

4. Click Apply | OK.

Repair Program SettingsUsing Reginout repair the program settings. Many Registry entries have to be checked for incorrect references, invalid DLL/ ActiveX registration settings, and so on. Repair the program settings to sort out compatibility issues.

1. Download and install Reginout System Utilities.2. Scan for all problems detected in your system Registry.3. Fix all problems found.

Use Program Compatibility TroubleshooterProgram Compatibility Troubleshooter automatically adjusts your program settings to run on newer versions of Windows.

1. Press Windows Key + X.2. Select Control Panel.3. Click Programs icon.4. Click "Run programs made for previous versions of Windows" link under "Programs and Features" category.5. Program Compatibility Troubleshooter wizard will open.6. Click "Advanced" link.7. Click "Run as administrator" link.8. The wizard will close and re-open again.9. Click Next.10. Follow the on-screen instructions.