Microsoft KB Archive/317500

= HOW TO: Use Windows Program Compatibility Mode in Windows Server 2003 =

PSS ID Number: 317500

Article Last Modified on 4/18/2003

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition

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This article was previously published under Q317500



For a Microsoft Windows XP version of this article, see 292533.

IN THIS TASK

 * SUMMARY
 * ** How to Use the Windows Application Compatibility Mode
 * Program Does Not Run Correctly After You Test It with the Windows Program Compatibility Mode
 * REFERENCES



SUMMARY
This article describes how to use Windows Application Compatibility mode to manually set the compatibility properties for a program. You can use the Windows Application Compatibility mode as an alternative to running the Program Compatibility Wizard. This mode provides an environment for running programs that closely reflects the behavior of earlier Windows operating systems.

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How to Use the Windows Application Compatibility Mode
Windows Application Compatibility mode resolves many of the most common issues that prohibit earlier versions of programs from working correctly. If you run a program and it does not function as expected, Microsoft recommends that you run the program in one of the compatibility environments. To run programs in Windows Application Compatibility mode in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, follow these steps:
 * 1) Right-click the program icon on your desktop or the shortcut on the Start menu for the program that you want to run, and then click Properties.
 * 2) Click the Compatibility tab.
 * 3) Click to select the Run this program in compatibility mode for check box, and then select one of the following options:
 * 4) * Windows 95
 * 5) * Windows 98 / Windows Me
 * 6) * Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5)
 * 7) * Windows 2000
 * 8) Under Display settings, select the correct mode for the program to work properly:
 * 9) * Run in 256 colors.
 * 10) * Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution.
 * 11) * Disable visual themes.
 * 12) * Disable advanced text services.
 * 13) Click Apply.
 * 14) Click OK.
 * 15) Double-click the program.

NOTE: The Compatibility tab is available only for programs installed on your computer's 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 quit the program.

For more information about options on the Compatibility tab, right-click the option, and then click What's This.

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Program Does Not Run Correctly After You Test It with Windows Program Compatibility Mode
If your program does not run correctly after you test it with the Program Compatibility Mode, follow these steps:
 * 1) Check the program manufacturer's Web site to see if an update or patch is available.
 * 2) Check the Windows Update Web site to see if a fix or application compatibility update is available for the program. To do this, click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, and then click Windows Update.
 * 3) If the program is a game that uses DirectX, make sure that you are using the latest version of DirectX.
 * 4) Check the Web site of the manufacturer of your video adapter or sound card to see if newer drivers are available for either of them.

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