How to Run Windows 95 Games on Windows XP

Many computer users own older software programs, such as PC games, created for earlier versions of Microsoft Windows. While many of these programs run without incident, Windows XP cannot run some programs properly using the default interface. However, Microsoft Windows XP has a utility that allows Windows 95 games to operate in "Program Compatibility Mode".

Things You'll Need

• Computer running Microsoft Windows XP
• Windows 95 computer game

Instructions

1. Insert the game CD or floppy disk into the appropriate drive. Double-click "My Computer" and select the drive in which you placed the game program disk. Double-click "Install.exe" and follow the prompts (keep clicking "Next") to install the game on the hard drive. Double-click "My Computer" and go to the directory in which you installed the game, such as the "Games" folder.

2. Right-click the program startup file (which should have an extension of .exe) and select "Properties". Select the "Compatibility" tab and check the "Compatibility Mode" box. Select "Windows 95" from the drop-down menu and click "OK".

3. Double-click the program startup file to launch the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Following the prompts when installing the game will install the game files to a default directory, such as C:\Program Files\<Game Name Here>. If you wish to install to a different drive or directory, click "Browse" when the "Install To:" window appears during the installation process.

References

• Microsoft website: Run Older Programs on Windows XP