How to Use a Windows Vista Driver With Windows 7
In many cases, Windows Vista drivers will work just fine in Windows 7. However, with some devices such as older printers or graphics cards that require specialized driver utilities, differences in Vista and Windows 7 could prevent the driver from installing in the new operating system. Generally speaking, it's best to download updated driver software for your devices if available. If updated drivers are not available, though, you can install the driver software using Windows Compatibility Mode.
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Instructions
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Go to the website of the manufacturer that makes the device for which your need to install a driver. Download the latest version of the Windows Vista driver for the device.
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Click "Start," then "Computer." Open the folder that contains the driver setup file. Right-click the file name and click "Troubleshoot compatibility" on the pop-up menu.
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Click "Next" after the "Program Compatibility" appears. Wait for Windows 7 to scan the file and search for issues that might make it incompatible with the operating system.
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Click and select the option labeled "The program worked in earlier versions of Windows but won't install or run now." Click the "Next" button.
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Click "Windows Vista" in the "Which version of Windows did this program work on before?" list. Click the "Next" button.
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Review the compatibility mode modes settings on the next screen. The settings should read as follows:
Windows compatibility mode: Windows Vista
Display settings: Normal
User Account Control: Normal
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Click "Next" to test the driver installation program with the new compatibility settings. After the driver installation wizard appears, follow the on-screen prompts to install the driver normally.
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Reboot the computer when prompted to do so. The device should function normally in Windows 7. You should also have access to driver utilities or device applications included with the driver installation.
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