Windows 8 Bible

Installing Incompatible Programs

To install an older program, first try installing it normally. For example, if it’s on a CD, insert the CD and wait for the installation program to appear automatically. If nothing starts automatically, open your Computer folder (open File Explorer and choose Computer). Then click the icon to open the drive that contains the installation disk and double-click the setup launcher program (typically setup.exe, setup, install.exe, or install). If Windows 8 determines that the program is older, you’ll see the Program Compatibility Assistant.

If you believe that the program installed normally, just click the option that indicates that the program installed properly. Otherwise, click the option that specifies compatibility mode. Windows 8 assigns some compatibility mode attributes to the program and tries the installation again. With any luck, the second try will do the trick.

If you still have problems, here are some things to consider:

• If you’re installing from a standard user account, log out and log in to an administrative account; then try to install from that account.
• If you have to create any file or folder names, use old 8.3 conventions (keep filenames to eight characters maximum with no blank spaces).
• If you get stuck in an installation program, use the Applications tab in Task Manager to end the stuck program. See Chapter 42 for details on Task Manager.

If all else fails, contact the program publisher (if it’s still in business) or look for ...