Old PC games not working

I recently just got a Windows 8 laptop. I have enough memory to play some old pc games I had since I was very little (so like 2000-now). I wanted to play one today, but an error came up saying that my "app" didn't work for this system. Why? I've had previous Windows softwares and it worked before with little to no hassle. So, why do my games not work?

~Thanks

Hi ZXD and welcome! I play many old games on 8 and there are many ways to get them to work. There is DosBox and VMWare and other tricks.

Would help if you gave us an example of a game you are trying to run and if it is meant for DOS, Win95, Win98, etc.

Admin (Brink, z3r010) can you move this to Gaming section?

I was trying to play CandyLand Adventure. And from what I got online (I don't have the case anymore) its for Win95.

OK, first thing to try is to open the CD and find the setup or install program. Right click on it and select properties then the compatibility tab. Check the Compatibility Mode box and the Run as administrator box. Also select the Change settings for all user button. Apply and OK out. Now double click on the install/setup file. See if that works.

Okay, I right clicked on the CD file. Then got this:



I couldn't find the Compatibility tab...

You have to right click on the CD in Computer, you should see an Open option.

Okay. That worked. Now what?

Like I said above. Post #4. Have to go for now. Will check back later. Good luck.

That didn't work....

Try the "Run compatibility troubleshooter" button at the top in post 4

Didn't 64-bit Windows drop compatibility for 16-bit programs? Could be whats happening here, Assuming he's running Win864.

vram said:

Didn't 64-bit Windows drop compatibility for 16-bit programs? Could be whats happening here, Assuming he's running Win864.

Click to expand...

True. If it is 16-bit then about the only other options are to search if someone has created an installer for it or to create a virtual machine. I like VMWare Player myself. If ZXD has 95, 98 or XP discs then should be able to get it going on one of those VMs.

It may actually work on good old Windows 3.1 also which can be run in DosBox. I know Microsoft hasn't officially made it freeware but they don't seem to be pursuing shutting down it's availability on the internet.

PS: I found this on how to create an installer but not sure ZXD is up to the task or if it is even important enough to him/her to pursue it.

ReactOS Website ? View topic - Installing 32-bit programs with 16-bit setup launcher stubs

I'd just run a VM for older stuff.

vram said:

I'd just run a VM for older stuff.

Click to expand...

Agree, that would be the easiest way if OP has old system discs.

Thanks for the help guys.

ZXD, I did find Candy Land on Ebay that includes an installer for 7&8 64bit. Thought you'd like to know.