how to make Windows 8 work with MS games from previous versions?

[jeffrys]

Hi guys,

cannot use Spider Solitaire, Chess, etc in Windows 8 X64.

found this on the net:

[link removed]

but that did not work for me.

Anyone having a better solution?

thanks

Jeff

 

[z3r010]

Link removed - Malwarebytes really doesn't like something on that page.

 

[jeffrys]

Ok Z, did not know that

sorry

Jeff

 

[Vince53]

Jeffrys, I've installed some Windows 95 games onto Win 8. Sometimes, you can go to the manufacturer's website, and they have free patches that raise the "Windows level" of the game. I have installed one game that was patched up to XP and another that was patched up to 7, and they both work on 8.

Although I have never known Compatibility Mode to work, you can sometimes improve a game's performance by using Compatibility mode to lower the color settings on the game.

I have never been able to get a 16-bit game to work on either XP or 7, but I tried one on 8 and it didn't work.

 

[jeffrys]

well Vince,

not with Spider Solitaire, tried a download Spider XP X64, no good, Spider Win7 X64 no good. One just cannot open the program, getting the message not compatible.....

but thanks

Jeff

 

[Calico]

I found a way to make the games work, unfortunately, I don't remember where. So, all credit to the original author and my apologies for misplacing your identity

To do this you'll need the following:

1. The Microsoft Games folder from C:\Program Files - This needs to be from a 32 bit version of Windows 7 even if you're using a 64 bit version of Windows 8
2. The cardgames.dll file from Windows\System32 - Again, from a 32 bit version of Windows 7.
2. A Hex Editor - Get a good free, no install program, from Free Hex Editor XVI32

Procedure:

1. Make a copy of the game file you wish to modify. Example SpiderSolitaire.exe - Found in the Microsoft Games\SpiderSolitaire folder
2. Open XVI32
3. Select File/Open and navigate to your Microsoft Games\SpiderSolitaire folder
4. Select SpiderSolitaire.exe
5. Open Search and enter 7D 04 83 65 FC 00 33 C0 83 7D FC 01 0F 94 C0 (copy and paste)
6. Select 7D and select Edit/Overwrite String
7. In the dialogue box, make sure Hex String is selected and type EB
8. Select OK
9. Select File/Save
10. Copy cardgames.dll to the Microsoft Games\SpiderSolitaire folder
11. Copy the Microsoft Games folder to your Windows 8 Program Files (x86) folder
12. Play.

I haven't tried the other games but I believe the same 'hack' works...

 

[jeffrys]

HI Calico,

I am definitely trying this. Post result here.

thanks

jeff

 

[jeffrys]

no Calico,

it does not work:

1) add to take ownership, but not a problem
2) followed the instructions
3) cannot play the game.

did the changes on 2 different computers. Both same result

Can it be that there is a language problem, because the only pc with Win 7 32 bit is in dutch language and both WIn8 X64 are in english.

Will try to download the English version of Spider Solitaire and when that does not work, I have to pass.

Jeff

 

[jeffrys]

well, I found on the net via Gametop Sider Solitaire that works on WIn 8 X64.

Also here, the same:Free Spider Solitaire 2010 - Download.com

Hope this passes the control.

So both work on Win 8 X64.

Jeff

 

[Calico]

It's possible the different language versions prevented this from working. However, what you see above, is the process I ran through yesterday, specifically for this post. Let me know if you don't have any luck.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Spider solitaire works fine if you just copy the SPIDER.EXE file from a running XP system.

I haven't tried the other "Windows Classic games" but I would suppose MS will incorporate these into a running W8 RTM system.

I used THIS method to get the XP games on to a W2K3 server so maybe a similar sort of "Fix" is available to install W7 games (or even XP games) on to W8.

How to convert your Windows Server 2003... to a Workstation!

cheers
jimbo

 

[Calico]

Hi there
Spider solitaire works fine if you just copy the SPIDER.EXE file from a running XP system.

True, but it's not as pretty

I haven't tried the other "Windows Classic games" but I would suppose MS will incorporate these into a running W8 RTM system.

I hope you're right but I doubt they will, that's why we have Metro Solitaire, PinballFX2, XBox Live Games and all the other games in Store.

...

 

[Calico]

By the way, Chess Titans works using the method I described above.

 

[Vince53]

I have easily installed some solitaire games from the web onto 8 and they run fine. I was surprised to realize that the 8 Preview didn't include any games when I first installed it.

 

[jeffrys]

Well finally Chess and Spider Solitaire (original Window Games) works, thanks to Calico.

So thanks Calico for your help

Jeff

 

[Calico]

Well finally Chess and Spider Solitaire (original Window Games) works, thanks to Calico.

So thanks Calico for your help

Jeff

You're welcome

 

[nedfp]

Worked for Hearts

 

[Maruss]

thanks Calico I was able to get Chess, Mahjong, Minesweeper, Purble Place, FreeCell, Hearts, Solitaire, and SpiderSolitare to work after making sure I had permissions on all folders thank you very much

 

[Enigma]

I for one dont like the Metro versions of MS's games. Just check around on the Net (search Google) and query for "Window 7 games for Windows 8" or something to that effect. I still enjoy the 7 games by MS. I have them on an external HDD but wont post links here since the site I got them from is associated with piracy. You can also copy them from another physical or virtual machine install of 7, but that was just too much effort for me. not sure about other games.

 

[Rogerwilco]

Many thanks Calico, you're an absolute genius. Spider Solitaire now working again.