Windows 7 and Backwards Compatability

I read that Windows 7 would allow you to play old games. I just got a new machine yesterday and tried it. I can't install my old, old games because of the 64 bit vs 32 bit. What can anyone tell me about this? Is it possible to get old games to run on Windows 7? 

Former War in the Pacific Test Team Manager and WitP AE Beta Tester and current WiR Test Team Member

By any chance are your old, old games 16 bit? My understanding is that 32 bit games run on 64 bit systems and 16 bit games run on 32 bit systems but not on 64 bit systems.

Shelldrake


By any chance are your old, old games 16 bit? My understanding is that 32 bit games run on 64 bit systems and 16 bit games run on 32 bit systems but not on 64 bit systems.

Most likley. I tried to instal Star General an old SSI game.

Former War in the Pacific Test Team Manager and WitP AE Beta Tester and current WiR Test Team Member

I am saddened that I cannot get old trusty Panzer General II to install :(

I was hoping I could finnaly clear out all the old machines I have. But I guess not.

Former War in the Pacific Test Team Manager and WitP AE Beta Tester and current WiR Test Team Member

Well, good old Microsoft wants your money, my man.

Win 7 compatability modes are extras that require Professional or Ultimate (if I understand things correctly.)

That being said, reports are that the compatibility modes are far and above anything supplied in XP.

Microsoft wasn't really listening to us gamers when they wrote Win 7. Or they figure we have disposable income to spend on Professional or Ultimate.

I'm not dinging Win 7, per se. I do think it is a vast improvement over Vista but having to pay extra for compatiblity erks me a bit.

klkern


Well, good old Microsoft wants your money, my man.

Win 7 compatability modes are extras that require Professional or Ultimate (if I understand things correctly.)

That being said, reports are that the compatibility modes are far and above anything supplied in XP.

Microsoft wasn't really listening to us gamers when they wrote Win 7. Or they figure we have disposable income to spend on Professional or Ultimate.

I'm not dinging Win 7, per se. I do think it is a vast improvement over Vista but having to pay extra for compatiblity erks me a bit.

Ah... I didn't know that.

Former War in the Pacific Test Team Manager and WitP AE Beta Tester and current WiR Test Team Member

Here is a link to an article on bit-tech that describes the results of testing 60 different games on Windows 7. Unfortunately it seems that XP compatibility mode did not prove too useful!

http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2009/10/22/windows-7-games-compatibility-testing/1

UKyank


I am saddened that I cannot get old trusty Panzer General II to install :(

Ditto. The only game I have had a problem with. The "good" news is that game goes a ways back....