Configuring Software for Windows Vista - Setting compatibility options manually

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Rather than using the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can manually configure compatibility settings. This is handy if you want to edit the settings after you configured them using the wizard.

You can set compatibility options manually by completing the following steps:

1. Right-click the program’s shortcut icon and then select Properties.

2. Select the Compatibility tab, as shown in Figure 4-6. You cannot run programs that are part of the Windows Vista operating system in compatibility mode. Because of this, the options are unavailable for built-in programs.

3. By default, compatibility options you set are for yourself only. If you want to set compatibility options for all users, click the “Show settings for all users” button, and provide consent or credentials when prompted. You will then be able to configure compatibility options for all users.
   
   
   Figure 4-6.  Choosing the compatibility options to enable

4. Select the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” checkbox and then use the selection menu to choose the operating system for which the program is designed.
   
5. Optionally, use the options in the Settings panel to restrict the video display settings for the program. Select 256 colors, 640 × 480 screen resolution, or both, as required.
   
6. Optionally, disable themes, desktop compositing, display scaling on high dpi settings, or all three, as required.
   
7. Select the “Run as administrator” checkbox if you want the program to run elevated.
   

8. Click OK. Double-click the shortcut to run the program and test the compatibility settings. If you still have problems running the program, you might need to modify the compatibility settings again.

Please check back next week for the continuation of this article.

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware.

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This article is excerpted from chapter four of the book Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide, written by William R. Stanek (O'Reilly, 2007; ISBN: 0596528000). Check it out today at your favorite bookstore. Buy this book now.