Backward Software Compatibility Mode

I am considering upgrading from my Windows XP Professional to Vista
Business or Vista Ultimate. However, I have a lot of software that
are either partially Vista compatible or the compatibility is unknown
with Vista.

Windows XP has a backward compatibility mode that can run software in
previous Windows modes- Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98/ME,
Windows 95, and Windows NT 3.51. There are a few old (but good for my
purposes) software packages installed in my Windows XP that are
running in Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 mode.

If I upgrade to Vista, I would like to continue to use these old
software packages (mostly UNIX X Server, other related Windows-UNIX
connectivity and security utilities, and Lotus SmartSuite 2000-yes
that's right, I need to have something to access Lotus 123 files and
prefer some spreadsheet features found in 123) that I still use
without having to go through the trouble and spending extra money to
find a suitable replacement for these titles. I go by the saying that
If it is not broken, why fix it?

Does Vista have this backward software compatibility feature or a
feature that is similar to this? This feature is a very important one
for me for me to use these older software packages that I regularly
use.

Personal Opinion Only!

Yes, Vista has a "compatibility mode", however, some programs that run on XP
still might not run on Vista.

I suggest, if you're currently happy with XP, that you hold off for a bit,
until after SP1.

Also, quite a few hardware issues are still common until manufacturers
provide more Vista compatible drivers.

KB

"NIV Consulting" wrote in message
news: oups.com...
>I am considering upgrading from my Windows XP Professional to Vista
> Business or Vista Ultimate. However, I have a lot of software that
> are either partially Vista compatible or the compatibility is unknown
> with Vista.
>
> Windows XP has a backward compatibility mode that can run software in
> previous Windows modes- Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98/ME,
> Windows 95, and Windows NT 3.51. There are a few old (but good for my
> purposes) software packages installed in my Windows XP that are
> running in Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 mode.
>
> If I upgrade to Vista, I would like to continue to use these old
> software packages (mostly UNIX X Server, other related Windows-UNIX
> connectivity and security utilities, and Lotus SmartSuite 2000-yes
> that's right, I need to have something to access Lotus 123 files and
> prefer some spreadsheet features found in 123) that I still use
> without having to go through the trouble and spending extra money to
> find a suitable replacement for these titles. I go by the saying that
> If it is not broken, why fix it?
>
> Does Vista have this backward software compatibility feature or a
> feature that is similar to this? This feature is a very important one
> for me for me to use these older software packages that I regularly
> use.
>

"NIV Consulting" <> wrote in message
news: oups.com...
>I am considering upgrading from my Windows XP Professional to Vista
> Business or Vista Ultimate. However, I have a lot of software that
> are either partially Vista compatible or the compatibility is unknown
> with Vista.
>
> Windows XP has a backward compatibility mode that can run software in
> previous Windows modes- Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98/ME,
> Windows 95, and Windows NT 3.51. There are a few old (but good for my
> purposes) software packages installed in my Windows XP that are
> running in Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 mode.
>
> If I upgrade to Vista, I would like to continue to use these old
> software packages (mostly UNIX X Server, other related Windows-UNIX
> connectivity and security utilities, and Lotus SmartSuite 2000-yes
> that's right, I need to have something to access Lotus 123 files and
> prefer some spreadsheet features found in 123) that I still use
> without having to go through the trouble and spending extra money to
> find a suitable replacement for these titles. I go by the saying that
> If it is not broken, why fix it?
>
> Does Vista have this backward software compatibility feature or a
> feature that is similar to this? This feature is a very important one
> for me for me to use these older software packages that I regularly
> use.

I have MYOB 13 running successfuly in compatibility mode despite dire
warnings to the contrary from Vista Business whilst attempting to
install " normally".
So YMMV with your programmes , Kristlebawl's comments are valid. - stick
with XP until you have more info.


rgds
Roberto