Trying to use old software on XP

[Marke522]

Hi, Thanks in advance for the help.

I'm trying to use a map editor for an old game, Total Annhilation, and I get this strange error when I try to install the sections to the editor program. The program works fine on it's own with the tile sets that it comes with, I just can't add any of the tile sets that were made afterwards for the expansion pack.

16 bit Windows Subsystem

C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows allplications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

I have another computer that runs 98 SE, and all the files work just fine, but not on this one that runs XP. Would that be because of NTFS and Fat 32 ? Would there be a way to format a partition to use FAT 32 or would it be easier to buy another HDD and run the application from that ?

I'm a map maker for a clan, and I would really like to use this computer, it's a thousand times faster than my old Compaq.

[doctorgonzo]

It has nothing to do with the file system (NTFS or FAT32). XP just doesn't run all old games.

If you really want to do this, you may want to put a copy of Windows 98SE on the newer, faster computer and dual boot. That way you can take advantage of the speed and get it to work.

[Marke522]

Hmmm, I hadn't thought about making a dual boot, I could do that.
My HDD is 80 GB so there is plenty of room, but it hasn't been partitioned yet, I guess it wouldn't be difficult to do that.

But I don't want to have to format my current install.

Was also hoping someone might know a bit more about the Compatibility mode that XP offers, I've tried to use it before with no success, don't really understand it.

[doctorgonzo]

Compatibility mode sometimes works, sometimes not. That's about all there is to it. If you have tried it and it doesn't work, there isn't much you can do.

Is this a DOS game or an earlier Windows game?

[Marke522]

Earlier Windows game, made in 1997 for Windows '95.

Found this http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;165214 and this http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;222975 on the microsoft site, but don't think either of them will be of any help to me.

At least I know it isn't anything I did wrong.

[doctorgonzo]

Nope, it's not you. I've had mixed success with getting older Windows and DOS games to work, regardless of the compatibility modes I have tried. Sometimes it just doesn't work unfortunately.

[afvet64]

I've had similar problems and just decided to bite the bullet and get rid of the old programs. I try a couple of times to install the old 95 programs then when I decide it's not going to work, I just put the disks in the old garage sale bin or give to friends who are still running older systems. I knew this was a distinct possibility when I upgraded to XP on a new computer so wasn't really totally surprised.