Hi: I’ve been the process of building new databases for my tuning customer files in MS Access 2010, after which time I want to import my Lotus Approach 97 files (Dbase IV format) to it. After that point, I will retire the old dinosaur. I bought a new laptop with Windows 7 Professional as an operating system about a year and a half ago. I downloaded the Windows 7 XP Compatibility Mode and tried to install Approach on it shortly my purchase, but no cigar for Approach, PScale, and another program or two. So I’ve been running Approach on my now 8 year old Compaq XP machine, and virtually nothing else. After setting a world record for procrastination before finally getting my motor running to make the switch, I was rewarded when my Compaq started getting seriously flakey, not wanting to boot most of the time. So I called a local computer professional and explained my dilemma – that I needed to get the XP machine running long enough for me to complete the process and transfer the files from one computer to the other. He told me he thought my problems were most likely software related (he turned out to be right) and felt that he could fix it. Since I only needed the machine for one program, I had him reformat the hard drive, reinstall Windows XP (now updated to Service Pack 3 – it runs much faster now – if you have an older XP machine you should update to Service Pack 3 off the Windows web site), and put on Approach and my files. That’s all good, but now I don’t need the machine. Here’s why: He had told me that he was pretty confident that he could install Approach and my files on the Win 7 computer. I was skeptical, because the XP mode install had failed. Turns out there is another way, and it is called Program Compatibility Mode. He was right, it’s on the new machine and running fine. Doesn’t use all the screen real estate (there was no landscape mode back then). I had forgotten that my Approach 97 database was written in 1996 for Windows 95. He said that he could get most anything to run using the Program Compatibility Mode. That even includes old DOS programs, games for 386 computers, etc. I have taken the liberty of copying a description and directions for Program Compatibility Mode from the Windows web site: Make older programs run in this version of Windows Most programs written for Windows XP also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't run correctly, use the Program Compatibility Wizard to change the compatibility settings for the program. To change settings for a program manually, use the individual program's Compatibility tab. If changing the settings does not fix the problem, go to the program manufacturer's website to see if there is an update for the program. Description: Warning Warning Do not use the Program Compatibility Wizard on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs because it might cause data loss or create a security risk. Run the Program Compatibility Wizard 1. Open the Program Compatibility Wizard by clicking the Start button Description: Picture of the Start button, clickingControl Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Use an older program with this version of Windows. 2. Follow the instructions in the wizard. If you cannot install a program, insert the installation disc for the program and, using the wizard, browse to the program's setup file, usually called Setup.exe, Install.exe, or something similar. The wizard is not designed to work on programs that have an .msi file name extension. To change compatibility settings manually for a program, right-click the icon for the program, click Properties, and then click the Compatibility tab. Setting Description Compatibility mode Runs the program using settings from a previous version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked in) a specific previous version of Windows. Run in 256 colors Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors. Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution Runs the program in a smaller-sized window. Try this setting if the graphical user interface appears jagged or is rendered improperly. Disable visual themes Disables themes on the program. Try this setting if you notice problems with the menus or buttons on the title bar of the program. Disable desktop composition Turns off transparency and other advanced display features. Choose this setting if window movement appears erratic or you notice other display problems. Disable display scaling on high DPI settings Turns off automatic resizing of programs if large-scale font size is in use. Try this setting if large-scale fonts are interfering with the appearance of the program. For more information, see <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Make-the-text-on-your-scre en-larger-or-smaller> Make the text on your screen larger or smaller and <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Ways-to-improve-display-qu ality> Ways to improve display quality. Privilege level Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not available. Show settings for all users Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer. I hope that some of you might find this useful. Will Truitt -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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