Hi,

Have just purchased a new laptop with Windows 8 64 bit already loaded. I am trying to load on programs which worked fine on XP 32 bit, but they will not load. I have looked on the internet and found reference to XP Mode for Windows 7 - will it work on Windows 8 or is there an easier or better way to load these programs? Also have noticed a file "programs x86" and found references to this as being for 32 programs - any clarification would help.

Thanks.

Which program do you try to run? 32Bit programs should also work, but old XP programs should be run in XP compatibilty mode:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/get-apps-devices-working

Hi Andre,

The program is called Digger, from Macbeth Genealogy Service - basically it is a database program. Have looked on the net, and found several references to changing the compatibility tab to XP Service Pack 3. Did this, and it appears to load, but when I try to start the program I get a message that says "This app will not run on your Computer" (or words to that effect).

this is the complete error message? Does it create a log file or adds information to the eventlog?

Hi, they state on a Digger support page:  it will not work with 64-bit.  Apparently it's a 16bit DOS application.  It should work in a virtual machine with a 32bit windows guest, or in DOSBox.

Nice find that the tool is a 16bit tool (-> Proposed as answer)

Test This Solution

1- XP Compatibilty

2-XP Mode

3-Test On VM

see if your program can export GEDCOM format data, if it can, then it can be imported into a more modern project

Hi, they state on a Digger support page:  it will not work with 64-bit.  Apparently it's a 16bit DOS application.  It should work in a virtual machine with a 32bit windows guest, or in DOSBox.

• Proposed as answer by Andre.ZieglerMicrosoft community contributor Sunday, July 21, 2013 7:49 PM
• Marked as answer by Niki HanModerator Friday, July 26, 2013 9:10 AM

BDM Revival will allow you to run DOS programmes in 64 bit without Windows XP mode. Go to http://www.peppermintfence.com/BDMRevival.htm It works and it is really easy to use and has specific support for Digger programmes. :-) Jason.

I noticed idSoftware used VirtualBox to be able to make the antique games Doom and Doom 2 run on modern Windows fine.

Its open source so it can be customized if desired