I got these messages every time:
The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.The limiting factor is probably the x86-64 CPU architecture which do not allow to run 16-bit, 32-bit and 64-bit simultaneously in 64-bit OS. Still, it is possible to use VMware Server/Player or VirtualPC to run 16-bit OSes (like DOS and Windows 3.1) in 64-bit Windows.
To-do for Microsoft:
- For 64-bit Windows 7: Integrate virtualization/emulation of 16-bit software. Just double-clicking the 16-bit application should start it. Keep it simple.
- Keep the 16-bit legacy software (edit.com, edlin.exe, etc.)
o-fuckin-rly, who even uses 16-bit software?
VastaaPoistaWhy is everybody always asking that same question "Who is using 16-bit?"? It has nothing to do with the problem itself...
VastaaPoistaI need 16bit applications
VastaaPoistaThe problem is deeper. The x86-64 architecture does allow to run 16-, 32- and 64-bit applications in the same system. But 16-bit Windows and 16-bit real-mode DOS applications are a different thing. Win16 is not supported simply because Microsoft no longer cared. With DOS apps, this would be a bigger problem, because AMD have removed the V86 mode of the CPU. V86 was an early hardware-assisted virtualization system, which allowed us to run DOS apps in all versions of Windows including 3.x and 9x. But now we have AMD-V and Intel VT (already exploited by MS in VirtualPC and Hyper-V), so this should be possible again.
VastaaPoistaThanks for the info, Wiktor S. I'll edit my blog entry some day...
VastaaPoistawhy not give the user the option during install to install 16 bit compatibilty or not, and even if they want, the option to do away with 32 bit all together, so we can make one version, Windows 7 (in all the editions) no 32 bit or 64 bit version, because the disk will work on either, on 64 bit computers you can install any combo of 16 32 and 64 (as long as you have 32 or 64), and on 32 bit you can install 16 if you want it
VastaaPoistaChandler: Thanks for your reply! I have some great news for you: the problem is solved. 16-bit applications will work under the Windows XP Mode in 64-bit Windows 7! This is probably the best we can ever get in backwards compatibility support.
VastaaPoistaHmmm... I haven't found Windows XP Mode yet. There are 16 bit command line apps I use every day :-(
VastaaPoistaJohn | Retro Programming: You have to download and install it manually.
VastaaPoista1. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx
2. Download and install Windows XP Mode
3. Download and install Windows Virtual PC
great
VastaaPoista