If I install a program on Windows xp that was made for Windows 95, will it slow my computer down, or harm it?
829302
This program almost certainly will not work at all on XP.  You could try, after installing, right clicking on the .exe file, the one that initiates the program, and choosing Properties, Compatibility, checking Run this Program....and choosing Windows 95.  But in my experience, this only sometimes works.\n\nIt should not however slow your computer or harm it, if it even in fact installs.  And you can always uninstall it.  My advice, if you are going to install it, is to set a Restore Point in System Restore just before you install it, so that you can easily return to your previous state if things don't work out.\n\nBut also, I would advise you to find a different program that does the stuff that you want this old program to do, even if the more modern program does more than you want.....
1107108
If it is an upgrade CD then no, you will have no problems installing XP over 2000, but if it is a full version installing over 2k, then pay close attention to the installation.  There will come a point when it will ask you if you want to install with or without formatting.  You do not want to format.  You will lose everything.  When you chose not to format, it will say that your Windows 2000 installation will become unstable.  That is fine if you're only going to use XP.  When the installation is complete you will see not only your old WINNT folder, but a new WINDOWS folder.  The latter is XP.\n\nBefore you begin your installation, rename your Documents and Settings folder to something simple such as Docs or Documents.  XP's installation will create a new Documents and Settings folder and may erase any documents, settings and email files you have for all your users.  Making a backup to disk is highly recommended.\n\nYou may have to re-install some programs.  Especially those that rely on your registry for information.  When XP installs, it also creates a new registry.  Make sure you have your installation disks for all your hardware, games and software that you plan to use.  Even if the drivers/files are still on the computer, the new registry will not be able to find them so a re-install will be necessary.\n\nBackup, backup, backup is the best advice I can give you.\n\nGood luck.  I recently installed XP over 2k and it is great.
721605
It's probably not compatible with your operating system. For example many windows 95 programs wont work because that was 16 bit, and XP runs off 32 bit processors.\n\nYou can try changing it by right clicking the setup -> properties and changing the compatibility mode until it gives the desired effect (works lol)
434250
You can do whatever you want, i mean, i've seen WIN XP runnin on really old computers, and i couldn't believe it myself, so if someone answers "NO WAY" they obviously don't speak by experience.\n\nBut, anyway 16 MB is actually not much, if it runs, you're in for a hard time ;-)
459609
The only problem that you can encounter when going back from XP to 98 is Hard Drive partition type management., if you have windows xp installed on a NTFS HARDDRIVE im sorry to say but you have to re-partition your harddrive back to a FAT32 or FAT16 type.  First you have to back up ALL your WINDOWS XP DRIVERS, FILES, and SOFTWARE PROGRAMS.   Provided you have done all this things you have to BOOT from your WINDOWS 98 CD, then re-partition the hardisk (if you have NTFS installed), then format the hardrive for a clean install. With your type of computer its obvious that processor speed will be the issue when it comes to XP.  A slower based processor such as a PII 300mhz will go sluggish on you. On the other hand new software for Windows 98 will be scarce cuz it's software lifecycle has already diminished.  For example OFFICE 2003, AGE OF EMPIRES 3 wont run on windows 98.
373931
in general there is no major difference like Windows 2000 and XP. The only big difference is the speed of the operating system. Windows 95 runs much slower. Also a big differece is software/program compatebilty. I read in the newspaper(SF Chronicle) that a study was conducted and shown that 95% of programs/software that is created and sold today are not compatible with Windows 95.IF you are to choose between geeting a used computer with Windows 95 or 98, get neither. because if you can wait, in fall or winter of this year (2006) a new windows operating system, called windows vista will be released. then the prices of windows XP upgrade CD'S or computers will drammaticaly drop because it will be really cool!!!. good luck.
384574
Win XP is a bigger operating system, with more features built into it.  It requires more memory to run and also loads more at startup.  In most cases, it is going to be slower than Windows 98.
425865
downloaded programs will not do any harm to your computer unless they are installed on your computer. you can just delete the downloaded program by selecting and right click then delete. it just occupy your disk space. the installed programs can slow your computer speed. then you have uninstall, there may be uninstall option in the program group. otherwise your have to select add/remove program from control panel and remove the particular program.
811602
Windows XP will work on any hard drive.If u install is right, then it will work. Dont do it urself, have a technician do it.
59560
The answer to this is almost no.\n\nIf by chance the program installs all files to one location I would say 95% yes.\n\nTodays applications install the in its home folder, which is usualy located under c:&#92;Program Files and also put files in c:&#92;program files&#92;common files, c:&#92;windows, c:&#92;windows&#92;system32 and a few others.  Also some stuff is stored in the registry that the program needs to run, such as registration keys, file locations, etc.\n\nAnother thing, on most original CD's everything is heavily compressed so you dont need tons of disks to install the program.  Some programs may be 640 Meg on the CD before install, but after install it takes up 2+ Gig (nearly 3.5 times more).\n\nIf someone really knows what they are doing it can be done, but its easier to just have the original disk.
1124266
It depends how many programs and web browsers you want to re-install. Just 2000 to XP shouldn't take that long (60-75 min). Add additional time for programs and web browsers.
69595
It should already be compatible.  If not, then right-click on the shortcut or exe that you use to run the game, and click on the "compatibility" tab.  Check "Run this program in capatibility mode for:" change it to Windows 98, and try it then.  If that doesn't work, then try Windows 95.\n\nPersonally, I've never come across any Win 95/98 program that would not run in XP.
590715
Just right click the shortcut of the program icon and then go to compatibility. There you can use Win 95 /98 Compatibility\nYou can use this feature only in win xp
697752
Actually, this message is specific to Windows 95/98, so you are NOT running Windows XP. Do not use the advise from others, as most of the suggestions and software they list will not work on your machine properly. Windows XP is a completely different operating system than what you have.\n\nPlease go to the Microsoft website and read their help and support page on this specific issue. Click below, and good luck!
1076483
The builtin Compatibility Wizard in WinXP does little beyond changing your resolution and color depth to help older programs run.  \n\nIf it is a DOS-based game, as most Win 95 games, you may want to try this program called DosBox, which emulates a DOS system on WinXP.  It has its own little folder on your harddrive, and in it you put stuff that will be in your new "C" drive, like your games.  I could run the original Prince of Persia in it!
892939
You should have no problems whatever with current files, accounts, etc.  It is always a good idea to back-up your system on external media (data DVD, CD, External HD, etc...)  \n\nWhatever you do...do not turn off power (power-cycle) your computer while updating...even at the end of the instalation process...you must let it shut-down (it will prompt you at the appropriate time to do this or do it itself) and boot up or XP will no longer work.  It trashes the System32/config files.  you have to repair from the intall CD...and you then may loose the "my documents" portion of your system.  \n\nI don't mean to scare you with doom and gloom, but if you have a system that came with Xp on the HD on a "Secret Partition" then you will need find a viable copy of XP or Buy one...because Microsoft will laugh at you if you call them with this particular problem.
441763
W95INF.DLL is actually a beta version of Windows 95. A very old game you have there! You might as well throw it away.