Downsides to Windows 7 compatibility mode?

[Hulk]

I'm getting ready to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. I have the computer parts coming in, it's a new build.

I have some old software that is working fine and I'd rather not spend the money to upgrade. CorelDraw 11, Quickbooks 99 (yeah I know really old) to name a few.

I realize that the compatibility mode will be slower than running native software in 7 but since speed isn't a factor with these applications I'm wondering if there are any other downsides to Windows 7 compatibility mode that I should know about before going to route?

Thanks for any tips.

Mark

 

[SimMike2]

Did you run the Windows upgrade adviser? And if so, did it tell you those pieces of software were incompatible? The old software programs that give people the most incompatibility issues are ones that use the hardware, like games and video editing software, for instance.

 

[Hulk]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't actually put the new computer together and loaded the software yet. I'm just getting ready. I used the MS Compatibility Advisor website to see which software I'm going to have a problem with. But you're right, before jumping to conclusions I should probably just go for the installs. Thing is I'm going to go with Windows 7 64 bit so I'm pretty sure my 32 bit software won't work right?

 

[imported_brandon]

The 64bit x86 versions of Windows have a 32bit compatibility layer that allows the vast majority of 32bit software to run with little to no problems.

 

[Nothinman]

I realize that the compatibility mode will be slower than running native software in 7 but since speed isn't a factor with these applications I'm wondering if there are any other downsides to Windows 7 compatibility mode that I should know about before going to route?

Just that it's done in a best effort manner and some software just expects weird/buggy behavior and just won't work. Speed should be the same, all compatibility mode really does is lie about the version of windows, load older versions of libraries, etc. You really won't know how good or bad it'll work until you try it.

The 64bit x86 versions of Windows have a 32bit compatibility layer that allows the vast majority of 32bit software to run with little to no problems.

AMD64 CPUs run 32-bit instructions at full speed, all WOW64 really does is redirect library load requests to the 32-bit version instead of the 64-bit one.