Chapter 45. Troubleshooting Software Problems
Troubleshooting Installation
Essentially, all programs designed for Windows Vista will work with Windows 7. However, not all programs that were designed for Windows XP (or earlier versions of Windows) will work with Windows 7. In fact, you should avoid installing utility and security programs unless they are specifically written for Windows 7 altogether. (Most basic application programs will run fine.)
If you can't get an older program to install, or it doesn't work after you install it, check the program manufacturer's Web site to see if they have a Windows 7 version available. Or, use the methods discussed in Chapter 41 to configure settings that might enable the older program to run on Windows 7. Or, consider installing and using Windows XP Mode with Windows Virtual PC to run the application. If these steps fail, you can take some general troubleshooting steps to hopefully get the program working properly.
Troubleshooting Programs
Because so many programs are available for Windows, no troubleshooting magic bullets exist that will solve all problems. Every program is unique and every problem is unique.
One of the most common mistakes people make is to not learn to use a program. They guess and hack their way through it, and when things don't work the way they guessed, they think there's something wrong with the program, ...
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