Vista - can't install old software

I just bought a new PC installed with Vista Home Prem x64. I cannot install an old program (written in the Windows 98 days, but ran fine on my XP Pro PC). When I try ti install I get an error msg that says something about computer OS not supporting the program. I don't know if the issue is the Vista OS, or the fact that it is X64. Is there anything I can do?

I did install a VPC with XP Pro installed, but I am getting GPF errors when I try to use the software. That is why I'm back to seeing if there are any tricks out there to allow me to install my old software on Vista.
Thanks,

What particular software are you trying to install? Keep in mind, if the application or installer is 16-bit it will not run under Vista.

Not much due to X64 mainly.

ChartView Planner. It is navigation software.
Is there a way for me to check if the installer is 16-ibt?

Im not too sure how to check if an application is 16-bit, never tried. Is this the software? ChartView Planner thats pretty old but try running the application in compatibility mode for 98 or NT, right click on the EXE file and go to properties.

I can't change the compatability mode - I can't install it!

try changing the compatibility mode ***of the installer***

How is that done, please?

right click on the installer and set it to run in a compatibility mode of your choice....

I assumed you knew how to do it because of your last reply saying that you cannot change the compatibility because it is not installing....

How can I get to the installer? I don't ever get to the point where it shows on the screen. Here's what happens:

on Vista HP 64-bit, I insert ChartView disk. I try to execute setup.exe. I get error message box that reads "The viersion of this file is not compatible with this version of Windows that you're running. Check your computer's system to see whether you need 32-bit or 64-bit version, then contact the publisher."