Any workarounds for 32 bit software to run on 64 bit Vista?

I just installed a new computer running Vista 64 bit. It will not let me install Calendar Creator 12 or Rupplynx Organizer software because they won't run on 64 bit. Is there any workaround other than going back to XP? I know there are other calendar and organizer programs out there, but they won't open my old files. However, I would be open to suggestions as far as replacements if that is my only option. I have heard ACT 09 is no good. Thanks.

Thanks for your attempt to help me. Unfortunately, I am still unable to open the Rupplynx contact software. The download is being prevented from opening on the computer because it is only 16 bit. Thus, I can't get to the exe file to do what you have suggested. THe virtual computer idea I am unfamiliar with and don't know how to do. I did copy all the files from another computer and paste them into my program files but many of the files that I can see on my XP computer cannot be seen on my Vista computer. I did find a small exe file but it is incomplete and so when I did your compatibility suggestion, it could not find the app. I tried running it as an XP program and as a Windows 2000 but with the same result. I also tried your suggestion with the Calendar Creator Program, but the main file is a config file and not an exe and it also would not work. If you have any other thoughts, I would greatly appreciate it as all my business contacts are tied up in this stupid software. Thanks.

Instead of going back to XP, you can slice off some disk space and put XP on a new partition. That is, if you have an XP install CD. Google "adding XP to a system with Vista already installed" and you should get articles with step by step. Back up your system first with an image backup program in case it gets all hosed. Macrium Reflect just came out with a new edition of the free version so it's likely to support your HD. It has 64 bit versions. I use the paid 4.2 on my Vista64 machine. If you have an external USB drive large enough to hold the image then restore from it is pretty easy to bail yourself out in case of disaster.

MilesAhead said:

Instead of going back to XP, you can slice off some disk space and put XP on a new partition. That is, if you have an XP install CD. Google "adding XP to a system with Vista already installed" and you should get articles with step by step. Back up your system first with an image backup program in case it gets all hosed. Macrium Reflect just came out with a new edition of the free version so it's likely to support your HD. It has 64 bit versions. I use the paid 4.2 on my Vista64 machine. If you have an external USB drive large enough to hold the image then restore from it is pretty easy to bail yourself out in case of disaster.

Click to expand...

Sooo not worth it. Just get different software if it really isn't working for you. I'm pretty sure there a dozen other free organizers and calendar programs you can get.

Thanks for the input guys.

Actually the problem is more running 16 bit software and how much you have invested in it. Vista64 doesn't tolerate 16 bit-ness. The other thing you can do is try to find out if it runs under Linux Windows Emulation(WINE) which comes with Linux and is free. Most distros just put it on by default. Runs quite a few old Windows apps like Agent News Reader(16 bit) and other trophies you can prolly still find on the net for free download. It's more maintenance to have 2 system partitions but otoh, if one won't boot, often the other will. Depends how much you like to tinker.

I had a 486 with Dos 5.2 Windows 3.1 OS/2 2.1 and Slackware multibooting. Slackware took the most work to configure but it never broke once you got it going. Unlike the other 3.

http://www.rainlendar.net/cms/index.php

Not exactly sure what your programs do, but this might help.

Edit: Never mind you need to open old files. I'd delete this post but I can't find the button to do so xD

Thanks Miles Ahead. I am torn between wanting to keep on using the old 16 bit software which contains all my business and personal contacts but then needing to install a second operating system. Since I am not that proficient and new to Vista, I would be worried about screwing something up. I do have an XP disc but again, I would be concerned about crashing. I tried exporting all the contacts to Outlook, but the fields are all different and it doesn't seeem to have the capacity to let me use overall categories and sub-categories for my contacts. i.e. I have a section for "Personal Business" and then within that category, I have subs like "Contractors" "Doctors" etc. Can Outlook do that in Office Seven? Or is there some other software I could export everything to? I have read that ACT is no good, especially the new one. I have the same problem with Calendar Creator which I ran on XP. I think it is 32 bit, but it still won't run on Vista. Any suggestions?

Jacjon said:

Thanks Miles Ahead. I am torn between wanting to keep on using the old 16 bit software which contains all my business and personal contacts but then needing to install a second operating system. Since I am not that proficient and new to Vista, I would be worried about screwing something up. I do have an XP disc but again, I would be concerned about crashing. I tried exporting all the contacts to Outlook, but the fields are all different and it doesn't seeem to have the capacity to let me use overall categories and sub-categories for my contacts. i.e. I have a section for "Personal Business" and then within that category, I have subs like "Contractors" "Doctors" etc. Can Outlook do that in Office Seven? Or is there some other software I could export everything to? I have read that ACT is no good, especially the new one. I have the same problem with Calendar Creator which I ran on XP. I think it is 32 bit, but it still won't run on Vista. Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

One option I haven't seen being offered is running vista 32bit instead which can run 16bit software.

Do I need new software to run 32 bit? Or can I convert what I already have?