Here's a solution I found that works for most of the old programs you had on a prior system that won't run on Vista. It has to do with Data Execution Protection. I had no luck with the Compatibility settings that you find under "properties compatibility" when right clicking a program. Try the following (the example is for bearshare) :
Here is the solution for bearshare earlyversion on Vista, and any other program that refuses to work on Vista!
Open Control Panel
Open System
Click the tab on the left System Protection
Click the Advanced tab at the top of the page
Under the heading Performance, Click Settings
Now click the tab at the top Data Execution Prevention
Click Turn on DEP for all programs except...(Second option)
Now Click ADD
Browse to the loocation of the install file for bearshare and add that to the list
Now install bearshare but don't run it
Return to the System settings and repeat above procedure this time adding the bearshare.exe from (assumably...) c:/program files/bearshare.../bearshare.exe or simmilar...
It will now work
Another thing to try which I haven't is to simply try changing DEP to only work for essential Windows programs and services.
I only just thought of that idea...but not willing to screw with mine now it works
The above works for many programs that refuse to co operate with Vista and works with SP1 and all updates
Good Luck.
Zapp
