Windows 10: Old game compatibility with windows 10

So I wanted to play an old game that I used to play on windows xp(the lord of the rings the battle for the middle-earth).

I inserted the cd on an external dvd player or whatever it is. It reads the cd correctly and I installed the program. After installing it I tried running it which doesn't work, it stops at one point. So I used troubleshooting compatibility with windows xp service pack and then after running it, it says please insert the correct dvd which before it didn't although it does read the cd, tried changing it from properties still doesn't work.

Is there anything I can do?

Thanks!

:)

 

Wanting to run old games

Hi Jameson,

Welcome to Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.

I would suggest you to refer the below link and check the compatibility of the game with Windows 10.

Explore Windows 10 OS, Computers, Apps, & More | Microsoft

You may also try installing the game in compatibility mode.
Follow these steps to install the game software in compatibility mode and check if that helps.

• • • • 
        Right-click on the game setup file and click on
        ‘properties’.
        
      • 
        Click on the ‘compatibility’ tab and check the box
        ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for’ and select Windows 8 operating system from the drop down menu and proceed with the installation. Once this is done, restart the computer and check if the issue persists.
        

If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to get in touch with the game manufacturer if it’s specific to that particular game.

Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.

 

Windows 10 Game Compatibility

Hello Debie,

Thank you for your interest in Windows 10!

There are some programs that need new definitions compatible with Windows 10. Till the time they are unavailable you can install the programs compatible with previous versions of operating system in compatibility mode. If you can access the executable (.exe)
file for the game, I would suggest you to follow the below provided steps:

Step 1: Download and save the game on the desktop.

Step 2: Install the game in compatibility mode.

• Right click on the .exe file, and click on Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab.
• Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for:
• Select Windows 8 (or any other compatible OS) in the list of Operating systems.
• Click OK.
• Double-click the executable file to install the game and follow the onscreen instructions.
• Reboot your computer.

Additional information:

Make older programs compatible with this version of Windows

Hope this information is helpful. Do let us know if you need any further assistance, we'll be glad to assist you.

 

Unable to play old games in Windows 10

Hello Larry,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

Please provide more information to help you better:

• 
  What is the exact issue that you are facing with old games on Windows 10?
  
• 
  On which operating system that the games ran successfully?
  
• 
  Which game are you referring to?
  
• 
  Do you get any error message?
  

You might be facing this issue due to the incompatibility of the game with Windows 10. So I suggest you to install the game in compatibility mode and check if it helps.

Now, to install in Compatibility Mode, follow these steps:

a. Locate the executable file (.exe file) for the driver installation program.

b. Right-click the file, and then click Properties.

c. In the Package Name Properties dialog box, click the Compatibility tab.

d. Click to select the Run this program in compatibility mode for check box, click Windows 8/ Windows 7
with which it is compatible with in the Run this program in compatibility mode for list, and then click OK.

e. Double-click the executable file to start the installation program.

Hope this helps. Please get back to us with the results we will be happy to help you further.