Running Programs in Windows Compatibility Mode
Often times we don’t have the option of updating a software package when a new operating system comes along. Trying to run legacy software in a new operating system has always been a challenge, but XP does make it a bit easier and may have the solution for balky software. If you have a program which is crashing under XP but worked well under a previous version of Windows, give Compatibility Mode a try. Follow the steps below.
Navigate to the directory that contains the program executable.

(For this example I’m using WinZip)

C:\Program Files\Utilities\WinZip
Right click on the program executable (it ends in .exe) and click [Properties]
Click the [Compatibility] tab to open the WINZIP32.EXE property sheet.
Click the [Run this program in compatibility mode for:] box and select the operating system you wish to invoke compatibility for from the drop-down menu.
If you want to place restrictions on colors, screen resolution, or visual themes pertaining to this program use the appropriate check boxes
Click [Apply] then [OK] to exit the property sheet.
Test the application and if necessary change your selection to a different operating system until you find the compatibility mode which offers the greatest stability

- srikanth dhanwada