Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get older hardware devices and applications to work in Windows XP?

A:

Older hardware and applications that have worked in a previous operating system may not initially work with Windows® XP. Many of these hardware devices and applications have driver updates or patches available to get them to function in Windows XP. The following lists contain some steps to try if you are having difficulty getting hardware devices or applications to work in Windows XP.

Hardware devices and drivers

  1. If you have not installed Windows XP yet, run the Upgrade Advisor from the Windows XP CD and select Yes to run Dynamic Update. Upgrade Advisor informs you of potential hardware and software issues, and the Dynamic Update connects to the Internet and looks for updated setup files.

  2. Search the Windows Catalog to find hardware and software that is compatible with or designed for Windows XP.

  3. Search the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for hardware that is compatible in Windows XP.

  4. Check Windows Update to see if a resolution is available for the hardware device.

  5. Check the Web site of the manufacturer of the product for Windows XP drivers. If Windows XP drivers are available, use them to try to resolve the issue.

  6. If Windows XP drivers are unavailable or do not work, look for Windows 2000 drivers. If Windows 2000 drivers are available, use them to try to resolve the issue.

  7. If neither Windows XP nor Windows 2000 drivers are available, the hardware device may not function properly in Windows XP.

Applications

  1. If you have not installed Windows XP yet, run the Upgrade Advisor from the Windows XP CD and select Yes to run Dynamic Update. Upgrade Advisor informs you of potential hardware and software issues, and the Dynamic Update connects to the Internet and look for updated setup files.

  2. Try running the application in compatibility mode.

  3. Search the Windows Catalog to find hardware and software that is compatible with or Designed for Windows XP.

  4. Check Windows Update to see if a resolution is available for the application.

  5. Check with the manufacturer for patches or updates for the application.

  6. If there are not any patches or updates available, the application may not function properly in Windows XP.