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General discussion

Is there a way to install older programs on Windows 10?

Feb 16, 2018 5:23PM PST

My old laptop had Windows 7 and I loaded the free Windows 10 on it and everything worked fine,which means the Microsoft Publisher 2007 was working as was the MS Word 97. The old laptop, 8 years old, was giving me problems and I bought a new laptop, which came with Win10 installed. I have not been able to install MS Publisher nor the Ms Word 97 on the new Windows. There is no new standalone MS Publisher program. Is there any way that I can install these programs on Win10? Thank you for your help.

--Submitted by Tom F.

Update from Tom F. via my inbox 2/23/2018

Thanks for your help. I do a monthly newsletter for a mobile home park so I don't need all the functions of a newer version. I will try the compatibility method. Meanwhile in searching thru my discs, I found a stand alone version of MS Publisher 2003, which I used years ago. It still works and appears to have all the functions that I normally use. I have the 25 digit authorizing code to prove it's mine. At 87 years old I don't choose to purchase or learn new programs. I was designing main frame computers when we thought 8.0 mb memory was great. Each bit was an iron donut with 3 wires running thru it. So much for history.

Again, Thanks for your response. I will try the compatibility mode (just to get rid of that annoying help paper clip).
TomF

Post was last edited on February 23, 2018 1:25 PM PST

Discussion is locked

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Yes - it's easy to do
Feb 16, 2018 6:26PM PST

Yes there is. Windows has something called "compatibility" mode. This enables you to run programs made for older versions of Windows. Follow the instructions in the link below (it's straight form Microsoft),

Make older programs work on Windows 10

There's no guarantee the programs you're trying to make work will function successfully on Windows 10 even so. But it's always the first method you should try.

Jared

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Yes, but DON'T DO IT!
Feb 16, 2018 6:27PM PST

There are often reasons to want to run older software. These can include old industrial or engineering softwares such as those intended to run machining equipment and such. Then there are people who simply want to save money.

Here is the problem. Office 2007 no longer has official support so any bugs or vulnerabilities in this will no longer be patch. Users of Office 2010, 2013, and such still have a few years of support even if these aren't the most current versions. Office 2007 is now a LIABILITY and not an asset because it is vulnerable. Use of outdated software has been the primary reason behind many of the recent high profile hacks such as NotPetya, Wannacry, and Equifax.

Download the latest version of LibreOffice if you want a free office program or don't want to pay to buy a new MS Office version. Office 2007 and older are now targets!

I am always frustrated when I come across a business running old outdated equipment and software and they don't want to hear any other way of doing things. They are often processing payments through this vulnerable equipment. This is how your information gets compromised and identity theft and such happens.

DO NOT RUN THE OUTDATED OFFICE 2007. Either find reputable open source versions like LibreOffice or buy a newer version. Sometimes you can find the last version for sale online for cheap.

Conor

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But I want what I want
Feb 23, 2018 8:18PM PST

It's not always 'money' (though 4K in programs because Microsoft has an attitude isn't easy to swallow).... it can be familiarity or funtionality that I have not found another program to match what my old program does ....or for that matter file compatibility from 'defunct programs' that I have files from
Not talking 'Word' here , and I don't care about 'useless' support .... I want what I need and 10 shafted me big time

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Agreed
Feb 27, 2018 7:27AM PST

Sometimes software vendors, particularly Microsoft, completely revamp the user interface because it is supposedly better, supposedly after testing with beta users. I don't necessarily want to learn a new user interface every 6 months. Also, sometimes older programs are safer because you want them to do a simple job that requires little or no network functionality whereas the newer ones are encumbered with bells and whistles you don't need or want (driven by Java or other "safe sandbox" protocols) and how to do the original tasks is often counter-intuitive and buried in useless documentation.

I find it particularly annoying to use a program I haven't used for a while, like Microsoft Excel, try to do something I used to do like add an x-y plot, fumble around, then go to Google and find it explained clearly almost anywhere but in Microsoft's documentation, but it turns out to be something I would never have figured out on my own, buried deep in the "ribbon" structure (or whatever they call menus now)..

Another reason for preferring older programs is the advent of obnoxious monthly subscription plans, like Adobe. I have Creative Suite 6--primarily for Photoshop--which is the last non-cloud edition. When it finally becomes too old to be useful I will by that time have fully transitioned to Gimp under Linux.

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Running Office 97
Mar 16, 2018 3:09PM PDT

I still have office 97 on a 2003 Dell laptop with running XP v1. One reason to keep these old programs is because they have fonts that are not available on the newer versions. Every time Word or WordPerfect gets updated, they eliminate fonts or replace them with something not quite the same.

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Is free software any less dangerous?
Feb 23, 2018 8:53PM PST

There is no guarantee that any free software is less vulnerable than older software.

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No guarantee on paid for software either.
Feb 24, 2018 9:11AM PST

Free/open source software has it's code published, and has thousands of eyes on it that look for bugs. If one is found it is acknowledged and fixed pretty quickly. That is unlike MS or other proprietary software where they don't have the resources instantly available and delay fixes until they can get around to doing it. I will take open source over proprietary any day of the week.

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Good argument for open source...
Feb 27, 2018 7:31AM PST

...and not immediately obvious.

Also, if someone in the OSS community writes a particularly elegant and functional piece of code it's on display for all fellow programmers to see whereas at Microsoft it's locked up in a vault. Less incentive to do really nice work.

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NO-MS still issues security updates for some old Office vers
Feb 25, 2018 6:36AM PST

Microsoft STILL issues security patches for Office 2007, at least as of Feb 13, 2018, the date I installed the latest one on my PC. But that seems to be as far back as they go with Office versions.

It is true support ended for Office 2007 in Oct 2017, but MS still issues security patches for this product. So while 'bugs' may not be fixed, MS will still fix 'vulnerabilities.'

Anyone who tells you otherwise, well, take anything you read on the 'net with a grain of salt, and double check. See: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/office-updates-a118ec61-f007-492f-bfa5-5a6f764d5471

TomF's post is one more example of how annoying, dare I say buggy, WIN 10 can be for some users. WIN 7 still does the job for me and I don't have to replace expensive applications or spend time re-learning to use them.

If I were cynical, I'd say problems like TomF has are an attempt for MS to make money by selling new versions of applications. Planned obsolescence?

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I was unaware
Feb 25, 2018 7:15AM PST

I was unaware that they are still releasing updates for Office 2007. That is probably my favorite version of Office based on the interface and such. I don't like the look of the newer ones as much and the fact that they have all but pushed you to the subscription model. This is why I have gone to Libre Office which I actually find easier to use as well.

My main concern with sticking to 2007 is that support may end on a moment's notice. The support has officially ended so they may drop it like a hot potato anytime. The released major updates for XP right after it was dropped and then after Wanncry or whatever but you can't come to expect this or count on it.

Again, it probably isn't the end of the world for an apartment complex newsletter but I deal with people running businesses with confidential data on old unsupported systems all the time.

Conor

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Follow up question
Feb 25, 2018 8:09AM PST

You make several good points. But if you update windows automatically and use anti-virus and anti-malware software consistently, would that be enough to protect your pc from vulnerabilities in Office 2007?

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Maybe, maybe not
Feb 25, 2018 8:31AM PST

Of course having everything else (Windows + AV) updated is a plus but I am not sure. These programs are so complicated these days and you never know what they can exploit. I would rather not take the chance but it looks like 2007 isn't too big of a risk.

Conor

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Running Office 97
Mar 16, 2018 3:06PM PDT

I still have office 97 on a 2003 Dell laptop with running XP v1. One reason to keep these old programs is because they have fonts that are not available on the newer versions.

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This is a home user, not a business.
Feb 16, 2018 8:20PM PST

While "security concerns" may be a legitimate reason for a BUSINESS to spend money upgrading perfectly functional software, the OP is a home user, planning to use the old software on his PERSONAL laptop. As a home user, I would not bother spending money on new software, just because security updates have ended, if the version I have does what I need it to do. The only reason I would upgrade as a home user is if the new version offers improved functionality which I need, or if the old version is no longer able to read and write a file format which everyone uses.

I used Windows XP long after the "experts" said it was insecure, and outside of support. Guess what? I didn't get hacked.

While I no longer have any home computers running Windows XP, I still use Office 2003, and feel that version is the best. I have used Office 2007 and Office 2010, but very much prefer 2003. I have enough licenses to use Office 2003 on all my home computers, and therefore don't have to pay anything to keep using this software, even if a computer is retired and replaced with a new one. On the other hand, I would have to spend quite a bit to upgrade to the newest version. Now that Microsoft is trying to steer people to a subscription model, the perpetual license is a lot more expensive. That's money which I don't need or want to spend, because I already have an older version which does what I need it to do.

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Bought an old AT to run XP
Feb 23, 2018 8:24PM PST

I actually bought an old AT to replacy my dying one so I can continue to run XP .... despite is limitations, still the best Microsoft ever put out ..... I need my old programs ...some defunct, so even if I'd be willing to drop 3 or 4000 to update programs, so I cannot
.
And how often will Microsoft insidt on us getting extorted ....
.... seriously looking at Linux

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old software and new computer
Feb 24, 2018 4:35AM PST

Previously, I was running XP, but wanted to use my program that ran on 3.1. I was able to buy an external floppy drive and install it under Windows 98. That was the last software driver that worked. All went well.

Fast forward to 2017 and 2018 and I am now using a Mac. I have an old Canon printer that prints color and scans and adjust sizes easily. I did not want to purchase a new one, but its drivers would not work on Sierra or High Sierra. Apple wan't able to help me so I called Canon. The last driver that worked on a Mac was Mavericks. I installed the print and scan drivers on my two laptops. One is running Sierra and one High Sierra. The print and scan functions work perfectly with the new drivers.

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An AT??
Feb 27, 2018 7:37AM PST

You mean an IBM AT with a blazing 8088 processor? First I knew they could run Windows XP!

Seriously, what did you really mean?

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Subscription versus shrink wrapped.
Feb 24, 2018 6:30AM PST

For some time I was against subscription software but a few years ago I transferred to Office 365. I pay just less than £80 a year to license FIVE devices. The last time I purchased a Microsoft Office Professional license for a single device (around fifteen years ago) it cost more than £400 - five devices would cost in excess of £2000. I will have Office 365 with all the elements of Office Pro plus up to 5TB of cloud storage and regular security and feature updates for 25 years before I reach £2000. That is tremendous value for money and completely resolves the problem of non-compatibility between older software and newer OS's. Even for one device you get five years for the price of the shrink wrapped product of years gone by.

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And that is also my problem, "Subscription".
Feb 24, 2018 6:09PM PST

I don't like any program that I need a subscription to upgrade.
I just don't believe that it is better in any way to the consumer and I'm also one of those using Office 2007 yet.
Maybe it will be better for business to spend that money, but I don't believe it is the case for the poor people that are just trying to write a letter, or use Outlook for the e-mail or even do some work from home.
And also, me too "That's money which I don't need or want to spend". Good words that I copied from "sbill".

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Security effects everyone
Feb 26, 2018 8:43AM PST

OS security issues affect everyone on the internet, since one vulnerable computer on the internet could be used to take down another. It is okay to keep older computer with outdated OS to run older software but keep it off the internet, only use a modern computer for that. At least for the OS. There is a chance on unsecure OS that you don't get affect but that is a risk that affect everyone on the internet not just the one usere. So unless you need to have an outdated OS on the internet keeip it off the internet.

Linux has the same issue and eventually you need to install a newer version that might break older apps but they are likely to be updated to work with the newest versions.

Older application on a secure OS are less likely to be an issue. Since security measure on newer Versions of windows reduce the issues that a single app can cause. Not giving apps Admin permission by default is one such solution.

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Yes, go ahead...
Feb 17, 2018 6:16AM PST

Hi Tom, yes you can - you know Windows 10 will run these two applications successfully, because it did, when you upgraded your system from Windows 7. Essentially, what the upgrade did is exactly as Jared described in the first answer to this thread. So follow the link he provided and all will be well.

It's true that these two applications will get no further security patches but they are so old that their market share is minimal and not worth the hackers going after with new exploits and the old ones, your antivirus program should recognise and kill.

LibreOffice is a fine office alternative but it isn't Microsoft Office and there would be a learning curve, especially steep if you have written any macros. It may be worth considering as a future project.

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I would only do this for home use and keep it offline
Feb 17, 2018 7:08AM PST

The problem is that people who want to save money by using old software usually cheap out in many ways. These systems are often running XP or Vista and are running free AV or none at all. One I commonly see is AVG Free and I HATE IT with a passion! I shouldn't say this as it has made me lots of money. It seems to be more adware or nag ware than anything and doesn't really provide any meaningful protection. Systems running this are usually a complete disaster when I get to them.

Those who try to be cheap do it on all levels. It is rare to find an otherwise updated system running an old version of Office.

I see businesses with backdoors installed on their computers. Basically all their data and customer data is right there open to people you don't want to have it.

I am all for saving money but I see this like saving money by not changing the oil in your car or driving with worn out brakes.

Conor

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re: Yes, go ahead
Feb 25, 2018 6:11AM PST

I use an Open Source Office Suite also and while there is a learning curve it is pretty intuitive. The biggest problem is in file sharing. MS Office is almost universal so sending a .doc or xls file to a friend of business associate - or is it's your thing, sending out emails with links to files in them making a universal suite helpful. As it is now, when writing something I will eventually share I must remember to save a copy as a doc file, etc. Other than that, the OS Suite I use does everything MS OS does but I haven't used any versions newer than 2003 Word so maybe MS has a new way of doing things. But up to then at least, each update appeared to be bells and whistles intended to attract new buyers and not to provide new ways of doing things - which probably haven't been discovered yet.

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I find the open source office more intuitive than the MS ver
Feb 25, 2018 7:04AM PST

I have no issues with Open Office or Libre Office. They basically look the same but Libre Office is supported/updated a lot more often so I switched over to that one.

Yes, you have to be careful with the saving the documents as an actual MS Office file and not an open document or whatever but you can change that in the default settings.

There are also a few things where formatting looks a little off switching between the two as well. The compatibility isn't 100%.

That being said, using something like this is probably perfect for an apartment complex newsletter or whatever. You can also export directly to .PDF if you wish to e-mail. Newer MS office versions do this as well but am not sure about old ones. I think it is built into Windows 10 now. There is a virtual "printer" that allows you to print to PDF.

Conor

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Here's the secret
Feb 17, 2018 10:10AM PST

There are two issues: 1. Getting the old product installed. 2. Compatibility issues when running it. Another post deals with compatibility. Here is a tip for installation:

If you are getting error messages during the install click "Ignore" each time.

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Please Provide More Details
Feb 17, 2018 12:02PM PST

Hi Tom

Help me understand something. Your question is “I have not been able to install MS Publisher nor the Ms Word 97 on the new Windows”. If you have the disc and license key for both programs it’s very straight forward:

_Insert disc
_Run the setup.exe
_Type in license key when prompted
_Finish the install
_Restart if necessary
_Done.

I’m trying to understand where your problem lies? Some have warned against installing the programs because of security but that not withstanding you should be good-to-go. As another member mentioned you can run the program in compatibility mode, if necessary.

So a literal interpretation to your issue might be that you are trying to install OEM copies. However, that doesn’t make sense either as you speak to MS Publisher 2007 and MS Word 97 having been loaded on the old computer which would suggest you should have licensed copies.

My questions for clarification are:
_Do you have licensed copies?
_If so, are you getting an error message of sorts?
_What is the message?

At this point based upon the wording of your question I have no help to offer unless you are willing to provide the additional information. Even then there’s no guarantee.

As you seem to keep your equipment and programs over extended periods of time you might want to consider biting the bullet and purchasing Microsoft Office Professional 2016 for $399.99. You’ll have the complete Microsoft suite with Publisher and be able to install it on another computer when the time comes. You"ll have to contact Microsoft when you do.

The other alternative (that many have argued against) is Microsoft Office 365 subscription service $6.99/mo. or $69.99/yr. You can do the math and decide if it’s a financially sound decision based upon you budget and future needs.

In any event I hope you are willing to elaborate more on your issue. Cheers!

Together Everyone Achieves More = TEAM

Post was last edited on February 17, 2018 12:05 PM PST

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There should be no issues there.
Feb 18, 2018 8:29AM PST

you can always install it. Office 97 doesn't have all that remote connection features that are a security compromise. I think the last version that didn't have the remote connections was 2003.

And Microsoft itself, has never blocked older versions of office from installing on any OS. You may want to download the supplemental patches so you can handle current files though...

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AjTrek, Tom emailed me directly.
Feb 23, 2018 2:45PM PST

Please see update in the original post. Cheers!

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Learning Curve
Feb 24, 2018 8:09PM PST

Can you imagine the learning curve suddenly going from Word 2007 to Word 2016? What's a "ribbon?" Where did they hide the ( ) function? It's a real PITA and the man is 87 years old and just wants to put out his newsletter. I'm still looking for things, all these years later, and I've been a user in a corporate world, tracking the updates fairly regularly (especially since we switched to Office 365).

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MS Office
Feb 23, 2018 6:28PM PST

The compatibility mode won't help you install Office 97. The compatibility mode merely lets you exchange files and have them readable between say, office 2000 and the newer versions like 2007 and newer. It has nothing to do with the install.

I have an old copy of office 97, which I used with Windows 98. I have not tried to install it on newer versions of Windows since I have multiple newer versions of MS Office.

If it simply won't install, and it seems it won't, then I would suggest you go to Ebay and buy a used copy that has a valid key. I haven't tried installing my MS Office 2000 on Windows 10, but what is nice about that version is that it doesn't have licensing restrictions, so you can install it on as many computers as you want. MS Office 2002 and newer have restrictions on the number of computers you can install it on.

When you buy it on Ebay, if it doesn't have a valid license that is still transferable, I would inquire if the the computer it had been on is still in use or if the software has been removed or the computer died. If so, you can always call MS for your registration and give them the information and you should have no problem registering it.

I just checked on Ebay, and here is a MS Office 2002 with Publisher for $12
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MS-OFFICE-XP-PRO-INCLUDES-PUBLISHER-2002-Version-NEW-MICROSOFT/302005808420?hash=item4650f2ed24:g:R7oAAOSwXetZQuKD