Some will work, some will work if you use a "compatibility" mode (although I have never personally got one to work with compatibility mode - either it works in native XP mode or won't work at all) and then there are those that are not compatible and won't work at all.  Most DOS based programs will not work since XP is not a DOS based operating system.  Many games will not work, as they are actually DOS based.

I think "compatibility mode" is a marketing ploy.  I've never got anything to work using it either.

Dave

Thanks, I guess my concern is more to whether loading these programs can cause any system problems with the operating system or interfere with other XP based programs already loaded as opposed to just not working.

Thanks

That again depends on the program.  The XP "world" is much different from the old DOS based "graphical systems".  Drivers for printers, scanners, etc are not compatible and should not even be attempted.  Same way with older CD Burning software such as the old Adaptec Easy CD Creator software - it is not XP compatible and should not even be attempted (Windows will warn you, sometimes, when you attempt to install an incompatible program).

Before you install anything, manually set a System Restore point.  If something does affect the system, in most cases, you will be able to run System Restore and restore your PC to where it was before you installed the program.  Actually, I manually set a System Restore point whenever I install a program or update, even if it is a Windows XP program, just in case (and it's save my rear several times).  Some programs will automatically set a System Restore point, but just in case I manually do it.

Thanks for the great info, especially about establishing a restore point.

Guess I've been lucky, virtually every old app from my Win95 system runs without problems using compatibility mode in XPpro SP2 problems.

Quicken for Win95
WordStar v7 for Win95
Photoshop LE v5, Win95
Plus some old scientific software

Ron