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Windows 98 program running under XP Pro generates unusual popup window

I am trying to get a Win 95 /98 program running on an XP pro computer. The program is Math Blaster for ages 9-12. The program will start and give the open screen but as soon as you go to enter the program, a blank dialog box appears that is title KA Launcher and everything stops at the point. The only way I can get the computer to respond is to Ctrl-alt-delete and kill the launcher32.exe in the task manager. Actually, the OS is still active, I can use the windows key+D and get back to the desktop and can do anything else on the computer but the only way to kill the KA Launcher is to kill the launcher32.exe process.

I have tried all of the different compatibility modes with the same results.

Any ideas on what this is or how I can correct the problem?

THanks,

- Bill -

Lee W, MVP

Look over this - it may help you:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/compadmn.mspx

wtp_issc

Right Click the shortcut and go to properties...go to the compatibility tab and select windows 98 compatibility. If that doesn't work try windows 95 compatibilty.

WillHudson

Try using Dos Box from http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/

I have found that this has allowed me to use various 9x apps that wouldn't work under XP

Adam Leinss

Contact the vendor and see if there is an update.

grtmoby

as wtp_issc said, do the compatability thing. Moreover, you have to disable your graphigs acceleration as this was not supported by some of the old programs. to disable the hardware acceleration, click on start and choose run, type dxdiag and press enter. now goto the display tab and disable the acceleration (better try all of them at once) and reboot. now try your program.
HTH and Keep us informed of what happens.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Aland Coons

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w_marquardt

ASKER

Sorry, but I forgot about this one. The client decided to get the newer version instead of fighting it out. Makes sense, why pay me an hours time on a $30 program.

Regards,

Bill