run older programs in windows vista

If you try to run an older program that was designed for Windows XP or earlier you might get an error or it just wont start.
The first thing to try is the Windows Vista Compatibility Mode ,this is done by right-clicking the program .exe file ,selecting properties and then Select the Compatibility tab.
You can choose to run the program in Windows XP compatibility mode or even an earlier windows version.
If that doesn't work you can also try disabling the Visual Themes and Desktop Composition options, play around with the settings till it works.
If all else fails see if the program manufacturer has released a patch or update for that specific program.