
Windows 10
In 2021, we have a rich library and history of software to look back on. Things had changed from the early days of Windows in 1991, but the core functions, competencies, and functions of programs have not changed. But, there is a lot of technical debt, and sometimes users may need to use old files and processes on modern systems. In this scenario, it becomes critical to troubleshooting old software on modern systems, which can be as easy as flipping a setting or initiating an msvcp140.dll download or something extreme like reverting to an earlier version of WIndows.
So let’s explore all the options that one has when attempting to use an old piece of software or file to solve this pesky issue ASAP and finish their job.
Tweaking Compatibility Settings
If one digs deeper, one will find that Microsoft has foreseen this problem and has added features to Windows that assist in identifying and troubleshooting problems. This is in the form of the Compatibility settings function. In modern versions, it often kicks in automatically, and this will be envisioned by a popup when you launch that application or file.
Otherwise, you may select the application/file, right-click, go to properties, and check the compatibility settings. Then, in a drop-down menu, you may choose whatever version of Windows was the native one for the given application, which may redress the issue.
Ideally, one should choose Windows 7 for more recent applications, developed around 2015, and Windows XP for older applications.
Installing appropriate Dynamic Link Libraries for compatibility
Considering how Windows is a highly complicated beast, your computer may be lacking a DLL file that provides compatibility of that application with your system. So all you need to do is find the DLL file. For example, initiate an msvcp140.dll download, and your issue will be resolved. More often than not, old applications rely on older versions of Dynamic Link Libraries of sub-functions such as Visual C++ Studio or the DirectX Graphics Rendering Application Processing Interface.
Working with DLL files is very easy. All you have to do is identify the file. They usually have a set format depending on the use case. After that, you have to drop it in the application folder and your native system directory. This will depend on your system architecture. Let’s assume that you have initiated an msvcp140.dll download. You need to place that file in the application folder, assuming to be “X”, and then in the system folder. This will be under the folder named System32 in C drive if you have a 32-bit Operating System or under SysWow64 if you have a 64-bit Operating System. Simply put your file there, and hopefully, your issue will be resolved.
- Look for Compatibility Patches online
Often, dedicated communities have resources set up online to get your old piece of software running on the latest machines. These may consist of fan-made patches to the software, or in some cases, they may help you with the second step and identify the correct DLL file to download and solve the issue. One relaxing comfort is that in the world of software errors, you are not alone. There is a good chance that someone, somewhere in the world, ran into the same issue as you and found a robust solution for that fix.