Photoshop 5.0 (1998 version) & Windows 7

[teeb6942]

I used to be in the graphics  business and have always been fond of this old program.  I recently purchased a copy for personal projects and now can't seem to install it on my laptop which runs Windows 7.  Is there a way around the compatibility issue for the exe file?  I have tried running it in different compatibility options, running as an admin (think I did that right, willing to try again with some good instruction), but am not having much luck.  I do have an old Windows XP version which I know will run in, but I don't have a serial key for my current Windows 7 (laptop was a gift).  Is there anything I can do to make this program work with 7?  My internet search keeps mentioning a Longbow Revivor program, but I really don't see the sense in paying $50.00 for a one time use.

Please help

[JJMack]

In 1998, Microsoft released Windows 98 have you tried that yet? Same age as PS 5...

[teeb6942]

What do you mean?  I guess I don't follow.  I already have another version of Windows it will work with.  The problem is I don't want to keep an old version of Windows as my platform.  I won't be able to switch back to my Windows 7 because I don't have the disc or serial key.

[JJMack]

You wrote you have a compatibility problem running some 1998 application code one you current Window Operating system. Did you try Installing the 1998 version of windows the would be Windows 98 and try running the 1998 application code on a 1998 version or windows.   Use an old machine and switch between machine network the machine and have your images on your Windows 7 machine.  You should be able to get a Windows 98 machine out of someone's garbage or trash bin.  You could also try instating Windows XP under Windows 7 Microsoft had a download for that.

[teeb6942]

Thank you for clarifying.  I only have one machine at my disposal.  Some of my research has suggested a program called Longbow Reviver...  Any thoughts on that?  Purchased version versus a free download?  Thanks for your time.

PS. I have no intention of digging in someone's garbage cans.

[JJMack]

Download Windows XP Mode from Official Microsoft Download Center

[teeb6942]

Can you explain what that is?  What will it do to my current Windows 7?

[JJMack]

It Windows 7, Windows XP mode you install for running old software that will not run under Windows 7.  You virtually have both Windows 7 and Windows XP installed.

[teeb6942]

Thanks, I'll give it a try

[JJMack]

I have CS2 running under windows 10.  I also think you may be able to get PS 5 to run under Windows 7 have you search the web for other using PS 5 that's really is old before Camera RAW before Photoshop scripting.  Ideally I think your would be best off  looking for a legal version of CS3 for sale.  IMO CS3 was probable the best version release out of Adobe's doors.  Newer version are better but they needed updates before the worked well..

[teeb6942]

I have since downloaded both the virtual pc and windows xp mode files and installed them.  Still not having any luck.  I'm not sure once I have the virtual machine open how to get the photoshop program to run