XP Compatibility with networked applications

Microsoft's Windows XP introduces some new compatibility mode options:

• Wizard documented as Q301911 (or 301911)
• Manual mode documented as Q292533 (or 292533)

Compatibility modes cannot be set permanently on this program because it is on a network drive.

But, believe it or not, there is a technique that may work:

1. Make a file with the same name as the networked application on a local drive, e.g. "C:\MYFILE.EXE". Content can be anything (e.g. make a copy of NOTEPAD.EXE).
2. Create a shortcut to this new file.
3. Change this new shortcut:
   1. Choose the Properties menuitem
   2. Customize the Compatibility tab
   3. Press the OK pushbutton
4. Run the Registry editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
5. Locate [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers].
6. Within this registry key, find the value corresponding to your new file.
7. Rename the value so it corresponds to the name of the networked application.
   While normally one recommends against modifying the registry manually, this particular change is obviously harmless.
8. Minimize the Registry Editor.
9. Attempt to run your application, see if it runs in the compatibility mode.
10. If unsuccessful, repeat the appropriate steps above.