Windows 7 When applications stop working

[george3095]

There's one application on my computer, Powerchute Personal Edition, that has not worked (rather, it "seems to be working") since it was installed on a new computer running Win7. Yes, its icon is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen (I forget the corner's name) and, I do receive notifications when the UPS (monitored by Powerchute) switches from commercial power to the internal battery, but I cannot open Powerchute or any of the any of the four functions it monitors. APC (who provides Powerchute) Tech Support, quit responding to my questions/complaints when they could not help. They suggested the 32-bit edition; the 64-bit edition; both refused to run. Windows (one would think) would have found a solution for the problem but only if the "stopped working" message is sent to Microsoft. Any solid ideas?

 

[patcooke]

Have you tried installing in compatibility mode?

 

[george3095]

Thanks, Pat. No, I haven't. That's because the various versions of Powerchute I tried (following suggestions by APC Techies) were (presumably) written for Win7. Here's another quirk of Win7: there was a time I can remember when Outlook 2010 quit working; only happened once. I do not know if my problem is caused by Windows or by Powerchute; having said that, I'm inclined to think the problem is caused by Windows, since the only other "not working" instance was with Outlook.

 

[patcooke]

It's not so much down to cause but compatibility. All major software authors have access to a full range of Windows systems to test compatibility during development. The primary responsibility lies with the software developer to test and fully advise clients of hardware, software compatibility/requirements and any known issues. I have quickly googled this issue and it seems there are many users having problems with the package and Windows 7 so it would not seem wise to presume compatibility - I would try installing in compatibility mode.

 

[george3095]

OK, Pat. you've convinced me because you've confirmed my problem is not unique. I'll do as you suggested and let you know how it goes.

 

[george3095]

Pat, I'm sorry to report that, installing Powerchute on my fully-updated Win7 in compatibility mode with Windows XP SP3, the version on my previous computer which ran Powerchute successfully, Powerchute exhibits the same refusal to run.