The Bottom Line

The best way to see if a game works under Windows XP is to install it and try to play it. If it works great! If not, then you can run through the various compatibility and troubleshooting options available to you.

When it's time for games, just remember these key points:

• You can test and calibrate your game controller in the Game Controller utility, accessible from the Control Panel.

• For best game play, you need a fairly high-powered system with a fast processor, lots of memory and hard disk space, a CD/DVD drive, and 3D sound and video cards.

• Windows XP supports the latest version of DirectX (version 9) for hardware-accelerated game play, but for compatibility with older 16-bit games, Windows XP also includes SoundBlaster and VESA video support.

• If you're having trouble running an older game, open its Properties dialog box and select an older compatibility mode. This tricks the game into thinking that it's running on an older version of Windows.

• If you're unsure whether a particular game or hardware component is compatible with Windows XP, open the Help and Support Services and click the Compatible Hardware and Software link to access Microsoft's Compatibility Center.

• If you're going to have problems, it's more likely to be caused by older or non-standard hardware than it is by the games you try to play; to track down hardware-related problems, use either the Hardware Trouble shooter, Multimedia and Games Troubleshooter, or DirectX Diagnostic Tool.