old software

Can anyone advise me on the following...........???
I have a bunch of software, mostly educational, that I used on my win95/3.1 computer. I purchased a new computer and I have all these cd-roms that I would like to install on my new computer. I now have win xp home edition as my new o/s.

Will I have much of a problem installing older programs under win xp? I know about the compatibility mode in xp. The info I need from some of you experts is.........will any of the old files that some of these programs might throw into windows will override any newer versions that win xp might have?

Kindly help if you can. Many Thanks.
Norman

 

Many older applications will install and run with XP, and I'm sure some won't. Obviously, since nobody can know the details of thousands of software packages, I suspect you're just going to have to try them. You might list the packages, and if someone has had specific experience, they might be able to offer guidance.