Can I run an older version of VMware on a new computer with the latest software?

F5F Stay Refreshed Software General Software Can I run an older version of VMware on a new computer with the latest software?

Can I run an older version of VMware on a new computer with the latest software?

Can I run an older version of VMware on a new computer with the latest software?

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Ender_Craft47
Posting Freak

866

05-28-2026, 08:54 AM

#1

Hi, I have a virtual machine that runs fine on VMware Workstation Pro 12.5.7. I tried running it on version 16, but it did not work as expected. The VM is set up for Windows 7 and starts up, but the programs do not run after installation. Could you help me upgrade this setup for free? Thanks!

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Ender_Craft47

05-28-2026, 08:54 AM #1

Hi, I have a virtual machine that runs fine on VMware Workstation Pro 12.5.7. I tried running it on version 16, but it did not work as expected. The VM is set up for Windows 7 and starts up, but the programs do not run after installation. Could you help me upgrade this setup for free? Thanks!

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OhMsEmily
Member

54

06-09-2026, 09:25 AM

#2

If windows 7 starts up fine then the problem isn't with Virtual Machines. It might be a software that has special rules (copy protection) that only let certain computers play games or work. This computer just doesn't match what they think it should look like, so the program refuses to run. You could try giving more details about exactly which game or tool it is and how you put it there. Then maybe you can fix it easily without needing special tools.

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OhMsEmily

06-09-2026, 09:25 AM #2

If windows 7 starts up fine then the problem isn't with Virtual Machines. It might be a software that has special rules (copy protection) that only let certain computers play games or work. This computer just doesn't match what they think it should look like, so the program refuses to run. You could try giving more details about exactly which game or tool it is and how you put it there. Then maybe you can fix it easily without needing special tools.

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Imllay2
Junior Member

12

06-10-2026, 12:58 AM

#3

If Windows 7 starts up fine, then it isn't a problem with the virtual machine (VM). The software might be locked or have some kind of security screen that stops running because it thinks your computer is different from what the program expects. To fix this or figure out exactly which program you are dealing with and how to get past the lock, you would need more details on where it was installed and how it works under the hood.

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Imllay2

06-10-2026, 12:58 AM #3

If Windows 7 starts up fine, then it isn't a problem with the virtual machine (VM). The software might be locked or have some kind of security screen that stops running because it thinks your computer is different from what the program expects. To fix this or figure out exactly which program you are dealing with and how to get past the lock, you would need more details on where it was installed and how it works under the hood.

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Streiyn
Posting Freak

768

06-18-2026, 06:11 AM

#4

It's a tool made for factories, but not everyone gets it. I believe the problem lies in the virtual machine (VM) part. If I run this on version 12.5.7—the one that was supposed to be best—it works fine. I found an option called "change hardware compatibility," but only my software allows me to pick versions up to 12x or lower. I think I need to install a newer version, like 16, and then use that feature to upgrade to the 16x standard. I'm going to try this right now.

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Streiyn

06-18-2026, 06:11 AM #4

It's a tool made for factories, but not everyone gets it. I believe the problem lies in the virtual machine (VM) part. If I run this on version 12.5.7—the one that was supposed to be best—it works fine. I found an option called "change hardware compatibility," but only my software allows me to pick versions up to 12x or lower. I think I need to install a newer version, like 16, and then use that feature to upgrade to the 16x standard. I'm going to try this right now.

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Crackydude04
Junior Member

18

06-18-2026, 04:15 PM

#5

Your program doesn't know if it's running on a regular computer or in a virtual machine. I believe TherryLaze was correct because newer versions of VMware show up as different hardware, which causes the program to fail its security checks.

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Crackydude04

06-18-2026, 04:15 PM #5

Your program doesn't know if it's running on a regular computer or in a virtual machine. I believe TherryLaze was correct because newer versions of VMware show up as different hardware, which causes the program to fail its security checks.