How to bypass OS version check in setups
Sometimes in order install there is a need to bypass OS version check in setup prerequisites.
Example
Some software has Windows XP SP 2 or Windows Vista defined as minimum OS requirements to run setup. We need to install this software on Windows Server 2003 or on Windows XP having lower service pack. In this scenario setup would stop on OS version check step and wouldn't let to install.
Solution
Download and install Microsoft Application Verifier tool. This tool is free and you can google for it. Run the tool, pick "Add Application" from the file menu and browse to the software setup executable program you are trying to install. Add it. Open the "Compatibility" node on the right and check HighVersionLie. Right click it after checking it and pick properties. Fill in compatible OS properties to fool the setup program. For Windows XP SP 2 properties should be defined like so: major version 5, minor version 1, build number 2600, service pack major 2, service pack minor 1). Save. Run the setup program while the Microsoft Application Verifier still running. Setup will think it is running on Windows XP SP 2.
Enjoy
Monday, January 19, 2009 3:48 PM
