1. Windows 10 Version Comparison

If it is run on Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, then those OSes should default the program to Windows 7 compatibility. Consequently, it should return version numbers indicating so - the maximum of 6.2 (logically) unless the 8.1 or 10 compatibility line is present.

If you are trying to install Borland Delphi 3 on Windows 7, 8 or Windows 10 64bit you are probably running into one of these problems…

This app can’t run on your PC. To find a version that runs with your PC check with the publisher.

Unsupported 16-bit Application – the program or feature cannot start or run due to incompatibility with 64-bit versions of Windows

Windows 10 Version Comparison

Windows 10 version 1703

Luckily, the Longbow Reviver tool can solve this, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Reviver tool here
  2. Backup your Borland Delphi 3 CD to your Desktop, in a “Delphi 3” folder
  3. Next, start the Longbow Reviver tool and select the “Old Installer Reviver” tab
    1. Using the “…” button select the path to the DesktopDelphi 3installfolder…

      Selecting the Backup Copy of the Delphi 3 CD on your hard drive

    2. Once you have that selected, click OK and then pick the “Fix and Run Old Installer” button.
    3. Now, be patient, the process for initializing the Delphi 3 setup may take over an hour…
      1. Look out for a folder called _ISTMP0.DIR being created in the install folder, if it’s not there in an hour, restart your computer and try again…
      2. The _ISTMP0.DIR should slowly fill with about 21 files before the setup appears.
  4. Once your Delphi 3 setup appears
    1. step through the setup dialogs as normal until you get to the “Select Directories” dialog
    2. Here, make sure you change the Root folder to c:Borland (instead of c:Program Files (x86)Borland)

      e.g.
    3. Make sure they are setup like this…

      Updated the Borland Root path

    4. Now carry on and install as normal until complete
    5. Be patient, it takes a while to complete…
  5. Once the install is complete
    1. make sure the Delphi 3 setup is shutdown.
    2. Go back to the Reviver tool and select the 2nd tab named “Old Program Reviver“
    3. Using the ‘…’ button, pick the newly installed c:Borland folder
    4. Then pick the “Run Old Program” button
  6. Now your Delphi 3 should be up and running…

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