I'm running Windows 7 - SP1 - 64-bit. I'm a firm believer in trying & using freeware whenever possible. For the last several days, I've downloaded freeware from several different sources and when trying to install them, I get the message - "The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's System Information to see whether you need a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of the program.

Can anyone offer suggestions?

Likely the application is not designed for Windows 8. You could try this: How to Run Older Programs under Windows 8 - For Dummies (http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-run-older-programs-under-windows-8.html)

It may not be compatible with 64 bit Windows.

Sorry - I'm running Windows 7, 64-bit. The software I try to install IS 64-bit. Any other suggestions?

Contact the author.

Impossible to tell without knowing the software in question.

So far, it's been about 10 different packages. I don't think it the software because it comes from different writers, etc, I'm sure it is something on my end - a setting, a driver, etc.

Do you have something like Norton 360 installed? That's a nasty piece of computer slowing software.

Do you have something like Norton 360 installed? That's a nasty piece of computer slowing software.

No I don't - never liked Norton - too invasive.