The Borland Database Engine (BDE) and Delphi versions prior to Delphi 2009 were created before 64 bit Windows 7 and thus the default installations need some tweaking to get them to run.

I have created a page explaining the issues and the tweaks needed to get these running nicely in 64 bit Windows 7 – see here.

Most of the issues have to do with UAC and the altered location of System32 files and registry keys.

Before you install any of these, make sure the least you do is change the default install directory of Delphi to somewhere other than C:\Program Files path!

If you are just wanting to run your Delphi 6 or 7 apps on 32 bit Windows Vista or Windows 7, you just need to be aware of a few issues:

  • do not try to write files to protected Windows folders such as any folder derived from Program Files or Windows, or the root folder.
  • Registry preferences should be stored in HKCU
  • If you need Admin rights for your application, you should request this in the manifest XML file – see here
  • You should consider using a TThemeManager to enable XP themes support and give your app a XP feel.
  • Themes and Vista menus are likewise activated through the manifest XML file, but you should probably add some additional Vista/Win7 specific code to handle this.