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A You can’t run 16-bit software on 64-bit Windows, but it should work with the 32-bit version. You probably don’t want to go back to 32-bit but you can use VirtuaiBox (www.virtualbox.org), which is free software that lets you run a complete version of Windows (and other operating systems) on top of the one you’re currently using. lt’s a bit like a PC simulator that lets you run Windows XP, Vista or Linux without making permanent changes to your existing PC.

Install VirtualBox. then install a 32-bit version of XP, Vista or 7 from an original Windows disc, and Theme Hospital should work. However, there are no guarantees and, with software this old, you might find it runs better in XP than in 7. If you don’t have old Windows discs, see if you can borrow them. You can install and run Windows 7 for 30 days. If the game works, you can then buy a full copy of Windows 7 to run in VirtualBox. If not, well at least it won’t have cost you anything.

A cheaper alternative is to try the free open-source done of Theme Hospital (code.google.com/p/corsix-th) that’s being developed by enthusiasts. It runs on modern hardware and Windows, and there are 32- and 64-bit versions available. Although it’s not finished, you can download and play the latest version.