Description: The Windows Vista Application Compatibility Update is a software update that addresses common application compatibility issues in Windows Vista. Microsoft regularly releases Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Application Compatibility Updates. When you try to install and run certain legacy games or applications in Windows Vista or in Windows Server 2008, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• The game, the application, or the firmware is installed incorrectly.
• The game, the application, or the firmware causes system instability.
• The primary functions of the game, the application, or the firmware does not work correctly.

Update type: Recommended

Release date: December 9, 2008

Applies to: All versions

Knowledge base: support.microsoft.com/kb/957388

Download link: 32-bit | 64-bit

Comments: Windows Vista Application Compatibility Updates are cumulative. Each update contains all the improvements that were included in previous application compatibility updates. For a complete list of the applications that have been addressed by application compatibility updates, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
953960 How to obtain the latest Windows Vista Application Compatibility Update and the applications that are included in Windows Vista Application Compatibility Update

Applications that are included in the December 2008 update:

• Windows Internet Explorer – Updated to improve functionality
• Microsoft Zune Software – Hard blocked when you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista
• Kaspersky Internet Security or Anti-Virus versions up to version 7 – Hard blocked when you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista