GRE Powerprep: Error on Windows 7 (64-bit)

GRE Powerprep is the software provided by ETS to test takers to experience and practice on the test software used in the actual test. This software installs fine on Windows 7 (64-bit), but on execution gives the following error:

This 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 an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

This piece-of-crap software, from the big scam that is ETS, is dinosaur-old and has not been updated in years! Attempts to run the Powerprep software in the Compatibility Mode of everything from Windows 95 to NT to XP will not work.

Thankfully, there is a way out. Install the Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 by going here. This involves the installation of 3 programs, which includes Virtual PC and XP Mode running inside it. When XP Mode is started it boots up Windows XP inside Virtual PC. Install GRE Powerprep into this XP and execute it from there. You should be able to practice for your GRE now. 😊

Windows 7 Home and Vista Users

For reasons that only Microsoft can know, XP Mode is available only to Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate users. Windows 7 Home users get this error message when they try to download: