How to Get Win 7 Calculator in Windows Vista

Windows 7 is the latest operating system of Microsoft and it has a lot of new user interface features. Aside from these features, Microsoft has revamped a number of tools which include the calculator. The calculator has been there for ages and it is simple and straightforward for common users.

Ever since I have used Windows and it’s calculator tool, I have always wanted it to become a little more scientific that I can use when I was still studying. Anyways, after more than a decade Microsoft has created a calculator that would be useful for science calculations and still reachable for the average user. However; this tool is only available via Windows 7.

This tool can however be downloaded from Softpedia and installed on an external drive that you can run whenever you need it.

If you don’t want to be bringing your flash drive all the time, you can have the calculator integrated in Windows Vista.

The procedure requires workaround since you would not be able to gain control of the System32 folder even when using the administrator mode or running the admin privilege account in the command prompt.

There is a workaround though which changes the security permission via the property settings of the System32 folder. In the properties of the System32, and in the security tab, click on the “Advanced” button. The permissions tab would list all permission entries, click on “Edit”. On the next window, the permission entries are shown again and here you select what to grant full control on. You choose System32 folder and edit the security approval. Put a tick mark on the “Full Control” checkbox.

Since you already have the control on the System32 folder you can replace the existing old calculator with the new Windows 7 calculator. Before you do these things, make sure you create a backup copy of the original application so you can restore whenever something happens.

There are two files to be replaced and these are calc.exe found in the root of System32 and calc.exe.mui found in the “en-US” folder of System32. 

When the replacement is made, you should have the new calculator found only in Windows 7. When you have confirmed that the new application is in place, make sure you revert back the permissions on the System32 folder to secure your box from any potential security threats.

Again, please proceed cautiously when you make the edits and do this only if you have the skills to accomplish it or troubleshoot when it doesn’t work out. Again, the calculator works on a usb flash drive and if you can just use this option then do it. When you are already in Windows Vista, I suggest you upgrade to Windows 7 instead.

The calculator can be downloaded here – Windows 7 calculator.

For more detailed steps, read it here, Windows 7 Calculator.

Image from Softpedia.