How Can I Run a 90s CD-ROM on Windows 11 or MacBook?

Unfortunately, this CD-ROM is likely not going to run on your Mac since it's a Windows executable (.exe). Plus, since Windows 11 is a 64-bit OS and this software probably dates back to Windows 95 or even earlier 16-bit systems, it won't be compatible. I'd recommend trying a virtual machine set up with Windows 95 instead.

Throwing the CD out could be an option, but I think there’s a lot of nostalgia with these old programs! My laptop has Windows 98 on it and I love running classics!

You might try creating an ISO of the CD and then using that ISO with Windows 11. If that fails, consider setting up a virtual machine with an older Windows version. Grab a Windows XP ISO online, get some virtual machine software, and you should be set!

Definitely go for the virtual machine idea! Even with compatibility mode and other tricks, modern Windows often struggles with older software. I've had similar issues with old games that wouldn't run on newer Windows but worked perfectly in a Windows XP virtual environment.

If virtual machines aren't your style, there are also tons of websites that emulate old software for free these days. You could also just think about tossing the CD if a similar app is available that you can use online.