The Unique System for Self-Determination (SUA) of the IMSS is vital for calculating employer-employee contributions in Mexico. However, many users experience issues when trying to install or run SUA on new computers with Windows 11, encountering compatibility error messages or unexpected program closures.

The Error

When trying to open or install SUA on Windows 11, you may encounter one of the following behaviors:

  • The installer displays a message indicating that the operating system is not compatible.
  • The program installs, but when trying to open it, nothing happens or it closes immediately.
  • Errors appear related to read/write permissions in the database or system files.

This problem is common because SUA is software with an older architecture that has not been completely updated to take advantage of Windows 11’s security and compatibility features natively.

Root Cause

The main cause lies in the strict security policies and architecture of Windows 11. SUA attempts to write data to protected operating system folders (like C:\SUA or the virtual directory) and uses 32-bit components that require specific execution modes. Without the appropriate permissions and without emulating the environment of previous Windows versions, the system blocks these actions, resulting in failures.

Step-by-Step Solution

Here is how to configure your system and SUA so they work together smoothly on Windows 11.

Step 1: Configure the Installer

If you haven’t installed SUA yet, or if the installation failed, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the SUA installer file (usually an .exe file).
  2. Right-click on the file and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 8 or Windows 7 from the drop-down menu.
  5. In the same tab, check the Run this program as an administrator box.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 2: Clean Installation

With the installer configured:

  1. Double-click the installer.
  2. Follow the installation wizard. It is highly recommended to leave the default path (C:\SUA).
  3. Finish the installation.

Step 3: Configure the Installed Executable

Once installed, you must apply the same compatibility rules to the program itself:

  1. Go to the desktop and look for the SUA shortcut.
  2. Right-click and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 8.
  5. Check the box Run this program as an administrator.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 4: Adjust Folder Permissions (Important)

To avoid “read-only” database errors:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\.
  2. Right-click on the SUA folder and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Security tab and click on Edit.
  4. Select your user (or the Users group) and in the lower list check allow Full control.
  5. Apply the changes and close the properties windows.

Prevention

To ensure continued stability:

  • Never install SUA inside C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).
  • Make periodic backups of the C:\SUA\Respaldos folder.
  • Make sure to update the operating system without changing the applied settings.

Summary

  • SUA has issues on Windows 11 due to its 32-bit design and how it handles security policies.
  • Running the program in compatibility mode for Windows 8 or 7 is essential.
  • Administrator privileges and adjusting read and write permissions on the C: drive folder ensure proper operation of the program.