I am far from an expert but sometimes two programs are trying to use the same memory space and that is where the conflict starts. Also some programs are just not compatible with new operating systems. This is especially true if your old computer was a 32 bit machine and the new one is a 64 bit machine.

There is a program you can buy for $5 called Start 8 that makes windows 8 look just like windows 7. My wife has it on her computer and it really helps navigating the Win 8 but won't do anything for your conflict problem.