Age of Empires 3 - Does in play w/Win2k?

[Fern]

Like the title says, I'm getting my son AOE3 for Christmas. So would like to know is anybody playing it with win2k as the op sys.

(I've seen some reports that indicate you may have to mod files, others say it plays OK just that you'll get no help from support if using win2k)

Thanks,

Fern

 

[warcrow]

Minimum system requirements:

- Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP
- 128 MB of RAM
- Pentium 800 MHz or equivalent
- 64 MB 3D video card
- 1.5 GB of free hard disk space
- 32x CD-ROM drive
- DirectX 8.0 compatible sound card
- 56 kbps Internet connection for online play

Recommended system requirements:

- 512 MB of RAM
- 2.0 Ghz CPU
- 128 MB 3D video card

Taken from http://ageofempires3.filefront.com/info/AoE3FAQ

 

[skace]

I have it but havn't installed it yet. Hopefully someone has some more information to add to this thread.

But incase they don't, the demo was playable on Windows 2K but required you do a "Network Install" which was done by running the setup executable using dos parameters that bypass the OS check. Otherwise it would simply state the game is Windows XP only.

The network install switch was simply /a. And you had to put in a network path that was simply where you wanted the game to be installed to.

The AOE3 Wikipedia states "Although Age of Empires III runs on Windows 2000, it will not install using the normal procedure. Users have developed workarounds to allow the game to be installed on Windows 2000.". Which seems to apply the retail version requires the same workarounds as the demo did.

 

[Genx87]

http://www.microsoft.com/games/pc/age3.aspx#sysreqs

Microsofts website is saying WinXP is required.

 

[Fern]

Thanks guys.

If it requires some additional steps to install on win2k I'll need specific instructions. Hopefully somebody with win2k can help me out.

The instructions for the demo I found with google were from a German guy. Even though most of his post was in English I couldn't figure out WTH he was talking about. So I've not bothered with the demo.

I'm hoping the retail game install will be easier. Otherwise I'll need some help to avoid Christmas day disapointment.

Thanks,

Fern

 

[Fern]

Bump for help

 

[Fern]

OK, tried to install the retail game on my win2k pro sp4 gaming box. Didn't work.

Found a few links on work-arounds. Will post back for posterity's sake after trying them .

EDIT: Here's a LINK for an installer patch you can d/l. However, I could not use it as it required an app I didn't have on hand.

I did find a manual "fix" HERE that worked for me: From your Start menu, select Run..., then type in 'cmd' (without quotes). And hit OK. You should get a window with a DOS like prompt (ie. C:\> ). Type in your cd drive letter like so "D:" (w/o quotation marks) and hit "enter". Then type in 'setup /a' (again without the quotes) and press "enter". The installer will then run normally but without the OS check.

win2k, windows 2000
AOE3, age of empires 3
Fern

 

[kelvik kain]

ok.. i want to exspress many thanks to fern.. i got it to install by using her instructions.....i also wanted to add some tips on how i got it to play......you will need to install the version of direct x that is on the AOE3 cd....(just explore cd and look for install icon located in direct x folder)... step 2 would be to update msxml... you need version 4.0... hear is link...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta...-46da-b4b6-c5d7485f2b42&displaylang=en

to get msxml to install you may have to update to the windows installer 2.0... hear is link

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta...D=4B6140F9-2D36-4977-8FA1-6F8A0F5DCA8F

ok after those two step are completed you should be all set up...i installed from the cmd line so i don't have no icons or folder files on my desktop.. you will need to got to the install folder and find the application icon in the aoe3 folder... click that and the game should start up....good luck...

also another note.. the game will not be able to play on the internet connection type of play.. ES and microsoft do a scan of the operating system that is trying to connect.. and they don't support w2k for the game.....there is a workaround but too advanced for me to post...