How to run some Win9x games (ones that refuse to run) on Win2000?

[ToXiCRaGE]

I never knew how to do it but i've came upon this question somewhere on this forum but it was a very long time ago and i never got a chance to dig into deeper.

Q: how can i run Win95/98 games that don't wanna run on Win2000?

- most of them work, but some don't eg. Superbike 2000 and most of all (the one that I want!) System Shock 2. Is there a way around this? These games were (i quess) specifically made for the 9x platforms. I know all of them would work on ME as well (but i refuse to have ME on my computer).

thanks

 

[AndyHui]

Create a shortcut to the executable, right click on the short cut and then select the Compatibility tab. You can try to play around with the different modes there and see if it works.

If even that does not work, then the best solution would be to install Win9x as a dual boot.

 

[randypj]

Andy, I think you have to install the small M$ft compatiblity file first? Correct? I'm only on SP2, but I'm thinking I had to install the small compat patch to get the compatiblity modes? Sorry, I don't remember the name of the file.
--Randy

 

[ToXiCRaGE]

you guys got me confused. So can i or can't i just create a shortcut to the executable and then play around in the Compatibility tab? Do i need some files installed - correct?
Also, i really dont want to have dual boot on my comp. I mean if there is no way around it i quess i won't play those games, but can you guys give me sort of a step-by-step "to do list"? things that i need 1st (like install some software, patches etc., things i need to upgrade) and then the tweaking info (changing settings, renameing files, etc? i don't know) - if that's not too much to ask.

 

[DrMoreau]

Well there are a number of things you can try. None are guaranteed to work, but for me at least, there is a certain amount of fun gained from the challenge of trying to get a game to work under 2k that wasn?t designed for it. Dual boot is an option, but it?s always my last.

First go here and check the list of games to see if anyone has posted a fix for that title.

If no luck there then check the official website for a patch. If the official website doesn?t have a patch (some game manufactures don?t want to have to deal with 2k support) then do a search for that game and just browse through some of the fan sites. Sometimes there are third-party patches available that are not supported by the game manufacturer but will get the game to run.

Still no luck, then you can do as mentioned above for the Application Compatibility.

Put in your Win2k CD and copy ?APCOMPAT.EXE? to your WINNT folder. Then create a shortcut to it or just type in ?apcompat? in the run dialog box. Play around with the settings but don?t check the box for ?Make Permanent? until you found one that works.

If that doesn?t work, then reverse-engineer the game yourself. I don?t have any programming experience but I like to study code as a hobby. I did manage to alter the code of Tomb Raider The Lost Artifact to get it to play under 2k after fooling around with a hex editor for several days. (Then I stumbled across a third-party patch for it the following week!) Wish I could give you more help with this part but I?m still learning it myself.

Other then these, it?s either dual boot or don?t play. Maybe somebody has other suggestions as well.

 

[ToXiCRaGE]

well thanks DrMoreau. I will try what you said and hopefully i'll have some luck.

(Why they can't just make em all work for ALL the win platforms! :frown: )