Here’s a post for you to leave comments on my article about installing Civilization IV on Windows Vista, since I’ve got it set up as a WordPress page instead of a post and therefore the original article doesn’t allow comments. :)
If you’ve managed to get it installed and playable, feel free to post your solution here in the comments. Comments moderated to reduce spam, but it’ll show up before too long.
I found that the 1.74 patch (and probably other patches) may not be compatible with earlier patches. Therefore, the expansion cannot update properly – causing an error message. Thus, uninstall the game entirely (back up your savegames first) and reinstall from the CDs, but DON’T patch with anything but the latest patch (1.74 final at the time of this writing) Then install the expansion. When the installer checks, you will have the appropriate version of the game and the installation should begin.
Also, under Windows Vista, a message box came up as soon as I tried to run the game, which stated that the game has known issues under Vista. However, I just put the game in XP SP2 compatibility mode, ran as admin, and turned off visual themes (all under the compatibility tab in the executable’s properties window). Then I told the warning window to stop displaying and just run the game anyway. Under these settings, I haven’t had any problems with the game whatsoever!
Good luck, all!
P.S. If my tips help you get the game going, name your capital city after me – just once :P
God, what makes NO sense is that Firaxis doesn’t offer the 1.74 patch on their web site.
I’ve tried both Vista x64 and x86 and have been attempting to use the XP SP-2 compatability mode option for the last several weeks. Failure after failure. It just kept telling me that “there was a problem” and that it had to close. I’ve been close to throwing up my hands and reverting back to XP.
I’m not sure if changing the compatability mode to NT (INSTEAD of XP SP-2!!!)/turning off visual themes or the 1.74 patch fixed the issue, but I need to offer sincere thanks to Satoris for his suggestions.
My first empire will be the mighty kingdom of Satoris. :)
Somebody help me, for the love of Fish!
I’ve been trying to install civ 4 on piece of sh.. vista by doing this folder on desktop thing but data 2 from disc one is unreadable….what do I do?
ejzipfel@yahoo.com
Apologies for not getting Alkiefish’s comment approved earlier, but I was in the middle of moving and it slipped through the cracks.