Trying to run Red Alert 2 on XP

[Sager16]

I'm trying to run Red Alert 2 on XP. I've followed all the directions provided by Electronic Arts for the loading. All seems to be OK until I launch. Video resolution changes OK. I get sound but no video. I do get the cursor. When I click on the lower right side of the "black" screen, I get partial video, but a large "Black" box in the screen center obscures the page.

I've got s3Legacy.dll Version 5.01.2600, s3Trio 32/64. Set up and running for compatibility mode Win 95. Any solutions?

Sager

[willaby]

You might try to set it up for compatibility mode for NT 5.1 instead of 95, this has worked well for me in other games (even though RA2 worked just fine for me on my XP computers).

Do you have all the latest patches as well?

[Sager16]

Hi willaby,

I'll give it a whirl to see if that works. However, I don't have any patches at all. I'm not going to be playing online if that makes any difference. What patches do I need?

[willaby]

Even if you're not going to be playing online, it still is a good idea to have all the latest patches, especially to ensure compatibility with all the latest operating systems and hardware etc.

You should be able to download the patch here.

[AzKidd69]

I had some issues with RA2 until I patched it also.. definitely worth giving it a shot.. I just used the auto updater tool that installs with red alert ( if you install the westwood online (I beleive) and after all the patches the game stopped crashing to desktop

[Sager16]

I have successfully downloaded and opened the patch recommended. I have tried running C&C in mode 95, 2000, and NT 4.1 (I don't have 5.1). Same trouble as in original post.
I have the original program and key code.

AzKidd69, are you suggesting I download the program from Westwood? (If that's possible)

I just can't figure out why RA runs on other XP systems and not mine. Should I not load the program via Autorun? But, EA says to configure Autorun to WIN95 prior to install! I YI!

[eagle1]

Did you check the compatibility list for Red Alert 2?
Is your video card supported?

If I'm not mistaken, that card is quite old! Perhaps it doesn't support the features of RA2!
Try updating your video card drivers as an option but I think it could be the video card.!

[Sager16]

Thanks eagle1,

You're right, the card is an older card originally used in a prior WIN95 system. The card was salvaged from that computer when my current computer was built. Thing is, RA worked fine on the old system. Never-the-less, I have e-mailed s3 for update information on the driver. Can't find a compatibility list at Westwood. Thanks for the input. Sager

[eagle1]

No problem.

Did you checked the drivers here?

http://www.s3graphics.com/DRVVIEW.HTM

(at the bottom).

[EndobioticChaos]

Yep, the way you describe the problem I too would bet the vid card is causing the problem. RA2 works well under just about any version of Windows.