How do i fix error 0x80004001 action not supported?

Daniel Pankratov 20 Reputation points
2025-08-11T12:04:23.95+00:00

I recently downloaded a game I had a physical copy of on my pc. But every time I tried to launch it it would give me the error Cant set display mode (0x80004001) Action not supported. Can anyone please tell me what to do? I'm adding a screenshot so you can ascertain the problem.Screenshot 2025-08-11 125602

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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David-M 125K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-08-11T17:12:13.63+00:00

Thanks for the screenshots.

There's nothing that seems strange, so I imagine it's just a compatibility issue since the game is quite old.

Try this:

Run the game in Compatibility Mode:

  1. Right-click the game's .exe file and select "Properties";
  2. Then, select the "Compatibility" tab;
  3. Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and choose Windows XP or 98;
  4. Also, check "Run this program as an administrator";
  5. Click Ok.

If the problem persists, change display settings:

  • Lower your screen resolution (try 1024x768).
  • Disable high DPI scaling:
  1. In the same Compatibility tab, click Change high DPI settings;
  2. Check Override high DPI scaling behavior... and set it to Application.

If the problem persists, install the DirectX 9:

Download and install the DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft (needed for older games).

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35

Feel free to ask back any questions.

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  1. David-M 125K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-11T12:39:16.57+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    Please collect your system information using the DxDiag tool and send it for analysis.

    • Open the Start Menu, type DxDiag, and select it from the list of results;

    Share the information via screenshots, I need the information in the "System" and "Display" tabs.

    Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    If you prefer, you can share the information in file form. See the article below under "Share results".

    https://support.microsoft.com/windows/which-version-of-directx-is-on-your-pc-3c688307-6c44-2ff5-9df7-d90d92bf5239

    I await your reply.

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