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Microsoft Age of Empires II: Gold Edition

Anonymous
2018-08-09T18:10:04+00:00

Before I get too far, I want to say that what I'm asking is probably a bit of a stretch, so I would not be surprised if people said "no." I just thought I'd ask. Also, I've tried adjusting various "compatibility" settings ("Run this program in compatibility mode for:..., "Reduced color mode," and so on).

I have a 2-disc CD-ROM version of Microsoft Age of Empires II: Gold Edition (which includes the 2.0a-patched version of The Age of Kings, as well as The Conquerors Expansion; each game is on its own CD-ROM). While I was able to install The Age of Kings, I cannot get it to run. Coincidentally, the only version I’ve been able to find when I search online for possible solutions is the one I already have. Some results I’ve investigated suggest downloading the game via Steam (pending availability of the game). Due to the trouble I’m having with The Age of Kings, I have not yet tried to install The Conquerors Expansion. As a result, I do not know if that game will have problems. Does anybody know of any legitimate Microsoft Windows 10-compatible patches for Microsoft Age of Empires II Gold Edition?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Gaming

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-08-13T18:26:21+00:00

    Hi MasterYoda1041,

    Normally, changing the Compatibility settings of the game and installing the latest patch should help you run it on your computer. Can you tell us if the issue persists if you try reinstalling the game? Also, were you able to play other games on your computer? it's possible that there's a new patch to be released by the game developers to fix issues with launching the game on Windows 10.

    In the meantime, kindly check if your computer installed the latest Windows Update so that we can ensure that it doesn't cause you this issue.

    Keep us updated with this concern by sending us a reply. This way, I'll get notified and respond back to you as soon as I can.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-08-15T03:47:39+00:00

    Nothing to do with Compatibility, or 'run as admin'.  It's because MS built a 'security feature' - DRM Blocking into Win10

    which affects hundreds of disc based games that use SafeDisk copy protection. I have more details in my post at ---this thread---

    • Short story... You will need to use a noCD fix/hack to run any disc based game with SafeDisk copy protection on Win10.

    I've been using noCD fixes from   --- here ---  for over ten years (never did like having to stuff around with the disc)

    • Game developers don't continue patching games once the bugs have been worked out. Usually within the first year after release,

    so they never address any potential incompatibility with a future version of Windows.

    • Many disc based re-release versions of games by 'budget' publishers (BigBytes, Xplode, etc.) are pre-patched, and some have

    had the DRM removed as well (increasingly since the release of Win10).

    • There are a few developers that will allow an exchange of your CD key for a download version, but this is limited. You would have

    to try their support site to find out. As far as I am aware MS do not offer this courtesy with games they published.

    • The download versions of these games have had SafeDisk patched out of them, so there is no problem, if you you are happy to

    pay for your games again (the hidden agenda behind DRM Blocking ? ).

    • My first go to for old games is Good Old Games, partly because I can download an installer. Second The Humble Store, or Steam.

    The Humble Store sells Steam keys, but they have Sales at different times. Wait for a sale to get your games at a fair price.

    http://www.gog.com/

    The Humble Store: Great games. Fantastic prices. Support charity.

    • AOE 3 uses different DRM and runs well on Win10 using no Compatibility setting, but I believe you do need to patch

    it if your copy is an early release. If you are unsure of your games version it does not matter.

    http://www.ensemblestudios.com/patch1_12.aspx

    • Age of Mythology, Age of Wonders 2, AOE 2 - both, Kings and Conquerors, all use SafeDisk.

    .

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-08-14T19:40:05+00:00

    Ariel,

    Thanks for responding! Yes, it does persist if I try reinstalling the game. As far as I can tell, yes, I was able to play other games on my computer. The only other disc-based game I recall trying is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (which is on a DVD-ROM disc) That game seems to work fine. To be clear, however, in terms of strictly Microsoft Age of Empires-disc-based games, I have only tried Microsoft Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings. I also have Microsoft Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion, as well as Microsoft Age of Empires: Gold Edition and Microsoft Age of Empires III. (As I mentioned previously, The Age of Kings and The Conquerors Expansion came together as the Gold Edition of Microsoft Age of Empires II.)

    Could you please provide me with a link to the newest patch you're aware of? When I view the Readme file provided on the disc, it says September 2000 (which means the 2.0a patch is almost 18 years old.) As I have not tried The Conquerors Expansion yet, I am not sure which version number I have. However, if you know of a link you could provide me with for that game as well, that would be great.

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