Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:05:05 Z

I am having trouble installing this game (AOE III) on my computer which is a Windows Vista 64-bit based computer.
I have previously used it with Windows XP. I dont know what version it is and if that would make a difference. I brought the game a few months after it initially came out.

When I inserted the cd into the drive, a window pops up indicated that there is a compatibility issue. I tried using the compatibility wizard but it doesnt work. Please, Can anyone offer some help? Thank you.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:11:18 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

Thank you for using the Microsoft Vista Answers Forum!

The common compatibility issues while installing Age of Empires III can be resolved by keeping your computer up to date with Windows Update.

Method 1

1. Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

2. In the navigation pane, click Check for updates, and then follow the steps to install all recommended updates.

You may also follow the Microsoft Knowledge Base article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929427. While installing the compatibility update, make sure that you download the 64-bit edition package.

Method 2

Uninstall Age Of Empires III

Step 1: Remove the Program from Add/Remove Programs
1. Click on Start

2. Click on All programs

3. Click on Microsoft games

4. Click on Age of Empires III

5. Click on Uninstall Age of Empires III and follow the uninstall steps to uninstall the game.

Step 2: Remove the Game folders

1. Right click on Start

2. Click on Explore

3. Click on Program files (x86 folder)

4. Double click on Microsoft games

5. Select Age of Empires III folder and press the Delete key on the keyboard.

Step 3:Remove the saved game folder

1. Click on Start

2. Click on Documents

3. Double click on My Games

4. Select Age of Empires III folder and press Delete key on the keyboard.

Remove the Game from Registry

** WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Step 1: Remove the game entries under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

1. Click on Start

2. Click on Start Search

3. In the box type regedt32.exe and press Enter key.

4. Click Ctrl + F key and type age 3 and click Find next

5. Delete the entries for age of empires III. Type age 3 again in ctrl + F and click find next until u delete all the entries for age of empires III.

Step 2:Remove the game entries under HKEY_CURRENT_USER

1. Click on Start

2. Click on Run

3. In the box type regedit and press Enter key.

4. Double Click on HKEY_CURRENT_USER

5. Double Click on Software

6. Double Click on Microsoft

7. Double Click on Microsoft Games

8. Select Age of Empires 3 folders press Delete key on the keyboard.

Reinstall Age of Empires III and check what happens.

Please reply and let us know if your issue is resolved or if you will need further assistance.

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:36:47 Z

Dear Mohan:

Thanks for the reply. I attempted to do as you offered. I was prompted with a window "Windows Update Standalone Installer" that said "This update doesnot apply to your system." Do you have anymore suggestions. I really would like to get this game running. Therewas no need to uninstall because I can never get it to install.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:45:59 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

Can you try installing AOE III again and make a note of the exact error message that you are getting. You can also check the Reliability and Performance monitor and look for error message under Reliability monitor for Software (Un)Installs. Event Viewer would also be helpful in finding error message.

Refer the screenshot: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-windows-vista-reliability-monitor-to-troubleshoot-crashes/

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:40:01 Z

Hi Mohan:
I get an incompatibility error message saying "There is some known compatibility issues with this software." Then I would get another window that ask if I want to attempt to run the game but doing so it wont run properly. I will check out the screenshot. Thanks.

Would you think buying another game help in terms of what version it is? I wont like doing that.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:01:23 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

I don’t think you need to buy another game, at least for now. The first thing I did was to check if this game was compatible with Vista, which it is.
Ref: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/Browse.aspx?type=Software&category=PC%20Gaming&subcategory=Strategy&os=64-bit%20Windows%20Vista

You can try to install the game in compatibility mode with the instructions provided in the website below.
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/bf416877-c83f-4476-a3da-8ec98dcf5f101033.mspx

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:02:41 Z

Thank you.

I tried the first and second reference before when I started off with the problems. Thats how I ended up using this forum to get some help.

I will try to install the game again and write down the exact errors.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:31:04 Z

Here are the exact error messeges:
window 1)   An unidentified program wants access to to your computer                        Options: Allow or cancel

window 2)   Program compatibility Assistant
                  This program has know compatibility issues.  Check online to see if           Options: Check online for solutions, Run program, or Cancel
                  solutions are available from Mocrosoft webite. If solutions are found
                 windows will automatically display a website that list steps you can take.
                 Age of Empires III is incompatible with this version of Windows. For more
                 informatin contact Microsoft.

window 3)   No solution can be found for Age of Empires III. windows will notify you    Option: Cancel
                 when solutions become available.

window 4)   C:\windows\system32\setup.exe                                                         Option: OK
                  Windows cannot find 'C:\windows\system32\setup.exe.'
                  make sure you typoed the name correctly and try again.

The bold statements are what options I followed in the process in attempting to install. The undelined is the title for the windows. Can the fact that I have a 64-bit version of Windows Vista be the problem? Will Microsoft ever develop something to fix this? I have tried all that is possible. I hope this helps you help me to find a solution because I am eager to play this game but I cant at the moment.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:43:49 Z

Instead of checking online for solutions, just press Run Program and install it.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:08:15 Z

Hi jlluitj:
Have you done this before.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:25:47 Z

No but I always press run program when a comptability issues comes, its just stating the game runs under 32bit and not 64bit, the game will run at *x86, which is fine, infact alot of programs do. Yes I have installed AOE III actually before on my system :)

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:50:52 Z

jlluitj:
If it was only that easy. It did not work. I keep getting a window for known compatibility issues now when I insert the cd. It wont run the game.
This is frustrating.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:56:12 Z

Well when I pop in aoe 3 it says known compatibility, you should be able press run program at the prompt of comptability.

Unless there is an error after that.. If so what is it?

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:10:22 Z

Hi jlluitj:
Same error as stated before:
C:\windows\system32\setup.exe
Windows cannot find 'C:\windows\system32\setup.exe.'
make sure you typoed the name correctly and try again.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:11:14 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

Check if the Application Compatibility Update KB935280 is installed on your computer:

1.	Click Start , type Control Panel in the Start Search box, and then click Control Panel in the Programs list. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue .
2.	Click Programs .
3.	Click Programs and Features .
4.	Click View installed updates .
5.	Check if update KB948465 is present in the list or not.

If the update is not installed, click here to download the 64-bit package for your computer and install it.

Once you have the application compatibility update installed, restart the computer and try installing AOE III.

Let us know if this helped.

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:49:30 Z

Thank you Mohan for your response.

I checked the two updates metioned are not installed. I attempted to install both updates KB935280 for x64 and x86, but they did not install. I get a message saying that "This update dont apply to your system." What exactly does that mean? I would think that a Windows Vista update of any kind could be installed.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:20:52 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

The error "This update doesn’t apply to your system." means that you might have an updated version of compatibility package already installed on the computer.

Have you installed all the updates on your computer?
Which is the service pack that is currently running on your computer?

Try the article KB953960 to install the latest Application compatibility package.

We can also try to install the game in compatibility mode. The steps for the same are mentioned in the article KB927386.

Let us know if it was helpful.

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:02:25 Z

Hi Mohan:
I have Service pack 1 installed on the computer. I will try KB953960. I will keep trying until something works. Tried this update said "This update does not apply to your system"

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:47:41 Z

Hi Mohan:
I have KB957388 "December Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Application Compatibility update" installed already. Please advise what is the next step?

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:04:05 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

Have you tried the steps to install the game in compatibility mode from the article KB927386?

If the above step is not tried, please try step 1 and follow the above step.

Try placing the computer in clean boot mode.

Step 1: Perform a clean boot

Note If the computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may prevent you from following these steps. We strongly recommend that you do not use the System Configuration utility to modify the advanced boot options on the computer unless a Microsoft support engineer directs you to do this. Doing this may make the computer unusable.

a.	Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights.
b.	Click Start , type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER to start the System Configuration Utility. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue .
c.	On the General tab, click Selective Startup , and then click to clear the Load startup items check box. (The Use Original Boot.ini check box is unavailable.)
d.	On the Services tab, click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click Disable all . Note Following this step lets Microsoft services continue to run. These services include Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, Error Reporting, and other services. If you disable these services, you may permanently delete all restore points. Do not do this if you want to use the System Restore utility together with existing restore points.
e.	Click OK , and then click Restart .

Install the latest updates available on the computer including Service pack 2.

Step 2: Install Updates
Start Windows Update, and then install all the updates. By doing this, you confirm that Windows Update is up-to-date. To start Windows Update and install all the updates, follow these steps:

a.	Click Start , point to All Programs , and then click Windows Update .
b.	Click all the check boxes for all the updates to be selected.
c.	Click Install Updates .
d.	When the update is installed, restart the computer.

Note: Ensure that Windows Vista Service Pack 2(KB948465) is installed.

Step 3: Try installing AOE III

Step 4: Reset the computer to start as usual

After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start as usual:

a.	Click Start , type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue .
b.	On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option, and then click OK .
c.	When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Restart .

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:44:08 Z

Thank you Mohan for your deligent responses. I downloaded and installed the Windows Vista Service pack 2 (KB948465) and verified that it was installed by checking my computer's system. In step 3, I attempted to install AOE III and came up with the same compatibility issues as before. I also tried using the Compatibilitty Wizard again, but no luck. I restored my computer back to its normal startup routine.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:46:34 Z

Hello summerbreeze, Can I request a screenshot of the compatibility error please?

Prntscreen open paint paste > save as jpg, then upload it to your live account or an external image hosting website

jlluitj

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:33:19 Z

Hi jlluitj:

I will try to provide you with screen shots of the message, but how would I load them to this forum for your review?

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:55:50 Z

Hi Summerbreeze,

Loading screenshot is not possible on Forum website; however you may try any of the Image Hosting Server’s and paste the link in your next post/response.

E.g.: http://imageshack.us/

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:18:16 Z

Hi Mohan:
I have uploaded the screenshots to Imageshack at http://profile.imageshack.us/user/summer_xbreeze/
Hope this helps. Also the version of the game is v.1.0.00.0000 dtd Sept 2005.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:20:51 Z

Hi jlluitj:
I have uploaded the screenshots to Imageshack at http://profile.imageshack.us/user/summer_xbreeze/
Hope this helps. Also the version of the game is v.1.0.00.0000 dtd Sept 2005.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:23:57 Z

Thanks summerbreeze,

Alright, let see if this exists..

Right click on C:\ Go to Open > Is there an autorun.inf in that directory? If so delete it, tell me if you can install age 3 now.
If this doesn't seem to work, right click on the CD drive of age of empires 3, open so it shows the dir, right click on setup.exe and run as administrator

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:16:14 Z

Hi jlluitj:

When I go to the C:\ I didnt not see autorun.inf; so I did a search. There are autorun for other programs listed. So I continued to the next step. I open the cd, choose to "run as administrator" and I get the same compatibility window. Does the version of the game have anything to do with Vista?

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:25:19 Z

Put in the CD, Compatibility prompt will appear, Hit Cancel, Open My Computer > Right click on the age3 cd1 drive, Go to OPEN > Now find setup.exe, right click on it, run as administrator Try and install, does this work?

The reason being behind this is, I think, anyways is that the autorun.inf file inside of the age3 cd is this as stated

[autorun]
open=autorun.exe
icon=autorun.exe
Name=AOE III Disk 1

shell\setup=&Install Age of Empires III
shell\setup\command=setup.exe

shell\directx=Install &DirectX 9.0c
shell\directx\command=DirectX9\dxsetup.exe

Which shell\setup\command=setup.exe, after you run as administrator through compatibility prompt, the default path would be c:\windows\system32\ which attempts to run setup.exe from this directory , but of course its not there which prompts the error. If that makes any sense... :)
If you run the setup.exe directly from the CD, it should run and work, just ignore and compatibility prompts.
There maybe something wrong with the path variables of your system or the compatibility prompt, not sure though.

I hope this works

jlluitj

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:44:00 Z

Hello, its been time since your reply, did everything work?

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:26:44 Z

Hi jlluitj:

Sorry about that I was caught with some things this week. I will try it today and get back with you. What if I get prompted with the same Compatibility issue when I try to play the game; what do I do?

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:50:18 Z

Did you get it installed?

Ignore it and run the game, or right click > properties > compatibility tab > set to windows xp

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:22:16 Z

The installation is not the problem; its running the game afterwards.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:23:39 Z

Go to the folder of age of empires 3, and run the .exe or the shortcut on your desktop/Games list, and right click > properties > compatibility tab > set to windows xp,

does it launch? It should launch without any compatibility

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:43:42 Z

The game works after some fuzzy-like startup, but the EOS does not recognize my version of the game. So all the effort for nothing. I will buy a new game.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:45:24 Z

The game works after some fuzzy-like startup, but the EOS does not recognize my version of the game. So all the effort for nothing. I will buy a new game.

Hi Summerbreeze,

How did you get around the installation problem?

We need more information about the above mentioned issue.

Did you mean ESO?
Do you get any error message?

What is the error message?

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:44:36 Z

Hi Mohan:

Thought you forgot my compatibility issue with this game.

There was no getting around the installation. The game was able to install but gave me so much compatibility warnings even up to actually running the game. After installation I ran the game but it didnt start like usual. The begining was fuzzy like it didnt want to load the game but it went all the way through.

My mistake; it should be ESO, Ensemble Online, so that you can play online with other gamers. The error said "ESO does not recognize this version of the game." I dont know how else to better explain than to say exactly what it prompted me with.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:09:26 Z

Have you tried applying the patches?

Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.http://www.pchalp.com/

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:24:49 Z

Have you tried applying the patches?
Josh Luitjens - Self-taught computer tech.http://www.pchalp.com/

Hi Summerbreeze,

I agree with Josh, try applying all the updates and patches for the program.

http://www.ensemblestudios.com/

Mohan

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:04:10 Z

Hi Mohan:
I bought another game. This one says it works with XP or higher. I installed it with no error message and everything works fine. Thank you and appreciate the help.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:37:57 Z

Was interested in your issues in this chain.

I am a PC luddite (but have got this far!). I can't work out how to start a new post despite help page.

My issue is also with AOE3 on Vista

I install and get all the way through to 'Play', 'Uninstall', 'Website' and 'Exit' page.

When I select play it asks for Product Key Number again (already provided when installed).

Then I am told that it is not a valid Product Key Number.

I have: - obviuosly, tried many times to ensure I have entered the correct number
            - returned 'faulty' CDs to GAME, who kindly replaced them with a new sealed game
           - updated all Microsoft updates on my PC
              - tried opening with windows compatibility wizard

All with no success.

Please help,
Papa George

P.S. I hope this goes to the correct person, if not can someone pass it on, or put it out live on a 'post' somehow

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:02:21 Z

Hi Papa George:
My issues was with compaibility; getting the game to actually work with Vista. Once I bought a new game that said it worked with Windows XP or higher (which includes Vista) as the operating system, there were no more problems. Installation and playing the game had been fixed. Please make sure that your computer meets the reqiured minimum settings to run the game.

My suggestion would be to uninstall the game and properly put the correct product key. Inputting the product key can be case sensitive; try turning caps on.

Hope this heps.

Installing Age of Empires III on a Vista based Computer

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:47:16 Z

Hey summerbreeze, mohan, and jiluitj-

I had the same compatibility error as summerbreeze, but Im not particularly inclined to go and purchase a new game. I didn't really try all of the solutions, but considering they didnt work for summerebreeze, they wouldnt work for me. Im not all that great with computers either... Any suggestions?

Thanks.