DirectDraw Error

[[FestiveNapkins]Black]

When I try to play age of empires I get a message to check my videocard and driver compatibility with direct draw.

I'm currently running:
OS:Windows XP 64bit SP2
Processor:2.66 GHZ Core 2 DUo
Memory: 2 GB Ram
Videocard: EVGA Geforce 8800 GT 512MB
Direct X driver: 9.0c

I've reviewed the forums and I can't find a fix or answer for this, especially in the recent posts. Does anyone else know what's going on? I've installed my most current video drivers and that doesn't seem to be the issue.

[Cubed²]

I have the same problem. The exact error message reads:

"Could not initialize graphics system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with DirectDraw"

They are indeed compatible i've run all the tests, plus I play other steam games to.
Is there a fix to this issue?

[InfinityCircuit]

/bump Any word on this? If I see a fix in a different topic, will redirect if I find it.

[-Dare Devil/x/]

-Have you tried: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/191660? There are multiple methods.

[InfinityCircuit]

Yep. Tried it all. Updated everything, no netmeeting, enabled/disabled write combining, hardware acceleration already maxed out...nothing. Great, I want my money back. Microhard blows again.

[Cubed²]

Hey InfinityCircuit.. If you do find any fix please post it here. I've searched high and low but still couldnt find anything. Btw what is the best way to get a refund? I can do through Steam or issuing a claim through PayPal is better?

[InfinityCircuit]

@Dimik, you are correct sir. I am running XP 64-bit SP2, and since 64-bit is more like Server 2k than XP, they did not make SP3 for this OS. So D1nn, unless you have an upgrade to a newer OS like Win7 or 8.1 coming, you're out of luck like me.

To summarize: if you run XP, make sure you have SP3 installed. If you have XP 64-bit, don't waste your money until you have 7 or 8.

[Cubed²]

Thanks for the info.

[-Dare Devil/x/]

-Correct me if I'm wrong but.. the following *should* be true.

-If you have windows XP 32-bit SP 3, the game should be compatible with that.

-If you have windows XP 64-bit SP 2, the game should be compatible with that.

-But, clearly we can see that window's XP compatability is lacking. =/

[[FestiveNapkins]Black]

I've had this problem with XP64 bit before where the program doesn't differentiate beteween the 32/64 and won't run on SP2.

I installed Windows 7 this morning and now it runs with no issues. Take the time to upgrade, you'll thank yourself later.

[InfinityCircuit]

XP 64bit SP 2 is like Server 2k3 SP2 rather than XP, the kernel is different. And since it's a less common flavor of XP, and XP has many varied flavors, Dare Devil is right. Honestly Black I will be upgrading soon, especially with the end of life coming to XP. I don't like 8.1 much, but I may just take the plunge and get used to it.

[-Dare Devil/x/]

-Are you thinking of jumping straight to 8,1 instead of 7?

[InfinityCircuit]

Yeah, straight to metrosexual Windows. Bleh.

[♿ SoSo]

For everyone who has Windows Xp Service Pack 1 or 2 on 32 bit, and get the directdraw error, just follow this link. Solved my problem in half hour. Enjoy.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/en

[-_-]

must run the game with a resolution to 1336 x 768 :v