Game constantly minimizing

[[RL]EvilChii]

When I open this game it flickes for a bit then minimizes. I click the task icon, get a black screen for multiple seconds, then see a flickering game for a few seconds, then it minimizes again. Rinse, Repeat.

I haven't been able to see this game for longer then 1-3 seconds. I was looking at various threads from other people but there people had to uninstall software from their pc, disable anti virus solutions etc. Those things are not an option since I need this PC for more then just Stronghold Crusader HD.

Is there an option to play this game without doing major changes to my windows installation?
- I found a few docker images but they looked trojan infested and I would be too scared to enter my steam details on something like that.
- is it maybe possible to run this game inside virtual box or vmware player? Does anybody have experience with that?
- Or is there maybe some way to change the configuration to make this game run in windows mode? I found a post from 2014 that says that you can use the windows 98 compability mode to run the game in window mode but it had no effect for me.

Any tips and advice are welcome!

[Augustus]

I have no idea what a docker image is and please dont modify your windows install just to play this game or install any potential malware.

Try deleting Crusader.cfg in your Documents/Stronghold Crusder (Extreme?) folder.
Try every compatibility mode and running as admin.
I heard using dgvodoo helps people having graphical issues, especially on newer OS's.
I'm not completely certain on this one but the Unofficial Crusader Patch may includes some graphical fixes. Either way you should definitely get it, it has a lot of bugfixes and customizable settings.

[GRhin]

Ucp doesn't include anything that would effect this.
Compatibility mode for XP service pack 2 is best. DGvoodoo or ddrawcompat usually fix most graphical issues. Or you can use dxwnd to make it run in windowed mode

[[RL]EvilChii]

Thanks!

Running the game in Administration Mode with XP Service Pack 2 made the flickering go away and also allowed me to see the game for 15-20 seconds until it minimized again.

Deleting Crusader.cfg didn't change anything for me, my config file seems to have been ok.

DGvoodo sounds great - never heard of it before. I'll give it a shot during the weekend. That tool sounds like it requires a bit of learning effort. Thanks.