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Question

Gaming Problem on Windows 8?

Aug 29, 2013 12:38AM PDT

Hello all.

I am having a real nightmare trying to play my computer games (some which are about 5 years old) on my computer which is running windows 8. If i just buy windows 7 will this fix my problem. The main problem is they just won't install on my computer and im pretty sure its because of the OS?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It's doubtful
Aug 29, 2013 12:43AM PDT

Windows 8 is mostly Windows 7 with a new user interface, so I wouldn't think that change would make a whole lot of difference. Have you tried installing in compatibility mode?

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???
Aug 29, 2013 2:19AM PDT

Oh i didn't know that.
No haven't tried compatibility mode? How would i go about doing that?

Thanks for the reply.

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Compatibility mode
Aug 29, 2013 2:38AM PDT

To install in compatibility mode, right-click the setup.exe program and click where it says install in compatibility mode. It will probably ask what version of Windows you want compatibility with, so then click on XP or whatever the game worked with before.
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Good luck.

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Answer
Doubt it.
Aug 29, 2013 12:50AM PDT

I've never seen that move fix such things. And the list of what could be wrong is not in my reply since there is so much missing detail.

But you can research the game title and add Windows 8 to see if folk have fixed that title.
Bob

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Zoo Tycoon ultimate collection
Aug 29, 2013 2:21AM PDT

The game is as mentioned in the subject title.

I have tried what you recommended and none seem to be having the same problem as myself.

What missing detail would you need?

Thanks for the reply.

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Gaming Problem on Windows 8?
Aug 29, 2013 2:34AM PDT

Was the topic but thanks for the detail. The forum offers this in red so it's not required but your option to tell.

"If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended."

Why it may matter is that some games require a dedicated video card with RAM and some laptops don't have that.

I would be guessing that you checked the requirements of this game and did the search I noted.
Bob

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Answer
Interesting note from MSFT
Aug 29, 2013 2:48AM PDT
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2303409

"Zoo Tycoon 2 is compatible with a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system with less than 4GB of RAM. "

So it's clearly a problem with this title. As you suspect you can limit how much RAM Windows 8 sees. Here's a note on that.

MSCONFIG and then select it, go to the boot tab and click on the advanced tab. Where it says maximum memory check the box and change it to 4GB or a little less, reboot and try again.
Bob