Game will not start!

[GreatStalin]

Hi old chaps!

I'm having a problem with Medieval 2: Total War wherein the game will not start. Upon executing the game (either through the launcher with the latest patch, with the DVD's autoplay for the earlier patches, or just by double-clicking the medieval2.exe on any patch) nothing happens. When viewing the task manager, the medieval2.exe process can sometimes be seen (if I spam the .exe enough) for a split-second, but that's all that happens. I have tried many ways to get this working, including removing Daemon Tools and installing Quicktime (yes, someone even suggested that).

I have tried many different ATi drivers, from Cat 7.7, Cat 7.6, OmegaDrivers 7.4 and 6.9. I am using an x1900CF and an x1900XTX in crossfire configuration, although I have tried disabling crossfire mode before running the game.

I've also tried running compatibility mode on the .exe, with a variation on the options. I've tried all 3 patches, different directories and even different HDD's and partitions.

I am using the above mentioned graphics cards, as well as Windows XP SP2, an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 processor, 2GB RAM and a Creative Soundblaster Audigy 4.

When I run the game, no error appears whatsoever, it just instantly appears and disappears in the task manager.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated,

Thanks in advance,
GS.

[zowrath]

Is it vanilla MTW2, or are you using any mods? What does it say in the log-file?

[Empress Meg]

Are you able to right click and browse the game files?

Devoirs The Empress

[Vanquisher]

Have you tried simply re-installing the game? If the process is showing up on your task manager the chances are that either:

i) A seperate proccess such as anti-virus are blocking the *.exe from executing, or
ii) The *.exe is corrupted and therefore not able to start or even access the game files (or in the case of the former it may be that some of your game files have been moved).

In any case, unless you know what those game files are and can move them or you find that your antivirus is stopping it (unlikely) then re-installing the game is the only way to obtain the exe again or to make sure the files are in the proper order. As for the techniques you have tried previously, they are very unorthodox to say the least I have a very similar set-up to you and am pretty sure this type of problem is unrelated to your hardware or hardware drivers let alone Quicktime and Deamon tools. There is most likely a fundamental error in your game files, as I find they can often get corrupted under a bad install. Speaking of Deamon tools though... this is the official game *.exe right?

[GreatStalin]

Hi old chaps! Thanks for the replies.

I am not using any mods with the game. There is no log file, as no error is recorded.

I've no idea what you mean, Empress Meg. Right-click what? <Sorry!>

Vanquisher: I forgot to mention, but I've tried the game while having disabled all processes from msconfig. I've reinstalled the game a lot of times, maybe 10 or more. Yes, it's the official legal game!

[Empress Meg]

Sorry, I was trying ot see if you can access your game files from the desktop by right-clicking on the shortcut, properties, find target. It sounds very odd, like the pc is not accepting that the game is even installed. You're not on Vista either, so we cannot work on this from that angle even.

Devoirs The Empress

[GreatStalin]

Sorry, I was trying ot see if you can access your game files from the desktop by right-clicking on the shortcut, properties, find target. It sounds very odd, like the pc is not accepting that the game is even installed. You're not on Vista either, so we cannot work on this from that angle even.

Devoirs The Empress

Yep, the shortcut leads to the right place.

I wonder if upgrading to Vista would make it work...

[Empress Meg]

Hvae you seen some of the weird things Vista does? It's your pc and cash, but I would not go buying a new OS just to play a game. There has to be a fix for this, we just have not come across it yet.

Devoirs The Empress

[Vanquisher]

Have you got M2TW working before?

[GreatStalin]

Have you got M2TW working before?

I think I've had it working on a prior Windows installation, yes.

[Vanquisher]

In that case, are you having similar trouble with other games?

[GreatStalin]

In that case, are you having similar trouble with other games?

Nope. Every other game I've tried to go on has worked fine.