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Difference between revisions of "Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Blanked the page)
(Undo revision 431761 by 188.119.2.82 (talk) No sabotage plz)
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 +
{{Infobox game
 +
|cover        = Age of Empires II Gold Cover.png
 +
|developers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Ensemble Studios}}
 +
|publishers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Microsoft}}
 +
|engines      =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Genie}}
 +
|release dates=
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 30, 1999}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 2001}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|October 2001}}
 +
|steam appid  =
 +
|gogcom page  =
 +
|strategywiki = Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
 +
|wikipedia    = Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
 +
|winehq      = 99
 +
}}
 +
{{Series|Age of Empires}}
 +
{{disambig|the original game|the re-release|[[Age of Empires II HD]]}}
  
 +
'''Key points'''
 +
{{--}} Base game does not work on Windows 10 due to SafeDisc support being discontinued ([[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]] fixes this issue for The Conquerors).
 +
{{++}} [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]] adds support for widescreen/multi-monitor resolutions.
 +
 +
'''General information'''
 +
{{mm}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20131015072052/http://www.microsoft.com/games/age2/default.htm Age of Empires II Official Microsoft Site (archived)]
 +
{{mm}} [http://ageofempires.wikia.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_Series_Wiki Age of Empires Wiki] Wikia for the entire series
 +
{{mm}} [http://aok.heavengames.com Age of Kings Heaven] Community Site and Map Archive
 +
{{mm}} [http://aoczone.net AoCZone] Community Site for competitive gaming
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/ /r/aoe2] Age of Empires 2 Subreddit
 +
 +
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}}. |  | Windows, Mac OS, OS X }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Demos are available for [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/117-age-of-empires-ii-the-age-of-kings-demo/ The Age of Kings] and [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/118-age-of-empires-ii-the-conquerors-expansion-demo/ The Conquerors Expansion].
 +
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The "Age of Empires Collector's Editon" can often be found on store shelves. It is the most cost effective way of acquiring the game, as it contains the following games on a single DVD-ROM:
 +
:*[[Age of Empires]]
 +
:*[[Age of Empires|Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome]]
 +
:* Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
 +
:* Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
 +
:
 +
:{{++}} NoCD version; DVD only necessary for installation.
 +
:{{++}} All games are already fully patched.
 +
:{{--}} However, it should be noted that the DVD re-release of these games does not feature the Red Book audio stored as separate audio tracks on the original games' discs. As such, the game music will not be played while the DVD is in the drive.
 +
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Age of Empires II: The Conquerors | Windows version is sold separately, Mac OS version only in Gold Edition. | Windows, Mac OS}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Skip intro videos===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Start game with -nostartup [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref>[https://support.microsoft.com/kb/830651 Known video issues in Age of Empires II]</ref>}}
 +
 +
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} The latest patch for the base game is [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/67-age-of-empires-ii-the-age-of-kings-patch/ Version 2.0a].
 +
{{ii}} The latest patch for The Conquerors is [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/119-age-of-empires-ii-the-conquerors-expansion-patch/ Version 1.0c].
 +
 +
===Unofficial Patch 1.0e (The Conquerors)===
 +
The unofficial patch for Conquerors, which includes NoCD is [http://host-a.net/u/arthurk/FINAL-aoc-1.0e-Patch.zip/ Version 1.0e].
 +
 +
===UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update===
 +
The unofficial [http://userpatch.aiscripters.net UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update] patch for The Conquerors adds many fixes including widescreen support, UPnP port forwarding, and various optional tweaks. Although it doesn't include a NoCD, it will not remove a valid NoCD. If it is installed on top of [http://host-a.net/u/arthurk/FINAL-aoc-1.0e-Patch.zip/ Version 1.0e], no CD is required.
 +
 +
===Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires===
 +
[http://www.forgottenempires.net Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires] is an unofficial expansion which adds new civilizations, maps and other fixes.
 +
 +
===[http://voobly.com Voobly.com]===
 +
Adds Online Matchmaking and automatic UserPatch installation.
 +
 +
==Game data==
 +
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\config.xml}}
 +
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
 +
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Save game data location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\SaveGame\}}
 +
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
 +
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Player settings are saved in <code>{{p|game}}\Player.nfp</code> (determines unlocked scenarios etc.)
 +
{{ii}} Custom campaigns are saved in <code>{{p|game}}\Campaign\</code>
 +
{{ii}} Custom scenarios are saved in <code>{{p|game}}\Scenario\</code>
 +
 +
==Video settings==
 +
{{Image|Age of Empires II The Age of Kings Options.png|In-game options menu.}}
 +
{{Video settings
 +
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/age-empires-ii-conquerors-expansion/en
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = limited
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 +
|widescreen resolution notes= Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]].
 +
|multimonitor              = hackable
 +
|multimonitor notes        = Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]]. Uncheck "widescreen interface style" to centre minimap and unit controls.
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]].
 +
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          =
 +
|fov                        = n/a
 +
|fov notes                  =
 +
|windowed                  = hackable
 +
|windowed notes            = Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]]. Select Windowed mode support, then select a resolution lower than your desktop resolution. Menus will be windowed 4:3.
 +
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 +
|borderless windowed notes  = Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]]. Select Windowed mode support, then set the in-game resolution to your desktop resolution.
 +
|anisotropic                = n/a
 +
|anisotropic notes          =
 +
|antialiasing              = n/a
 +
|antialiasing notes        =
 +
|vsync                      = false
 +
|vsync notes                =
 +
|60 fps                    = true
 +
|60 fps notes              =
 +
|120 fps                    = unknown
 +
|120 fps notes              =
 +
|color blind                = unknown
 +
|color blind notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Input settings==
 +
{{Image|Age of Empires II The Age of Kings Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
 +
{{Input settings
 +
|key remap                = true
 +
|key remap notes          =
 +
|acceleration option      = false
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = true
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  = For scroll speed.
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          =
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 +
|controller support        = false
 +
|controller support notes  =
 +
|full controller          = unknown
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = unknown
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|button prompts            = unknown
 +
|button prompts notes      =
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Audio settings==
 +
{{Audio settings
 +
|separate volume          = true
 +
|separate volume notes    =
 +
|surround sound          = false
 +
|surround sound notes    =
 +
|subtitles                = true
 +
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = false
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = true
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              =
 +
|eax support notes        =
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = yes
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = yes
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Korean
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = yes
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Traditional Chinese
 +
|interface = yes
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = yes
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|fan notes =
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Network==
 +
{{Network/Multiplayer
 +
|local play          =
 +
|local play players  =
 +
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 8
 +
|lan play modes      =
 +
|lan play notes      =
 +
|online play          = true
 +
|online play players  = 8
 +
|online play modes    =
 +
|online play notes    =
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        = true
 +
|matchmaking notes  = MSN Gaming Zone support has been discontinued.<ref>[http://zone.msn.com/en/general/article/aoferetiring Age of Empires matchmaking has been retired from MSN Games - MSN Games - Free Online Games]</ref> Community has moved to http://voobly.com{{cn|date=November 2015}}
 +
|p2p                = true
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          = false
 +
|dedicated notes    =
 +
|self-hosting      = true
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          = true
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  = 2300-2400, 47624
 +
|udp  = 2300-2400
 +
|upnp =
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Issues unresolved==
 +
===Dell laptop compatibility issues===
 +
On some older Dell laptop models (e.g. the M1530) an issue occurs where the OS crashes and a blue-screen of death is displayed. This issue occurs after a seemingly random amount of gameplay time (from <30 seconds to 10 or 20 minutes). Many things have been tried to fix the issue including changing graphics card drivers, limiting the frame rate to mitigate overheating and running on virtual machines of different operating systems (e.g. Windows 98). As far as can be seen, this issue has never been resolved nor will it be, rendering AoE2 unplayable on the affected models of laptop. This issue can be mitigated by playing through Voobly.com game client and selecting 32-bit DirectX mode in the lobby options. It is actually caused by an unterminated loop in the graphic card driver. However, Age of Empires II HD (the re-mastered version of the game released in 2013) is unaffected by this problem.
 +
 +
==="Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" error on launch (Windows 10)===
 +
{{ii}} Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]] to fix this for The Conquerors (this does not fix the issue for the base game).
 +
 +
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Windows Vista and 7 colours===
 +
{{ii}} Windows Vista and 7 can have issues with displaying true colours in Age of Empires II correctly.
 +
{{ii}} This issue does not occur on Windows 8 and later.
 +
{{ii}} See [[rainbow color problems in older games]] for further details.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]]. This includes a color fix for Vista and 7, and will also set a registry flag, allowing Windows 8+ to emulate the 256-colour modes, required by the game. It will also optionally provide support for loading the windowed mode plugin, which, apart from its direct purpose, also performs software palette conversion to 32-bit, resolving said issues.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=DirectDrawFix|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
Use [http://www.xomicron.com/software/directdrawfix/ DirectDrawFix] to apply the required compatibility fixes to the registry.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===LAN connectivity===
 +
{{ii}} This method allows gaming over LAN on modern versions of Windows.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Setting the IP address to Static and the Default Gateway to nothing|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
 +
#Go to the Network and Sharing Center.
 +
#Right-click on the LAN adapter and open "Properties".
 +
#Highlight "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties".
 +
#Check "Use the following IP address:" and enter an address which is not currently being used on your network (such as 192.168.1.[1-253] e.g. 192.168.1.11 ). Also change the Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and leave the default gateway blank.
 +
 +
While in use, internet connection will be lost until the settings are switched back to "Obtain an IP address automatically", but LAN will function in-game.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===MIDI music===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Copy files from demo version|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/117-age-of-empires-ii-the-age-of-kings-demo/ demo version of Age of Empires II].
 +
# Copy the <code>midi</code> folder from the <code>sound</code> folder of the demo of AOEII.
 +
# Paste the folder in the <code>sound</code> folder of the full game.
 +
# Run the game with the <code>-midimusic</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Music from the Conquerors expansion demo can also be used; rename the Conquerors MIDI files from music 1-8 to 9-16 to prevent replacement of existing files.
 +
{{ii}} The <code>-midimusic</code> parameter is no longer supported in UserPatch, however its m3u playlist system allows any audio format to be used for in-game music, including WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC, as long as the required DirectShow codecs are installed.
 +
}}
 +
 +
==="Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" error on launch (Windows 10)===
 +
{{ii}} Install [[#UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update|UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update]] to fix this for The Conquerors (this does not fix the issue for the base game).
 +
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      =
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    = 6.1
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        = Unknown
 +
|opengl notes          = Mac OS only.
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan support        =
 +
|vulkan support notes  =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|64-bit executable      = false
 +
|64-bit executable notes=
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            =
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        =
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = MSN Gaming Zone
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 +
}}
 +
 +
==System requirements==
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Windows
 +
 +
|minOS    = 95
 +
|minCPU  = 166 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 32 MB
 +
|minHD    = 300 MB
 +
|minGPU  =
 +
|minVRAM  = 2 MB
 +
|minDX    = 6.1
 +
 +
|recOS    = 98
 +
|recCPU  = 450 MHz
 +
|recRAM  = 64 MB
 +
|recHD    = 300 MB
 +
|recGPU  = Nvidia TNT2
 +
|recGPU2  = ATI Rage 128
 +
|recVRAM  = 16 MB
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{References}}

Revision as of 13:06, 20 January 2018

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings cover
Developers
Ensemble Studios
Publishers
Microsoft
Engines
Genie
Release dates
Windows September 30, 1999
Mac OS (Classic) October 2001
macOS (OS X) October 2001
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings guide on StrategyWiki
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png

Warnings

SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see Availability for affected versions).
The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
⤏ Go to series page
Age of Empires 1997
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1999
Age of Mythology 2002
Age of Empires III 2005
Age of Empires Online 2011
Age of Empires II: HD Edition 2013
Age of Mythology: Extended Edition 2014
Age of Empires: Castle Siege 2014
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition 2018
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition 2019
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition 2020
Age of Empires IV 2021
Age of Mythology: Retold 2024

This page is for the original game. For the re-release, see Age of Empires II HD.

Key points

Base game does not work on Windows 10 due to SafeDisc support being discontinued (UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update fixes this issue for The Conquerors).
UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update adds support for widescreen/multi-monitor resolutions.

General information

Age of Empires II Official Microsoft Site (archived)
Age of Empires Wiki Wikia for the entire series
Age of Kings Heaven Community Site and Map Archive
AoCZone Community Site for competitive gaming
/r/aoe2 Age of Empires 2 Subreddit

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 SafeDisc DRM[Note 1].
Windows
Mac OS
macOS (OS X)
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
Demos are available for The Age of Kings and The Conquerors Expansion.

Version differences

The "Age of Empires Collector's Editon" can often be found on store shelves. It is the most cost effective way of acquiring the game, as it contains the following games on a single DVD-ROM:
NoCD version; DVD only necessary for installation.
All games are already fully patched.
However, it should be noted that the DVD re-release of these games does not feature the Red Book audio stored as separate audio tracks on the original games' discs. As such, the game music will not be played while the DVD is in the drive.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Windows version is sold separately, Mac OS version only in Gold Edition.
Windows
Mac OS

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Start game with -nostartup parameter[3]

Patches

The latest patch for the base game is Version 2.0a.
The latest patch for The Conquerors is Version 1.0c.

Unofficial Patch 1.0e (The Conquerors)

The unofficial patch for Conquerors, which includes NoCD is Version 1.0e.

UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update

The unofficial UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update patch for The Conquerors adds many fixes including widescreen support, UPnP port forwarding, and various optional tweaks. Although it doesn't include a NoCD, it will not remove a valid NoCD. If it is installed on top of Version 1.0e, no CD is required.

Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires

Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires is an unofficial expansion which adds new civilizations, maps and other fixes.

Voobly.com

Adds Online Matchmaking and automatic UserPatch installation.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

Template:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/row
System Location

Save game data location

Template:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/row
System Location
Player settings are saved in <path-to-game>\Player.nfp (determines unlocked scenarios etc.)
Custom campaigns are saved in <path-to-game>\Campaign\
Custom scenarios are saved in <path-to-game>\Scenario\

Video settings

In-game options menu.
In-game options menu.

Template:Video settings

Input settings

In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.

Template:Input settings

Audio settings

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Spanish
Traditional Chinese

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8
Online play
8

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
MSN Gaming Zone support has been discontinued.[4] Community has moved to http://voobly.com[citation needed]
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 2300-2400, 47624
UDP 2300-2400
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

Issues unresolved

Dell laptop compatibility issues

On some older Dell laptop models (e.g. the M1530) an issue occurs where the OS crashes and a blue-screen of death is displayed. This issue occurs after a seemingly random amount of gameplay time (from <30 seconds to 10 or 20 minutes). Many things have been tried to fix the issue including changing graphics card drivers, limiting the frame rate to mitigate overheating and running on virtual machines of different operating systems (e.g. Windows 98). As far as can be seen, this issue has never been resolved nor will it be, rendering AoE2 unplayable on the affected models of laptop. This issue can be mitigated by playing through Voobly.com game client and selecting 32-bit DirectX mode in the lobby options. It is actually caused by an unterminated loop in the graphic card driver. However, Age of Empires II HD (the re-mastered version of the game released in 2013) is unaffected by this problem.

"Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" error on launch (Windows 10)

Install UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update to fix this for The Conquerors (this does not fix the issue for the base game).

Issues fixed

Windows Vista and 7 colours

Windows Vista and 7 can have issues with displaying true colours in Age of Empires II correctly.
This issue does not occur on Windows 8 and later.
See rainbow color problems in older games for further details.
UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update[citation needed]

Install UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update. This includes a color fix for Vista and 7, and will also set a registry flag, allowing Windows 8+ to emulate the 256-colour modes, required by the game. It will also optionally provide support for loading the windowed mode plugin, which, apart from its direct purpose, also performs software palette conversion to 32-bit, resolving said issues.

DirectDrawFix[citation needed]

Use DirectDrawFix to apply the required compatibility fixes to the registry.

LAN connectivity

This method allows gaming over LAN on modern versions of Windows.
Setting the IP address to Static and the Default Gateway to nothing[citation needed]
  1. Go to the Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Right-click on the LAN adapter and open "Properties".
  3. Highlight "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties".
  4. Check "Use the following IP address:" and enter an address which is not currently being used on your network (such as 192.168.1.[1-253] e.g. 192.168.1.11 ). Also change the Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and leave the default gateway blank.

While in use, internet connection will be lost until the settings are switched back to "Obtain an IP address automatically", but LAN will function in-game.

MIDI music

Copy files from demo version[citation needed]
  1. Download the demo version of Age of Empires II.
  2. Copy the midi folder from the sound folder of the demo of AOEII.
  3. Paste the folder in the sound folder of the full game.
  4. Run the game with the -midimusic command line argument.

Notes

Music from the Conquerors expansion demo can also be used; rename the Conquerors MIDI files from music 1-8 to 9-16 to prevent replacement of existing files.
The -midimusic parameter is no longer supported in UserPatch, however its m3u playlist system allows any audio format to be used for in-game music, including WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC, as long as the required DirectShow codecs are installed.

"Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" error on launch (Windows 10)

Install UserPatch: Conquerors Feature Update to fix this for The Conquerors (this does not fix the issue for the base game).

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DirectDraw 6.1
OpenGL
Mac OS only.
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Multiplayer MSN Gaming Zone

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 98
Processor (CPU) 166 MHz 450 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 300 MB 300 MB
Video card (GPU) 2 MB of VRAM
DirectX 6.1 compatible 		Nvidia TNT2
ATI Rage 128
16 MB of VRAM

Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]

References