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Difference between revisions of "User:Garrett/Sandbox"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(SysWOW64)
(initial all)
Line 1: Line 1:
<includeonly>{{#switch:{{lc:{{{1}}}}}
+
==Vista==
|game = [[Game data#Installation folder|{{Abbr|&lt;path-to-game&gt;|The base installation folder}}]]
+
{{stub}}
|uid  = [[Game data#User ID|{{Abbr|&lt;user-id&gt;|The user ID or profile name (specific to your account or computer)}}]]
+
{{ii}} Behaviour on this page applies to both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows; for behaviour specific to 64-bit versions see [[User:Garrett/Troubleshooting/64-bit Windows|64-bit Windows]].
|hkey_current_user
 
|hkcu = [[Game data#Windows registry|{{Abbr|HKEY_CURRENT_USER|Windows Registry path (use the Registry Editor to access)}}]]
 
|hkey_local_machine
 
|hklm = [[Game data#Windows registry|{{Abbr|HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE|Windows Registry path (use the Registry Editor to access)}}]]
 
|wow64 = [[Game data#Windows registry|{{Abbr|Wow6432Node|Omit this folder for 32-bit versions of Windows}}]]
 
|userprofile = [[Game data#User profile|{{Abbr|%USERPROFILE%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|username = [[Game data#User profile|{{Abbr|%USERNAME%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|appdata = [[Game data#Appdata|{{Abbr|%APPDATA%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|localappdata = [[Game data#Appdata|{{Abbr|%LOCALAPPDATA%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|public = [[Game data#Public|{{Abbr|%PUBLIC%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|allusersprofile
 
|programdata = [[Game data#ProgramData|{{Abbr|%PROGRAMDATA%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|windir = [[Game data#Windows|{{Abbr|%WINDIR%|Copy this path into a folder address bar to go to this location}}]]
 
|syswow64 = [[Game data#Windows data paths|{{Abbr|SysWOW64|Use System32 for 32-bit versions of Windows}}]]
 
|steam = [[Game data#Steam|{{Abbr|&lt;Steam-folder&gt;|The base Steam installation folder}}]]
 
|uplay = [[Game data#Uplay|{{Abbr|&lt;Uplay-folder&gt;|The base Uplay (Ubisoft Game Launcher) installation folder}}]]
 
  
|osxhome = [[Game data#OS X paths|{{Abbr|$HOME|Refers to the users home folder, e.g. /Users/user/}}]]
+
==First steps==
 +
Ensure you have installed the latest operating system updates, particularly the following:
 +
* [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-nz/windows-vista/learn-how-to-install-windows-vista-service-pack-2-sp2 Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)]
 +
* [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/971644 Platform Update for Windows Vista]
  
|linuxhome
+
==Inherited behaviour==
|home = [[Game data#Linux paths|{{Abbr|$HOME|Refers to the users home folder, e.g. /home/user/}}]]
+
Some Windows XP behaviour is inherited (details incomplete).
|xdgdatahome = [[Game data#Linux paths|{{Abbr|$XDG_DATA_HOME|Defaults to ~/.local/share when unset}}]]
+
 
|xdgconfighome = [[Game data#Linux paths|{{Abbr|$XDG_CONFIG_HOME|Defaults to ~/.config when unset}}]]
+
==Dependency problems==
|#Default = [[Category:Invalid template usage (game data)]]
+
===DLL is missing from your computer===
}}</includeonly><noinclude>{{Documentation}}</noinclude>
+
The following gaming-related DLLs are not included with Windows Vista. Download them manually to fix the error.
 +
* [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/3-direct3d-retained-mode-dll-d3drmdll/ Direct3D Retained Mode DLL (d3drm.dll)]
 +
* [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/56-microsoft-directx-for-visual-basic-dx7vbdll/ Microsoft DirectX for Visual Basic (dx7vb.dll)]
 +
* [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/57-microsoft-directx-for-visual-basic-dx8vbdll/ Microsoft DirectX for Visual Basic (dx8vb.dll)]
 +
* [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/58-microsoft-directinput-mapper/ Microsoft DirectInput Mapper (dimap.dll and diactfrm.dll)]
 +
 
 +
==Sound problems==
 +
===Can't enable 3D sound===
 +
{{ii}} DirectSound3D functionality has been removed. See [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|Restoring Legacy Audio Effects (DirectSound hardware path)]].
 +
 
 +
===WMA Source Filter music not working===
 +
{{ii}} The Windows Media Source Filter has been removed, so games using this method have no music. Affected games include [[Test Drive 6]] and [[Ford Racing 2]].
 +
 
 +
===FMV/audio codec issues===
 +
{{ii}} N and KN editions of Windows lack multimedia codecs expected by some games; see [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/download-windows-media-player Get Windows Media Player].
 +
 
 +
===Can't change MIDI mapper===
 +
For DOS games use the [[DOSBox]] [http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/MIXER MIXER]. For native Windows games use [http://sierrahelp.com/Utilities/SoundUtilities/PutzlowitschsVistaMIDI_Mapper.html Putzlowitsch's Vista MIDI Mapper Control Panel].
 +
 
 +
==DRM problems==
 +
===StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility===
 +
{{ii}} StarForce versions below 3.04.062 will never work; 3.04.062 and higher work (may need driver update with [http://www.star-force.com/support/drivers/ SFUPDATE]).<ref>[http://www.star-force.com/support/users/vista/ Windows Vista support - StarForce Support]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===SafeDisc games not working===
 +
Retail games using SafeDisc protection do not work due to {{file|SECDRV.SYS}} support being disabled by [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255 MS15-097]. Any versions sold digitally are not affected.
 +
 
 +
The game may show an error message ("Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" or similar) or simply not work.
 +
 
 +
Some games have SafeDisc removed in a later patch (refer to the game's page for details). Protected games can be played with the workaround covered on [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255 MS15-097].
 +
 
 +
{{References}}
 +
 
 +
==Other problems==
 +
===Can't change bindings or bindings lost on game restart===
 +
{{ii}} [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/58-microsoft-directinput-mapper/ Microsoft DirectInput Mapper] is not included with Vista due to <code>IDirectInput8::ConfigureDevices</code> being deprecated.<ref>[https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/microsoft.directx_sdk.idirectinput8.idirectinput8.configuredevices.aspx#remarks IDirectInput8::ConfigureDevices Method - Windows Dev Center - Desktop]</ref> Download it manually to fix the error.
 +
 
 +
==="Feature not included" or "Help not supported" when choosing help option===
 +
{{ii}} WinHelp (<code>.hlp</code>) files are not supported by default. Install [https://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607 WinHlp32.exe].
 +
 
 +
{{References}}
 +
 
 +
==7==
 +
{{stub}}
 +
==First steps==
 +
Ensure you have installed the latest operating system updates, particularly the following:
 +
* [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/install-windows-7-service-pack-1 Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)]
 +
* [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2670838 Platform update for Windows 7 SP1]
 +
 
 +
==Inherited behaviour==
 +
Most [[User:Garrett/Troubleshooting/Windows Vista|Windows Vista]] behaviour is inherited (details incomplete).
 +
 
 +
==Games use incorrect refresh rate==
 +
{{ii}} This occurs when running some games on displays that report TV-compatible timings.<ref>[https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2006076 Screen refresh rate in Windows does not apply the user selected settings on monitors & TVs (that report specific TV compatible timings)]</ref> If the correct refresh rate cannot be chosen in the game's settings set the desktop to the intended refresh rate and use [[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|borderless fullscreen windowed]] or [[Glossary:Windowed|windowed]] mode.
 +
 
 +
==DRM problems==
 +
===StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility===
 +
{{ii}} StarForce versions below 3.07.018 will never work; 3.07.018 and higher work (may need driver update with [http://www.star-force.com/support/drivers/ SFUPDATE]).<ref>[http://www.star-force.com/support/users/windows7/ Windows 7 support - StarForce Support]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Tages Protection driver is blocked due to compatibility issues===
 +
{{ii}} Use [http://www.tagesprotection.com/main.htm?page=5.5.htm  TagesSetup] to install the latest version.<ref>http://www.tagesprotection.com/contact.htm</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{References}}
 +
 
 +
==8==
 +
{{stub}}
 +
{{cleanup}}
 +
==Inherited behaviour==
 +
[[User:Garrett/Troubleshooting/Windows 7|Windows 7]] behaviour is inherited except for the following:
 +
* [[Rainbow color problems in older games]] does not occur (a visually similar issue with 16-bit color Direct3D games still occurs).
 +
 
 +
==Display problems==
 +
===Window border visible in fullscreen mode===
 +
[[File:Windows 8 fullscreen border example.jpg|thumb|Visible border example]]
 +
Some games have a window border visible in fullscreen mode on Windows 8. The result may vary from the example on the right (e.g. the border area might be solid white instead). To fix install the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit ([http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=526740 Windows 10], [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7352 earlier versions]) and apply the ForceSimpleWindow compatibility fix.
 +
 
 +
(Ideally provide a ready-made shim for the affected game).
 +
 
 +
===Low frame rate in fullscreen mode===
 +
Make compatibility fix with <code>DXPrimaryEmulation -DisableMaxWindowedMode</code> parameter.<ref>[http://www.blitzbasic.com/Community/post.php?topic=99477&post=1281001 Windows 8 strange things and 3d faster in window]</ref>
 +
 
 +
==="This app cannot open - The screen resolution is too low for this app to run"===
 +
{{ii}} Windows apps require a minimum desktop resolution of 1024x768. Desktop applications do not have this limitation.<ref>[http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/03/21/scaling-to-different-screens.aspx Scaling to different screens - Building Windows 8 - Site Home - MSDN Blogs]</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Dependency problems==
 +
===DirectPlay games do not work or prompt for DirectPlay feature/DLL===
 +
{{ii}} DirectPlay is disabled by default due to this feature being deprecated.
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Enable DirectPlay}}
 +
# Open the Start screen, type <code>OptionalFeatures.exe</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 +
# Expand Legacy Components.
 +
# Check DirectPlay.
 +
# Click OK to save your changes.
 +
# If problems persist copy <code>dplayx.dll</code> from <code>{{p|windir}}\SysWOW64</code> to the game's installation folder and rename it to <code>dplay.dll</code>.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==DRM problems==
 +
===StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility===
 +
{{ii}} StarForce versions below 4.5 will never work; 4.5 and higher work (may need driver update with [http://www.star-force.com/support/drivers/ SFUPDATE]).<ref>[http://www.star-force.com/support/users/windows8/ Windows 8 support - StarForce Support]</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Other problems==
 +
===Can't set Windows NT 4.0 compatibility mode===
 +
{{ii}} This mode is no longer listed; use the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit ([http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=526740 Windows 10], [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7352 earlier versions]) to make fixes using this mode.
 +
 
 +
===Can't change MIDI mapper===
 +
{{ii}} MIDI support has been further reduced in Windows 8.<ref>[http://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/blog/2013/03/what-happened-midi-mapper-windows-8 What happened to MIDI Mapper on Windows 8? | CoolSoft]</ref>
 +
{{ii}} For DOS games use the [[DOSBox]] [http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/MIXER MIXER]. For native Windows games [http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/36315/MIDI-out-setter MIDI out setter] will work in some situations.<ref>[http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?p=303831#p303831 VOGONS • View topic - WARNING: Currently impossible to change default midi device in Win8]</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{References}}
 +
 
 +
==8.1==
 +
{{stub}}
 +
==First steps==
 +
Ensure you have installed the latest operating system updates, particularly the following:
 +
* [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/whats-new Windows 8.1 Update]
 +
* All update rollups
 +
 
 +
==Inherited behaviour==
 +
All [[User:Garrett/Troubleshooting/Windows 8|Windows 8]] behaviour is inherited.
 +
 
 +
==Mouse problems==
 +
* Mouse input is incorrectly scaled: set the application compatibility to Disable display scaling on high DPI settings.<ref>[https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2907016 Mouse input in some games is incorrectly scaled on high-DPI devices]</ref>
 +
* Mouse pointer stutters or freezes: Use the [https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2908279 fixit tool] or make a compatibility package with NoDTToDITMouseBatch.<ref>[https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2908279 Mouse pointer stutters or freezes when you play certain games in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2]</ref>
 +
* Problems using keyboard and touchpad simultaneously: see [https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2907018 Button clicks for internal touchpads and pointing sticks are not responsive while or shortly after the keyboard is used].
 +
 
 +
==DRM problems==
 +
===StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility===
 +
{{ii}} StarForce versions below 4.05.007.005 will never work; 4.05.007.005 and higher work (may need driver update with [http://www.star-force.com/support/drivers/ SFUPDATE]).<ref>[http://www.star-force.com/support/users/windows81/ Windows 8.1 support - StarForce Support]</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{References}}
 +
 
 +
==10==
 +
{{stub}}
 +
==Inherited behaviour==
 +
Most [[User:Garrett/Troubleshooting/Windows 8.1|Windows 8.1]] behaviour is inherited (details incomplete).
 +
 
 +
==Audio problems==
 +
===Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect don't work===
 +
Encoding APO (Audio Processing Objects) are broken.<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/51-channel-surround-sound-not-working-in-windows/b14b932f-2fda-44e9-b22f-aeaa3f329958?page=3&msgId=566c03e5-c114-453c-b279-3f4a411d3e59 5.1 Channel Surround Sound not working in Windows 10. - Page 3 - Microsoft Community]</ref> A fix was released with build 10547<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_devices/realtek-hd-alc892-dts-connect-not-working/e9fba1be-06d6-44a1-86b8-7290f88032b9?page=19&msgId=cb225f44-f2fb-4408-86f4-ddb14e71e521 Realtek HD ALC892 - DTS Connect not working - Page 19 - Microsoft Community]</ref>, but it still fails to completely address the issue.<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_devices/windows-10-tp-build-10041-10240-rtm-audiosound/f1bf8029-e6f0-4eaf-9645-d041dbdf8b5b?page=30&msgID=a593858b-27e2-4f99-a79e-e8793ccef9ca Windows 10 TP Build 10041 - 10240 RTM - AUDIO/SOUND ERROR - - Microsoft Community]</ref> A workaround has been included since builds 10565 and 10586<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_devices/realtek-hd-alc892-dts-connect-not-working/e9fba1be-06d6-44a1-86b8-7290f88032b9?page=27 Realtek HD ALC892 - DTS Connect not working - Page 27 - Microsoft Community]</ref><ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_devices/realtek-hd-alc892-dts-connect-not-working/e9fba1be-06d6-44a1-86b8-7290f88032b9?page=33&msgid=fd05357e-54af-4e35-b6e4-bb57b2b02107 Realtek HD ALC892 - DTS Connect not working - Page 33 - Microsoft Community]</ref>, but stopped to work for some users in 10586.3<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/51-channel-surround-sound-not-working-in-windows/b14b932f-2fda-44e9-b22f-aeaa3f329958?page=51 5.1 Channel Surround Sound not working in Windows 10. - Page 51 - Microsoft Community]</ref> (driver issue?<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_devices/windows-10-tp-build-10041-10240-rtm-audiosound/f1bf8029-e6f0-4eaf-9645-d041dbdf8b5b?page=44&msgid=c11c1742-ad40-4ffb-acee-88d0e118f4c7 Windows 10 TP Build 10041 - 10240 RTM - AUDIO/SOUND ERROR - - Microsoft Community]</ref>). <br />Build 14316 broke DTS again<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/windowsinsiders/comments/4evc4o/realtime_dts_encoding_is_broken_again_in_build/ Realtime DTS encoding is broken again in build 14316 : windowsinsiders - Reddit]</ref>, fixed in build 14342<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/51-channel-surround-sound-not-working-in-windows/b14b932f-2fda-44e9-b22f-aeaa3f329958?page=86&msgid=fa78f0ab-a6fa-4c7f-9b01-f4d8ba06b824 5.1 Channel Surround Sound not working in Windows 10. - Page 86 - Microsoft Community]</ref><ref>[https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/05/10/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-14342/ Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14342 | Windows Experience Blog]</ref>.
 +
 
 +
==Driver problems==
 +
===Nvidia Optimus systems always run legacy DirectX games on integrated graphics===
 +
This behaviour affects DirectX 8 and earlier.<ref>[http://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3733 Games based on DirectX 8 and older versions of DirectX will only run on integrated graphics in an Optimus laptop under Windows 10]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Windows reinstalls incorrect driver===
 +
See [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930 How to temporarily prevent a Windows or driver update from reinstalling in Windows 10].
 +
 
 +
==DRM problems==
 +
===SafeDisc games not working===
 +
Retail games using SafeDisc protection do not work on Windows 10 due to {{file|SECDRV.SYS}} support being discontinued.<ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/secdrvsys-not-loading-in-windows-10-this-will/65a6fe83-08df-4760-b2ad-6b1ce61d40d4 SECDRV.SYS Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community]</ref> Any versions sold digitally are not affected.
 +
 
 +
The game may show an error message ("Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" or similar) or simply not work.
 +
 
 +
Some games have SafeDisc removed in a later patch (refer to the game's page for details).
 +
 
 +
===SecuROM Error 8016 on Intel Skylake CPUs===
 +
Error message: "A required security module cannot be activated. This program cannot be executed (8016)."
 +
 
 +
Update the BIOS (if available).<ref>[http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte/61590-important-new-bios-addressing-8016-error-windows-10-because-securom-drm-does-bios-flash-circumvent-microsoft-policy.html IMPORTANT new Bios addressing the 8016 error in Windows 10 is because of Securom DRM does Bios flash Circumvent Microsoft Policy?]</ref> Some games have been patched to fix this issue.<ref>[http://answers.ea.com/t5/Crysis-3/When-I-open-Crysis3-it-will-show-quot-This-program-cannot-be/td-p/4696669 When I open Crysis3 , it will show "This program cannot be executed(8016)". - Answer HQ]</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{References}}

Revision as of 01:27, 4 August 2016

Vista

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.
Behaviour on this page applies to both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows; for behaviour specific to 64-bit versions see 64-bit Windows.

First steps

Ensure you have installed the latest operating system updates, particularly the following:

Inherited behaviour

Some Windows XP behaviour is inherited (details incomplete).

Dependency problems

DLL is missing from your computer

The following gaming-related DLLs are not included with Windows Vista. Download them manually to fix the error.

Sound problems

Can't enable 3D sound

DirectSound3D functionality has been removed. See Restoring Legacy Audio Effects (DirectSound hardware path).

WMA Source Filter music not working

The Windows Media Source Filter has been removed, so games using this method have no music. Affected games include Test Drive 6 and Ford Racing 2.

FMV/audio codec issues

N and KN editions of Windows lack multimedia codecs expected by some games; see Get Windows Media Player.

Can't change MIDI mapper

For DOS games use the DOSBox MIXER. For native Windows games use Putzlowitsch's Vista MIDI Mapper Control Panel.

DRM problems

StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility

StarForce versions below 3.04.062 will never work; 3.04.062 and higher work (may need driver update with SFUPDATE).[1]

SafeDisc games not working

Retail games using SafeDisc protection do not work due to SECDRV.SYS support being disabled by MS15-097. Any versions sold digitally are not affected.

The game may show an error message ("Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" or similar) or simply not work.

Some games have SafeDisc removed in a later patch (refer to the game's page for details). Protected games can be played with the workaround covered on MS15-097.


References

Other problems

Can't change bindings or bindings lost on game restart

Microsoft DirectInput Mapper is not included with Vista due to IDirectInput8::ConfigureDevices being deprecated.[1] Download it manually to fix the error.

"Feature not included" or "Help not supported" when choosing help option

WinHelp (.hlp) files are not supported by default. Install WinHlp32.exe.


References

7

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.

First steps

Ensure you have installed the latest operating system updates, particularly the following:

Inherited behaviour

Most Windows Vista behaviour is inherited (details incomplete).

Games use incorrect refresh rate

This occurs when running some games on displays that report TV-compatible timings.[1] If the correct refresh rate cannot be chosen in the game's settings set the desktop to the intended refresh rate and use borderless fullscreen windowed or windowed mode.

DRM problems

StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility

StarForce versions below 3.07.018 will never work; 3.07.018 and higher work (may need driver update with SFUPDATE).[2]

Tages Protection driver is blocked due to compatibility issues

Use TagesSetup to install the latest version.[3]


References

8

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.
This page may require cleanup to meet basic quality standards. You can help by modifying the article. The discussion page may contain useful suggestions.

Inherited behaviour

Windows 7 behaviour is inherited except for the following:

Display problems

Window border visible in fullscreen mode

Visible border example

Some games have a window border visible in fullscreen mode on Windows 8. The result may vary from the example on the right (e.g. the border area might be solid white instead). To fix install the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (Windows 10, earlier versions) and apply the ForceSimpleWindow compatibility fix.

(Ideally provide a ready-made shim for the affected game).

Low frame rate in fullscreen mode

Make compatibility fix with DXPrimaryEmulation -DisableMaxWindowedMode parameter.[1]

"This app cannot open - The screen resolution is too low for this app to run"

Windows apps require a minimum desktop resolution of 1024x768. Desktop applications do not have this limitation.[2]

Dependency problems

DirectPlay games do not work or prompt for DirectPlay feature/DLL

DirectPlay is disabled by default due to this feature being deprecated.
Instructions

DRM problems

StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility

StarForce versions below 4.5 will never work; 4.5 and higher work (may need driver update with SFUPDATE).[3]

Other problems

Can't set Windows NT 4.0 compatibility mode

This mode is no longer listed; use the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (Windows 10, earlier versions) to make fixes using this mode.

Can't change MIDI mapper

MIDI support has been further reduced in Windows 8.[4]
For DOS games use the DOSBox MIXER. For native Windows games MIDI out setter will work in some situations.[5]


References

8.1

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.

First steps

Ensure you have installed the latest operating system updates, particularly the following:

Inherited behaviour

All Windows 8 behaviour is inherited.

Mouse problems

DRM problems

StarForce Protection driver blocked due to incompatibility

StarForce versions below 4.05.007.005 will never work; 4.05.007.005 and higher work (may need driver update with SFUPDATE).[3]


References

10

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.

Inherited behaviour

Most Windows 8.1 behaviour is inherited (details incomplete).

Audio problems

Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect don't work

Encoding APO (Audio Processing Objects) are broken.[1] A fix was released with build 10547[2], but it still fails to completely address the issue.[3] A workaround has been included since builds 10565 and 10586[4][5], but stopped to work for some users in 10586.3[6] (driver issue?[7]).
Build 14316 broke DTS again[8], fixed in build 14342[9][10].

Driver problems

Nvidia Optimus systems always run legacy DirectX games on integrated graphics

This behaviour affects DirectX 8 and earlier.[11]

Windows reinstalls incorrect driver

See How to temporarily prevent a Windows or driver update from reinstalling in Windows 10.

DRM problems

SafeDisc games not working

Retail games using SafeDisc protection do not work on Windows 10 due to SECDRV.SYS support being discontinued.[12] Any versions sold digitally are not affected.

The game may show an error message ("Access Denied - Please login with administrator privileges and try again" or similar) or simply not work.

Some games have SafeDisc removed in a later patch (refer to the game's page for details).

SecuROM Error 8016 on Intel Skylake CPUs

Error message: "A required security module cannot be activated. This program cannot be executed (8016)."

Update the BIOS (if available).[13] Some games have been patched to fix this issue.[14]


References