Problems running Dungeon Keeper 2 on Windows XP

I'm a huge fan of Dungeon Keeper 2. I've loved the game not only because it's a blast to play, but because it has some of the best voice acting I've ever heard. Well, wouldn't you know it, WinXP comes along and somewhere someone said that the file sharing system was changed and the game won't run anymore.

Tell me about it! I have about 2-3 minutes of playing time before the game crashes to the desktop. I set it aside for awhile because computer malfunctions usually instill in me the need to swing an extremely large blunt object in the direction of my PC. Today, I decided to Google around and see if there might be any fixes for the problem. Huzzah! I find a page that purports to offer just that:

http://www.ntcompatible.com/How_to_install_Dungeon_Keeper_2_under_Windows_XP_SP2_t30079.html

Hooray, I think! All I gotta do is download this program and my troubles are over. Well, many of you already know how this was going to turn out. When I finished downloading the Windows Compatability Toolkit it won't run unless I download ANOTHER program!! GAAAAH!! Ok, breathe, take a break, watch that Richard Pryor concert and relax.

I come back when the OTHER program is done downloading, install it, try to run the Windows Compatability Toolkit (because it will now install) and I can't find anything even remotely resembling "creating a new database."

The steps on this page make it sound so ++++ing easy!! Is it really?! I miss Dungeon Keeper 2 somethin' terrible! Is there any hope that a greenhorn, non-code-crackin' cracker like myself can get this game workin'?!

Any help would be deeply appreciated!

David Simmons

 

the pc is replaceable ... don't hurt the eyes

what os IS this program designed to run on? if u can, dual boot w/ that os or just go to it full time given the importance of this game. it's easy to do.

 

What version # of Dungeon Keeper 2, are you running? Have you installed the latest patches? Sounds like something else in running in the background that is kicking you to the desktop. Have you tried using msconfig.exe to limit what's running in the background?

 

I have the latest patch installed. I've only ever used msconfig once to turn off System Restore in order to eradicate a major virus problem. Looking at it now it appears that EVERYTHING is running, at least, every box that can be checked is checked.

All items are checked under these tabs; General, System.ini, Win.ini, Services, and Startup. Nothing's checked under Boot.ini.

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\CPUCooL\CooLSrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTSvcCDA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\type32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\DATACA~1\FLashKsk.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

I'm a complete noob when it comes to any kind of computer customization, so please talk to me as if I were an 8-year old and I'll probably understand you!

Thanks for your help!

David Simmons

 

Well David, I know how you feel but don't rip out your eyes - yet

Please disable Quicktime, Real Player update, Real Player auto start and then see what happens. I would also recomend to disable Trend Micro Internet security, enable Windows firewall and then test your system.

I hope for your eyes sake that something or the other works.

 

By disable Quicktime do you mean right-clicking on the icon in the Taskbar and selecting Exit? I have no idea how to do the rest of the things you mentioned except for my Trend Micro.

Here's another example of my complete noobness when it comes computers: I forgot to mention that I'm actually getting an error message when DK2 fails and then I get the option screen to Send an Error Report. Is there a way to save this info and post it here? That would probably help those of you who know what you're doing.

Dave S.