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Windows 7 won't run my pc games #1019423
06/19/15 01:45 PM
06/19/15 01:45 PM
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kdj Offline OP
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Hello,
I have windows 7. I am trying to install some of my older pc games (not super old) and some newer that say they are for Windows 7.
The installations do not go through and if they do I can't play the games. I am trying these on my desk top which functions very well for all other purposes.
I have not installed a video card - should I? and then a certain driver?
I have played some of the NEW Nancy Drew games on the same computer and they install and run perfectly. So I can't figure out why some others will not install and run. What do I need to do to make this happen? I can list a few of the games I've tried if you need that.
Thank you for your help.
kdj

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019426
06/19/15 01:59 PM
06/19/15 01:59 PM
Joined: Jul 2000
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near Yosemite
Marian Offline
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We have a thread here and here that GameBoomers members have compiled, having to do with games that run on Windows 7.

If you have other games that you are having trouble with, let us know what they are. They could just need tweaking, or it's possible that your computer doesn't meet the system requirements for some of them. The newer Nancy Drew games have relatively low system requirements.

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019429
06/19/15 02:14 PM
06/19/15 02:14 PM
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kdj Offline OP
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yes on all suggestions. I have been looking at the thread and will try to figure out where my problem fits in. Thank you!

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019433
06/19/15 02:22 PM
06/19/15 02:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 40,644
southeast USA
Jenny100 Offline
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It would help to know which games you have that aren't running, as well as how old they are (what year they were published). There are a number of reasons a game might not work, and "not super old" can mean a lot of things. Does "not super old" mean "2 years old" or does it mean "not DOS" (which could be 15 years old or more)?

Nancy Drew games will play on computers that can't run anything else besides casual games.
You should not use Nancy Drew games as a measure of what adventure games will require. Even the recent Nancy Drew games often have requirements less than many older games.

If your computer has no video card and is using Intel graphics, that's very likely the source of incompatibility. You can run a utility like ***speccy*** to find your video card (you don't need the pay version of speccy). Or run dxdiag from your Start Menu (type in dxdiag and run the dxdiag program it finds, then check the Display tab).

If you are trying to play older games that were made for XP or earlier, and if these games have not been updated to run on newer versions of Windows, check the GB ***Windows 7 and games*** thread to see if there are any tweaks that might help. Remember that even older games may have requirements greater than Intel graphics.

If you don't know what year a game was released, check www.mobygames.com or http://pagodagamedatabase.com/ for the information. Many old games from download sites GOG and Steam have been updated, but if you are using a disc version you may have to tweak, even if your computer meets the game's system requirements.

In some cases a game won't work on a computer that exceeds the requirements because of incompatible video drivers.

There are also some modern 3D adventure games, like "Vanishing of Ethan Carter" and "Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments" that are using game engines that were originally used by first person shooters. These will have much higher video card requirements than games that aren't fully 3D, and use 2.5D backgrounds (Syberia used 2.5D backgrounds).

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019438
06/19/15 03:25 PM
06/19/15 03:25 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
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Arizona
InlandAZ Offline
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Post a list of the games that aren't working. It may be something as simple as installing DirectX 9.

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019455
06/19/15 04:50 PM
06/19/15 04:50 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
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Draclvr Offline
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Or using compatibility mode...


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019457
06/19/15 05:07 PM
06/19/15 05:07 PM
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kdj Offline OP
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While I am checking for games that did not install, and game information, it might be helpful for me to say what my system itself is, in case it is doesn't meet requirements to play some games:
Windows 7 Professional
Dell-PC. Intel R.Pentium R. Dual CPU E2160 @ 1.80 GHz. 1.79GHz
4.00 GB memory. 32 Bit.
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Driver.

also, all of my games are on cd, and I don't know what DOS is.
One example is Mysterious Journey II 2003. Windows XP. I recall the installation was underway and at some point quit.
Another example is The Longest Journey, 2000. Windows 98. That stalled too.
It has been a long time since I have downloaded drivers and frankly don't remember how, but maybe I have to do that?
Several of the games booklets say Windows XP so I thought they would work.
Others say Windows 98.
I am checking to make a list of the games to compare against your list.
Thanks so much for your help.
(After looking at your Windows 7 thread I see the list of games that will or will not work but what are the steps to making it work if it will at all? Sorry to need Glitches for Dummies - or - Glitches 101 I am just lost. )

Last edited by kdj; 06/19/15 05:34 PM.
Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019458
06/19/15 05:31 PM
06/19/15 05:31 PM
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Draclvr Offline
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Well, you couldn't have a worse graphics accelerator. But I'm not sure that's your problem. Going to have to wait for Jenny and/or Inland to help you out here.

I had to actually install some games using the compatibility mode. But, let's wait to see what they have to say.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019459
06/19/15 06:06 PM
06/19/15 06:06 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
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Mysterious Journey II requires Hardware T&L and your graphics processor doesn't support it. TLJ should play, but you may have to disable 3D Acceleration (it's a checkbox in the startup dialog).

To run DOS games just download DOSBox (or better yet D-Fend Reloaded). It will emulate a DOS environment for you.

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019460
06/19/15 06:11 PM
06/19/15 06:11 PM
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kdj Offline OP
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Thanks! I'll start with longest Journey. If I buy a new game FOR Windows 7, what are my chances it will run given the information I stated about my computer system?
If I buy a graphics card - which one and will that help?
Tried Nemesis - Sherlock H. and that won't install at all.

Last edited by kdj; 06/19/15 06:26 PM.
Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019465
06/19/15 07:24 PM
06/19/15 07:24 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 40,644
southeast USA
Jenny100 Offline
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Originally Posted By: kdj
Thanks! I'll start with longest Journey. If I buy a new game FOR Windows 7, what are my chances it will run given the information I stated about my computer system?

Slim and none -- unless you buy something like a Nancy Drew or a retro-style game that has unusually low system requirements. Your video card isn't the only problem. Your processor is also slow for some of the more demanding modern adventure games like the two I mentioned before.

***Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments requirements***

***Vanishing of Ethan Carter requirements***

However your processor is good enough for older games, and most newer adventure games like
Book of Unwritten Tales 1 and 2. It's your Intel graphics that's the biggest problem.

Intel graphics have two problems. One is that most Intel graphics are too low end, especially the older models, -- slow and use shared memory instead of discrete video memory. The other problem with Intel graphics is lack of compatibility of Intel drivers with games. Casual games generally support Intel drivers, but other genres often don't.

Quote:
If I buy a graphics card - which one and will that help?
Tried Nemesis - Sherlock H. and that won't install at all.


That's probably because of the video. Some games won't install if you lack the video card requirements. That particular Sherlock game probably needs discrete video memory, which Intel graphics as old as yours won't provide.

If your computer is a model that allows you to add a video card, you'd be able to play most games, though not all. If you can find the model number of your computer, we can figure out if the case is large enough to add a video card.

Besides buying a video card, you'll probably also need a newer power supply with more wattage, and possibly also some system fans for additional cooling. Most computers from retail outlets like Best Buy will have a power supply that's only good enough for what the computer comes with.

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019475
06/19/15 08:20 PM
06/19/15 08:20 PM
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number on the cpu next to model #
DCNE
and across from it: A:50/2.5A

Is that it?

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019485
06/19/15 09:24 PM
06/19/15 09:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,263
Arizona
InlandAZ Offline
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Is this the one?

OptiPlex 740

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019488
06/19/15 09:37 PM
06/19/15 09:37 PM
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Optiplex 755

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019491
06/19/15 10:08 PM
06/19/15 10:08 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
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Arizona
InlandAZ Offline
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If I've got the correct manual for your PC it only has a 305 Watt Power Supply. It does have a PCI-E x16 slot for a video card, but you'd be hard pressed to find one that would run on your PSU.

Here's a link to the manual I'm referencing - OptiPlex™ 755

Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019493
06/19/15 10:15 PM
06/19/15 10:15 PM
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kdj Offline OP
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Thanks so much for you time and help. I have saved the manual and will read through it, try to figure out what to do. I'll try a search for the video card too.
Thanks again!
P.S. I was able to install and am playing Nostradamus. This game must have fewer requirements because it has no problems so far.

Last edited by kdj; 06/19/15 10:19 PM. Reason: add info
Re: Windows 7 won't run my pc games [Re: kdj] #1019497
06/19/15 11:02 PM
06/19/15 11:02 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 20,007
Near St. Louis, MO
Draclvr Offline
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The bottom line is that it isn't Windows 7 that won't run your games, but rather your very low end computer. You could try replacing the power supply and getting a lower end video card, but as Jenny says, your CPU (processor) is also very low end.

I guess you need to balance how important it is to play some games vs. investing in some low end hardware or investing in a new computer.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
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