When ever I try and load my saved games I get the message "Data IO error. Data IO operation system error: CNSL" and then "error reading file".

I can start new games and have no problems playing them but I can't load them when I save them.

I am downloading patch 129f or something and will install that but won't hold my breath cause nothing works first time.

Any help would be appreciated

Deleted this - I didn't read your post properly, sorry :blush:

You need to reinstall Civ3, I think. If the problem keeps occuring with new games you start, it can really only be because something is bad in the installation.

Once you've reinstalled, it's a good idea to upgrade to 1.29f.