SMAC won't run on my computer

[Mahoshonen]

I recently repurchaed SMACX from Sold Out Games and did a complete install. I get to the screen where it asks if I want to play the expansion or classic. Regardless of what I choose, I get an error message saying that my CPU isn't supported-that the game will still run but may crash. Then the game crashes right away.

My Computer is a HP d220 MT with an Intel Celeron 2.20GHz and 2GB of RAM. I already downloaded the patch that lets you play SMAC on Windows XP. I can play other old games like Master of Orion 2 just fine (save the occasional crash). Has anyone else had this problem? How do I fix it?

 

[Buster's Uncle]

The first things I'd try are:

Starting the game directly from the folder on your hard drive - it does this a lot when you start from the autorun on the CD.

Right-click on the desktop icon and try the various compatibility settings.

If it's still not running, try whatever Petek says.

 

[Petek]

Hi Mahoshonen!

Welcome to CFC. The "CPU not supported" error is easy to fix. Open your Alpha Centauri.ini file and add the following:

[PREFERENCES]
ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1

You might already have the line ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=0. If so, change it as shown above. You will still get the error message, but after you click OK the game should run.

One other tip: In addition to the Windows XP update, you also should patch Alien Crossfire to the most recent version (2.0). The file for doing so may be found here.

If this doesn't help, or if you run into any other problems or need some advice, please feel free to post again.

Petek

 

[Mahoshonen]

It works. The graphics are messed up when I alt-tab out, but I'm okay with this.

Thanks for the help Petek. You are a scholar and a gentlemen.

 

[scient]

Have you tried unofficial patch? I've set up better method than existing voxel fix inside exe. If you do try it, make sure to roll back changes to ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm.

And to fix alt-tab add this to your ini under correct header.

[Alpha Centauri]
DisableOpeningMovie=1
DirectDraw=0

This will get game to run under desktop resolution and you can alt-tab until a secret project (or win/lose game) movie plays. I haven't gotten around to seeing if I can fix alt-tab after movies yet.