Here's how I got W3DLR to work on Win7x64:
-first copy the W3 directory from a 32 bit PC (will not install on x64)
-create a shortcut with the -wincursor switch and then go to the compatibilty tab and run in Win 95 - 256 colors - disable visual themes (aero) - disable desktop composition (background desktop) - disable scaling (not sure if req'd but I have widescreen monitor) - AND run as admin.
-click on the shortcut and wait for game setup screen to open but don't start your game yet.
-right click on the taskbar and start Task Manager. End process on "explorer.exe" but LEAVE TASK MANAGER OPEN (you'll need it later).
-play W3 with whatever options you want and enjoy! (recommend saving regularly).
-when finished, quit game and go to the Applications tab in Task Manager - new task and enter "explorer.exe" (without the quotes) to restore full desktop functionality.

Lord Toco,

Thanks for that detailed summary.

I never thought about visual theme (does that really cause an issue?) or desktop composition causing a problem.

This would be best done in a batch file (disable the theme, desktop composition, kill explorer.exe, launch the game) and then another batch file to re-enable everything. Otherwise it's a major pain to do every time.

KGB

Am i right that I have to install it on my 32-bit system from the original CD, just copy the whole game-folder and paste it into my 64-bit system, do the settings you said (my poor explorer.exe =( ) and then it have to work?

Do you know if there exists a batch file that does this, or can anyone here make one? It would be nice to be able to play W3 without going through all of those steps!

Thanks

I've attached a small program called RestoreTaskBar.exe. When you run it, it does what it says, it restores the taskbar (Explorer.exe).

Just unzip it on your desktop and you can eliminate the need for this:



Note: I only tested on Win XP. So if someone with Vista can confirm that this restores the taskbar I'd appreciate it.

If this works well, I will try and create another small program to stop Explorer.exe.

KGB

I will give it a try on Windows 7 once I am back home - visiting the parents this weekend. I just want Warlords to work

It works!!!

I made a batch file (Launch.bat) with this content:

set __COMPAT_LAYER=256Color Win95
taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
Darklord.exe -wincursor
set __COMPAT_LAYER=
call explorer.exe

Copy on your "warlords darklors rising" folder and lauch!

You are an absolute star for posting this.

Loves!

Is it easier to use the approaches suggested above or to try and get the VM from Batz? I'm on Win7 64-bit and am so stoked to play some DLR again. You just don't know.

KGB, I love you. But you knew that. Hope all is well, bro.

Seren,

If you are going to only play solo games the above approach will be fine. But if you want to play online games I recommend Batz's virtual machine. Especially since I know you know how virtual machines work.

And it's great to see you too! Been a while. Things are good here. Now that MSN is shutdown, are you on Skype or using something else to chat to Heathens and others (I have lost touch with him too with MSN dead). Also would love to do some gaming with you again if you have time.

KGB