Programs wont start

K

Kent

Trying to start some games, (Civilization IV and Warhammer Mark of Chaos) off
my desktop and simply nothing happens. I double click on the shortcut, the
pointer goes to a circle for a few seconds and then right back to before as
if nothing happened. Have tried starting the games from the program file and
off the game cd with the same results. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling
the games with no improvement. Both games worked on this computer at one
time. Can't figure out what caused them to all of the sudden stop trying to
even work.
 
M

Mike

Trying to start some games should be matched in two categories.
One is partnered with your ISP/ find out who gives your
area the best electronics package. This may not be local.
NBC, ABC, even cinema companies may have the exact
structure link that keeps your home updated. People often
forget that the electronic field of a home is valuable. This
is a unity package that defends communities from terrors.
The signal itself is based on protection from invaders and
so is the recipe for the proper equipment for wear and
tear. That is your local production that is right and works
with the water condition that is really in action. Get the
local good product.
 
U

uvbogden

Most of us are used to installing an application update over an existing
version of the program. Many of us download and install games and other
software frequently. Frequent installs and other program functioning often
fill up the Temporary File Folder and other installation sites on your hard
drive which prevents proper downloading and installing of new programs.
Regularly running a good unneeded file cleaner/shredder such as Ccleaner (see
link below) will help free up space for new installs.

For many programs in Vista, the old program or buildup of install/uninstall
debris must be completely removed before the update or new program can be
successfully installed and expected to function properly. Download and
installation of programs or updates sometimes fails, leaving broken install
debris. Normal uninstall processes on Vista are usually inadequate, often
leaving program remnant files and orphaned registry entries on your system.
Buildup of this install/uninstall debris can block normal program download
and installation, impair proper program functioning, generate any number of
error messages, and degrade Vista performance.

Complete removal of broken installs and incomplete uninstalls is essential
for normal program install and function processes to occur. You can do this
retroactively, after debris buildup has accumulated to the point of major
computer malfunction, using a good registry scanner/cleaner. It is preferred
to do this proactively, cleaning file remnants and registry entries after
each uninstall, preventing debris buildup. Proactively, you can remove this
install/uninstall debris manually with help from Windows Install CleanUp
Utility or you can use Smarty Uninstaller.

The best way to remove all the remnants of a partially uninstalled program
or a broken install is to use Smarty Uninstaller. This program will scan
your system and list all the programs on your computer, including "broken"
parts of programs. It will then run the program's uninstaller (if present),
and then rescan to list any pieces left on your system. Clicking Cleanup
will then remove all traces of your program and installation of the new or
update program can then proceed normally.

A link to Smarty Uninstaller and other information about install/uninstall
problems can be found at the following tutorial. For information on removing
an empty listing from your Programs and Features, see the second tutorial.
The third and fourth links are to good unneeded file removal and registry
scanner/cleaner programs. If the preceding doesn’t solve your problem, see
the fifth link about your Repair Vista Options; you may need to fix system
file problems.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/87249-unable-install-latest-version-program-vista.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/86721-programs-features-remove-uninstall-entry.html

http://www.ccleaner.com/

http://wisecleaner.com/download.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/101393-repair-vista-options-preferred-sequence.html
 
C

Curt

Sounds to me like you're running as a standard user with UAC off?

May need to turn on UAC, Run as adminstrator, set the program compatibility
with the properties, or something to that nature. Also, check the error logs
to see if it is kicking out an error. Lastly, or firstly, check to find the
compatibility of those programs under Vista, and system requirements.

Curt
 
K

Kent

I tried turning the UAC back on and running as an admin. It asks me
permission to run the program but after I allow it, it does nothing again.
Not sure what program compatibility options I should/would try. No error
logs, it's like I never even tried to open the program. Both programs worked
at one time on this computer with Vista, so compatibility with requirements
should not be the issue.
 
K

Kent

So far I tried the smarty uninstaller and a registry cleaner and then
reinstalled. After reinstalling I still cannot get the file to open. It
just sits there dead after I click to open the .exe file.
 
U

uvbogden

First, I would be sure the .exe is not a compressed file that needs to be
extracted. Also, have you tried right-clicking on the .exe file, clicking on
Properties, then select General tab and looking for an Unblock button?
Sometimes a downloaded program is determined to be "from another computer"
and it is Blocked in Properties until you Unblock it. Also be sure that you
are working with the actual program .exe file and not just a shortcut to the
..exe file (shortcuts frequently get misdirected).
 
K

Kent

Well, the good news is that I finally got the game to go again. The bad news
is that I had to run a repair upgrade on vista for that to happen. I didn't
lose all my files, but somehow my audio driver got knocked out. I checked
the driver and it says that is up to date and working properly. But when I
go to sound options it says no audio device is installed.
 
U

uvbogden

It's not uncommon to have to reinstall some drivers after an upgrade repair
reinstall. I'm glad you're able to get things to work again.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Top