Mods/Admins, please sticky this post.
The following information is for those who are having issues running Outpost 2 in Windows vista and/or Windows 7.
1st Some basic info: The following instruction should allow you to be able to install and run Outpost 2 in Windows Vista and Windows 7. Regardless of the Operating System being 32 bit or 64 bit.
The instructions will work for both stock vanilla CD installations as well as those isntallations downloaded from this or any other site.
This tutorial is written as all persons are computer novices, as such it is lengthy in some places and there may be more then one way to handle what is written.
Step 1: Locate your Outpost 2 disk, or Download the version of Outpost 2 you wish to install from this site.
Step 2 Begin the installation: See step 2b for CD installations, and 2c for Downloaded installations.
Step 2b: Installing from the CD - If you are installing from the CD, insert the CD into your DVD/CD rom drive.. normally this is known as the D: drive. The program should automatically load, just follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Once Completed proceed to step 3.
Step 2c: Installing from a downloaded version - If you are installing from one of the downloadable files avalible on this or another site you will need to take some special steps.
1. Extract the file: Dpending on the format you choose to download with, you may need other programs to assist you. However if you downloaded a .zip version Windows Vista and Windows 7 will be able to handle this operation.
Right click the file, and select extract. Depending on the speed of your computer this may take a few minutes.
2. Copy the file to a directory you want it in: I know some right now reading this are thinking (you could just extract it to blah,blah directory. Remember I am assuming your a computer newb so shut up. LOL)
I personally like to have all my programs where they belong. You on the other hand might be perfectly happy with it being in C:\users\(username)\downloads\.. if your like me, the proper place is C:\Program Files (x86)\
You can delete the one located in C:\users\(username)\downloads\ if you have copied the file elsewhere. Once your done, proceed to step 3.
Step 3: Data Execution Prevention: DEP is a program with in windows that prevents some programs from using certain memory modules. Outpost 2 is effected by this program, and every with windows XP sp3 to windows 7 may need to disable this program or add Outpost 2 to the expection list.
Open your control panel.
Locate "SYSTEM" and open it.
Find the words "Advanced System Settings" and click that. A new window should open.
Find "Advanced" in the tabs and open it.
Now find the section marked "Performace" and click the settings button a new window should open up.
You will note there are 3 tabs in this new window, the last one should say "Data Execution Prevention" click on that tab.
In this new tab you will have some options. Make sure that the option that says "Turn on DEP for all programs except those I select" has its circle box selected.
Now find the "Add" Button and click that. A new window should open.
This essentially is a windows system explorer box. Locate the directory where Outpost 2 is installed. Go into the putpost 2 directory, and click on Outpost2.exe, then click open.
Now the Data Execution Prevention Program will not interfear with Outpost 2.
Step 4: Setting up Program Compatibility - While some people may not have to do this, some undoubtedly will.
1: Locate the Outpost2.EXE file in the outpost 2 directory. Right click it and select properties from the list.
2: Select "Program Compatibility" (this may just say compatibility on some versions of windows) from the tabs.
3: Select "Run this program in Compatibility mode for:" then use the drop down box and select "Windows XP SP2" from the drop down list.
4: You may wish to also check Disable desktop visual themes, Disable Desktop Composition, Disable display scaling and Run as Administrator just to avoid other problems.
Step 5: Run the game - Yes thats it simply find your outpost2.exe file double click and enjoy.
Admiral S3
