- Joined
- Nov 13, 2011
- Messages
- 3 (0.00/day)
- Location
- Portland, OR, USA
| Processor | Intel Core i5 650 |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | ASUS P7P55D-E PRO |
| Cooling | Corsair H50 |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR3 |
| Video Card(s) | 2x GTX 560 Ti |
| Storage | Seagate 1 TB |
| Display(s) | ASUS VE228H |
| Case | Cooler Master ATCS 840 |
| Power Supply | SeaSonic SS-650KM F3 |
| Mouse | Logitec G500 |
| Keyboard | IBM KB-9910 Rev. A01 |
| Software | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit |
So about two weeks ago, it occurred to me that my computer had been running for two months straight. Windows Update hadn't notified me of any updates, for some reason. So I launched Windows Update and found that two months of updates had indeed piled up in its acquiescence. I installed these updates, and a bunch of the optional updates, without any issues. I also installed Unreal Tournament 2004 Editor's Choice Edition.
And then three days ago, I tried to launch my copy of Impossible Creatures, which had been running fine a week prior to these updates, and nothing happened. No intro sequences, no black screen, and not even an hourglass icon next to my mouse cursor. It's as if Windows wasn't paying attention.
I tried reinstalling the game, but that didn't fix it. I tried a full uninstall, renamed the game's directory, and installed it again. Ran into the same problem. Fiddled with the compatibility settings. Still no dice. The game simply refuses to launch.
And then, the same day, I learned that a remastered version of Impossible Creatures had been put on Steam for sale.
So I have several questions:
Is it possible that Microsoft deliberately broke the retail version of Impossible Creatures to sell more units on Steam? And if not, what gives? Impossible Creatures was released after Windows XP was, so it's not even a particularly old game, and has run just fine on Windows 7 until now, just like almost all of my other games. Is it possible that Unreal Tournament's installation was somehow responsible?
And how should I go about trying to fix this? I'm fairly confident that a system Restore would do it, but I'd rather not have to resort to that, as it would mean that I'd have to install UT 2004 ECE again, which would not be a fun time, as the installation involves 9 CDs.
TL;DR: Impossible Creatures was working, and then I installed a lot of Windows updates and UT2004, and now it doesn't even try to launch. Reinstalling didn't fix it. Did Microsoft do this on purpose, and how do I fix this?
PS: I am @thebluebumblebee's son.
EDIT: This issue was caused by KB3086255, which disabled SafeDisc. I was able to simply turn it back on again, and now Impossible Creatures works. Thanks, guys!
And then three days ago, I tried to launch my copy of Impossible Creatures, which had been running fine a week prior to these updates, and nothing happened. No intro sequences, no black screen, and not even an hourglass icon next to my mouse cursor. It's as if Windows wasn't paying attention.
I tried reinstalling the game, but that didn't fix it. I tried a full uninstall, renamed the game's directory, and installed it again. Ran into the same problem. Fiddled with the compatibility settings. Still no dice. The game simply refuses to launch.
And then, the same day, I learned that a remastered version of Impossible Creatures had been put on Steam for sale.
So I have several questions:
Is it possible that Microsoft deliberately broke the retail version of Impossible Creatures to sell more units on Steam? And if not, what gives? Impossible Creatures was released after Windows XP was, so it's not even a particularly old game, and has run just fine on Windows 7 until now, just like almost all of my other games. Is it possible that Unreal Tournament's installation was somehow responsible?
And how should I go about trying to fix this? I'm fairly confident that a system Restore would do it, but I'd rather not have to resort to that, as it would mean that I'd have to install UT 2004 ECE again, which would not be a fun time, as the installation involves 9 CDs.
TL;DR: Impossible Creatures was working, and then I installed a lot of Windows updates and UT2004, and now it doesn't even try to launch. Reinstalling didn't fix it. Did Microsoft do this on purpose, and how do I fix this?
PS: I am @thebluebumblebee's son.
EDIT: This issue was caused by KB3086255, which disabled SafeDisc. I was able to simply turn it back on again, and now Impossible Creatures works. Thanks, guys!
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