From time to time I've noticed questions about running Civilization 2 on Windows 7 (both in General Discussion, and this forum), although the problems seem to be with 64 bit operating systems. The purpose of this thread is to present different options for running the game in one location, so that the information is easy to find. To keep this thread short and easy to read, please do not seek technical support for implementing these options in this thread. If you have a game of Civilization 2, the first thing to do is establish exactly what game you have. The early versions of Civ 2 are 16 bit programs, which will not run directly on 64 bit Windows Operating Systems. 'Classic' Civ 2 (also known as 'Vanilla' or version 2.42) is a 16 bit game, and I think that Fantastic Worlds is also (but I'm not sure).
Before you start playing either Civilization 2 Test of Time or Multiplayer Gold. Currently running Windows 7 and playing the game with a patch.
Windows will not even install these games. Th later versions of Civ 2, Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of Time, are 32 bit programs. These will install on 64 bit Windows, but have a bug with text boxes.
If you have a 32 bit version of the program, should fix your problem. If you have a 16 bit version, you have the following options: 1. Upgrade to Multiplayer Gold Edition. (and some that follow it) in the Mastermind patch thread explains how to upgrade to MGE if you have a classic disk. Is a more detailed tutorial. You might find a disk online somewhere.
Or, sells a downloadable version for 5 Pounds. You will get Civ 1 with it as a bonus. I purchased from this site, and didn't have any trouble beyond applying Mastermind's Patch. Use virtualization software to run a different operating system. You can then play classic and avoid the hostile AI.
These options are more difficult. Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional, then use Virtual PC to run XP mode. This will probably be expensive. I personally use this method, but only because my university offered the upgrade for free. When all is said and done, it is very convenient to use, but upgrading the computer may require tech support.
Use other virtualization software. Describes a method to get classic civ 2 to work using free (open source) software. If you have other methods, or want to describe these methods in more detail, feel free to reply. However, please direct actual tech support questions to other threads so that this one remains easy to read.
I just wanted to post the steps I followed to get Civ II MGE to work on a Windows 7 (64 bit) laptop with no CD (or CD drive)-I did need to have a Windows XP computer and CD drive available for this to work. Download Virtualbox. (It is produced by Oracle.) It is free. It works like a charm. Create a virtual computer running XP. There are lots of YouTube videos on how to do this. I had the original XP install discs but ended up downloading an XP iso from a Torrent site as it was easier than trying to create one on my own or install from the discs.
Windows 7 Test Mode
It took me a few trys to get it right, but I am the impatient type who did not read the directions that came with the program first. Once I figured out what I was doing, it took about 5 minutes to create the virtual computer and about 10 minutes to install the XP iso. Once the virtual XP drive is created and the virtual computer is created, install Guest Additions to Virtual Box (it comes with the Virtualbox download but requires a separate step to activate it. Then, using your Civ2 disc, install Civ 2 from inside the virtual computer. It is fully functional, including all videos, and runs super quick.
Once set up, the virtual computer is available anytime you start it, and does not require any updating or reinstalling. The files to create it reside on your fixed disc.
Just remember to shut down the XP virtual machine using the start button, so that the RAM is released back to the Host computer. I have an Asus G73 quad-core Win7 64-bit laptop. This is the 'Host' computer. The 'Guest' computer is an Win-XP with a the recommended virtual hard drive and virtual RAM, and runs with two of my four cores. All of these settings are customizable when you first create the virtual machine, and before you install the XP iso. One last thing and the reason for editing. The Host computer is fully functional also, while the Guest XP computer is running, but the RAM and hard drive space that you allocated to it are not available to the Host while the virtual computer is running.
So if you have 8 gigs of RAM and allocated 1 gig to the virtual computer, your Host will run with 7 gigs as long as the Guest is running, but the Host returns to 8 gigs as soon as you shut down and turn off the Guest computer via the start button inside the Guest computer.
Ok i swear i searched for other threads but i didnt find any answers, so i post this. I recently got a new laptop. With windows 7.
Civ2 was working fine on my old laptop with xp, but for some reason it doesnt seem to like windows 7. Ive tried running civ2 in different compatability modes but i still get the same problems. Basically what happens is this: civ2 runs perfectly right from the start UNTIL i try to type/enter text. So i can choose all my game options etc and it all works fine as long as i dont click on the text boxes for rulers name etc or try to type into them. If i DO try to type then civ encounters an error and crashes to desktop. So right now the game works fine, so long as the only thing i do is move my unit of settlers round the map and dont try to build any cities. Because as soon as the new city window opens and asks for a city name.
The game crashes. But it doesnt matter how many turns i end or anything, the game still works fine. It only breaks when i try to type anything. And its really annoying because i love civ 2 and i used to play it a shiatload on my old laptop. So yeah thats my problem, i dont know if ive explained it very well.
Reading it back it sounds a bit crap so ask me if you need something explained better. But please please please ive spent so much smegging time on google trying to find solutions to this but to no avail so please if anyone knows how to fix this help me!! Hey guys i was wondering. If i installed windows virtual pc and try to run civ2 on xp 32 bit do you think that would work like normal? Im only asking instead of doing because i cant really be bothered right now. Im starting to to wish i didnt bother with windows 7, so much of my old junk and software doesnt work properly on it. Weeeee double-post so, virtual pc worth a try?::edit:: nevermind about all that, it wont work anyway.
I guess ill have to wait till someone somewhere makes a fix. My civ days are over. Stupid windows 7. I can run civ2- mge on windows 7 home premium 64 bit. I installed the 64 bit patch(I don't remember from where) and it runs fine.
My only complaint is with the ever hostile AI. Unfortunately 2.42 will not run on a 64 bit OS.
Test Of Time Patch
Windows 7 Test Answers
I am trying to find a patch for the hostile AI. Unfortunately, two different patches may pose a problem. During the beta period for windows-7 I tried the XP virtual machine. It looked like it might work, but the heavy cpu usage of civ caused a problem.
I really want my 2.42 back. I can run civ2- mge on windows 7 home premium 64 bit. I installed the 64 bit patch(I don't remember from where) and it runs fine. My only complaint is with the ever hostile AI. Unfortunately 2.42 will not run on a 64 bit OS. I am trying to find a patch for the hostile AI.
Unfortunately, two different patches may pose a problem. During the beta period for windows-7 I tried the XP virtual machine. It looked like it might work, but the heavy cpu usage of civ caused a problem. I really want my 2.42 back. Click to expand.i found a patch somewhere else, but when i uninstalled civ2 and tried the patch in the link above. It worked and now i can save games.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-yeaaaaaaaaaaah i guess i shouldve tried more patches instead of just giving up after the first one. Even the annoying AI cant stop me from enjoying this. I havent played civ2 in like almost a year. Awesome, so glad its working fine now. Plus its friday tomorrow so i can commence 48hr civ2 session. Switch off tv, disconnect phone and internet, lock all doors, see you on monday weeeeeeeeeeee.