HELP! Assistance Needed to Install the Original "Sins of a Solar Empire".

from Stardock.net Forums

Hello all. 

A long time PC gamer from the early 80’s but brand new to the Stardock Forums. 

I purchased the original retail "BOXED" version of SINS OF A SOLAR EMPIRE back when it was released in 2008. 

For some reason back then, more than likely Oblivion, I never opened or installed the original SSE game. 

Now fast forward to 15 years later and I come across the same, still unopened, SSE game box, and I am very eager install a new 4X space game.  

 

Problem is the game will install but will not run.     

  • I installed SSE from the original CD.
  •  Was able to get to the “Launch Menu”.
  •   Input the “Key Code” from the back of the manual.
  •   I checked the “Disabled Full Screen Optimizations” on the main EXE file(s)
  • The “Play Game” option loads to a blank black screen.
  •  The game will not “Update” from the mentioned “Launch Menu”.
  •  Ran the “Repair” function from the original CD.
  •  Game loaded once from the actual Game Disk execution file!
  •  I was able to set video parameters, but game crashed a few minutes later and would not reload.
  • Ran the Compatibilities Modes.
  • Nothing.
  • Current PC System Specs are below.

I know the game, at least my version, is 15 years old but the game is still viable, still being played and loved by many.

  1. Is there any way to “Update” the original game?
  2. Is there a single or group of patches that can be applied?
  3. Can one register the game with Steam using the original validation code to play SSE from Steam?
  4. Does Stardock or Ironcald provide a CD Validation Code to a verified game owner. 

 Please don't be shy.  ANY reliable suggestions or known fixes would be greatly appreciated.   

Thanks in advance.

Best,

JD

  • AMD Ryzen Series 5 5600X CPU
  • ASUS ROG Strix x570 E Motherboard
  • AMD RX 6600 XT GPU
  • 32 Gig DDR 4 3600 G. Skill Trident Z Neo Ram Memory
  • WD Black SN850X 1 TB x 2
  • Pioneer BD-RW BDR 212V Blu-Ray Disk box.
  • MS Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
sins of a solar empire ii
4,708 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock.net Forums Top

Wow!.... Great News!

Update:  As a follow-up and in an effort to assist anyone else who may also be experiencing a problem getting the very original version of Sins of a Solar Empire to load on a newer PC.

After trying all of the above suggestions I found online I simply tried changing the "Compatibility Mode" of the initial launch file. 

Installing SSE in Windows 10 Pro the file can be found at the below address.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock Games\Sins of a Solar Empire\SINS Launcher.exe

  • Right click on "SINS Launcher.exe" file.
  • Select "Properties".
  • In the "Properties" menu select the "Compatibility" tab.
  • Under "Compatibility Mode" click the box: Run this program in compatibility mode for:
  • Click on the drop-down menu and select "Windows 7". 
  • Click "Apply at the bottom of the Properties" menu.
  • Click "OK".

To run the program:

  1. Double click on the same "SINS Launcher.exe" file.
  2. A menu you will pop up asking to install the SSE game DVD. 
  3. Click "Cancel".
  4. This will bring up the program launch menu.
  5. Select "Play the Game.

Hope this helps.

Now next question is:  How do I update the game to the late version?  Anyone know?

The "Update Game" option only brings you to the new Sins of a Solar Empire II webpage.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

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