Run Halo 2 on XP

[Anger007]

ok.
microsoft wireless desktop elite keyboard and mouse,
sb audigy 2,
nostromo n52,
i also have sidewinder force feedback pro connected but not used.
i did install the version of directx thats on the dvd.
ill try disconnecting things i dont need to see if its that.

[abcba]

Originally Posted by mononoke82

when I run the loader under command prompt I get "the system cannot execute the specified program" When I try to run the loader directly, i get "this application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem." Any help would be appreciated! I'm at wsvg in lousville and i'd love to join in on some halo 2 action! (but I have xp : / )

You need to install vcredist.msi from \redists on the DVD.
The loader depends on the vc2005 runtime and won't run without it.

[Rads]

Im Running the Realtek AC'97 drivers for my onboard soundcard, i have an Asus A8V-E-SE Motherboard and a Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000.

[STORMTROOPER91]

I get CRAZY HERE!!!
All STOP!!
I think we have all one problem: --> mf.dll
And the activationshit!
Loader.exe is runnig perfect if you aren't to silly to put the startup.exe into it.
If there is am error with "initializing" ,you should reinstall Halo2.

I played now the first level 4 or 8 times NOW!!!
I want the other levels!...please mf.dll is the activation DLL ... I know that...
perhaps someone can make it like...öhh.......

[MTWomg]

Shut up and buy the game, loser.

[Rads]

Buy the game and you wont have that problem =/

[STORMTROOPER91]

I think you should better go to bed.
you are very bad.

[abcba]

Originally Posted by MTWomg

can you help me with the activation issue?

You're not supposed to run activate.exe yourself, the game should ask to be activated.

[MTWomg]

I ran it by having the loader run halo2.exe, and rather than getting the Activate box I get when i run it in vista, it took me right in-game.

Running latest version with tracelog. Mf.dll, dwmapi.dll, and MFPlat.dll are in the game's directory.

edit: just tried with old version. no-go.

[reca]

Um So far the game works pefectly, I went out and bought halo2 this morning after hearing of this Win Xp Fix Abcba has made.

The problem with activation is, it will ask you in side the game with a ingame chat dialog window to shut down halo and insert the DVD and use the activation screen. which auto play trys running setup.exe and gives the error you get when trying to run halo2 on xp without this patch.

I have seen no way to get to this activation screen as the loader only runs the halo.exe??

Abcba's next step is probably to modify the loader.exe to run the setup.exe as well. then people like me with the legitimate version and key will be able to access the screen input the key and continue playing.

He's a hero to deliver us from microsofts extortion of bungie's ablity to make a great game