SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition Refuses To Install Or Run

[Neur0ticism 0]

Computer Specs:

Operating System                                  Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
     
     OS Service Pack                                   Service Pack 2
      Internet Explorer                                 7.0.5730.11
      DirectX                                           4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
      Computer Name                                     COMPAQSR1730Z (A/N)
      User Name                                         A/N

    Motherboard:
      CPU Type                                          Unknown, 2200 MHz
      Motherboard Name                                  Unknown
      Motherboard Chipset                               Unknown
      System Memory                                     1024 MB
      BIOS Type                                         Award (01/17/06)
      Communication Port                                ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

    Display:
      Video Adapter                                     NVIDIA GeForce 6200SE TurboCache  (256 MB)

    Multimedia:
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[tungston 19]

The one thing I didn't see is the version of the game, is it "Basic", or "Rush Hour", or the "Deluxe" version?

Are you right clicking setup.exe, and choosing "Open" in the popup, and nothing happens?

[existenz 2]

Hi, sounds like it could be your DVD Writer. Can you install other games, does the DVD Writer read, other DVD's - eg can you play movies etc. Do you have another CD/DVD Writer that you can test install the game on? Here's a HP problem thread about the HP 740b writer that may provide some clues but I don't really know. http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=1075508&admit=-682735245+1194735713039+28353475  Other than that I hope some other more cluey people have some ideas for you. The comp specs sound ok and should run the game. Did you clean up the registry between each new attempted install as the registry may have some references left over from previous installs. I use CCleaner which is a free program and usually clears up any registry problems I have but there are others out there. Good luck.

Tungston - its in the title for this thread - Deluxe version

[amdinside 2]

The SC4 CD will have autoplay and should load the install menu when you insert the disk. It sounds like you have a bad disk or your cd/dvd rom player is at fault. You can make sure that the CD and player are both clean, that is where I would start. If you have another computer, see if the disk will load in that one.

[tungston 19]

You should delete the Simcity folders under the Maxis folder in the program files,before installing.   But if you have files in the program files plugins you should save those in another folder.

The registry keys SC4 adds are pretty inconsequential, and would not prevent the setup from running.

I would not recommend using any registry cleaner, unless you know how to restore the registry files, after Windows won't start after using a registry cleaner. And that is if you remembered to backup the registry before using the cleaner. It happens all to often that cleaners render the OS inoperative, it only takes one errant key to do that.

[existenz 2]

Sorry about that. Tungston is right - and I should have mentioned that in my post. Although the program I mentioned seems to only fix references to already uninstalled programs eg missing uninstaller exes etc that are left behind after uninstalling something. And I always backup my registry befofe that. The program asks you if you want to backup anyway but it is better not to use registry programs unless you have a little experience with tinkering around with your computer beforehand.

[SC4BOY 20]

Actually this sounds like damaged CD or CD drive problems to me... if I understand your comments correctly you are using the setup and autorun from the cd drive, right?

[Neur0ticism 0]

Hello to tungston, existenz, amdinside, and SC4BOY! Thank you for replying. I'm pretty certain that my CD or CD drive is alright, it will run The Sims 2 with Editions (Seasons and University) and Harry Potter PC games properly. Also, this computer according to it's original owner (my dad) said it was about a year old, so I don't think it's the disc reader. I have RegSupreme which is usually safe. I did delete the SimCity folders as well. Oh yes, as to your question about opening the game on the Run, yes I right click and use "Open" on both Autorun.exe and Stepup.exe, nothing initiates. Keep in mind that SimCity 4 has been used on this pc before and was working properly... Hmm, CD does have quite a bit of scratches on the back of it, although I try my hardest to keep them safe. Thank you for your suggestions and query... Oh, I will also see if it needs cleaning.

[SC4BOY 20]

Sounds like you have "just" a SC4 CD problem.. good luck! EA will replace a bad CD but by the time you go to the hassle and costs you probably are just as well off just to buy a new copy at some cheapie outlet. I think they charge 10 dollars and you have to ship your CD to them along with Xerox of your cover with license number or some such... Been several years since I looked it up, but it is explained (if you dig deep enough.. hehe) on the EA site.