CreateEffect Error

[GOLDfish.74 0]

I keep getting the recurring error:

D3DXCreateEffect Error

D3DXCreateEffect has failed

File:

Error:

Could not retrieve error message.

Press OK to Retry.

I looked at the Data directory and found no Shader folder. Is that normal or did my installation miss a whole heap of files. I have already reinstalled twice to no avail.

Any input would be much appreciated.

Regards.

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To give some background my specs are as follows:

I have a Core 2 Quad

8GB RAM

Vista Ultimate 64bit

Radeon 1GB HD4890

Is this a hardware incompatability because when I installed it on my laptop (which doesnt have the specs to play it) I could at least get to the main menu.

[GlobexCo 33]

When you get this error?

[GOLDfish.74 0]

While the splash screen is up. On the first install it happened after the cursor changed to the in-game cursor. Now it happens before tha even. And once the error occurs I have to use taskmgr to close the program.

[GOLDfish.74 0]

I have managed to get the game to load but the same error is now occuring when I try to place a Town Hall, has anyone else had this?

[GOLDfish.74 0]

It has now been 5 days since I first made contact with MC. If they have not replied to me due to the back-log of emails then this game simply is not ready for release. If they haven't contacted me due to poor staff then I think I should just take the game back and wait for the next offering from EA and Maxis.

[Androv 6]

Do you have the latest video drivers etc?

[GOLDfish.74 0]

I have done so many things to try to fix it:

Update to latest ATI drivers

Unistall and then reinstall in safe mode (with restarts inbetween) - this one got me to actually starting the game

Update DirectX

run Repair .NET tool

Run the game with only essential processes operating

Run the game with Windows XP compatibility

Run the game as administrator (I already have UAC turned off)

Update windows to Vista SP2

If there is anything missing from that list, please I beg, tell me.