SimCity 4 Doesn't Run on Windows 10

[CaterpillarKing 52]

So I upgraded to Windows 10 a few weeks ago and so far I love it. It's much bettet than Windows 8.1. I just tried to run SimCity 4, however, and it failed massively. First it said I had to run as an administrator so I did that and the next time I ran it nothing happened. It failed within a second. I tried compatibility settings but got nowhere. Has anyone experienced this and found a solution? Downgrading back to Windows 8.1 isn't an option, I want to keep Windows 10. Thank you in advance!

Also, I didn't see there was already a thread for this, so my bad.

[Prophet42 1,503]

Do you have a digital or CD version of SC4.  If you have a CD version, then SC4 will not run on Windows 10.  Windows 10 is missing the necessary driver to read the security layer off of the CD.  If you have a digital version, then it should run fine.

I recently had an issue with running a digital version of SC4 on Windows 10.  The resolution was to download the SC4 Launcher and start simcity from the launcher. Read through the 'Windows 10 Problem Reporting" thread pinned in this forum.

[bmanningb 0]

Simcity 4 does run on windows 10 with the CD version. Windows did a security update in sept 2015 that stopped the CD from working. All you need to do is uninstall the update. The windows update is  KB3086255. Unstill it and the hide it. and Simcity 4 will work great. I play Simcity 4 on all versions of windows from Xp to Windows with no problems at all.

[rsc204 21,836]

2 hours ago, bmanningb said:

Simcity 4 does run on windows 10 with the CD version. Windows did a security update in sept 2015 that stopped the CD from working. All you need to do is uninstall the update. The windows update is  KB3086255. Unstill it and the hide it. and Simcity 4 will work great. I play Simcity 4 on all versions of windows from Xp to Windows with no problems at all.

This update only came to Windows Vista-8.1 releases. Windows 10 removed support altogether with the final release, although they kept it in up until the very last RTM version.

Windows XP is not affected, support from MS has long since ceased.

Vista-8.1 users can choose to uninstall the update. Bear in mind, this is a security update, don't mess with things if you don't understand the consequences.

Windows 10 users simply can not utilise any disk with the affected Safedisc DRM systems.

There are other ways around the problem. But don't forget, legitimate users can ask for a free digital version from Origin with proof of ownership.

[SIMplemente 41]

So please somebody get me this clear. After all I've read, the only way to continue playing to simcity 4 rush hour in WINDOWS 10 is buying a digital copy from Origin website.

Ok, it's 9'95€... So, first of all, I need to create an account there, and then buy the game. After paying it via paypal (for instance) they are going to send an email with a code and downloading instructions?

Can anyone be more specific and tell us what's going to happen next and how does this thing works. To be honest, I've never bought anything from Origin, so I don't have a clue about how it works. Call me a prehistoric guy, that's what I am. Sorry guys but I hate to throw my simcity original cd's to the bin.

 

 

[InvisiChem 121]

Steam worked for me by just entering my CD code into the registration area when requesting to download the game. The same idea should work with Origin. Worst case, simply call customer support for the digital versions and they should be able to help register the game using your existing code. 

Even if you decide to just pay for it, click on the game to download, pay in the manner requested and it will automatically download the game into your library through the client software that is installed on your computer. Easy access to this client is through the task tray or icon on the desktop. 

Definitely do not throw them away. You may need to install from disc to install the BAT at another time, then remove it afterwards. 

[SIMplemente 41]

12 hours ago, InvisiChem said:

Steam worked for me by just entering my CD code into the registration area when requesting to download the game. The same idea should work with Origin. Worst case, simply call customer support for the digital versions and they should be able to help register the game using your existing code. 

Even if you decide to just pay for it, click on the game to download, pay in the manner requested and it will automatically download the game into your library through the client software that is installed on your computer. Easy access to this client is through the task tray or icon on the desktop. 

Definitely do not throw them away. You may need to install from disc to install the BAT at another time, then remove it afterwards. 

To InvisiChem: Thank you very much in deed for your quick answer.

I'm going to try followin the steps as you just indicated, and I'll let you know all about it!

Best Regards!

[rsc204 21,836]

If you pay Origin for a copy of SimCity 4, then you are screwing yourself.

Pay Amazon, Gamersgate or GoG for a DRM-Free copy, it's DRM becoming "out of date" that's forcing you to get a new copy. So I can't think of a better time to be anti-DRM. Not to mention, ironically the Origin version is the least compatible of all digital editions. Until Tarkus made enough fuss, Origin were the only outfit selling an unpatched and un-patchable copy of SC4!

On the other hand, if they are going to give you it for free, perhaps it's worth considering. That said, the 3.82€ I paid GoG for my digital copy in a sale, is worth paying, even if only so I don't have to install Origin on my PC IMO.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Both Steam and Origin are DRM vendors and use private set up structures making it very difficult to use any after market components such as the BAT.  The non-DRM vendors use the regular structure as released originally by Maxis, so all the after market stuff works without having to perform any handsprings.

Note that Origin even goes so far as to deny the existence of the BAT even though it is a Maxis product.  Both Origin and Maxis are subsidiaries of EA.  Origin was set up to market SC2013 and taking on SC4 was done in haste and without enough care.  In this case, clearly the left hand has no communication with the right hand.

[SIMplemente 41]

LET ME TELL TO THE WORLD:

I just created my account on Origin, and I downloaded the thing -Origin launcher- on my WINDOWS 10 pc

Then I paid 9'95€ for my digital copy of SIMCITY4 DELUXE (despite of having both original CD's)

Downloading and installing the game was made inmediatlly, and so far, the game is running OK (my old cities are still being there, as well as my add ons and pluggins)

Night lights are working ok for all buildings, including the new ones I just downloaded from Simtropolis before moving out to W10.  I mean that I assume the game is going to run the same as it was running with the cd's on W7. Also Will I be able to run the new bats  from Simtropolis?

That said, from now on: what are the main issues am I going to find ahead?

 

  Edited March 21, 2016 by SIMplemente  
spelling, grammar mistakes

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you are running with the Origin structure the game itself will be fine.  You should have build version 1,1,641 and the proof of the pudding is that is runs on Windows 10 and that the night lights on custom content work.

If you don't intend to add any personal custom content using the BAT, then you need not worry about anything.  The problem that happens is trying to get the BAT installed into Origin's private structure.  Origin denies that the BAT exists.  You might want to send a PM to @rsc204 for more on this.  I can't cite my own experience because I don't have this problem (I'm on Linux).