I had lost and lost of problems with this game but was able to sort them out...
Maybe this will help someone else...
I have Windows 7 installed so everything should be the same for Vista...
Bought and installed the game and then the first crash happens lots of "&" on the start menu, error can't find key.xml etc. Solved by entering the installation folder, rmb properties of the exe file, compatibility tab and check compatibility mode for Win XP SP3 and Run this program as an admin...
Open Windows firewall (or NOD32 or whatever You have) and allow the Cities XL pass through...
Open Your router admin page and open TCP port 3638...
After all of this i still had problems running the game but that was because of my LAN card, I've put in another one now everything works without any problems...
Hope this all helps.
P.S. IMHO Sim City 4 is alot more evolved, interesting and simply way better but thats just me!
