How to Play "Aliens versus Predator" on Windows Vista

Newer versions of Windows often cause compatibility problems with older software.

"Aliens versus Predator" was a critical success when it was released in 1999. When Microsoft rolled out Windows Vista, many Vista users found they couldn't run the classic game without encountering severe graphics problems. Today, however, it's easy to get "Aliens versus Predator" running on your Windows Vista computer. After the developers of the game released the source code publicly, a team of dedicated fans got together and created an unofficial patch for the game that allows it to run nicely under Vista.

Things You'll Need

• "Aliens versus Predator" Gold Edition or Standard Edition
• Recent version of DirectX

Instructions

1. Insert your "Aliens versus Predator" disc into the CD or DVD Drive of your PC and follow the on-screen instructions to install the game normally.

2. Navigate to the Microsoft site listed under Resources to ensure you are running the most up-to-date DirectX runtime environment.

3. Download the fan-created Vista patch from the link under Resources. Click the link at the top of the page entitled "AvPx.zip" to download it. Save it onto your desktop.

4. Unzip AvPx.zip from your desktop. You should now have a folder with the file AvPx.exe and seven other files.

5. Copy the files into your "Aliens versus Predator" folder. By default this folder is located at C:\Program Files\AvP. If you're asked if you would like to overwrite any files, click "Yes." If you're using the Standard Edition, you must also rename the file "english.txt" to "language.txt."

6. Double click the AvPx.exe file that you just copied into your AvP folder. The game will now run successfully under Windows Vista.

References

• MobyGames: Aliens versus Predator for Windows (1999)

Resources

• Microsoft Download Center: DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
• Aliens versus Predator: Source code update