I'm not as technically savvy as all of you but what I don't understand about all of this is why the Failed to Launch message is so sporadic. Today's game downloaded and installed with no problem but many others have given me the Failed to Launch message and never got installed. That suggests to me that the problem is with specific games. It seems the ones I want the most are the ones that don't work. Could it have something to do with the size of the games because the ones I seem to have problems with are the larger downloads.
If you have any problems running today's game giveaway please post here
(73 posts) (22 voices)-
ChrisS
AdministratorluvGGOTD says:
LOL, I now see ChrisS' post about requiring IE8. How long has this been ChrisS?
I noticed it a week ago. After Novyal reported that updating to IE8 fixed the problem I tested an install of XP SP3, which ships with IE6, in a VM and had the same error. Updating to IE8 solved the problem with the VM.Posted 9 years ago # -
ChrisS
AdministratorTerri, it could be the size of program but I don't think it's likely. But, using "safe mode with networking" will load the minimum number of services and will not load the autostart programs. This will bypass any memory issues with running programs. It might also get around other issues.
Start msconfig (press windows key and the "r" key to open a run box, type "msconfig", press enter) or (type "msconfig" in a search box and pick it from the menu)
Click the "boot" tab
Check the "Safe Boot" Box
Check the "network" box at the bottom of the Safe Boot column
Click OK, restart the PC, try to install the program.
When done, whether it installs or not, go back to "msconfig", check "normal startup" on the main page and reboot your system.If "Safe boot with networking" didn't do the trick then:
Your previous post mentioned the error "The Desktop Window Manager was unable to start because composition was disabled by a running application". So I'll repost what I suggested...
first, see if starting the stopped service fixes the problem:
type "services.msc" in a run box
scroll down to "Desktop Window Manager" and start it
try the install againIf that doesn't work, the "Desktop Window Manager" first showed up in Vista. The game is compatible with XP so see if an "XP Install" will bypass the trouble:
right-click the game's setup.exe file
select properties from the menu
click the compatibility tab
check "run this program in compatibility mode for" and select XP SP3
click apply and try the install againPosted 9 years ago # -
ChrisS
AdministratorTerri, another search on "trouble shoot Desktop Window Manager" turned up some suggestions that involve testing the integrity of your system.
First, backup your system because you might change some system files.
Type "cmd" in the search box, right-click on "cmd.exe" and select "run as administrator"
In the window that opens enter these commands one at a time, note any errors that are reported:
chkdsk /f
chkdsk /r
sfc /scannowThe first, chkdsk /f, looks for errors in the file system. The second, chkdsk /r, looks for bad sectors on your hard drive. The last, sfc /scannow, looks for and fixes corrupted system files.
Posted 9 years ago # -
trickykitty
MemberI’m also getting the same “setup.exe has stopped working” followed by the “successfully activated” window.
Win 7 – SP1
64bitAnd to respond to the “fix” I keep seeing in the comments above – I’m running IE11, which is set to install new versions automatically, so unless I HAVE to be running IE8, that’s not the problem/fix, at least not for me.
PS - I have Gardenscapes, and Gardenscapes Mansion Makeover, and I've never had trouble downloading a game prior to today.
Posted 9 years ago # -
trickykitty
MemberADDITIONAL INFO:
I checked for recently updated/installed programs, in case someone else notices a common program that might be causing the interference. I can confirm that I was able to successfully download The Dreamatorium of Dr. Magnus on 9/12/15, so I'm just listing programs that updated since then:updated 9/19/15 - TeamViewer 10
updated 9/16/15 - AVG 2015
updated 9/15/15 - Microsoft OneDrive for Business 2013 - en-us
installed 9/12/15 - Quick Time 7, Apple Software Update, and Apple Application Support-------------------
From the "setup.exe has stopped working" details:
(checking for a solution online does nothing)Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: setup.exe_unknown
Application Version: 1.0.0.999
Application Timestamp: 53bcf615
Fault Module Name: StackHash_bf2f
Fault Module Version: 0.0.0.0
Fault Module Timestamp: 00000000
Exception Code: c000041d
Exception Offset: 773cd8f1
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.48
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Information 1: bf2f
Additional Information 2: bf2fad4f846e226167d9682fa24bb27c
Additional Information 3: eda9
Additional Information 4: eda91533b922338153a41c7d8cb2825cPosted 9 years ago # -
ChrisS
Administratortrickykitty,
Your problem isn't with IE, it's with your security software. The StackHash error points to a Data Execution Prevention problem.
Try:
a) disabling your anti-virus and installing the program; or
b) booting in "safe mode with networking", install the program, reboot normallyPosted 9 years ago # -
I'm pretty upset that I can no longer install games of the day :-(
I've tried every "fix" mentioned and have had no luck. I've even gone into my Windows Updates and uninstalled all that weren't necessary. I'm using Vista Home Premium and until about 2 weeks ago, I had no problem. Maybe I'll just go ahead and uninstall ALL Windows Updates since the problem started. I'll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck!Posted 9 years ago # -
mikiem2
ModeratorDon't understand why there would be a difference between a VM and a real system
A VM is a Real system, least as far as Windows is concerned. If there are differences, it might be the software installed, &/or the hardware & drivers.
OTOH an XP install may have been around a long time -- until late last year when I upgraded hardware, my copy of XP had been there almost as long as XP was alive. It had near every consecutive update ever available. A newer XP install wouldn't have nearly that overhead, as service packs were built into the ISO rather than patches, & since many earlier updates have been replaced by newer versions, they would never be installed.
That said, I believe that the XP Mode VM Microsoft released is somewhat modified from their stand-a-lone versions.
Unrelated &/or O/T, you *might* want to research the hack to continue getting at least security oriented Windows updates. I don't know that ie8, or XP for that matter can be made secure, but those updates would get you at least part of the way there.
Posted 9 years ago # -
ChrisM
MemberThis weekend (9/26 and 9/27) tried to download the games and received the error message that the setup file was corrupted. I knew that it was because of the antivirus isolating part of the setup file. I finally tracked down the issue impacting my system.
I am posting this so that it might help someone else with the disclaimer that I am NOT a computer professional or expert.
I am running Windows 10 with Zonealarm. In Windows 10 the security program, Windows Defender only allows you to turn it off briefly but automatically turns itself back on. In order to function properly, third party antivirus software seems to be suppressing Windows Defender. Because of this suppression, when I put my antivirus in sleep mode to allow the download Windows Defender was still actively blocking the file even though it showed off in settings. To get around this I had to shut down the third party antivirus; turn Windows Defender on; turn Defender off. After all this I finally could download,activate and setup the game. Then go back and turn on third party antivirus.
Hope this helps someone else find their issue.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Tiffany
MemberHmmm, I wonder if this was my problem. I didn't get to download the game the first time because checkip.dyndns.org popped up in Malwarebytes and wanted me to add it to Web Exclusions. I have no idea what checkip.dyndns.org is or how bad it is. Google says something about hacking and IP Addresses. By the way, does anyone know?
Getting to the point, when I first went to downloaded the game, it was going to take 4+ hrs to do so, I then shut it down. That's when the checkip.dyndns.org came up. I was shocked to see this as I keep my computer virus clean as best to my knowledge. So I went to MyPlayCity and downloaded it from there. And I remember seeing a quick flash of Windows something. My mind says Defender but I know that is turned off because I have Avast. I remember seeing a blue box with my signin giving Administration rights to download the game. No idea of how, why or what for, but the game downloaded and played without a hitch. But every time I started the game I kept getting a grey box on my desktop giving me hints about pressing this and that for Print Screen, but I didn't touch them. Was this normal for the game?
Anyways, the game has been played, no problems, and finished. Oh, I checked Windows Defender and it is still turned off. If I have a similar problems, as I too am Win10, I will come back here and try the suggestions.
I have never had a problem with Alawar Games and I use to buy BigFish Games and bought the disc to go with them. I just hope it doesn't happen again. Thanks for listening.
Posted 9 years ago # -
mikiem2
ModeratorThe dyndns.org site is innocent -- it just shows you the ip address of your connection. [I worded it that way because your PC/laptop/tablet might have one ip address, but anything on the web might see another address from your network router or gateway.] The question I have is what & why there was an attempt to visit the site. That sort of thing [getting your reported ip address] can be handy for some folks, IT dept.s & such, but I don't know why some other software would request it.
The part on why it was blocked is easier, & *maybe* ties into that above... Malware might need your ip address to download something bad. Some security software has blocked the site [likely some still does], probably because malware has been shown to use it.
sans.org/security-resources/malwarefaq/conficker-worm.php
It will then use these sites to get the newly infected machine's IP address:
http://www.getmyip.org
http://getmyip.co.uk
http://checkip.dyndns.orgWith the IP address, Downadup/Conficker can download a small HTTP server ("http://trafficconverter.biz/4vir/antispyware/loadadv.exe") and open a HTTP server on the current machine with the following address:
"I remember seeing a quick flash of Windows something. My mind says Defender but I know that is turned off because I have Avast. I remember seeing a blue box with my signin giving Administration rights to download the game."
Defender may still be turned on. When you install security software it doesn't always shut off -- I've had issues & read of others experiencing the same sort of thing, where Defender stays working alongside your working security software. I was able to tell it was working because it was listed in Task Mgr., using the hard drive & CPU.
Also in Windows 10 Defender is supposed to reactivate itself, becoming active if your 3rd party security software has not been updated -- I believe if it hasn't been updated for 3 days -- & that end of things might not be working properly, where Defender thinks it hasn't updated but it has.
I run McAfee on my Windows tablet [upgraded to 10] & got a message from the software that Microsoft requested McAfee delay its startup when Windows 10 starts. I run Bitdefender in 10 Pro 64 on this PC, & have noticed it starts quite a bit later than in win7, so I suspect the request to delay startup was made to all security software makers. Defender *might* not be seeing Avast as actually running, so starts itself, but that's just a maybe guess.
That said, the admin rights part bothers me -- I've never seen it. Together with the authorization box & the attempt to contact dyndns.org it *might* mean your Windows install has been compromised. Wouldn't hurt at any rate, IMHO, to run a few virus scans -- companies like McAfee, Kaspersky, Norton etc. all offer free scanning software just for this sort of thing.
I keep my computer virus clean as best to my knowledge.
You don't have to do anything even slightly questionable to become infected. It used to be that you had to visit a bad web site or open an email attachment or download an infected file & run it and so on -- that's no longer the case. One example: web sites sell ad space to ad network companies, who then fill that space with ads from the highest bidder. The highest bidder may be a criminal or criminal organization -- the ad networks are under fire because they do not check. So with malvertising, the bad guys/gals simply pay to have the code to infect your system right there on a normal, everyday, sometimes major web site. [That's why I use & recommend Adblock Plus.]
Posted 9 years ago # -
Tiffany
MemberThanks mikiem2. I should have also said I have ADP as well and have used it for years. I did check with Task Manager and Defender is not running. As for the delay start up I did notice that with Synei. I am going to clean unistall that now. I don't think I need it and besides I don't think it supports Win10 even though I read some where that it does. Will see how the next game downloads this week. I will look into running some online scans as per the Conflicker site.
Posted 9 years ago # -
trickykitty
MemberAs a follow up to my previous, I have AVG and right clicking on it in the system tray and selecting to Temporarily Disable has corrected my problem. It seems AVG has jumped on the bandwagon of blocking the download wrapper.
Thanks, ChrisS, for the info regarding the StackHash error message.
And a sarcastic Thank You to the jerks that couldn't handle having a free game on a certain day and had to meddle to the point that the wrapper had to be implemented.
I'm glad GOTD is protecting its own interests which allows the rest of us to still have access to occasional free games to test and give feedback. I know that required extra work on the part of the GOTD people, so thank you for your efforts in continuing to provide this opportunity for both the game creators and the players.
Posted 9 years ago # -
devlin
MemberCan anyone help me with today's game?
I get an error that says "the game does not support the desktop resolution".
I tried changing it to most of the options listed, but it still doesn't work, any suggestions.
Have not had any problems installing in a long long time. I have windows 10.Posted 9 years ago # -
BillW50
MemberHaunted Domains GAOTD wrapper crashes with BSOD under XP SP2 and all unsaved work is totally lost. Game also doesn't work for pen enabled Windows tablets. Nor will the mouse work on Dell Latitude Slate Tablets in this game only. Motion Computing tablets (LE1700) works fine with a mouse with this game.
Posted 8 years ago # -
gaminggranma
MemberHaunted Domains - Never played this game or any similar. Downloaded game, checked tutorial, went to play and the tutorial did not pop up to instruct how to play. I have no idea what I am doing, so I am not having fun. Developers, if you can provide a copy with working tutorial I would be glad to provide positive feedback.
Posted 8 years ago # -
ldmccau
MemberI have a new HP running Windows 10, and the mouse cursor is unavailable after launching the game (Haunted Domains). I was playing the tutorial by touch screen, which I don't like, then it said I would need a right-click (which is a pain in the butt by touch screen compared to the simple right click of the mouse). Is there a way around this? There is nothing about the cursor in the options menu. I ran as admin, but that didn't work. Please advise.
Posted 8 years ago # -
ldmccau
Member@BillW50
Nope. It only lists Music Volume, Sound Volume, Fullscreen (grayed out), Tutorial, and Expert Mode.
The first time I launched, it asked me to enter a player name. After starting play, the Player Name box is empty and it won't give the option to rename/delete/change players. I tap on the Change Players but nothing happens.
Posted 8 years ago # -
ldmccau
MemberI have an HP laptop Intel core, 64 bit, running Windows 10 Home. I bought it about 1 month ago. I tried to upload a screen shot, but couldn't make it work. It looks just like your, minus the line about the game cursor, and the fullscreen is checked but grayed out.
Posted 8 years ago # -
Whiterabbit-uk
Games GuruHi BillW50, not seen you in a long time. Welcome back. I hope the last several years have been treating you well? :)
Posted 8 years ago # -
sputter
MemberI get an error message that says "program is corrupt download again".
Have downloaded it twice and still same.I have not been able to install a game from your site for the last 5 games.
Did good for awhile but suddenly quit working.
I have disabled all AV and Malware. Still same error.
I am running windows 10.Posted 8 years ago #
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