Current Version (date-time) DirectDrawFix 20130101-154045
Introduction
Windows Vista and Windows 7 break color compatibility with certain applications that depend upon palette-based, 256-color graphics. Due to changes to DirectX and DirectDraw, the colors of these applications and games may appear distorted under these newer operating systems. This issue applies to both The Age of Kings and The Conquerors Expansion.
DirectDrawFix will allow you to resolve this specific issue by applying required compatibility fixes to the registry. Elevation is required for this application to perform its updates. Windows XP and earlier operating systems are already compatible and do not require this update.
System Requirements
Windows Vista or later operating system
Elevated user account privileges
I realize years have past but I just bought the game and, although I have tried, I just could not stand to play the game. The graphics were HORRIBLE.
I decided to search for a mod and was fortunate to find yours. Thanks. I appreciate the time you have taken to make this game playable.
gaurjimmy
Posted on 08/25/13 @ 11:14 AM
I just can't thank you enough for this. I had gotten so used to of that red-green texture. Thank you very much.
sosor3l
Posted on 07/11/14 @ 07:47 AM
does it work on steam?
[Edited on 07/11/14 @ 07:47 AM]
Dead_End Staff
Posted on 07/11/14 @ 10:27 AM
sosor3l, Steam only offers the HD Edition, which does not suffer from this color issue.
Telich
Posted on 01/28/15 @ 10:57 PM
OMG this works so sweet!
I am always concerned with apps that alter registry information, hoping that it won't try to apply a fix where it may not be appropriate and this simple and fast fix does just what it needs to do for AoK (haven't tried installing AoC yet but have no reason to feel it wouldn't work just the same) and not touch other apps unless I want it to.
So nice to see the same graphics quality on this new box as on the old, replaced one.
For those who may be searching for a fix to match their specs, this machine is:
* HP Compaq Pro 6305 MT w/AMD dual-core 64-bit chip
* NVIDIA NVS 315 video
* Win7 Pro SP1
(I had changed the background to reflect Windows Classic per a suggestion on the MS forum which didn't help, but I suspect this fix will allow me to select any background since the registry has been modified independently.)
My thanks to the author's efforts to help users of a legacy game like this that so many can continue to enjoy even as the technology changes and attempts to place AoK in the rear-view mirror.
Game on, Emperors! ;)
[Edited on 01/28/15 @ 10:59 PM]
urana84
Posted on 04/19/15 @ 05:43 AM
anyone had any luck with an old game Return Fire? I used to play it on win95
The game starts and runs fine using win compatibility mode set at win95 and 256 colours, but the colour pallet is all out. I've exhausted all avenues i can find to get the colours to appear properly.
i'm stumped!! i just want it to work without having to use things like virtualbox
i'm running win 8.1 64bit dx11 geforce drivers
any help would be awesome. i really want to play this game from my youth!!
Bala Arizalu
Posted on 04/25/15 @ 09:13 AM
Try to use User Patch
JuniorJedi
Posted on 07/16/17 @ 01:05 PM
Rating
5.0
Breakdown
Usefulness/Novelty
5.0
Quality/Instructions
5.0
Super easy fix. Wery simple, fast and works just fine!
Also works w/o any problems with Star Wars Galactic Battleground with Clone Campaigns expansion.
Even with additional mods! Patches different .exes as well.
Posted on 11/28/11 @ 11:10 AM (updated 01/01/13) 
