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Q198610: AoE: Err Msg "Could Not Initialize Graphics" on ViewSonic VPA150

Article: Q198610
Product(s): Microsoft Home Games
Version(s): 1.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb3rdparty kbdisplay kberrmsg aoe kbimu msgame
Last Modified: 20-JUN-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Age of Empires, version 1.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you attempt to start Microsoft Age of Empires, you may receive the
following error message:

  Could not initialize graphics system. Make sure that your video card and
  driver are compatible with DirectDraw.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior can occur if both of the following conditions are true:

- You are using a ViewSonic VPA150 monitor.
- DirectDraw is disabled in the monitor's pivoting software.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this issue, enable DirectDraw in the monitor's pivoting software. To
do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the WinPortrait icon on the taskbar, and then click DirectDraw.

2. When you are prompted if you want to enable DirectDraw, click Yes.

3. When you are prompted to restart the computer, do so.


MORE INFORMATION
================

For additional information about this error message, click the article numbers
below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  Q179920 AOE: Error Message: Could Not Initialize Graphics System

  Q242902 AoE II Err Msg: Could Not Initialize Graphics System...

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by
companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty,
implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these
products.

Additional query words: 1.00 msgame ageofempires ages system tray systray

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Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbdisplay kberrmsg aoe kbimu msgame 
Technology        : kbHomeProdSearch kbAOE kbGamesSearch kbZNotKeyword kbAOESearch
Version           : :1.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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