RT3 running on Windows 10

[Gumboots]

Yep. I'm holding off on Windows 11 for the moment. Give them a while to sort out the initial glitches. There are bound to be some.

[Andrew]

Hi guys,

I tried installing RRT 3 multiple times yesterday. Initially, I couldn't even start it because I would get the DirectX 8.1 error. I worked around that with your tips - the dgvoodoo dlls and the config file - after that I could get the game to start but it would just start in a very small window (screenshot here https://snipboard.io/RgvL5W.jpg). I can hear the musing playing, but that's it.

If I press the maximize button, I will get the DirectX error. I tried other ways to maximize the window, Alt+enter and F11 don't work. I also tried right clicking on the shortcut icon - properties - shortcut - run and set maximized. Using the last method I could get the game to start in full screen, but it would just stay in a black screen.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Gumboots]

Ok, first question: is it an original PopTop disc, or one of the other versions (Steam, GoG, etc)?

Second question: where did you install it?

It's not a good idea to install to the default option - C:\Program Files (x86). It's better to pick a custom location to install to. I installed mine to Desktop.

[Andrew]

It was the Steam version. I tried the GoG version also, but it had the same problem.

I never installed it in the default location. I installed it on D, or the desktop. Didn't make any difference.

[Gumboots]

Ok, you'll have to wait for one of the others to see this. Either that or try the Steam support boards. I've never used their version (only an original PopTop disc).

[RulerofRails]

dgVoodoo and the config file (known as the "Vista Fix") are not compatible. If you run with dgVoodoo while also having the "disable Hardware T&L" switch ON the game will look strange or not show up at all. (Possibly your blank screen issue). Use one or the other. dgVoodoo is better. But for a quick test there's no harm in deploying the Vista fix.

I have a default Steam install just for test purposes. It works without any fixes for me on Windows 10 (up to date). I never saw the Direct x 8.1 message. It can depend on your system I guess. Also, that means that I don't have first-hand experience of this issue. I would make sure that the game is running on your main graphics card, recent processors have built-in integrated graphics that may be used by default. Also make sure that legacy features for windows are turned on. To me, windows and the way it interacts via various hardware/drivers/software etc. is one of the main variables here. If it was me, I would try to sleuth through the net to find something relevant for my computer. For example in a quick search I saw that other games may show a Direct x 8.1 error in Windows 10 while refusing to start. Without seeing exactly your message I can't tell if that may be relevant or not. Bear in mind that many "conclusions" will include circumstantial assumptions.

[Shorebird]

So after 19 years I had an itch to play RRT 3! I am am running MS Windows10-64 Pro.
I pulled out my original PopTop CDs and plugged in my-old USB CD/DVD drive.
I have the original install CDs from 1983
I fumbled about for a while but the game refused to run with the original-install CDs.
Luckily, I found this site. You all are AWESOME!!! I had the game up-and-running in no time thanks to you all.

Here's what I did:

1. Install the game from the Install CD but change the installation directory from C:\Windows\system...
to some other drive or location. Try the desktop if you only have one drive. I Installed my game to D:\Railroad Tycoon 3.
2. Do NOT install Direct X 8.
3. Do NOT Install GameSpy Arcade (LOL!)
4. Note: If you have a newer version of the install disks, you may skip the 103 patch.
a) Download the RT3_103_ENG.exe patch from this site.
b) Copy this file to your RRT3 directory (ex. D;\Railroad Tycoon 3\) and run it.
5. Download the rt3_coast_to_coast_eng.exe patch to your installation directory and run it.
Now you are at ver. 104!
6. Download the RT3_105_eng.exe patch to your install directory and run it.
7. Download the dgVoodoo2 zip file from dege found in the links on this site.
I used ver. 279. Unzip this file.
Under the MS\x86 directory in that unzipped folder, there are 4 files:
D3D8.dll
D3D9.dll
D3Dlmm.dll
DDraw.dll
Copy these four files to your installation folder (ex. D:\Railroad Tycoon 3)
8. Download the Rt3_nocd105_patch.zip file to a temporary folder and unziip it.
Rename the RT3.exe file in your installation directory to something like RT3_ORG.exe (just in case).
Now copy the RT3.exe patched file to your installation directory.

I hope this makes it easier for anyone else looking around. Thanks to Hawk & Badger for all the info and keeping the trains rolling!

[sbaros]

So after 19 years I had an itch to play RRT 3! I am am running MS Windows10-64 Pro.
I pulled out my original PopTop CDs and plugged in my-old USB CD/DVD drive.
I have the original install CDs from 1983

1983 ? That's news for me !