Can't run game!

[Dboskello777]

I downloaded the game from Phoenix online early Thursday morning before the game was officially live.  I went to install it last night and when I click on prelude or start game, the game crashes to the desktop and I get a box with the message   "an error has occurred...." error running function 'room_load;
Error null point referenced

I tried downloading the game a couple more times but still the same error message.  I am downloading from a link I received in an email from Phoenix online after I bough the game.  It originally said I have 10 downloads of the game before it expires.   Please help.  Thanks.

[Blackthorne]

Yes! This error happens for some people when the game is installed in the Program Files directory; it's a protected directory for some, so you can either install it in a different place, or choose to "Run as Administrator" as a work around.


Bt

[Collector]

I think I know why. Every room change writes to "PlayTime.dat". With UAC on when the game is installed in %ProgramFiles% file writes will be redirected to the user's VirtualStore. AGS must have trouble handling reading and/or writing the redirect.

Edit: I have an idea of how to possibly fix it.

[s_d]

Maybe we could patch AGS to detect the Windows version being run, and if it's 7+, then store "PlayTime.dat" in a game-specific folder in the user's "User\Username\AppData" folder.  I'm no Windows dude, but I think that's how that's supposed to go down these days.  Thoughts?

[Collector]

No need to detect the Windows version. Just use the environment variable, i.e. "%LocalAppData%\QfI". That will work on Win2k and XP as well. After it is fixed, I can do a small binary level patch for those that do not want to have to re-download the entire game again.

[Dboskello777]

Thank you very much Blackthorne.  I just installed it in another folder like you said.  Works perfectly now.  Thanks again.