The files to create it reside on your fixed disc. Once set up, the virtual computer is available anytime you start it, and does not require any updating or reinstalling. It is fully functional, including all videos, and runs super quick.
Then, using your Civ2 disc, install Civ 2 from inside the virtual computer. Once the virtual XP drive is created and the virtual computer is created, install Guest Additions to Virtual Box (it comes with the Virtualbox download but requires a separate step to activate it. Once I figured out what I was doing, it took about 5 minutes to create the virtual computer and about 10 minutes to install the XP iso. It took me a few trys to get it right, but I am the impatient type who did not read the directions that came with the program first.
I had the original XP install discs but ended up downloading an XP iso from a Torrent site as it was easier than trying to create one on my own or install from the discs.
There are lots of YouTube videos on how to do this. It works like a charm.Ĭreate a virtual computer running XP. it worked for me follow these steps, and should work for you as well.ĭownload Virtualbox.
I just wanted to post the steps I followed to get Civ II MGE to work on a Windows 7 (64 bit) laptop with no CD (or CD drive)-I did need to have a Windows XP computer and CD drive available for this to work.ġ) Copy the CD onto a thumb drive (using old computer)ģ) Install Civ II Multiplayer Gold Edition (full install on target laptop it took a long time for the install to start, but it ran ok once it was there)Ĥ) Download and run patch to upgrade MGE to version 1.3 (on target laptop)ĥ) Download and run patch to allow Civ II to work with 64 bit operating systems (on target laptop)Ħ) Download patch to allow Civ II to run without a CD present then you will need to copy the civ2.exe file from the program file directory and the patch onto your thumb drive, take it back to your old computer, run the patch there, then copy the patched executable file back into your Civ II program directory on your target laptop (I couldn't get this patch file to run correctly in the Windows 7 environment) However, please direct actual tech support questions to other threads so that this one remains easy to read. If you have other methods, or want to describe these methods in more detail, feel free to reply. This Video describes a method to get classic civ 2 to work using free (open source) software. When all is said and done, it is very convenient to use, but upgrading the computer may require tech support.Ģb. I personally use this method, but only because my university offered the upgrade for free. Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional, then use Virtual PC to run XP mode. You can then play classic and avoid the hostile AI.
Use virtualization software to run a different operating system. I purchased from this site, and didn't have any trouble beyond applying Mastermind's Patch.Ģ. Or, this site sells a downloadable version for 5 Pounds. This Thread is a more detailed tutorial.ġb. This post (and some that follow it) in the Mastermind patch thread explains how to upgrade to MGE if you have a classic disk. If you have a 16 bit version, you have the following options:ġa.
If you have a 32 bit version of the program, Mastermind's Patch should fix your problem. These will install on 64 bit Windows, but have a bug with text boxes.
Th later versions of Civ 2, Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of Time, are 32 bit programs. Windows will not even install these games. "Classic" Civ 2 (also known as "Vanilla" or version 2.42) is a 16 bit game, and I think that Fantastic Worlds is also (but I'm not sure). The early versions of Civ 2 are 16 bit programs, which will not run directly on 64 bit Windows Operating Systems. If you have a game of Civilization 2, the first thing to do is establish exactly what game you have. To keep this thread short and easy to read, please do not seek technical support for implementing these options in this thread. The purpose of this thread is to present different options for running the game in one location, so that the information is easy to find. From time to time I've noticed questions about running Civilization 2 on Windows 7 (both in General Discussion, and this forum), although the problems seem to be with 64 bit operating systems.