Pre-purchase Question about ToA and Windows 2000

https://www.galciv2.com/Purchase.aspx
from GalCiv2 Forums
I downloaded the GalCiv II: Gold demo and I love it. I want to buy this game. When I looked at the purchase page, I learned of ToA and the nice looking Ultimate Bundle Pack. However, when I scrolled down to read the system requirements, I've noticed that Dread Lords and Dark Avatar have Windows 2000 listed in their minimum system requirements, while Twilight of the Arnor does not. This concerns me, as I am running Windows 2000, and it's kind of odd, as ToA requires two products which do run on Win2K. Also, I've noticed that many games do not have Win2k listed in their system requirements only because Microsoft no longer supports that operating system fully (even though the game runs fine or almost fine). So, before I spend $60 for something that may not run on my system and that I may not be able to return (I've read the return policy), could someone please tell me if ToA is actually incapable of running on Windows 2000, or if it's merely not listed because it's no longer in style to do so. Also, if anyone has brief opinions on whether or not I should delay purchasing ToA for any other reason I'd like to hear them as well. I've seen a lot of threads in here about bugs and gameplay issues though I'm not familiar enough with the GC2 and ToA to tell if they're legitimate problems or if people are just whining over changes that affect their particular favorite strategy. Thank you all in advance.
3,599 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
could someone please tell me if ToA is actually incapable of running on Windows 2000
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Maybe, but no guarantees since it's not officially supported. It's a pretty safe bet it'll be fine since DA is, but I don't believe we have any win2k test machines any more to be sure.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

There may be another problem with Win 2K: Impulse won't run on it and Impulse is the new downloader to be used to download games from Stardock Servers.

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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Why don't you try Windows 2003? It's the same thing as Windows 2000, but from the XP family. It's made for servers, so you just have to install a video driver and manually enable sound the first time you use it, but it's essentially the same idea as 2000.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I don't believe we have any win2k test machines any more to be sure.
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That wouldn't surprise me, though I would be kind of surprised if at least one customer hasn't given it a shot yet. Though if you can only get it off Impulse that may explain it.

There may be another problem with Win 2K: Impulse won't run on it and Impulse is the new downloader to be used to download games from Stardock Servers.
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Ewwwww... Do I have to get updates through Impulse if I purchase the games on CD?

Why don't you try Windows 2003? It's the same thing as Windows 2000, but from the XP family. It's made for servers, so you just have to install a video driver and manually enable sound the first time you use it, but it's essentially the same idea as 2000.
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I've never looked into 2003. I might do that the next time I start thinking seriously about getting a new computer, since most of the stuff I want to run right now I can still run with my current setup. Thanks for the tip.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
GC2/DA/TA updates are still available via SDC, since they (at least the first two) support OSes that Impulse does not.
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Do I have to get updates through Impulse if I purchase the games on CD?
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Well, you can use SDC. There are updates planned for DA and TotA ... And I don't know at which versions will correspond the CDs you will get.