Fable TLC, sold <right> next to windows 7, apparently not compatible

[Khatovhar]

Fable TLC, sold <right> next to windows 7, apparently not compatible

So I wanted a new game with a good story that didn't require an internet connection, as the internet in this part of the world is less than stellar. I picked up Fable TLC, which was stocked right next to windows 7. Naturally I figured windows 7 would be compatible with other microsoft products. I payed my $20 and left.

Now its about 6 hours later. The game installed without a hitch, but when I try to play I get "Protection stub has stopped working" error messages, which when googled, bring up windows vista fixes that have not worked.

After that error crashes the launcher, the game allows me to try again, and I get to watch the nice intro movies, which load beautifully, and the sound also works fine (This is why I have not tried to return it, my computer can obviously run it). As soon as I load into the game however, it plays the final intro movie then crashes. No explanation as to why is included in the error message, no "more details" button, it just locks up my system until I manually end the processes. Another "Protection stub" Error also appears.

Now, I have a good fix coming (I wrote home for a copy for 32 bit windows XP, which I can see as a solid upgrade from 64 bit windows 7 after the past few months of dealing with it), but until it arrives, is there a workable fix using my current malicious software masquerading as an OS?

 

[dothackjhe]

Have you tried running the game in compatibility mode to Windows XP SP2/SP3 and in Admin mode?

 

[JaidynM]

It's definitely not the OS. I just played Fable: TLC last night and it worked perfectly. Try reading through the following links and see if they help.
Microsoft Games: Error "Protection Stub has stopped working"
Games not working. - Vista Forums

Yes, I realise that the second link is for Vista but just give it a shot. It's worth trying. It might also be that certain copy of F:TLC. A friend of mine swapped his copy for a new one and it worked fine. Although I'm not entirely sure it was exactly the same problem, it might still work for you.
Hope this helps.

 

[JaidynM]

Oh, by the way, there's a Lionhead Studios (the creators of the game) forum. I'll link you to the F: TLC section of it.
Fable: The Lost Chapters | Lionhead Studios Forum

Also, just putting it out there but I love Fable: The Lost Chapters. One of my favourite games of all time and I used to play it every weekend until I finished it and got all of the legendary weapons and armour. Hope you have fun with it.

 

[Khatovhar]

Well, thank you for trying to help. I have already tried all of the solutions mentioned (spent several hours googling possible issues before I asked for help), and none of them have worked. The problem, as far as I can tell, is that I cannot get DEP to die the fiery death that I want it to.

I have set the .exe files as exceptions, I have turned it off for all but core windows features, and even used the "bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff" command, but after each restart, I try again and get the same message. It defies all logic. My system supports hardware based DEP, if I have to change Bios settings to fix this I will. Having a full backup on an external hard drive has proven to be much, much less of a headache than all the security features in windows 7 that I am still stumbling across and disabling.

 

[MrNeeds]

Sounds like an I.D: ten T error to me...

 

[Khatovhar]

So... I'm an idiot? Thats real constructive.

 

[JaidynM]

Hm, well the only thing that I can think of right now is for you to post on the F: TLC forums. Someone who has dedicated their life to Lionhead Studios will probably answer correctly.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help...

 

[MrNeeds]

And I quote....

Now, I have a good fix coming (I wrote home for a copy for 32 bit windows XP, which I can see as a solid upgrade from 64 bit windows 7 after the past few months of dealing with it), but until it arrives, is there a workable fix using my current malicious software masquerading as an OS?

I don't think that's very constructive either!

 

[Khatovhar]

I'll give lionhead studios a shot then, I really appreciated the help. Might let the chaplain have a look at things too, The error message I'm getting should be impossible.

And MrNeeds, Windows 7 after years of dealing with Windows XP was like having someone come into my home and remodel it while I was not there. I've seen it perform very well, its speed and stability are amazing. Its interface however, tried to fix something that was not broken. I do not care about shadows under my windows, transparency, or the appearance of my desktop. I want to know where the settings are, how to optimize my operating system for what I will use it for. I actually feel like it was designed to get people annoyed enough to take the computer to the shop instead of work out any problems themselves.

And malicious? It wasted about 8 hours and $20.00, while causing a solid headache. I feel my choice of words is valid. When my copy of XP gets here its gonna be a dual boot setup so I can have the best of both worlds.

 

[MrNeeds]

I'll give lionhead studios a shot then, I really appreciated the help. Might let the chaplain have a look at things too, The error message I'm getting should be impossible.

And MrNeeds, Windows 7 after years of dealing with Windows XP was like having someone come into my home and remodel it while I was not there. I've seen it perform very well, its speed and stability are amazing. Its interface however, tried to fix something that was not broken. I do not care about shadows under my windows, transparency, or the appearance of my desktop. I want to know where the settings are, how to optimize my operating system for what I will use it for. I actually feel like it was designed to get people annoyed enough to take the computer to the shop instead of work out any problems themselves.

And malicious? It wasted about 8 hours and $20.00, while causing a solid headache. I feel my choice of words is valid. When my copy of XP gets here its gonna be a dual boot setup so I can have the best of both worlds.

Fair enough, people don't like change, stage 2 is acceptance, I too had Windows XP Pro 32bit, I thought it was brilliant until I actually made the jump to vista, I didn't understand why people were moaning, maybe I was one of the select few who actually got it working how it was intended, and the same story with 7, it works out of the box.

I'm not trying to start an argument here, I'm just stating that if you don't like the software then why come on a forum and grumble about it? we are here to help you solve an issue, not listen to you slate the very software we are trying to help you with.

 

[Khatovhar]

you make it so hard to keep up my self-righteous indignation.

 

[MrNeeds]

My mummy always taught me not to feed the trolls (that was a joke btw )

 

[JaidynM]

Perhaps the two of you could stop arguing? End of story.

 

[MrNeeds]

We have stopped?! I was having a laugh, hence the joke...

 

[SkiT]

I think I have the exact same problem. I am using Windows 7 x64. The game installed fine. It launches fine, I can acsess the main menu. But when I try to start it, I get no voice in the first cutscene. As the cutscene ends and I am about to get into the game it crashes.

My issue was a very old soundcard (Creative X-Fi SB something) Once I disabled the audio I got the game working, without audio. I might get a new soundcard or usbheadset just to get the game running. It is really awesome

(I have got the game working on another computer aswell, with Win7, but onboard audio.)