Here is a way to make Might and Magic VIII work under Windows XP Pro that doesn't require user download and running the Microsoft Compatibility toolkit. It just requires download of a compatibility database and installing it.

Works on Windows XP Pro w/ SP2

Procedures would be:

1. Create a simple folder on your local hardrive. (C:\MM8 used here as an example)

2. Download the MM8comXpProSP2.sdb compatiblity database from http://telp.org/files/mm8/ and save it to the folder.

3. Open the Run command window. (Press the Windows key and "R" at the same time or click on Start then Run)

3a. Type or copy in this command (no quotes required unless you have spaces in the full path to your folder): "sdbinst.exe c:\mm8\MM8comXpProSP2.sdb" 3b. Click the Ok button or press Enter. You should get a popup that says "Installation of MM8 complete"

4. Edit the properties of your Might and Magic VIII by right-clicking on the shortcut. 4a. Select the compatibility tab and check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" 4b. Pick the Windows 98 or Windows 95 from the drop down.

Note that if you want to run the program in Windowed mode, you will first need to change your desktop color settings to 16 bit.

Gamma

(Chris)