DLL Tricks

The dll tricks will allow select computers to run BVE without any problems on Vista.

1. 3 Dll files will need to be downloaded dx7vb.dll, dx8vb.dll, d3drm.dll

2. If you have Windows Vista 32bit place the 3 files in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If you have Windows Vista 64bit place the 3 files in the c:\windows\syswow64 directory.

3. Go to Start, in the search box type in CMD, right click cmd.exe and run as administrator.

4a. On 32 bit systems (only otherwise check 4b) - In the command prompt type in:

  regsvr32 dx7vb.dll
   <Then hit enter (It should say the dll register succeeded)>
   regsvr32 dx8vb.dll
   <Then hit enter (It should say the dll register succeeded)>
   exi

4b. On 64 bit systems (only) - In the command prompt type in:

cd c:\windows\syswow64 <enter>
    regsvr32 dx7vb.dll    <enter>
    regsvr32 dx8vb.dll      <enter>
    exit          <enter>

5. Give BVE a try.

Selected Systems

Windows Vista on a ATI based Video Card will work without a hitch.

Windows Vista on a nVidia based Video Card fails to work (The panel shows, but nothing on the track is displayed or gray/white). Running BVE 2 in 256 bit color mode however does work.

It has been said that Windows 7 is able to run BVE with or without the DLL tricks. Although these users were also ATI as well, and no hope in sight for nVidia users.

Alternatives to the DLL Tricks

The following are proven methods/alternatives which work for running BVE on Vista:

• Run BVE in 256 bit color mode, the color will be terrible, but oddly enough it works for nVidia users on Vista. Aside from BVE saying it could not change to HAL.

• Install Windows XP, removing Vista, this will replace your existing Windows Vista installation, this is recommended if you have a copy of Windows XP laying around, and you haven't done anything with your Vista partition. You are to do this at your own risk.

• Install Windows XP as Dual Boot along with Vista, much safer solution, and uses alot more space, recommended if you have a copy of Windows XP laying around, and you have used Windows Vista frequently, still things can happen, and do this at your own risk.

• Use Virtual PC and Install Windows XP on that, this is probably the safest bet, with your copy of Windows XP, you can install it on a Virtual PC, performance however will take a big hit, as your resources also go toward emulating the operating system.

• Use OpenBVE, with this Open Source BVE alternative you can run most routes along with newer routes, with minor differences. The program is fully compatible with Windows Vista, and other operating systems, that BVE once couldn't be able to run on.

Other Warnings

The newer ATI HD cards with support for DirectX 10, will experience graphical glitches if run on Windows XP.