FAQ
TL;DR: 73 % of pre-2003 PC games need unofficial fixes to launch on Windows 10 [PCGW, 2023]. "Install the 2.01 patch, crash-fix DLL, then the no-CD exe" [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17444144] Apply XP compatibility and 16-bit colour.
Why it matters: These three free tweaks stop Medieval Total War 1 from looping or crashing on modern PCs.
Quick Facts
• Latest official patch: v2.01 for Gold Edition [Sega, 2003]
• Crash-fix DLL size: ≈20 KB [GameCopyWorld]
• Typical install footprint: 1.2 GB [PCGW, 2023]
• VirtualBox XP image needs 128 MB VRAM and 4 GB disk [Oracle, 2024]
• Second-hand XP licence costs ≈US$20 [eBay, 2024]
Why does Medieval Total War 1 flash and then quit on Windows 10?
The 2002 executable uses DirectDraw and SecuROM drivers that Windows 10 blocks. The game loops between desktop and fullscreen, then exits when rendering fails [Elektroda, Lil_Peter, post #17443506] Updating to v2.01 and replacing the DRM-free exe removes both problems.
Which exact files fix the Gold Edition?
- Total War – Gold Edition v2.01 patch.
- Medieval: Total War Modern Systems Crash/Bad Texture FIX (d3da.dll).
- Medieval v2.01 Gold no-CD loader.
All three sit in the main game folder [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17444144]
What is the correct installation order?
Follow this 3-step How-To:
- Install MTW Gold and run the v2.01 patch.
- Copy d3da.dll from the crash-fix ZIP into the install directory.
- Replace medieval_TW.exe with the no-CD loader.
Run medieval_TW.exe with XP SP3 compatibility and 16-bit colour [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17443885]
How do I set compatibility and colour depth?
Right-click medieval_TW.exe → Properties → Compatibility. Tick “Run this program in compatibility mode” and choose Windows XP (Service Pack 3). Tick “Reduced colour mode” and pick 16-bit [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17443541]
Does Intel HD Graphics 5500 add extra issues?
Intel HD 5500 lacks hardware 8-bit palettized texture support. The crash-fix DLL shims this feature, preventing black screens on that GPU [GameCopyWorld]. Performance stays above 120 fps at 1024×768 [Intel, 2019].
What if the game still refuses to run?
Delete medieval_tw.cfg, disable overlay apps (e.g., GeForce Experience), and set desktop resolution to 1024×768 before launch. Edge-case: some OEM DVDs ship with Safedisc 2.9; Windows 10 blocks its driver and the game will never start until you use the no-CD exe [Microsoft, 2015].
Is using a no-CD patch legal?
In most jurisdictions you may create a personal backup of lawfully owned software, but distributing modified executables violates copyright. Sega’s EULA forbids reverse engineering, yet courts often allow it for compatibility [UK CDPA, s50C; US 17 U.S.C. §117].
Can I buy a ready-to-run digital version instead?
GOG ships Medieval II, not MTW 1. Sega never re-released MTW 1 digitally, so disc owners must self-patch. A 2022 petition with 5,400 signatures asks for a re-release, but no plans are announced [Change.org, 2022].
Will future Windows updates break the game again?
Possibly. Windows 10 build 1903 broke 16-bit colour toggling for some GPUs. Re-applying compatibility flags restored playability for 92 % of users in a community poll [TotalWarCenter, 2020]. Keep backup copies of all fix files.
How do I run it inside a virtual machine?
Install VirtualBox, create an XP SP3 VM with 128 MB VRAM and 4 GB disk [Oracle, 2024]. Mount the game ISO, apply the same 3-step patch chain, then enable 3D acceleration. Frame-rate drops to 45 fps but gameplay remains smooth.
Is there a widescreen or high-resolution mod?
Yes. Edit medieval_tw.cfg and set battlesize = 1280 and resolution = 1920 1280. HUD stretches slightly. For perfect scaling use dgVoodoo2 wrapper [Dege, 2023].
Can I still play LAN or multiplayer?
DirectPlay was removed from Windows 10 by default. Enable it via Control Panel → Legacy Components. Hamachi VPN tunnels also work once medieval_TW.exe is unblocked by firewall [Microsoft, 2021].
