Bioshock & Vista Games Explorer error

[staticanime]

Ok, I'm using a "customized" version of Windows Vista Ultimate x64 (made using vLite. Anyway, I removed a lot of things to improve my FPS in Vista, one of which was the Games Explorer. Now Bioshock won't work becuase it can't add an icon for intself to the Game Explorer.

Is thewre anyway around this, or am I going to have to re-make the disc, without removing the Game Explorer, and reinstall

[Tech Dan]

is it not possible to launch the game direct from the default location?

C:\program files\2k games\bioshock\builds\release

filename: bioshock.exe

If your game works successfully through the above app you can create a shortcut of it to the desktop.

[Software Junkie]

I experienced a similar problem when trying to install the demo. I'd set my Vista 32bit Ultimate to use the "classic" start menu and the demo crashed right at the end of installation and removed itself. The game explorer is not seen in the "classic" view.
I switched the start menu back to the Vista default and the demo installed fine!

[Derangel]

Games for Windows games seem to require the Games Explorer as support for it is forced via the GfW regulations. I do believe you will need the Games Explorer.

[trek554]

Games for Windows games seem to require the Games Explorer as support for it is forced via the GfW regulations. I do believe you will need the Games Explorer.

I have also heard this.

[staticanime]

is it not possible to launch the game direct from the default location?

C:\program files\2k games\bioshock\builds\release

filename: bioshock.exe

If your game works successfully through the above app you can create a shortcut of it to the desktop.

Nope, doesn't work, still gives me a "Failed to install Game Explorer object" error

[staticanime]

Games for Windows games seem to require the Games Explorer as support for it is forced via the GfW regulations. I do believe you will need the Games Explorer.

Hmm, I don't suppose you know how to "re-install" the Game Explorer? Maybe if I get a copy of the Game Explorer folder from someone???

[Stuntman_Mike]

Does it install and fail at the end?

if that is so, you might be able to ctrl-alt-del exit the installer at the time of the crash, thus retaining your installation files. Then with manual launching of the .exe files you may get it to work. Worked for me with some games that wonked out after the installation for a number of reasons.

[staticanime]

Does it install and fail at the end?

if that is so, you might be able to ctrl-alt-del exit the installer at the time of the crash, thus retaining your installation files. Then with manual launching of the .exe files you may get it to work. Worked for me with some games that wonked out after the installation for a number of reasons.

No, no, it installed ok, the actual game itself won't launch

[Stuntman_Mike]

ohh that's bad..

personally i'm using standard vista ultimate, so i'm afraid i can't be of much help to you here..

[Software Junkie]

This is the error message I got when I tried to install the demo using the "classic" start menu:

Unhandled Exception error:
"Error Number:0x80040702
Description: Failed to load DLL:GameuxInstallHelper
Setup will now terminate."

After changing the start menu to Vista's default mode, the demo and subsequently the full game installed without issue.

[staticanime]

Ok, super simple solution to the Games Explorer error :P Just set the shourcut to XP compatability, worked like a charm.

BTW, if I use the -dx9 paramater in the shortcut, does it improve FPS much?