This problem seems to span over all different versions of Windows, graphics cards and versions of Red Alert 2 so you are not alone! I had the same graphics issues (I am using Windows 7 and C&C First Decade) and through some simple fixes Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge now work perfectly. I will explain which solutions worked for me and hopefully they will help you too: Firstly, in regards to "FATAL String Manager failed to initialize properly", I would reinstall the game. The more tech-savvy might be able to explain what that means and that reinstalling may not be necessary, but it might be easiest just to start afresh in case you accidentally edited something important. Next repeat what you've already done: change each and every .exe in your Red Alert 2 directory (and Yuri's Revenge if applicable) to run in compatibility mode and select "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)", then tick the run as administrator box and apply. Once you've done that, open ra2.ini (also in your Red Alert 2 directory. Use notepad to open it) and you should find something like this: [Video] ScreenWidth=1280 ScreenHeight=1024 StretchMovies=no Replace the above text with this: [Video] AllowHiResModes=yes AllowVRAMSidebar=yes VideoBackBuffer=no ScreenWidth=800 ScreenHeight=600 StretchMovies=yes From what I gather you can change the resolution here if you don't want it to be 800x600, but it's what I prefer and I know, at least for me, that this resolution works. Lastly, right click on the desktop and select "Screen Resolution". There should be an option called "Multiple Displays". Now if you don't have another monitor connected, follow the instructions on this forum: http://xwis.net/forums/index.php/topic/172813-black-screen-no-menus-showing-in-game/ Alternatively, if you are using a separate monitor like I am, which I believe is why I don't have the option "Try to connect anyway on: VGA", then just select "Extend these displays" on the "Multiple Displays" drop down menu and that should work. After many hours of scouring forums and performing each task listed above, the game finally works, and even better, the extending displays trick seems to fix graphical errors with other retro games on modern machines, such as Baldur's Gate! I have a new PC with Vista loaded and every time I tried to start RA2 it would say ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly. All you have to do, is access the application in it's directory folder and right click the application file. The click the command, "Run as administrator." You shouldn't have that error pop up anymore afterwards. KIng of Chat unwashed heathen (guest) May 12, 08 at 12:52am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly Well, this worked, searched hard and long. The dumb person should have explained this too me after buying this game. I only bought it for red alert 2. Thanks for your advice. vj_sensei unwashed heathen (guest) May 18, 08 at 11:45am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly just follow the read me file.then run it as administrator.i have the same problem with you last time but i already fix it thru trial and error.i hope u fix it too.enjoy the game.mission accomplished... Disgruntled gamer unwashed heathen (guest) May 25, 08 at 7:46pm re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly Hi, sorry, but after I fixed the "***FATAL***" message, a new one popped up saying "Please insert correct the DVD-ROM, select OK and restart application" Unless the manufactuer placed an incorrect label or if I have a terrible case of Dislexia, then I'm about 99% sure that I DO have the correct DVD inserted. Please help. Helpful unwashed heathen (guest) Aug 1, 09 at 3:48am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly Try right clicking Ra2.exe and clicking 'run as administrator', fixed that string error for me. GettinGwap Neo-newbie total posts: 2 since: Sep 2009 Sep 26, 09 at 6:52am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly I have the same error. The game tells me to insert the disk even though its in there. It doesnt make sense. RA2 works for me though. I used to have the String manager failure problem, but not anymore. jacob46719 unwashed heathen (guest) Dec 13, 09 at 1:23am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly cheongkuochean unwashed heathen (guest) Jul 4, 10 at 11:35am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly OleDad48 unwashed heathen (guest) Sep 16, 12 at 12:01pm re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly I have set "run as adminsitrator" under properties (same problem) I have right-clicjed on the exe file and selected "run as administrator" (same problem) next? sniper_wolfxxx unwashed heathen (guest) Sep 30, 12 at 10:43am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly hey...i have windows 7 ultimate,and its show the same msg,***FATAL***string manager failed initilaized properly. i need help plz. Phanya unwashed heathen (guest) Jan 10, 13 at 3:42am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly Thank you very much... Anon Mk1337 unwashed heathen (guest) Sep 5, 13 at 6:42pm re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly I had this problem for a long time with people saying "use admin" or "use compatability mode" This is NOT the issue Windows 7 has different access rights for users than previous OS's and the permissions for a few of the Dll files are semi restricted causing the ***Fatal*** String Manager fail to initialise message as it can't get to them To solve this I followed the following steps Go to "Control Panel" set your view to small icons if you cant find the next part easy Got to "User Accounts" then find near the bottom of the list on the User accounts page "change User account settings" You'll then find a vertical slider probably 1 step from the bottom. this is basicly a slider for how idiot proof you want your Windows to be, to make RA2: YR play you need to set it to the lowest then restart. however this will disable the warnings you get when you're online and something trys running on your computer so it means that you will need to be far more careful of .exe files and the like when you're online I've been trying since i got 1st decade to use it and just today found the answer and trying to spread the word. Good luck guys and girls and be sure to welcome your new Psionic Overlord =D mlah unwashed heathen (guest) Jan 19, 14 at 6:56am re: ***FATAL*** String manager failed to initialized properly i did this "the run as an administrator" and worked but then another massage pops up saying:"error - unable to set video mode" what should i do plz help!!!!!!!! |
