If you are having problems with the game resolution not working correctly, it is a Windows scaling issue that can easily be solved and works 100% of the time.
First make sure you're using the most up-to-date version of the runblack.exe
Next, right-click on the runblack.exe you use to run the game and click on "Properties".
Click on the "Compatibility" tab at the top and near the bottom you'll click on an option named "Change high DPI settings"
In the new window that pops up check the box that says "Override high DPI scaling behavior." and MAKE SURE the box below it is set to "APPLICATION".
Then click "OK" and then "Apply" and you are done. Problem solved. I tested it and it worked on any scaling I had it set to.
I am having the exact same problem with both the two add-ons and the patches for the game. I have no idea why. If you can figure out what to do, I'd appreciate it if you let me know!
Hi, I have succesfully run the game. To be honest I don't actually know how I managed to do this.
As I wrote, I was trying to change permissions but with no effects. I also gave up but finally, I restarted my laptop and surprisingly it became possible to install the patches. I have no idea what's the key. I know that the problem might be connected with read-only folders on Win10. I truly recommand you a discord server of this forum. You can join it by clicking on Discord button at the top of this site. There is help section where you can get more peaces of advice.
For anyone having problems with installing the 1.1 and 1.2 patches, try this
I know this is like 4000 years old but I tried googling the answer myself today, and this was the first forum that brings it up. So just for Black and White players sakes I will post the real solution.
As someone said there is some weird coding error when you select the directory for the patch to take place. It seems to involve the patch not recognizing SPACES!!! in folder names.
In order to get around that, copy the whole entire "Black & White: game directory to a new folder, easiest is in the main directory, renamde the folder anything you want but keep it short and sweet, and remember, no spaces. Then open the patch and manually select the folder we just created, the patch will actually work. When you are all done, copy your new patched folder back to its original location and make sure it keeps the original name, "Black & White".
The game worked perfectly for me after that. The only thing bugging me is that if I put the game on a 2k resolution, it shows me borders for some reason and I can't see the whole game as it should be seen. Guess I'll play at 1080p. Unless anyone has an idea about how to fix the problem.
For anyone having problems with installing the 1.1 and 1.2 patches, try this
The game worked perfectly for me after that. The only thing bugging me is that if I put the game on a 2k resolution, it shows me borders for some reason and I can't see the whole game as it should be seen. Guess I'll play at 1080p. Unless anyone has an idea about how to fix the problem.
I am having this same issue. How do you "manually" run the patches to install into the newly created "non-space" folder? The patch only gives me the option to choose the install language...then it hits the error.
I am having this same issue. How do you "manually" run the patches to install into the newly created "non-space" folder? The patch only gives me the option to choose the install language...then it hits the error.
You COPY (not cut) the contents of the original folder into something like C:/blabla and then you run the patches and change the directory to "blabla". Install all patches and then copy back and overwrite into the original folder from "blabla".
You COPY (not cut) the contents of the original folder into something like C:/blabla and then you run the patches and change the directory to "blabla". Install all patches and then copy back and overwrite into the original folder from "blabla".
I have created a copy in a "non-space" folder, but when I run the patch, it only gives me the option to choose the install language. It does not give me the opportunity to change the install folder.
I have created a copy in a "non-space" folder, but when I run the patch, it only gives me the option to choose the install language. It does not give me the opportunity to change the install folder.
Do you have the original files in the original install folder? I only had the problem you described when I moved the original files instead of copying.
Hello, so I've followed all steps to install the game, its my second try because of this error... I get this message every time i try to run any patch, 1.10, 1.20, addons... Uninstaller and Setup give the same error message. Once I delete every keys with REGEDIT I can launch SETUP.EXE again and reinstall the game, like I just did. I read some of the thread above, for simplification this time I made a c:\BLACKWHITE folder to install the game. Same issue occured, as you can see. What could I try, I'm running out of ideas...
Just found this thread and it seems it's not only me who have problems. I have an old PC with Windows XP and an original CD, patch 1.2 with Safedisc DRM works perfectly and I've played through story mode twice. I thought I could try multiplayer mode but my other PC is a modern one with Windows 10. It still has an optical drive so I've put the disc in, the game and patch 1.2 installed but simply nothing happened when I tried to launch the game. So I've googled and ended up here. Downloaded and installed the unofficial patch, set the resolution to 1080p (that's the max my monitor supports), maximum detail and the game launched. Got the logos, the intro movie, then the loading screen but with no text displayed. After a few seconds the game crashed. I think it's supposed to show the profile creation dialog before the loading screen to create the first profile, as far as I remember from the old PC so this is what most probably cause the problem. I'm going to stick to single player on the old PC for now but any suggestion would be appreciated.
Oh, one more thing: will multiplayer work between patch 1.2 and 1.42? I don't want to ruin the game on the old PC if possible (it can't run the game in large resolution either, 800x600 is just fine, on bigger resolutions framerate drops below 30).
To add to my post: I tried again but this time I've installed the game to the C drive and into a folder that don't have & and () symbols and now it works! There's still no text on the loading screen but the profile creation appeared this time and there's text everywhere else. And what really surprised me, multiplayer works perfectly against the old computer that only has patch 1.2 installed (it's old enough to pass the Safedisc DRM verification). Those who got problems, install the game to C:\bnw and it should patch up and run fine.
Hello, i've installed the 1.10 and the 1.42 Patch, but i cannot install the Patch 1.20
The Computer tells me i have have not the correct version of Black & White to install this Patch and i don't understand whats wrong, i tried the idea with no Space like "Blackwhite" as Folder Name and my Black and White Game is in the C: Directory.
I cannot change the Folder where i want the Patch to install into.
I start everything as Administrator, cleared my registry to install a fresh Version, but nothing helped.
If i try to play the Game without the 1.20 Patch the Game crashes in the loading Sequence with the tooltips after the Intro without any feedback.
Hi all! I wish I'd found you all years ago! I've been wanting to play this game again for so long. I followed the instructions and it runs perfectly! Thank you so much for compiling it! Except . . .
The problem is, my game won't save. The autosaves work, but every time I go into the temple, the manual save files disappear. I exited the game and haven't dared check because I'm terrified it didn't actually save.
Has anyone else had this problem? If so, has anyone figured out how to fix it?
Hi all! I wish I'd found you all years ago! I've been wanting to play this game again for so long. I followed the instructions and it runs perfectly! Thank you so much for compiling it! Except . . .
The problem is, my game won't save. The autosaves work, but every time I go into the temple, the manual save files disappear. I exited the game and haven't dared check because I'm terrified it didn't actually save.
Has anyone else had this problem? If so, has anyone figured out how to fix it?
Hi! Thank you for the response. I had been doing that, but I actually joined the Discord and got it figured out. They suggested install the game outside of the Programs folder and it worked like a charm.
just wanted to say I followed these instructions and everything looks to be working perfectly!! I saw someone else have a save issue which I haven't checked, but hopefully that's not a problem
Hello Matt! Your guide on how to get B&W working properly is amazing. One question though... how can I get the game to allow me to load my saves? It brings me back to creature selection no matter what I do. It's not even loading my save from save on exit or autosave after hours of gameplay each time. I'm on windows prof 64 bit.
Hello Matt! Your guide on how to get B&W working properly is amazing. One question though... how can I get the game to allow me to load my saves? It brings me back to creature selection no matter what I do. It's not even loading my save from save on exit or autosave after hours of gameplay each time. I'm on windows prof 64 bit.
I recently updated my system to Windows 11. When trying to get B&W to work I thought I'd give a try to Matt's description anyways.
My problem concerns the installation of patch 1.2. Here's the error message:
It says "Access denied".
I gave it a try by continuing installation with patch 1.42 and then starting the game. The game only plays the intro and crashes when reaching the loading screen.
Hopefully one of you has an easy fix for my issue with patch 1.2 because I guess that's the culprit in my case
I've tried installing Black and White following Matt's instructions. The game loads up fine and I can select my name and icon. However, as soon as I click OK on the step screenshotted below, the game crashes. This is irrespective of which option I choose.
Has anyone else experienced this and hopefully resolved it? If not, any ideas on how I can fix it?
Black and White was released in 2001, it's almost 20 years old! And sadly it hasn't aged well, there are a lot of issues, but they can be fixed! Here's how.
Uninstall any previous attempts
Before you attempt to install anything, if you have failed to install it properly before, make sure you uninstall it properly.
First off you should run the game's uninstaller, however this won't be enough - you'll also need to delete the game's folder usually:
Code:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black & White
Then you will need to delete the following registry values using regedit:
On a 64-bit system:
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black & White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Clan Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{E51B4CD9-A0A6-4324-B26A-31B3F2DE26CE}
On a 32-bit system:
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black & White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Clan Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{E51B4CD9-A0A6-4324-B26A-31B3F2DE26CE}
Once you have done that, you are good to install again!
Installing the game
First of all you will need a clean copy of the Black & White disc, either in your optical drive or more likely mounted in ISO format. (Don't ask us where to get these. )
All you need to do to install the game is run Setup.exe as Administrator by right clicking it and pressing "Run as Administrator".
You will most likely face issues unless you install the game to the C:/ drive.
Once the game is installed it will ask you if you want to play the game, select no.
You should now install villager banter add-on and football add-on if you want to, these need to be Run as Administrator also.
Creature unlockers do not need to be installed as they are included in the unofficial patch below.
Patching the game
Without the unofficial patch, the game will not launch, so it is crucial you follow the order of steps below exactly.
You should not install patch 1.3, it is a patch purely for the P5 glove.
Your game is now playable, hurrah! However there are some additional steps you may want to take.
How to get the game to play music
The installer does not copy music audio over to the game folder and can't play it. You need to copy the Audio folder from the CD to your installation folder.
When copying you may be asked to merge, simply say yes.
Configuring graphical options
With the fan patch, a Setup.exe is included in the game's directory, simply run it and select your screen resolution and ensure your graphics quality is set to "Maximum Detail".
Playing the game
When starting the game, set runblack.exe to Run as Administrator.
Don't use Compatibility mode, it will cause more problems then it solves.
If you have any issues please leave a reply below and be descriptive as possible so we can best help you.
Or you can join our Discord for help too.
Windows 10, step by step guide within a guide for the technically confused.
If anyone is having any trouble with the black and white installation on windows 10.
Look no further.
Please re-read the instructions and listen to my little guide to help you get past all the confusions errors.
Like the patches not recognizing the game because you didn't make a new folder for the game installation.
Make sure to do a fresh install and reboot each time.
Step 1
Uninstall any previous attempts
"Before you attempt to install anything if you have failed to install it properly before, make sure you uninstall it properly.
First, off you should run the game's uninstaller, however, this won't be enough - you'll also need to delete the game's folder usually:
Code:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black & White
Then you will need to delete the following registry values using regedit: {I used registry editor on my Windows 10, i think it came stock}
On a 64-bit system:
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black & White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Clan Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{E51B4CD9-A0A6-4324-B26A-31B3F2DE26CE}
On a 32-bit system:
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black & White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Clan Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Lionhead Studios Ltd\Black and White Patch
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{E51B4CD9-A0A6-4324-B26A-31B3F2DE26CE}
Once you have done that, you are good to install again!"
Step 2
Installing the game:
Pretty straightforward. Insert Disk, install.
Step 3
Patching the game:
Use Patch. 1.1, 1.2, 1.43 in that order, If you have any trouble. That is because you need to install the game to a new folder on your [C:\Drive] or wherever. As stated in a previous comment. The patches will not work if you patch the game in the original C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\LionheadStudios... Where the CD installs the game, change it.
Make sure to use the right directory to then patch the game with Patch 1.1, 1.2, and 1.43{FanPatch}
It's essential to use the fanmade patch for Windows.
Step 4 Audio
How to get the game to play music by copying the Audio files from Cd into the Black and White Folder you created to allow the Patchs to work.
Step 5 Resolution
Your Resolution should be 800x600 at first, then change it and alt-tab to bring the task manager up, and terminate the black and white client, until you center the video. Hopefully, your computer can handle this action, other than just running 800x600, until you give up and try to figure it out.
If your installation isn't working, make sure to uninstall the client as Step 1 describes by removing the registry and folder files. Reinstall the game from the disk into a new folder, update with patches 1,2, 3 [fan patch Essential to make it run on Windows 10]. Copy the audio file and replace the audio file in the game folder. Make sure to set the resolution to 800x600 to start, then change it until it fits your monitor. Mine is 1176 x 664.
Step 6.
Hopefully, nothing and you can enjoy the game but just in case. just leave a comment.
Guess I'll play at 1080p. Unless anyone has an idea about how to fix the problem.
