There is something in Win7 Pro 64 bit (at least mine) that simply refuses to allow the full extraction and installation of the base IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 game files, and only the IL-2 1946 game files, downloaded from direct2drive for which neither direct2drive or Microsoft has any explanation for, a solitary clue regarding and nothing but the same "it's not our problem that our crap doesn't work" suggestions in a list of run commands, diagnostics, programs and external software with which one can try to fix their screw ups with and none of which work.
And though direct2drive has been sent data on my entire system and can find no conflicts or problems on my end, they insist that it is my problem and refuse to consider or check the stability or compatibility of their IL-2 download on their end.
I then requested that they either send me a CD of the game files (for which I was willing to pay for) or refund my purchase. They refused to do either, for since I had already activated my IL-2 purchase, all they are willing to do is give me a credit towards the purchase of another game from direct2drive.
Which is about as likely to happen as my giving up flying in a dress with matching heels, and since at no time did I ever reach a point in the installation in which, nor was I ever asked to enter an activation code, meaning it must be automatic, and therefore you are screwed from the moment of purchase.
So I went back to WinXP Pro and the game and all patches up to and through the Ultra pack 201 are installed, the game running and with myself as a stain on the runway so far.
And FYI for those also running a multi OS Boot:
As far as I can determine from all the steps I have taken the problem I encountered in successfully installing the game into my WinXP OS boot was caused by Windows endlessly inane and intrusive "Authentication" anti-piracy features.
In which with my installation of a dual OS boot of WinXP and Win7, Win7 then declared (and while running in WinXP) that my already registered and activated WinXP install was illegal as I "had made too many changes to my system".
Which then either caused or was followed by my WinXP install then declaring itself illegal as well altering a number of security, services as well as personal settings and putting my system and services into some sort of limbo. And for which per Microsoft's automatic anti-piracy features and policy (see: customer no service) then made the re-authentication by phone or the internet to resolve the problem impossible.
Which by way of then, either as a result of or in conjunction with, prevented the extraction and install of the game due to something specifically peculiar to the direct2drive IL-2 1946 download and installation (and most likely being in direct2drive's own anti-piracy features, authentication and the IL-2 game code activation).
The problem is now fixed and IL-2 installed in WinXP only after having contacted Microsoft by email and running through another battery and several hours of suggested do-it-yourself run commands, diagnostics and other "fixes" to force and/or remove the Windows authentication issue. Once done IL-2 installed on the first try.
However Microsoft states that this only a temporary fix which can occur again if...
...Win7 decides again at any time that I have again made too many changes too my system in either OS.
...after updating either OS through Windows Update.
...after changing any security, update or other settings in either OS.
...after installing and/or updating any Microsoft software in either OS.
...after updating drivers for, installing or reinstalling any hardware in either OS.
...when ever I need to repair, reformat and reinstall either OS.
And for which their permanent solution/fix to this known problem as well as my request for compensation for all the hours I've wasted and spent fixing their screw ups, is that I can go pound sand.
So allow me to thank you one and all for all your patience, your help and kind offers
Now what does this button do......
