When I try to play "Earth 2150-Lost Souls" the game always crashes after only a few minutes of play. So, I figured I needed a patch.
When I try to install the 2.1 patch I get this error message:
"The directory from Earth 2150-Lost Souls wasn't found. Please install Earth
2150-Lost Souls first."
First of all, I have no idea what a "directory" is.
Second, the game definately IS already installed, it was purchased as a bundle download,

it's already been patched, that patch you're using is asking you to have a different version of the game than the gog.com version. the issue isn't with the game, it's with your computer.

A 'Directory' is the file path to the installation.
Games here are also patched to the newest version, no need for anything other than totally optional community patches/mods.
Check the Earth Forum, see if anything there can help and Contact support.

As stated, the game crashes after only a brief few minutes of play, for no apparent reason. I've been through the suggested steps to troubleshoot, and it keeps doing this.

CLICK the forum HERE
the above link is your best place for assistance, the general forum is for discussion about OMGWTFBBQ

But why go and search for a solution first? It's so much cooler and more constructive to just come and cry, bellyache and moan on the general forums.

Especially if it can anger the resident zealots and the trolls can watch the ensuing spectacle from behind the safety of the internet.

There is no need to bully a new GOGer so stop it.

It wasn't a remark towards him, it was towards the rest of us, the "zealots" shouting "GOG IS THE AWESOMEST! NOTHING IS EVAR WRONG WITH THEM", and flying into a rage as soon as a comment like his appears.
I actually find this funny.

Then you should consider buying a console, instead :-P

New poster or not, I can't abide idiots. I worked in tech support before and loathe people who throw hissy-fits instead of trying to find a viable solution first.
Everyone gets the same treatment. Post like you have a brain and I won't have an issue with you. There's a difference between 'bullying' and calling an idiot an idiot.

I never thought that I would live to see the day that someone gets a negative reputation on here...I guess I was wrong. :P

Oh, he's not the first one. The most noticeable was John_UK with his Arx Fatalis conspiracy theories. I lol'd heartily at that ordeal. But it turned out that Arkane Studios was a bit of an asshat there, which can be seen in a link on one of his thread on the Arx Fatalis board.

A number of others once had NegRep before the 'point-a-day' system was introduced. So hard to do get it now, unless you are new or don't post often here.