It also helps a great deal, I discovered, to download the 2.x installer version of the software from Gog. I had the original 1.x installer version and it was extremely problematic getting the game to run correctly under Win8x64--and I pretty much know most of the tricks of the trade (but certainly not all...;)!). The 2.x installer version comes with a new launcher that is fully compatible with 8.1x64, so if you're still having problems with the game and Win8, check and make sure you are running the 2.x installer version of the program--which *is* listed as compatible with Win8.

Gog has redone all their games in a similar manner, I've discovered, and I've replaced all of my local copies & my game installations with the newer installer versions--in some cases there is a great deal of difference in how the game will play with Win8--Overseer (now the DVD version) & M&M 9, are two stand-outs that come to mind for me.

@d0mm3l

I have the same problem, haven't found a solution yet. I might set up a virtual PC with an older OS to make it work properly.

Have you installed the last official version of DX9.0c (released June 2010)? If you haven't, you need to do so as that may very well be causing your problems. For anyone who games, this should be a standard step. (Does not overwrite DX11, etc.)

When the game loads, IIRC, you can alternate between fullscreen and windowed mode by simply toggling F4.

Runs great for me under Win8.1x64, and actually looks very good @ 8xFSAA & 16xAF forced through my Catalyst driver set. Hope you can figure it out...;) It *ought* to run just fine under 8.1x64.

Edit: wanted to that this thread was started > 18 months ago...;) Gog's 2.xxx installers pretty much support Win8 completely, now.

I am running it on win8, so my directx was up to par. I found out how to solve my problem. Simply run the program in windowed mode fixed everything. (Add windowed +1 or so after the path)

What I guess I should have said is that it runs fine for me in 8.1 full screen or windowed by simply pressing F4. (You should not have to use the +1--F4 should toggle between modes.)

Also, Windows 8.1 includes DX10&11.x, and runs older DX games in an internal D3d *compatibility mode*. Sometimes it works for older games and sometimes it doesn't work well/at all. M&M9 is one of those older games...;) Best policy is to install DX9.0c alongside what ships with 8.1. These older games don't require the latest DX; they require a version that shipped *before* Win8.1 shipped, and so you have to manually download and install DX9.0c it yourself. Believe me, it's worth it...

I was experiencing no issues on a Windows 7 machine and then I got another machine with an
NVidia GPU (instead of AMD) on a Windows 7 machine (same type of computer and configuration)
and now I am getting accelerated time lapse. Everything is in super fast forward. Any clues on what
could be the problem? The time clock is way out of sync, It goes from 7AM to 5PM in just a few minutes.

I think there was an unofficial patch for M&M9.

I did everything mentioned in this thread and the game STILL only plays in windowed mode on 800x600 resolution. And the combat is so sped up that the game is nearly unplayable. Just gonna have to chalk this one up as a loss, as I'm all out of ideas. Anything other than windowed mode at that resolution causes the game to freeze everytime you go to the inventory or menu. Probably just not worth the time. This is the only one I haven't been able to crack to get going out of dozens upon dozens of games.

Ultimately, I feel like this is the universe telling me it wants me to ignore both Might and Magic IX and Ultima IX, and that seems like solid advice.

Same thing for me. I have a choice of either having instant battles (battletime goes so fast there is no way to control ones characters)(windowed) or temporary game freezes on every gameplay pausing screen(full screen), there is no "neither" choice.

If possible I would like to be able to play this game with:
- No freezing on inventory, menu etc.
- Standard speed battles
- Choice of full screen or windowed

I think I have a different problem.

my screen turn total black during nite time. So I can only play during day time.

anyone know how to fix this?

Im having all sorts of trouble in windows 10..maybe this thread will help...I'll let you guys know

I recently downloaded this game from GOG, its already set to run in 32 color and the installer is most recent. This is just wrong. I guess I needed Directx9 but I am pretty sure the installer installed that at the getgo....

Game is broke in windows 10. Totally broken.

Yah i haven't been able to get this game to work in windows 8 8.1 or 10, I have a clean install of ten on a brand new pc and I just can't get this game to run properly. Good thing M&M IX sucks!!! :D

It seems like a tricky game in general to get running, because I've always had problems with it working consistently on Windows 7. And then once I got it running... like you said it's still Might and Magic IX. Ah, whatever. That game isn't as bad as people give it credit for. Not great, but worth taking a look at if you're a fan of the series.