Just to be sure that further URL-changings will not swallow this precious information, here's the solution posted by -dazzle- on the shsforums:
"Hi all,
I managed to fix this problem for baldur's gate in vista by enabling software directdraw.
Maybe it also works in XP and for other infinity engine games, I haven't tried.
It'll only work for the 2d rendering engine (OpenGL mode won't work).
After you've applied the fix, the game is very fast and without any artifacts.
The fix is permanent. You don't need loader scripts or stuff like that.
Here's how to:
1. Download and install the microsoft application compatiblity toolkit:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=24da89e9-b581-47b0-b45e-492dd6da2971 2. Start the 'Compatibility Administrator' with administrator rights.
3. Click the 'New' Button
4. Right click the new database. Select 'Create new application fix...'
5. Name your program and vendor however you like. Browse to your bgmain2.exe file. Click next
6. Select 'None' for operating system modes. Don't select additional compatibility modes. Click next
7. Tick the 'ForceDirectDrawEmulation' compatibility fix.
8. Click next and finish.
9. Save your database.
10. Right click the database and select install. This will install the database.
11. Close the compatibility administrator and start baldur's gate.
It should work correctly in 32bit mode without any ingame rendering fixes.
You don't need to run the compatibility administrator again."