I am sure these questions are asked often, but I haven't seen this EXACT problem mentioned in the first three pages of forum posts. I'm not diligent enough to backtrack further than that.

Well here it is.

I am trying to play Creatures 1 on Windows 8. The game loads fine. This is the GOG copy with the LifeKit included. However, if I try to use the injector kit to add the COB's that came with the GOG version, I run into trouble. The applet opens, but when I click 'select' to browse for a COB to add, I get an error message that pops up saying:

OLE TEST MFC Application has stopped working

A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.

Yes, I have been running it in Administrator mode. I also have applied the remaster patch. The game's directory is in My Documents. More specifically C:\Users\[REMOVED FOR PRIVACY]\Documents\Creatures\Creatures 1

So, the applet for adding new objects closes, but the game itself does not shut down. It keeps going. Sometimes, maybe 1/3 times when I try to open another applet ofter failing to get the injector to work (I've tried several times after making different tweaks based on scanning the forums here) I will get an RTC server error.

And so my questions are, first, has anyone else had an OLE TEST MFC error? Second, what is it? Third, is there a reasonable solution?

I have heard of this issue, particularly in Windows 8. You'll notice that Creatures: The Albian Years used to have Windows 8 listed under the game card, but it no longer does. Unfortunately this operating system seems to have some issues with running Creatures. Perhaps this recent topic may be of some use to you?

I helped someone by creating a world.sfc file with some objects already injected. It's a pretty crude workaround, yet that might be one way to go!

Nothing else springs to mind to help, but perhaps someone else will have some ideas. Hopefully you get things up and running soon!

Aaaah, I didn't realise that it removed the Windows 8 compatibility. I'd downloaded it some time ago and was just tooling around without even worrying about the injector. But when I learned that there was a cage included in the COB's in the GOG download, I really REALLY wanted it. That and the teddy bear. I don't care about fancy new food stuffs or new breeds, all I want is a cage and the teddy bear. Anything to help quarantine norns when necessary or convince them to sleep. Getting them to sleep is one of my biggest nightmares when they are young.

I will continue to tinker on my own and look at the topic you provided.

Thus far I've tried altering some of the permissions, compatibility, and so forth. I will probably continue to experiment, and if I come up with anything, I'll post it. But I'm dubious of getting any results because I am not really computer savvy.

If i come up with nothing and give up, I may have to bat my eyes at someone to use the more crude work-around of providing a pre-injected world file.

Anyway, thanks for your reply. It seems like you really know a lot about Creatures 1, noticing your name pop up a lot in the forums here whenever someone needs help.

I think the main reason for the Windows 8 compatibility issue is with Creatures 2, although I'm sure you're not alone with this problem! On the subject of quarantining Norns and/or getting them to sleep, I really need to post some more videos. Not that I have a "perfect" technique or anything close, but I've found some fairly successful ways of separating a particular Norn due to sickness or lack of sleep. You may find this video somewhat helpful. It's been so long that I can't remember how well that goes in terms of tips, but perhaps you'll find it useful!

I'm happy to provide a pre-injected world file if all else fails! I know you mentioned not wanting any fancy new food things, but I've been working on a number of food updates. There are some links in this list, and you're also welcome to browse around. I tend to write way too much about Creatures. Ha! I like to think I know a decent amount about Creatures 1, although there's always more to learn.

Should you be interested in the community aspect, you might want to check out the Discover Albia Forum and Creatures Caves. There's still a very active base of players, and those two places might be a little more useful since Creatures players tend to check in there much more often than the GOG forum. Best of luck to you!

I am surprised and impressed that there is still an active community out there. Really, I just picked up Creatures on a whim. It looked cute and promised in-depth genetics. These links ought to be helpful and I appreciate you sharing them with me.

Actually, would you be able to provide me with a pre-injected C1 world with just the cage (I think it's technically two items? The cage itself and some way of controlling it) and the teddybear. I often am playing C1 while keeping an eye on nieces or nephews, so my full attention isn't always on the norns, so having a cage is just easier.

And the teddy bear is a cute idea.

Would it be best if I provided an e-mail for you to send it to, or what would be the easiest form of delivery?

And I imagine you are a busy person so I absolutely expect to wait at least a week, so don't rush yourself on my account. Not that I expect that you would rush on my account, but, uh... you know this day and age being gracious is really hard because it often borders on sounding patronizing.

Eh heh heh... but I digress.

It really is pretty awesome that we have such an active Creatures community! Things tend to ebb and flow, yet I've never felt like things were dying down for good. Even on those occasions when I get a little burnt out or tired of playing, I'm right back at it within a matter of days or weeks!

I can definitely help you out with a pre-injected C1 world. There are a few other fixes I might recommend, but we can talk about those privately. The easiest way to reach me is through the contact form located here. That way I won't forget! And although I am super busy, this really doesn't take that long. I do appreciate you being so polite and patient, though!

Talk with you soon, and hopefully you'll have everything working soon!

Hi! i got the same Problem do you fix it?