Agreed; it seems to prefer XP settings. Let us know if you got it working, tomgmoore.

Thank you Sathariel. Your advice got me one step closer. I was able to install the game. And thanks for your concern, too, SpiderFighter.

However, when I try to launch the game (after setting the executable file to the same Properties-->Compatability-->Run in XP mode), I get the following errors:

"Can't clear primary surface (0x88760037) An exception was encountered while performing the requested operation."

When I click OK, an additional message appears: "Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library. This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way. Please contact the application's support team for more information."

When I click OK on that, a third messeage appears: "Etherlords 2 main executable file. Etherlords 2 main executable file 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." In which the only option is "Close program."

Perhaps this is just something with my system, but any further advice woudl be greatly appreciated.

As noted earlier, this is my first issue with any GOG games.

The 'Run in the XP compatible mode' was just to install the game, as in to overcome the problem of the 'blocked' setup file.
Try running the game without it ( as in switch off any compatibility mode so the system uses its
default). Just undo all the changes you've made to etherlords2.exe or however the executable is called. I would imagine the different compatibility settings may potentially cause conflict with the libraries, however its a stretch.
Sorry I can't help much more. One last thing I might add: the fact that the automatic compatibilty troubleshooting didnt work for you, as well as your problems now with running it may indeed indicate problems with the system.

Apologizes for any typos - im using my mobile .

Thanks again Sathariel.

I should have noted that I got the "can't clear primary surface" and "runtime" errors with the originally installed executable. I then tried the compatibility (XP) adjustment on the executable and got the same errors.

So, the errors are there regardless of whether the executable is set normally or to XP compatible.

I suppose I'm out of luck and will have to be content with just a pretty $6 icon.

If anyone else encounters the "can't clear primary surface" error and figures out a fix, I'd love to be able to play this game.

Have you seen this thread:
http://www.gog.com/forum/etherlords_series/cant_clear_primary_surface_error

Person there seemed to have the same problem and found the solution.

Thanks for the solution! Now I am off to have a blast from the past!!

I think exe file is definitely broken . I don't realize this problem with any other GOG installers but it's only working in Win XP SP2 compability mod :S

Worked for me also, THX!

Fixed it for me too! I was about to bring the ruckus ...

You are my hero! Thanks to you, I'm off to experience my nostalgia bomb!

I can confirm that the solution posted by Sathariel is indeed valid. Thanks, pal!

Same problem, same resolution. Thanks!

Thanks. This worked for me. I appreciate you help.

Thanks. I am also using Windows 7 64-bit.

I also tried running as administrator, and turning off UAC, but only setting the setup program to Windows XP (Service Pack 2) compatibility mode worked for me.

Thank you for this thread. Had same problem and I would NEVER have thought of this on my own. Looking forward to play E2 again in a few minutes. :)