I have installed HoI1.
However, after trying to run HoI.exe:

1) it runs the intro
2) error window pops up:
Fatal Error: Could not initialize video!
Do you stil want to continue?
(hell, of course)
Stop/retry/skip whatever I choose it crashes.

Any idea how to skip the vid?
Anyone having the same error?

I just rename the "avi" folder in the game directory to "avi old", and then it skips the intro altogether.

I still use Win7 that runs Binkplay (typically) without crashing, but it is a 20-yr old software so probably not compatible with newer operating systems.

If you are still having problems, it might be:
1. Monitor setting: Try High Color (16-bit)
2. Screen Resolution: Look at the 3 options in HoI_Settings and make sure your display is set to one of those

Although half of what you say is rather hazy to me as I am not quite adept at computer stuff, I think I can check on what you told me. Will definitely try. Thanks, mate! :) Reporting back:
Changed the name of the AVI folder. The same error still occurs so its probably not the intro but whatever comes after.
Changed resoutions to match. Did not help. :(

HoI-1 was also not starting for me on a Windows 10 laptop. I've experienced this other older games and successfully applied a fix that seems to allow a lot of older games to run on a Windows 10 laptop.

From the Windows 10 desktop, right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings. There is a setting under 'Scale and Layout' called "Change the size of text, apps, and other items' that is often greater than 100%. Change this to 100%. When I made this change HoI-1 would run for me.

Will do, thx!

I tried the "avi old" and restarted the comp & though it skipped the intro it just went to a blank screen that I could not closed and had to restart comp just to get back to desktop. I could not find the Screen Resolution in Hoi settings that you mentioned but I'm not giving up. I just went home and played HOI off line on Desk Top Comp & it worked fine. Just need my laptop to work. I'm still reading all the threads on here and will continue to work on this. I really miss this game when I'm on the Semi doing a 34 hr rest stop

You're looking in the wrong place.
On the desktop view of your laptop (NOT inside any program!), you right click.

There will a window pop up with several options.
One of these options is "Display Settings"
(it should be the second to last option on the bottom of the pop up window).

You left click on that.
Your windows settings will pop up.

At the third (?) position from the top there is a setting called "Scale and Layout".
If the value preset in the input mask is higher than 100%, lower it to 100%.

Edit: typo

Ty but I already tried that and it is set at 100% The only other option is 125%. I guess I will see when ever I get back home if the Tech people can get this game to work on my laptop, TY everyone