Vista 64, 8GB RAM, GTX260, easily runs anything currently out. All other GOG games run beautifully, no problems. But IL-2 just refuses to load up. I've tried Open GL % DirectX, different resolutions, run as Admin, various compat modes. All I get is my desktop rez dropping way down and having to task manager out of it, sometimes having to just reboot. I'd love to play it, but if all else fails at least I have a nice Aircraft Manual pdf for 9.99.
The only other thing I thought of was a bad install - might be worth a shot.
Thanks in advance for any responses. This is a great site and I'll definitely continue supporting it (48 games & counting).

I had trouble under VISTA my self. No problems with WIN7.
I installed in VISTA with Compatability set to Win XP SP3, Disable All Themes and As Administrator. Then had those same settings on the IL2FB.exe in order to play the game.
However, I own the DVD, but those were the steps I had to take to get it to run under VISTA.

Your problem description was a bit vague... but will tell you of some of the pitfalls.
I'm running Windows 7 and IL2 runs smooth as a purring kitten, even with the marvellous
mods. So, the game SHOULD work... REALLY! :)
1: Administrator
- Make SURE, you're running the game as administrator.
2: Focus problem
Fsome reason... IL2 loses focus while loading making it appear as if it has hung
eventhough it has not. All you have to do is: Click mouse, ALT-TAB out of IL2 and
ALT-TAB back into IL2. That's what I do all the time, eventhough there should be a
fix for it, somewhere. (involves editing the ini-file)
3: Resolution
I've heard some people having trouble with certain resolutions... especially with
flatscreens. Try changing the ingame resolutions to the desktop-default. Or google
further about this issue.
4: ATI GFX
I have heard some people complaining about IL2 not wanting to play alright with
ATI gfx-cards... Though, I do think this mostly comes down to bad frame-rates.
5: Nvidia GFX
With older games, new-drivers aren't always the best, do a quick google to see what
advice people have. Though, as with the ATI cards, this mainly causes stuttering FPS.
I hope you get this solved, cause IL2 Sturmovik is the ruling champion of WWII air-war
simulators.
PS: There are lots of helpful people on Hyperlobby. Get it from http://hyperfighter.sk/
Just ask nicely and I'm sure someone will have a minute to spare.
Good Luck mate...
//Yammo

I have 4 recent builds within the last 2 years All AMD based CPU systems with ATI graphics cards.
On one system (the oldest) with a Phenom X4 9850 CPU,8 gigabytes 4 X 2 GB DDR2-800 RAM,ATI Radeon 4850 512mb graphics card with Windows Vista Premium 64 bit it runs
iL-2 1946 fine.Another newer system uses the Phenom II X4 955 BE CPU,4 gigabytes 2 X 2 GB DDR3-1600 RAM,ATI Radeon 3650 512 mb graphics card (I know I need an upgrade on this) running Windows 7 Pro.My 3rd system uses a Phenom II X4 940 BE CPU,4 gigabytes 4 X1 GB DDR2-800 RAM and uses the Radeon 4200 IGP on a microATX gigabyte motherboard running Windows XP Pro SP3.My 4th budget system uses an Athlon II X2 240 CPU,4 gigabytes RAM 2 X 2 GB DDR2-800,uses a Foxconn MicroATX motherboard with the ATI Radeon 4200 IGP with Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit.
All 4 of my systems run iL-2 1946 fine( well I do have to run iL-2 1946 in lowered resolutions on those 2 systems that I have with the Radeon 4200 IGP's but they do run good),So no problems here on my end with this simulation.

Go here: http://mission4today.com/index.php?name=Downloads&file=details&id=3768

(You will need to sign up and log in)

Download the dll files that are from the IL-2 4.08 patch.

Back up your original mg_snd.dll and mg_snd_sse.dll files (in your main IL-2 directory).

Copy the mg_snd.dll and mg_snd_sse.dll files you just downloaded into your main IL-2 directory.

Play the game. :D

It worked for me just now -- I hope it works for you!

The explanation I found online is that older sound cards don't seem to like the new sound dll files. Using the older dll's seems to work. I don't know why this information isn't found more easily out there, or why it hasn't been posted here until now.

Good luck, clear skies, and good hunting!

-- rkt.