I have done a gaming system using Windows XP. I try to launch KQ8 and it crashes with the error related to ntdll.dll. I have tried to uninstall and reinstall the program and nothing changes. I have tried even changing the compatibility on the type of OS and graphics and nothing. Any recommendations of how I can get KQ8 to run in Windows XP without crashing to the desktop on startup. I have tried doing what is mentioned in the threads and Sierra Support sites and nothing. Any help would be appreciated.

Almost certain this problem is the one that ties to the missing cd drive. The game does a check to see if you have a cd-rom.

THe way to get around this is install daemon tools.

Or look through this forum for similar questions (this is a repeated question). A few of the earlier threads have alternative methods including file editing.

But since you are trying to run I XP, it may also have something to do with modifications to make the game run in newer systems, may have broken compatibility with older systems.

It was to late for me to go through the forum and find the answer last night. With looking through the forum this morning and reading I was able to resolve the problem.

Resolved the issue with doing the following to get KQ8 Running in XP:

Step 1

Create a text file (from notepad) with following text and name it starttxt

KING'S QUEST
MASK of ETERNITY
Install
Play
Sierra Utilities
Cancel
The King's Quest: Mask of Eternity CD was not found.
Please check your CD drive and restart the game.
Allocating Textures. Please wait...
Please wait
Microsoft Direct Draw
You must be running in 256 color mode or higher.
You can change the color depth from the control panel display icon.

Save it to location of KQ78 installation in the KQ8 Directory

Step 2

Open "Options.cs" (found in KQ8 directory) in a text-editor (notepad) and changing line 8 to read "assignGModeName Software"

Step 3

Enjoy Mask of Eternity in Windows XP :-)

Glad you got it working!