Trying to run either the Patrician or P3Setup executables results in this nondescript error. They simply crash.
I'm running:
Windows Vista 32-bit
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.83GHz
3GB RAM
Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset Graphics
368MB Total available graphics memory
Thanks much.

Wow that is the same setup that I have on my laptop.
This is what I did on my laptop:
You know that little file that tests the various resolutions to see which one works best? Lie to it. Even if you see nothing but a black screen and a white mouse pointer. Make sure everything says OK.
Second, check the compatibility menu of the executable file. Make sure you have "Windows XP Service Pack 2" selected as the OS. Run the file as admininstrator and make sure the box that says "Disable Visual Themes" is checked.
You should be able to run the game now. Please let me know if that works for you.

Something similar... core 2 duo with hardware DEP.
Even when I add patrician to exceptions list it gets closed by DEP.