I can't get X-Wing nor Tie Fighter (1998) editions to run. When I try to launch the game it takes a few seconds and then locks up with a 'Game Could Not Start' error. I have to force quit this error via the Task Manager. The GOG support portal mentions to run the Graphic Mode Setup utility, but where is it? It's not in either game's install directory.

I'm running Windows 8 and went through and updated DirectX according to the instructions on the support page.

Is anyone else having issues launching these games?

While waiting for others to chime in, take a look at these forum threads to see if anyone has an idea. I know I've seen folks talking about this issue, but I'm not 100% sure what solutions came about. I think some folks used Compatibility Mode, turned on 256 color mode and some folks found a config file and set things to run ddraw. Make sure to disable explorer.exe before running. Not sure if these will help, but they may be worth a shot.

P.S. Welcome to GOG!

I'm not certain, but I think the Graphic Mode Setup utility is only for the DOS version of the game. But you can check anyway. If you open your start menu and find TIE Fighter, you should see the Graphic Mode Setup as one of the options listed in that sub-menu.

Thanks guys. Graphic Mode Setup is in fact only available for the DOS versions (1993 and 1994 respectively). I haven't had luck with either of the re-release versions, compatibility mode or otherwise.

Im getting the same problem, abolutely nothing is working from my side

the game is normally started (per shortcut) with the goglauncher.exe in combination with some mysterious dll-file.

you could try to start it directly instead, its the "TIE95.EXE" / "XWING95.exe

attemped to run directly from installation directory (Tie95) still running into identical error

I am having this same problem. I've tried it on two different computers: a Windows 8.1 laptop and my Windows 10 Preview desktop. On 8.1 I get a direct input keyboard error and then a minimized instance of the game appears in the program bar but does nothing when maximized; just goes back to minimized. On Win 10 I get no error, and no window ever comes up.

I'm using a Thrustmaster Hotas X that I bought just to play this game, so I'm a little disappointed in this. Hopefully there's a patch within the next few days; I can understand there being issues in Windows 10, but there shouldn't be anything wrong with running it in 8.1....

Ok, out of curiosity, do you have a joystick plugged in?

Haha yes. When you boot up without the joystick, the game gives you a prompt that says "A joystick is required to play this game", or something to that effect.

I have the same exact issue on my Windows 7 Dell laptop.
But . . .

When I'm plugged into my dock with the external monitor, then it works. The laptop monitor is the main monitor, and the game runs on that. Nothing is on the second monitor.

When I unplug from he dock and have just the laptop monitor, I get the error described in this trhead every time.

Tried at home (where I don't have my dock and work monitor) plugging in a 17" flat screen TV to the HDMI port and setting it up as a second monitor. Game immediately works.

Doesn't make sense to me, but plugging in a second monitor is a definite fix in my case.

I was able to get both 1998 versions running by right-clicking the XWINGSTART.EXE and TIESTART.EXE and selecting 'Troubleshoot Compatibility'. After the troubleshooter does it's thing, I select 'Try Recommended Settings' and the games run. Huzzah!

no joy for me, tried that and it renders the resolution (as in mouse) then gives the error

Yea, neither of these solutions works for me. The game still begins to run in the background (with its process taking up 18% of my cpu power on both machines, oddly enough), but nothing ever comes on. I guess I'll return the game. Very disappointing. Pretty bummed I bought this monster of a joystick for a game I can't play, but such is life I suppose.

If anyone comes across any other solutions, please let me know!!!!