CivIII windowed?

Brightblade · November 7, 2002, 12:56

Is it possible to play CivIII in a window?

I'd like to be able to switch from "work" to the game quickly and easily.

I should probably be able to figure this out myself, but I can't stop playing long enough to even attempt to do so.

thanks

Nikolai · November 7, 2002, 14:19

AFAIK, that is impossible.

Brightblade · November 7, 2002, 14:59

Bummer.

vondrack · November 7, 2002, 15:08

If you wish to play Civ3 really windowed, then you are out luck, sorry. But if you simply want to switch between Civ3 and other applications, use Alt-Tab. Works fine for me under WinXP (must work under any Micro$oft OS). Civ3 will move into the background and remain there silent until you bring it back by either clicking on its area or using Alt-Tab again.

EDIT: if you have no other application running, but Civ3, press Ctrl-Esc to bring up the taskbar with the Start button - from there, you can launch anything you wish.

vmxa1 · November 7, 2002, 15:30

I use the Windows key to get to other apps as it only needs one finger on my XP PRO.

vondrack · November 7, 2002, 15:49

Quote:

Originally posted by vmxa1
I use the Windows key to get to other apps as it only needs one finger on my XP PRO.

I am too old-fashioned to use this fancy stuff...

Honestly, my keyboard does not even have any "Windows key", that's why I suggest weird combos like Ctrl-Esc... I spend so much time with my computer that I am ultimately dependent on having that "my" keyboard (it's now more than 10 years old, I guess - still working flawlessly!

)

Alex · November 7, 2002, 15:55

I am amazed by how much people post this question on a regular basis.

Brightblade · November 7, 2002, 16:48

Yeah... I know alt-tab, I use it occassionally, but it changes graphics modes and my monitor flickers and there's some delay, and occassionally it'll lock up. *shrug*

I was just curious. Oh well.

later

vmxa1 · November 7, 2002, 18:29

vondrack in usa you can get a new keyboard for less than $10 and I would think all have the windows key. u I was slow to use it, but since XP, I have learned to love it. Of course, I use all the oher methods at times.

vondrack · November 7, 2002, 19:02

Quote:

Originally posted by vmxa1
vondrack in usa you can get a new keyboard for less than $10 and I would think all have the windows key. u I was slow to use it, but since XP, I have learned to love it. Of course, I use all the oher methods at times.

Well, new keyboards are under $10 here as well (I am unable to imagine how it's possible to manufacture them so cheap). It is not about the price, it is about the layout. I honestly hate the new keys. They seem to get into my way so very often...

I even went to such lengths that I bought a used, exactly same keyboard in a second hand... one day, when my beloved old PC/AT keyboard breaks down,

I will have a spare one that will be exactly like my original one!

Zorkk · November 7, 2002, 20:22

Have you tried upping your screen resolution to 1280X1024 or higher, and then modifying the CIV3 shortcut to start in a WINDOWed mode, not "default" or "full screen"

since civ3 plays at 1024X768, this should hopefully get it playing in a window.

Z

vmxa1 · November 7, 2002, 22:01

vondrack my son is the same. Every time I got a new pc, I gave him my old one and he would keep the same old key board.

werdhertz · November 7, 2002, 23:23

if you load the game at the lowest screen res. the game will load, than drop to desktop, than load again the final time and start. if you change the screen res. higher when it drops to the desktop, it will stay windowed.

Tattila the Hun · November 8, 2002, 03:07

Does your civ work with 24 bit colours? My requires switching to 16 bit. Something to do with videocard memory?

Alex · November 8, 2002, 06:39

Quote:

Originally posted by Tattila the Hun
Does your civ work with 24 bit colours? My requires switching to 16 bit. Something to do with videocard memory?

Hm. I think that whenever I boot the game it automatically changes the color depth. Maybe it doesn't run with 24 bit, only 16.

bongo · November 8, 2002, 10:41

If you are very detirmined to play civ3 in a 'window' try this.

1 Get a dual-screen graphics card and a second monitor
2 Install vmware or some other application which allow you to install virtual computers on your computer, install civ3 on the virtual computer and run it in a window.

Haven't tried any of them myself but I just may give #1 a shot

Alex · November 8, 2002, 12:45

Quote:

Originally posted by bongo
If you are very detirmined to play civ3 in a 'window' try this.

1 Get a dual-screen graphics card and a second monitor
2 Install vmware or some other application which allow you to install virtual computers on your computer, install civ3 on the virtual computer and run it in a window.

Haven't tried any of them myself but I just may give #1 a shot

Nah, too expensive and too much work. If I want to play Civ3 in a window, I put my monitor on the window sill and play the game... the birds chirping acquire a new significance...