win2k pro (sp2)
 
i have tried off and on for several months to run this game based on info from this and other sites.
 
I can get as far as installing it and setting the graphics card.
(i am using the 4.5 patch because its the only patch i could find.
so that 4.4 crack mentioned here would not work...and the game won't run just doing the 8 other steps).
 
i find this here:
 
"Need for Speed 4: High Stakes (Electronic Arts) Yes W2000 07/01
Received the follow messages:
1) Download patch
2) 1) Download and install that update 2) Create a shortcut to the setup executable from the cd on your desktop. 3) Right click on the shortcut and change properties to run in compatibility mode. 4) After install is complete run game normally. This will not work if you are installing from a burned copy of the game. It has to be the actual retail CD.
http://download.microsoft.com/download/win2000platform/Install/1.7/NT5/EN-US/appupd.exe "
 
--this does not work or make much sense as you can't apply the patch before u install the game
the other info i found on this site seems to be gone..it gave me the updated 3ddata setup file that ,at least, allowed me to set card.
 
anways, i get the message that my installation is corrupt. on EA's tech site, they say this means the 3d card i have is most likely incompatible with the game. (I have a geoforce 2 gts/pro with det 3 drivers.)
 
so i am supposed to use software mode -- but under device setup, the only option i have is my geoforce 2 card.
 
 
last time i checked, many were praying win XP would get EA to fix their game. But now, it seems this was wishful thinking.
 
so can anyone here give me a foolproof and definitive answer on how to get need for speed: high stakes working???
 
ps. no way am i gonna revert to sp1 just to get this game to work
 
TIA = ))