this is a copy of another post I made, I just managed to install FC and have it functional...
"this is insane..., today, I retried to reinstall LOFC (cd version) after I don't know how many trials(been trying in various ways sincez last february), and it went on like a charm.. not a single glitch.. not even the message from windows that teh incompatible driver was disabled (possible at first) except that my external hard drive was instantly disabled. Just to be recovered with no intervention from me a few hours later (god only knows why)
now it works...
here's the procedure I followed (followed from one netherland squadron site):
- install lock on (in default folder)
don't lanch autorun automatically. open the folder, right click on it and select win xp compatibility mode and check the box to run that file as administrator. only after that launch the application.
- install flaming cliffs
same thing as lock on install: XP SP3 compatibility mode and run as admin
- install patch 1.12b
same again, compatibility mode and run as admin. For some reason it wants to install to "Eagle Dynam" folder instead of the game one. just let it go and then copy the contents to the right (eagle dynamics\Lock On\ )
- reboot when required when you launch the game first time.
- ignore the message about driver no compatible if you get one (I didn't even get that)
- update starforce with the update utility from their site"