Well, I did do a search for this and came up empty. Everytime I start the game I get
"Runtime error 429, Active X component can't create object".

The game then starts and runs properly (from what I can tell) but I imagine I'll have
a problem down the road with something. Any idea what could be causing this?

Using Win7, running in XP w/ SP3 compatibility mode. Seems it's looking for a DLL
that isn't there???

Thanks.

Sounds like a Windows problem. Can you make a "self-repair" with your Windows?
The problem is watched and answered here, but I'm not sure if it helps:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windo...6b-2431b962b257

PS: Why do you run the sim in XP mode?
I use Win 7 (32bit) and run it from there. Works wonderfully for me.

This error can be related with DirectX and a missing file. Windows 7 doesn't bring all the DirectX9 files.
Better to download and install this package from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109

You can also use the web installer version, although I've always use the above version:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35

Use the full large DirectX download always, never the little webinstaller for DX9 on Win7 or Vista.

The little installer tends to miss some key files out too.

This is discussed in the FAQ.