[RESOLVED] "Unable to locate game data" Error on startup.

[Insert_Name]

Today I decided to install Sim City 4 on my new computer. I installed the game, attempted to install a no CD crack in a momentary lapse in judgement due to my computer's problems with disks, and ran imagecfg. After my antivirus removed the .exe file, I attempted to reinstall my game with only imagecfg and whenever I attempt to run run the game it returns the error "Unable to locate game data". My second reinstall attempthas met the same results. I am using a computer with a windows 7 operating system, and any help would be appreciated.

[Lowkee33]

I think I've had this problem before, something to do with the registry key not being deleted (or was that Baldur's Gate 2?).  Anyway, I found this quote from 2004:

Hello,

Thank you for contacting EA technical support. I am sorry that you are having difficulty.

We have noticed this happening on Some systems. It is caused by a combination of programs and permissions that may be installed or set on your system. To get around this issue we have a solution, which includes going into the Registry and Safe Mode on your system. **Both of these can cause damage to your system, Please do not play around or remove any other files other then what we have listed below as you could potentially harm your system.**

Below you will find instruction on how to do this.

First we want to Uninstall Sim City 4 and RushHour

We have to go into your Windows registry and remove the parts of the game program that were not removed from your system. We will be focusing on 2 files that were installed with the game into your registry.

Now we will remove the keys for Sim City 4 from your registry. To do this, follow the steps below;

1. Click on Start then go to Run.
2. Type in regedit and click OK.
3. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to a folder labeled Software.
5. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to a folder labeled Maxis.
6. You will see a folder labeled "Sim City 4".
7. Right click once on this folder; a menu will appear.
8. Select the delete option and left-click; this will remove the folder. The window may take you to the top of the screen. Simply scroll back down to where you were before.
9. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to a folder labeled Microsoft.
10. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to a folder labeled Windows.
11. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to a folder labeled Current Version.
12. Left-Click once on the plus sign next to a folder labeled Uninstall.
13. Locate a folder labeled {611BD998-34B9-4DDA-00AE-0CB4632E86FA}
14. Right click once on this folder; a menu will appear.
15. Select the delete option and left-click; this will remove the folder.

Delete the two Sim City 4 folders located here:

C:\Program Files\Maxis\Sim City 4

and here:

\\My Documents\Sim City 4

You have now removed all entries for Sim City 4 from your system.

I don't know if this helps a windows 7 person, but I would bet that you are at least looking for that number in step 13.

I didn't include the safe-mode part, they said to install SC4 in safe-mode, which is probably not needed.

[Insert_Name]

I can't find those specific registries, although I do see a few that seem to point to parts of the previous SC4 installation. I'll try another reinstall and then check to see if they're still there.

[Insert_Name]

Turns out the issue was the removal of a space from the exe's name during the application of imagecfg. Sorry for wasting your time, but I still appreciate the help.