Crusaders of Might Magic, Older Might Magic Install Problem

[mightmagic4life 0]

I love the Might and Magic series and am hoping to replay them, however having a big problem. I am unable to install Crusaders of Might and Magic on Windows XP. ;( I have tried the following:

 

1 - Installing in Win95 compatability mode

2 - Installing in Win98 compatability mode

3 - Playing in Win95 compatability mode

4 - Playing in Win98 compatability mode

 

The game never gets past the initial splash screen. It hangs and then crashes with the message asking if I would like to send a message to Microsoft.

 

I think the problem is the older install shield from New World Computing/3DO. The initial DX checker recognizes that I have a later version of DX installed, but when the install shield does its system check it fails on Direct X and says there is an unknown version and the game will not work properly.

 

HELP! Are there any work arounds out there? I still have an old Win98 computer I can use but I would like to play them on my XP which is in a better location and has a bigger better monitor. I have read the information on MM7 and MM8 problems but not sure if they would apply to my situation.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Magica

 

Here are my specs:

 

Operating system Windows XP

Direct X version 9.0 (am not sure if a, b, or c to be honest)

Compaq Presario Model 2135US

Mobile Intel Celeron Processor 1.79 GHz

192 MB Ram