AOE: Error Message: Could Not Initialize Graphics System

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, create a new shortcut to Age of Empires on your desktop. To do this:

1. Right-click the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
2. Click Browse.
3. Locate the folder containing Age of Empires, and then click the Empires.exe file. The default location for Age of Empires is:

   Program Files\Microsoft Games\Age of Empires

4. Click Open, click Next, and then click Finish. The new shortcut to Age of Empires is named Empires.exe.

You can also work around this issue by starting Age of Empires using the Start menu. To do this, click Start, point to Programs, point to Microsoft Games, point to Age Of Empires, and then click Age Of Empires.