I am having the same issue as the original poster.
Our only thing in common is a 64-bit Vista operating system. I am running Service Pack 1, not sure if he is though.
I get a black screen upon running the program, and a "SinsofaSolarEmpire.exe has caused an error" window behind the crashed application.
I did not have this problem several months ago, when I had the game installed without Service Pack 1. I think the relationship is unlikely, but im open to suggestions.
Right clicking "Run As Administrator" or not on the application seems to have no effect. With either patch v1.5 installed, or the out-of-box version seem to have no difference.
A few months ago, I could run the game with the release installed version and update it in-game, without updating out of game.
I'll try to disable my Anti-Virus, and see if that corrupted the installation.
DXDiag as follows, additional DXDiag information available on request:
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System Information
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Time of this report: 7/8/2008, 03:42:12
Machine name: GAMENSTEIN
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.longhorn_rtm.080118-1840)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: n/a
System Model: n/a
BIOS: n/a
Processor: n/a (4 CPUs)
Memory: 4094MB RAM
Page File: 1580MB used, 8578MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 64bit Unicode
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DxDiag Notes
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Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
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DirectX Debug Levels
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Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)
