I've installed this game multiple times on my XP system. And I can not get it to work to save my life. As many other programs do, it says it can not run, and no matter what I try, I can not make it run. I patched it, I used program compatibility. nothing has worked. Anyone know anything about this issue?

Weird ... Have it and runs fine on XP Pro What video card are you using? Have you installed using "add program" in control panel? Probably, but just a thought. What others won't run for you? I haven't found any not listed on XP site as incompatible that won't run if XP lets it install.

I've got a TNT2 Ultra M64.. Other programs which didn't run included Baldur's Gate(It would run, but then crash when I opened a game) - Yet Baldur's Gate 2 works fine. There were some other, less important games that didn't work. AoE2 is the one that matters

In between installs, have you run a registry cleaner? Try uninstalling, run a good, thorough reg cleaner and set a restore point(after reboot and double checking with your reg cleaner). Then try an install using XP's installer so you know everything is keyed correctly. Also see if you are using empires2.exe, in case it's your shortcut (go in under my computer).

I believe your drivers may be the problem, try reinstalling them. I had this prob with SOF2 and AOE 2 and reinstalling fixed my issue...and i have a stealth 540II xtreme hope that helps