initialize error isndoe to data files corruption or wrong settings. You set game to winowed and fullscreen at same time. You set 1280x1024. This resolution is first reason to get such error.
Pay attention to numbers. 1280x1024 is larger than any resolution below 1920x1080. If you have some mobile/tablet display you probably have display resolution where vertical side lower than 1000.
1920x1080 is not enough too. Whatever reason you want 1280x1024 - you need 2k+ display.

You one more a user who dont know hat he did, do you? judging by same options set to opposite arguments.
Lower resolution to 1024x768, unheck windowed mode, set 60hz. Or opposite kee windowed, set windowed or by App in DXCFG and keep Default hz or set one that you have set on Desktop (since windowed is Desktop based).
Dont forget to start both configurators as admin.

Refuse to launch - Windows un-sefurity sh!t issues. Everything except UAC should be turned off permanently entirely. Disabled. Deleted. UAC otherwise should be set on default option. You just must NOT put anything to C drive. D/Downloads, X/Games/. Maybe X/Tools for gaming related 3rd party apps like CheatEngine/ArtMoney.

It is either bad Windows services fake security (and unsecurity in truth) or your failed at game settings or infomplete downloading by gaming clients (always validate the downloads in any clients or BitTorrent apps).

Reinstall everything if you have Galaxy or games on system folders.

Hi, when I start the game, I get an error popup with the error message
MEM_BAD_POINTER. Everything was working fine in December last year. I guess a Windows Update could broke something.
I have Windows 11 and I run the game as Admin and in compatibility mode.

Does anyone has an idea how to get the game running again?

first try to validate game in Galaxy is you use Galaxy and its build of the game.
add /Games/ and where you have Galaxy to exceptions of W.Defender. But you need have them out of system folders (no Program Files).

bought it in 2025 on win 10 and didn't work, had the same issues like OP. i also was fiddeling with the "additional executables" option and then the "settings" (which is ConfigEditor.exe)...
1290x1024
disabled every checkbox in DISPLAY SETTINGS!!! (run in window would cause crash!!), and left the others as default, that is
-play sound + music
-display turn count
(also disabled play intro)

then it started... but it ran extremely laggy and slow... considering refunding

resolution maximum is 1024x768. 1280x1024 is NOT maximum, but just alternate aspect. 2hich require large display for modern 16:9.
1024x768 by the way require FullHD 16:9 as well, to properly scaled. Of course you should set system to Keep Aspect ratio (+integer scaling and enforce ✅ checkboxes if there is such in video driver).

And double check refreshrate option in game settings, and which your display support for all resolution. There is sefond config tool - DXCFG.exe. Dont forget to set it too.

And set UseD3D=1 in ConfigEdit.

These are some tips to get the game working in Windows 11.

If you want control over how the game renders, I recommend using DXGL (You can search on the web). Make sure to install MSVC10 32-bit version!

This is a DirectX wrapper around OpenGL that is useful for old DirectDraw games. It has tons of settings and tweaks you can do to customize your experience.

For this game,

1) Install DXGL
2) Set the compatibility to Windows XP on the executable.
3) Add a Profile in DXGL with settings you want (There are a lot you can tweak)
4) Open the Configuration for the Game (ConfigEditor.exe)
5) Disable Direct3D so that it uses DirectDraw
6) This will make it use DXGL so you are actually rendering with OpenGL
7) Enjoy full frame rates, and widescreen compatibility since you can configure DXGL with how it stretches or positions and how the window appears.
8) Victory!

Note: This works for the editor too. I was able to generate a scenario no problem.

they should really add this game to their game preservation program