I just installed Gothic 1 without making any changes to the game but it would not launch. I see the gothic.exe and the gogwrap.exe running in task manager but the game does not start at all.
I am running Windows Vista Business. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

I have the same problem but I'm running XP Service Pack 3. If anyone has figured out how to solve this I would really appreciate the help.

Try reinstalling the game with your antivirus/firewall/etc. temporarily disabled. Some over-zealous security programs can interfere with installation, especially of games. I had this problem with Gothic II.

Just tried that. Didn't work. Bummer.

Got same issue here running XP. :(

Managed to fix the problem. Actually i'm not 100% what the issue is but i made a new windows user account and ran the game with that user acocunt and it worked. So i'm guessing its a problem of the game conflicting with some software that is running. If i work out exactly what the issue is ill let you guys know. But for now try make a new windows user account and run the game under that and/or just close everything you have running untill it works.

My copy seems to have problems if i start up windows explorer (i know i shoudnt be using that pile of crap but am too lazy to get another browser) before trying to launch the game. As long as i do it before i do anything else with my pc its fine.
After its launched i can start any other programs and it continues to run just fine so i imagine its something screwing with the .exe and preventing it from actualy launching but otherwise doesnt interfere.