I'm having a problem running Icewind Dale 2 (from GoG) in Windows 8. When the program is ran, the icon will show up on the task bar, but nothing else will happen. The task manager will then report the program as unresponsive. I have already tried the usual fixes, such as the direct x 9, install/run program as admin, and compatibility mode. Nothing seems to work.

Any idea what else I can do?

It looks like I could start the game properly if I use the "launch game" button at the end of the installation. But I cannot start the game using the game's exe.


Edit: Thought the problem was fixed since I could launch the game right after install. Edited to for the detail symptoms.

Problem solved. Turned out that the game will run if I disable compatibility mode and disable admin privilege. Kind of counter intuitive given the game's age, but something to try for people that are having problems like this.

Had the same problem here, indeed you have to disable admin privilege, compatibility mode and the upscaling option.

I did all of this and the game still runs laggy and choppy after I leave the main menu. Any thoughts?

Oops. I'm a derp. Okay so I fixed it. :P

Run the IWD config utility (forgot what it's called - it's in the install directory) and change the graphics to OpenGL... then it will run smooth as silk. I think by default it uses software rendering and it is quite sluggish.

HTH