In order to play MM6, or MM7, and I assume MM8, I have to double-click on the icon, which then goes into hourglass mode, then snaps out without starting the game. I double-click the Icon again, and it starts the game. In Microsoft Process Explorer, it shows two instances of the game running while I'm playing it, and when I exit the game, one of the instances is shown as still running.

Any idea why this is happening? I'm running Win7 Ultimate.

When you start the game the first time, are you sure it isn’t minimizing the game? When you try it again, check your taskbar below to see if you have a tab of the game (running). If so, hit Alt+Enter, and it ‘should’ bring it up.

If that’s not it, I am not sure what could be the issue, but it does sound like you are actually starting up two games, not that the first time you try it isn’t working. So that is why I think it just may be minimizing the game. If that is the issue, not sure why it continues to do it, though.

There was an update a few months ago to windows where it was updated for protection. A lot of older games take launching twice to actually start.

I've actually had this happen with games (non-Steam and I think non-GOG too) when I'm offline, but not when I'm online. Do you know which update it was? I wonder if it's related.

Sounds a bit like this problem.