EDIT 17-02-2019: I have updated the guide. I am aware of eriedlinger's Patch (they posted a link to it on my blog some time ago) and I would have included it but for the life of me, I can't replicate the error it fixes (I have always had little trouble with the 3D Error for some reason). The rest of the guide should be easier and more complete anyway, so I hope that'll compensate a little. I'll be sure to mention the Patch though.
Also, don't forget that this was originally written in my blog, where it's easier to read and I post content to this day.

Thanks for keeping the discussion alive. You are what keeps this small community alive. :)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Your version of choice of Settlers IV,

• DXGL (optional, read below),

• FireEmerald's Widescreen Tool,

• Your Desired Music Fixes,

• My Guide to change the language (optional, read below).

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Install the game as usual and launch it. If you get the 3D Initialisation Error, go to the following step. Otherwise, skip it.

• If you get the 3D Initialisation Error, download DXGL and run it. Click on"Add" and look for your installation folder. Go to the /Exe folder and select S4_Main.exe. Apply the changes and the game should be able to launch now. Please note that DXGL does not work properly on computers running more than one screen).
→ Alternatively, most people seem to agree that eriedlinger's Patch fixes this much easier. I can't can't verify this on my own, but I'll mention it nonetheless.

• If you don't come across any more errors, download and launch FireEmerald's Widescreen Tool. Launch it and follow the instructions provided to patch the game for widescreen compatibility.

• Next, download the Desired Music Fixes. Follow my Quick Guide in order to choose your fixes and apply them.

• Finally, it's time to change the language, if there's a need for it:
→ If you want to play the game in German, simply download Oedi's Patch and run it. Select your main installation folder and install it there.
→ If you want to play on any other language, just follow the steps I go through on my own guide. Unfortunately, this will only change the text.

Thanks for reading!

I have more than one screen, what do I do (unless unpluging it)?

Try it anyway. DxGL 0.5.8 works for me on my two screens setup - just play with the DxGL settings until you get a working configuration.

Otherwise: try DxWnd instead: https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/

Yay! Now I can play in HD with polish subtitles. Thank you very much, it was very helpful :-)

Does this work with Windows 7? I'm having a lot of lag happening. Settlers 3 runs perfectly, but Settlers 4 literally crawls and lags.

Well hello!

Im having problems to install Settlers 4 in the first place. It just wont start the installation on Windows 10 on any compatibility mode or as administrator.

What to do?

I know how to make it run properly when i get it installed, but now im stuck with this problem. Any ideas?

Hey i recently tried playing this game on win 10 64 bit but none of the resolution fix works. also when i start the game the screen flickers a lot, i have to come to desktop and then resume the game from the start bar for it to work. i have nvidia graphic card.

Any solutions?

i cant place buildings. nothing happens. i have dxgl, the widescreentool. i testet with standart resolution and 1920x1080 resolution. on dxgl i have do change videomode to streetch on screen or aspect correct strentch, otherwise i get the d3hardware/software error.

i can zoom and scroll with mouse, can click the menus, but place buildings , nogo. wehat can i do?

So I'm having issues. I got the GoG version since the installer from the cd doesnt work. The GoG version installs like it should but I'm getting just getting the 3d error. I have DXGL, Oedi's widescreen and the lost trojan track. I tried making changes in DXGL Config but nothing works. I did manage to get past the 3d error but I got some other error instead. Please help.

I also need the solution to this problem, so if anyone could please help it would be very appreciated

hi all im new to this site and i am trying to get settlers 4 running i`ve followed your advice on here and it is almost running it come up with a small screen (not full screen) and the mouse is about 2 inch from the pointer i run it with dxgl so is there some setting in there that needs sorting thanks to all

Same problem here. With Win10 x64 Anniversary Update/latest nvidia drivers. Screen will stay black with only the cursor visible.

Done so far:
- without any of the patches mentioned here - initialization error

- dxgl (latest version) and no other changes, initialization error goes away but still black screen
- changed res in ini - no change
- widescreen patch - no change
- original gfx.dll, and running as comp xp3/admin, main menu visible but somewho "moved" to the button - click on button= crash

Some further ideas?

Thx - it's working again. You can choose everything for "Fullscreen Window Mode" in DXGL but "Fullscreen" - lol.

If the movies aren't working its because game/system need ddmedia &Indeo3/5.0codec
specifically III and IV maybe more

Indeo32 IV30/31/32 videos
&/or
Codinstl IV50 videos

can find them here
cucusoft.com/codec.asp