Another thing you can try...

Open Windows Explorer. Go to your Program Files, open the Roller Coaster Tycoon folder and find the RCT3.exe file.

Right click on it and select Properties. Click on the Tab that says Compatibility.

Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for" Then select on older Windows version than the one you are using.

Then try to run the program.

Another thing you can try...

Open Windows Explorer. Go to your Program Files, open the Roller Coaster Tycoon folder and find the RCT3.exe file.

Right click on it and select Properties. Click on the Tab that says Compatibility.

Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for" Then select on older Windows version than the one you are using.

Then try to run the program.

I tried compatibility mode for win 95, didn't work.

I still need help with this.

It seems there are only three options left at this time:

1. Try installing RCT3 from your scratched disk on to another computer.
   
2. Try installing RCT3 on your computer from someone else’s RCT3 disk that they’ve already used successfully on their own computer
   
3. Install a downloaded version of RCT3. If you can’t find a trial version, if you do not wish to pay for it in case this option does not work then perhaps one of your mates could lend you his downloaded copy so you can attempt a trial install on your system.
   

With any of the above options, when installing, disconnect from the internet, disable firewall security and close all anti-virus, anti-spyware applications (this is completely safe if you remain off the internet at the time).

Any successful install of RCT3 it needs to open for the first time with nothing custom added. After a successful install if you have a park you know has nothing custom in it (check it in Park CleanUp if you’re not sure), open that park (or open a scenario that comes with the game) and play or run the park/scenario for several hours. Do this while disconnected from the internet, with firewall security disabled and all anti-virus, anti-spyware applications closed (this is completely safe if you remain off the internet at the time).

While I am not blaming AVG for your situation, I have found AVG to be too resource heavy while giving too many false positives. It has actually stopped me from using legitimate applications it doesn’t like. I haven’t used AVG for years.

It seems there are only three options left at this time:

1. Try installing RCT3 from your scratched disk on to another computer.
   
2. Try installing RCT3 on your computer from someone else’s RCT3 disk that they’ve already used successfully on their own computer
   
3. Install a downloaded version of RCT3. If you can’t find a trial version, if you do not wish to pay for it in case this option does not work then perhaps one of your mates could lend you his downloaded copy so you can attempt a trial install on your system.
   

With any of the above options, when installing, disconnect from the internet, disable firewall security and close all anti-virus, anti-spyware applications (this is completely safe if you remain off the internet at the time).

Any successful install of RCT3 it needs to open for the first time with nothing custom added. After a successful install if you have a park you know has nothing custom in it (check it in Park CleanUp if you’re not sure), open that park (or open a scenario that comes with the game) and play or run the park/scenario for several hours. Do this while disconnected from the internet, with firewall security disabled and all anti-virus, anti-spyware applications closed (this is completely safe if you remain off the internet at the time).

While I am not blaming AVG for your situation, I have found AVG to be too resource heavy while giving too many false positives. It has actually stopped me from using legitimate applications it doesn’t like. I haven’t used AVG for years.

I am now using a downloaded copy of platinum and still got the same effect, however, I have not tried your method yet. Luckily, I was able to keep the installer. BTW my anti-virus is iolo System Mechanic, if that helps.

Yeh, it doesn't matter which it is. Turn them all off and stay off the internet during install. This will give RCT3 the best chance.

Hey, it's me again. I've tried almost everything suggested on this thread, except using someone else's disk. (But as the downloaded version didn't work either, I don't see much point in doing so) and I'm still having the exact same problem. I even tried it on a different computer, and now I have a new hard drive and a new video card. This is becoming very weird.

^Have you tried ordering a disc and disc drive for this game? That's what has worked for me. Just order it online

As I said, I'm currently using a downloaded version. So I'm pretty sure anything disk related is not the issue.

As I said, I'm currently using a downloaded version. So I'm pretty sure anything disk related is not the issue.

I would check compatibility settings.