3 diffrent mini guide to same game that has happend over time.
1 find steam ?
2 after a windows build version update
3 config file issue

4 another windows update in section 2 of guide ( semi same as option 2 )
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1

Can't find steam ?

copy steam.dll to game folder
?:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.dll to ?:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Railroad Tycoon 3

and also set administrator compatibility to windows xp S3 for all users
right click game to do this.

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2

after the windows 10 upgrade.
(nvidia user need to check physX that its not a cpu that is set to run as default graphics card,
and amd user need to use AMD Crimson Beta Driver.)
this info was gather from other games with dx11 issue even this game dont have still valid info. and if AMD has a buggy driver.

do validate game cache content, and then do same fix as before, that work for me, but do watchout for other advanced ingame options, they do make a total crash on pc if graphic options is not liked by a new graphics card. . and make a cold reboot is not funny to tweak a game for best graphic if it keep crashes.

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3

just a little guide, ( i take no credit for it.) other then i did report this years ago to 2k, and nothing happend then, and when i notice a fan site with a cfg fix.
i could start the game without the patch, and then the holiday fix, but after that was patched i could not start the game and its all about the .cfg issue, dont turn on T&L lighting that is what crashed it. ( and its turn on in the patch ) and that why you need the file to undo the damage it has done.
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its funny that steam don't use that file, then the game will startup under windows7 and vista, and same with 2k support no help from them.
it work with my pc atleast.
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info link on the .cfg file
http://hawkdawg.com/rrt/rrt3/Xtras/
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Railroad Tycoon 3

Windows Vista Fix For 1.05 and 1.06.


The problem with Railroad Tycoon 3 and Windows Vista is caused by the graphics setting for "Disable Hardware T&L"

This box should be checked. Credit goes to someone named DevHyfes at the Steam forums.

The fix is set in the enslosed file: engine.cfg.

Just copy the file to the Data/Configuration folder and you are ready to go!

So simple.

Happy Railroading!

Nedfumpkin