Factorio Forums

I tried to instal but during launch it says "Factorio requires Service pack 1 on Windows 7. Current OS: Windows 7"
If i run it in compatibility mode it will launch but freezes at loading mods %2. The mods folder is empty.
I've never had this problem before, I usually come back every 6 months or so and spend a few hundred hours on it.
Do some of the new features require service pack 1 now?

Yes, SP1 is required on windows 7. If installing it is not an option for you, some people have reported that Factorio works on windows 7 without service pack if you start it with Vista SP3 compatibility mode.

I realize it might not be possible for you, but please please please install your service packs and updates if at all possible!
As an IT professional unpatched systems make me sad. I don't want to be sad.

Service packs make your system more secure and stable, often they can improve performance somewhat as well. There's really no downside, other than a bit of time.

Yep great, Now I can't play Factorio anymore. Was really looking forward to seeing it progress too.

Not going to install SP1, Every time I install patches on this old system it becomes less and less stable and more things stop working. Not going to risk installing a huge service pack just for one game.

Do the devs plan to remove that requirement or should I just request a refund? Seriously not happy.

You can downgrade to 0.10 if you want to keep playing the game you paid for.

You can play the game with "Windows Vista (Service Pack 2)" compatibility mode to bypass the "service pack 1" required message.

FishSandwich wrote:You can play the game with "Windows Vista (Service Pack 2)" compatibility mode to bypass the "service pack 1" required message.

That sort of proves that it is just a check instead of a requirement.

If anything, it should just pop open a message box requesting you to update to SP1 and that without it the game may not be as stable/fast as it otherwise could be.

It is good to know that this solution is still viable. While I agree as an IT fellow that having service packs installed is typically the best way to do things, sometimes it's not an option. For example, when I can't use my gaming system, I'm stuck with an old laptop that uses a custom video driver from the manufacturer. Attempting to install W7SP1 prompts me to update my video driver - but the manufacturer can't be bothered to do so. [sigh]

End result, this fix action is still working. Yay!

BlackMoon wrote:

FishSandwich wrote:You can play the game with "Windows Vista (Service Pack 2)" compatibility mode to bypass the "service pack 1" required message.

That sort of proves that it is just a check instead of a requirement.

If anything, it should just pop open a message box requesting you to update to SP1 and that without it the game may not be as stable/fast as it otherwise could be.

The game runs incredibly poor when run like this. We've had 3 bug reports now where the performance was 1/10th what it should be and they where all a result of running the game in compatibility mode on Windows 7 pre SP1 so it's an actual issue and a thing you should resolve.

If I may suggest, I don't know how long it will take to resolve such an issue, but until then it would be advisable to update the displayed requirements for playing Factorio with the right service packs / kernel number / whatever OS X thing (on every place it can be purchased). Or you'll have infuriated customers complaining they paid a game they can't play despite having the prerequisites (customer support speaking here ).