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How to Install Call of Duty 1 on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing the original Call of Duty (2003) on a modern Windows 10 system can present some unique challenges, but it’s certainly achievable with the right approach. The game, designed for older operating systems like Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP, often requires compatibility tweaks to run smoothly on Windows 10. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you back into the classic WWII action:

First, you’ll need a digital copy of Call of Duty 1. This can often be found on digital storefronts that specialize in older games. Once you have it, here’s the process:

Locate the Setup File: After downloading the game, identify the setup file, typically named “setup.exe” or similar. This file is usually inside the downloaded .zip or .iso archive.
Extract the Files (If Necessary): If your download is a .zip or .iso file, you’ll need to extract its contents to a location on your hard drive, like your desktop or a new folder created specifically for the game. Use a program like 7-Zip or WinRAR to do this.
Access Compatibility Properties: Right-click on the setup.exe file and select “Properties”.
Navigate to the Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, click on the “Compatibility” tab.
Enable Compatibility Mode: Under the “Compatibility mode” section, check the box that says “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”.
Select a Compatible Operating System: From the dropdown menu below, choose an older Windows operating system. Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 2000 are good choices for Call of Duty 1.
Apply Changes: Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Run as Administrator (Optional but Recommended): If the installation still fails after applying compatibility, try running the setup as an administrator. To do this, right-click the setup.exe file again, and choose “Run as administrator.”
Install the Game: Launch the setup.exe file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Call of Duty 1. It may install to the default path: C:Program Files (x86)ActivisionCall of Duty , but you can select a custom install path.
Install Patches (If Necessary): Older games sometimes require patches to fix bugs and enhance compatibility. Research if there are any official or unofficial patches for Call of Duty 1 and install them after you finish the main game installation.
Apply Compatibility Mode to the Game Executable: After installation, locate the main game executable, typically named cod.exe. Repeat steps 3-7, applying the same compatibility settings.
Launch the Game: Finally, run cod.exe. You should now be able to enjoy the original Call of Duty on your Windows 10 system.

If you encounter issues such as graphical glitches, crashes, or sound problems, experiment with other compatibility modes or try running the game in windowed mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about installing and playing Call of Duty 1 on Windows 10, to further assist you with the process:

1. What are the minimum system requirements for Call of Duty 1?

The minimum system requirements for Call of Duty 1 are quite low by today’s standards:

OS: Windows 98 / ME / 2000 / XP
Processor: Pentium III 600 MHz or Athlon 600 MHz (for Win 98/ME) or Pentium III 700 MHz or Athlon 700 MHz (for Win 2000/XP)
Memory: 128 MB RAM
Graphics Card: 32 MB video card with Direct3D support
Hard Drive: 4 GB free space

Keep in mind that while these are minimum requirements, your Windows 10 system far surpasses them. The main challenge is compatibility, not processing power.

2. Can I play Call of Duty 1 on Windows 10 without compatibility mode?

While technically possible, it is highly unlikely you’ll achieve stable gameplay without using compatibility mode. The game was simply not designed for modern Windows versions, and without this mode, the game is likely to experience crashes, visual issues, or outright fail to launch.

3. Which compatibility mode should I use for Call of Duty 1?

The best options are Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 2000. Start with XP (SP3) and test the game. If issues persist, try Windows 2000.

4. What if the game crashes after applying compatibility mode?

If the game crashes, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Run the game as administrator.
Experiment with different compatibility modes.
Try running the game in windowed mode.
Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date.

5. Where can I download Call of Duty 1?

You can often find Call of Duty 1 on websites that specialize in classic PC games, such as GOG.com. You may also be able to find used physical copies of the game through online marketplaces.

6. Is Call of Duty 1 available on Steam?

No, the original Call of Duty (2003) is not currently available on Steam. You’ll need to acquire a copy from another source.

7. Is Call of Duty 1 free to download?

No, Call of Duty 1 is not available for free. You will need to purchase a copy from a retailer that offers classic games.

8. Do I need any special software to install Call of Duty 1 on Windows 10?

Besides a copy of the game, you might need WinRAR or 7-Zip if the game is compressed in a .zip or .iso file.

9. Will Call of Duty 1 look good on modern monitors?

Because Call of Duty 1 was designed for older resolutions, it may appear stretched or pixelated on modern wide-screen monitors. You may be able to improve the experience by playing in windowed mode or using resolution-scaling settings.

10. How do I set up Call of Duty 1 to run in windowed mode?

The easiest way is to modify the game’s shortcut target. Right-click the game shortcut, select properties, and in the “target” field, append “-w” (without quotes) at the very end. For example, "C:Program Files (x86)ActivisionCall of Dutycod.exe" -w

11. Can I play Call of Duty 1 online?

The official multiplayer servers for Call of Duty 1 are no longer active. However, you may be able to find unofficial servers run by the community.

12. Do I need DirectX 12 to play Call of Duty 1?

No, Call of Duty 1 was designed to run with older versions of DirectX. Windows 10 includes support for these older versions.

13. I’m getting an error message about “missing dll”. What should I do?

This usually indicates an issue with DirectX or other runtime files. Search online for the specific DLL file mentioned, and download the redistributable package that contains that file. Also, make sure your drivers are up to date.

14. Can I run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019/2022) with these same compatibility steps?

No, you cannot. Modern Call of Duty titles have their own system requirements, and compatibility mode is ineffective for them. Use the Battle.net or Steam launcher to install and play these games.

15. Are there any known issues with playing Call of Duty 1 on Windows 10?

Yes, common issues can be graphical glitches such as texture flickering, sound problems, and occasional crashes. Compatibility mode, running as administrator, and windowed mode are common fixes to these issues.

By following these steps and troubleshooting methods, you should be able to install and play the classic Call of Duty 1 on your Windows 10 PC, reliving the game that started it all. Enjoy the return to World War II!

How to install Call of Duty 1 on Windows 10?