This states in the Windows 7 thread that is should play. However, I have never been able to get it to even start. The game appears to install from disc just fine. But then gives me an error message saying it needs runtime (what is that?) from XP.

Is there a patch or has someone figured out how to get it to play on Windows 7?

The patch is here, though I don't know if it's for your problem.
http://www.gamershell.com/news_27037.html

Have you tried right-clicking the game shortcut, choosing Properties --> Compatibility tab --> Compatibility set to Windows XP or 2000 --> OK it.

Have you tried right-clicking the game shortcut and choosing to Run As Administrator?

Thank you for your help. It may be my system. The patch is not cooperating. Yes, I have tried the compatibility and it made no difference.

Post the exact error message - it may be looking for the C++ runtimes.

According to ***Frogwares Tech Support***

There could also be problems with newer video cards if the game isn't compatible with the drivers.

And I don't remember -- does this game need PhysX to run? Some of Frogwares' other 3D games required it.

Not sure what the issue is. Tried it on 3 different computers with same results. One XP and 2 Windows 7.

I wish Big Fish would offer 80 days as a download. I had issues with Center of the Earth (another Frogwares game) from the disc, but the Big Fish version works fine. So for some reason I have it in my mind that version would work.

Sad as I guess I just have realize I won't be able to play this game.

Post the runtime it's looking for -

I had the same problem as Kiraalt; tried everything I read here at Gameboomers and the web. Nothing worked. I downloaded and installed the patch and still nothing.

I found a "game.exe" file here: http://mail.frogwares.com/support/files.php?id=5

I replaced the original file in the game folder with the one at the link above and it worked (ran at Windows 2000 compatibility and Admin).

Thanks, Drummerboy. Good info!

I just reinstalled 80 Days on my Win 7 and tried the "game.exe" switch. It didn't work for me, even trying different compatibilities. I got a white screen, the sound of the splash screen loading with no visuals, and then nothing. I'll fiddle around with it some more. Bah!

(I think the problem is that my OS is 64-bit and the game as it is only supports Runtime for 32-bit.)

Sorry to hear that Rushes. I have 64-bit Win 7 also.

I had the same problem loading Dark Star a while back. Seems I was missing DirectX. I checked Frogwares site here http://www.frogwares.com/game/80days.html and they said DirectX 9 is a requirement.

Here's Microsoft's DirectX 9.0c link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35
I copied the .exe file into the game directory and ran it from there.

FYI, I stumbled upon this link that shows what version works with a particular Windows:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/179113

If your video still doesn't work, you may require DirectX 11.0 for 64-bit Windows 7 instead of 9.0c but I'm not 100% sure. I hope this works for you!

It could also be that the only video drivers it was made to work with were drivers for 32-bit Windows.

Solution:
Thank you all for posting many helpful tips to help me nostalgically replay this game.
I actually found a simple solution to the white screens. In this patch linked here the readme file gave me the solutions: in the Program Files > Anaconda > Frogware > 80 Days > Graphics, you need to delete 4 video files: Ageia.wmv Publishers.wmv Frogwares.wmv Nvidia.wmv
They are supposed to play at the beginning but compromised my game. It works for me on windows 10 32 bit. Patch is not even really necessary to install.
Patches: https://www.patches-scrolls.com/80_days.php
Frogwares (exe with no need for CD): http://mail.frogwares.com/support/files.php?s=f54b4e6c8f04e6e24ae3cd45e41ab754&id=2


(SEO for my fellow Germans: In 80 Tagen um die Welt Frogwares weißer Bildschirm)

Thank you for that information, Lexington, and to GameBoomers.

Hi, Lexington and welcome! Especially good to know it works on your 32-bit Windows 10, as this thread was originally about Windows 7!

Cheers
Let me know if it works for you too, should you try it again, now 7 years later...