Windows XP

Windows XP was an Operating System for the PC by Microsoft. It was published in 2002 and is now obsolete, since it is no longer supported with updates.

Improvements

Building on the success of Windows 2000, XP offered many improvements, especially for gamers. Compatibility for older games was dramatically improved by use of the new Compatibility Mode. Still, since XP (as well as the older Windows 2000) was released when the Classic-Tomb Raider Games were already on the market, in some cases they are not compatible with it, meaning that the game might crash after being started or not start at all. There are, however, many third party Patches addressing these problems. Many newer games that were released after Microsoft stopped supporting XP, still run on XP, though it is not recommended.

Tomb Raider Games for Windows

Remark: This article describes Compatibility of the original game discs with Windows. For information on newer versions (like downloadable Steam games), see Steam.

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Using Third Party Software

The following games will work best with Windows 2000 and newer by using Glidos, DosBox, or similar techniques:

• Tomb Raider

Windows NT and newer systems based on it do not support real mode DOS.

• On 32-bit machines Tomb Raider can by played in the command shell, although many limitations do apply, like problems with sound and only low resolution graphics without hardware acceleration.
• On 64-bit versions of Windows it is technically impossible to run 16-bit applications like the original Tomb Raider in the command shell. You will have to use Glidos or DosBox.

Using Compatibility Mode and/or (Third Party) Patches

The following games will work with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 by either using the compatibility mode and/or an unofficial third party Patch:

• Tomb Raider II
• Tomb Raider III
• Tomb Raider IV The Last Revelation
• Tomb Raider Chronicles

Tomb Raider II through Chronicles will for the most part run at once or with the "Windows 98/ME" compatibility mode enabled that has been available since Windows XP.

• Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness

From Vista on Microsoft has removed the Direct3D interface used by EAX. Owners of a Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card manufactured by Creative can avoid this problem by using the program ALchemy. You might also try the Multi Patch listed at tombraiderchronicles.com.

Out-of-the-Box

The following games will work without problems in Windows XP and newer:

• Tomb Raider Legend
• Tomb Raider Anniversary
• Tomb Raider Underworld
• Tomb Raider (2013)

64-bit System Required

The following games will only run on a 64-bit system:

• Rise of the Tomb Raider

Officially supported only on Windows 7 and newer. Needs at least DirectX 11.

Lara Croft Games

• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Windows Vista and newer.

• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris

Windows Vista and newer.