I bought the c&c ultimate collection and I got all the games to work except red alert 2. yuri's revenge works but not the base game. I been trying all day but all it says is "error: unable to set video mode" I have windows 10.my operating sys is:Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6400 CPU 2.71GHzRam: 8gbSystem type: 64-bit Operating Sys,x64- based processorany help would be appreciative

@ParkAir024 Hey, can you try the steps in this post? http://answers.ea.com/t5/C-C-The-Ultimate-Collection/Red-Alert-2-Error-unable-to-set-video-mode-need-help/td-p/5153507 As well as the 16-bit color mode, you might want to try Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode too. i've also seen that some folks can fix this by adding a small edit to the RA2.ini file. it can be found at C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Command and Conquer Red Alert II and the fix is to add "VideoBackBuffer=no" without quotes to the [Video] section. Thanks.

Red Alert 2 Unable to set video mode error on windows 10

11 Replies

EA_David
Community Admin
9 years ago
@ParkAir024 Hey, can you try the steps in this post?

http://answers.ea.com/t5/C-C-The-Ultimate-Collection/Red-Alert-2-Error-unable-to-set-video-mode-need-help/td-p/5153507

As well as the 16-bit color mode, you might want to try Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode too.

i've also seen that some folks can fix this by adding a small edit to the RA2.ini file.

it can be found at C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Command and Conquer Red Alert II and the fix is to add "VideoBackBuffer=no" without quotes to the [Video] section.

Thanks.
Anonymous
8 years ago
RA2.ini file is nowhere to be found. please help.

Yes i purchased this game through Origin.

Yes i am using Windows 10

i have changed the video mode to 16 bit but it still results in "cannot set video mode".
IsleyNumber1
8 years ago
I'm also getting this problem, would really like a solution
Anonymous
8 years ago
@IsleyNumber1 @USMC_Baxter
There are only 3 reasons for this error:

1. Your windows runs in 32 bit color depth, which is usally the case since it is forced in win 8/10

Solution: Go into your Red Alert 2 folder, in there you will find "game.exe" and "gamemd.exe", right click -> properties -> compatibility, Enable "Reduced Color Mode: 16bit"

2. High dpi scaling

Solution: Go into your Red Alert 2 folder, in there you will find "game.exe" and "gamemd.exe", right click -> properties -> compatibility, Enable "Disable Display Scaling on High DPI Settings"

3. You chose a resolution that is not supported

Solution: You can change your resolution via ra2.ini and ra2md.ini - try 1280*720 (if the files don't exist, create them)

[Video]
ScreenWidth=1280
ScreenHeight=720
trymerland
8 years ago
RA2.ini file is nowhere to be found. please help.
Yes i purchased this game through Origin.
Yes i am using Windows 10
i have changed the video mode to 16 bit but it still results in "cannot set video mode".
Dohness
8 years ago
I'm in the same boat, just purchased and I'm running windows 10, have it set to run in 16 bit with windows xp service pack 3 compatibility. Override high DPI scaling selected. No .INI file for either, attempted to download a template and moved it into the red alert 2 folder. Still getting unable to set video mode error. Suggestions?
Anonymous
8 years ago
I also had the same problem , the .ini file is the one of configuration type you haven't probably enabled file extensions on windows. What fixed it for me is that i set the size in the .ini file as 1280x720 and then experimented with the resolutions in game options until it was running properly
Anonymous
7 years ago
In compability mode check the "Windows 98/me" settings. that usually fixes all errors.

I have a different kind of probleem tho: My game doesn't show videos at all. it's like that option is turned off
Spawn992000
5 years ago
This actually works, Right click your game and click properties, then click compatibility, choose Run Windows 98/Me and reduce color to 16bit. it works for me it should do to you if you are getting an error saying unable to set video mode. tnx
iBUX14
4 years ago
I've tried this and every other fix but nothing is working. RA2, Yuris Revenge, General and Zero Hour are all not working Wish i never bought the "ultimate" collection.