Mass Efect 1

Here are my abbreviated instructions for this problem.  Try them in the order listed, attempting to start the game after each one.

Folder paths are the ones for my EA/Origin install on Win8 Pro/64-bit.  For other installs, (like Steam) adjust the folder paths as appropriate.

ME1 Doesn't Install/Launch (on PC)

1.  If running on Win7 or Win8, must install the 1.02 patch.

2.  If installing/launching via EA/Origin;

     a)  Set Origin.exe (in the \"Program Files (x86)\Origin" folder) to "Run as Administrator". 

          Must close EA/Origin completely before restarting it. 

          (Don't forget to right-click and "Exit" on the icon in the systray.)

     b)  Disable "Sync with Cloud" (at least until everything is working properly.)

3.  Set MassEffect.exe (in the "\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Mass Effect\Binaries" folder) to run in "WinXP (SP3)" compatibility mode.

4.  Set MassEffectLauncher.exe (in the "\"Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\\Mass Effect" folder) to "Run as Administrator".

5.  Profit!  😕mileyhappy:

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NOTE:  If you get to Step 4. and MassEffectLauncher.exe is not  present on your machine and the game won't start, or if the problem is something with the CD-Key/Product Code ("Iinvalid" or "Already in use"), you'll need an EA Game Advisor.  They can be reached through the Help Center.

After getting to the Help Center and filling out the required information, (Product/Problem/Platform)
look for the "Chat Now", "Call Now", or "Email Now" buttons, not the AHQ "Ask Now" one.  (You've already done that!)
The options you see may vary depending on your region and the time-of-day.

If you select "Chat Now" or "Call Now", be sure you have enough time (at least one hour) to wait before being connected to someone.  😕mileyfrustrated:

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Good Luck!