OK, I uninstalled the whole deal. Re-installed in this order: 1 Install game 2 install Patch 1 3 install Patch 2 4 install Co8 5.7.2 (i noticed a .2 version, I had the .1 before) 5 Activate (worked in about 3-5 minutes) run game from front end mod Game works fine so far, though no music during combat. Looting is working without a no-cd crack. A big thank you to all who helped, including those who spent time doing the research and programming to make this all possible... *sniff, sniff* I...I just don't...know what to say... *getting choked up* Thanks