It seems you are experiencing issues with MSXML 4.0 while trying to run Age of Mythology on Windows 7 and 8.1. Here are some points to consider:
- Compatibility: MSXML 4.0 is indeed an older version and may not be fully compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. You might want to ensure that you have the correct version installed for your system architecture.
- Installation Issues: Since you mentioned difficulties in installing MSXML 4.0, ensure that it is properly registered in the system. You can try reinstalling it and running the installation as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
- Multiple Versions: Having multiple versions of MSXML (3.0, 4.0, and 6.0) installed can sometimes lead to conflicts. Make sure that the game is specifically looking for the correct version of MSXML it requires.
- Game Compatibility Settings: Since Windows 8.1 applies compatibility settings automatically, you might want to manually adjust the compatibility settings for Age of Mythology to see if that resolves the issue. Right-click on the game executable, go to Properties, then Compatibility, and try different settings.
- Patches and Updates: Unfortunately, Microsoft has not released patches for older games like Age of Mythology to ensure compatibility with newer operating systems. You may want to check online communities or forums for any unofficial patches that could help.
- Error Messages: If the game still reports that MSXML 4.0 is not installed, consider checking the game’s installation directory for any specific DLLs it might require or any configuration files that might need to be adjusted.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to explore further troubleshooting options or consider reaching out to gaming forums for more specialized assistance.