In that case, you are probably being prevented from editing that file by one of Vista's security features. Vista does things very differently from XP when it comes to what's installed in Program Files and how it is handled. There are situations where even being an Admin isn't enough to let you change files that are in Program Files.

There are a couple of things we can try. The first is looking for a 'shadow' copy of that file and deleting it. Vista, in certain circumstances, puts a backup copy of changed files in a special directory called VirtualStore. You'll find that directory here: C:\Users\<your user name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ (you'll need to select your user account where it says <your user name> when navigating to that location). If you find anything in there related to Virtual Families, you should delete it, and again try editing the file I mentioned earlier.

If that doesn't work, you should completely uninstall Virtual Families again, reinstall the game, only this time do not let the game run immediately after installing it. Uncheck both of those check boxes, and close the installer. Then run the game and see if it will launch properly (in full screen). Leave it in full screen, quit the game and try to launch it again to see if it still works.

And, please, let me know what happens.

i cant find my virtual store! i hit my user name and it says well, its easier to take a screen shot! i dont have an app data.

It's a hidden folder. The only way to get to it is by using the navigation I provided above. Double click your C: drive, then Users, then Esther, then AppData, then Local, then VirtualStore.

i think something must be wrong with my computer i still have no app data file!

There's probably nothing wrong with your computer, Esther. You need to make sure that you display hidden folders.


To do that, you need to click on Tools=>Folder Options. Then, on the View tab, select View hidden files and folders.

ok i FINALLY found it! i checked through all the files in the virtual store and there was nothing in there about VF.

i called my brother-in-law down and he helped. he said as long as i can play it he doesnt see why im worried. i told him its not normal to have to run the installer just to be able to play the game. i messed it up somehow and i cant fix it. i even told him i had Barbara helping who is a computer genius.

OK, then the next thing to do is part 2 of my earlier post, which should fix the uneditable file situation:

ok i uninstalled reinstalled unchecked the boxes double clicked the icon and it did the same thing. i even ran the installer again just so i could put it on full screen mode then quit. i just tried the icon again same thing.

is there a phone number i could call and talk to someone? i checked the contact us page but its only addresses. i would love to be able to talk to u, or anyone directly!