I didn't have this problem, probably because VF1 isn't installed on this machine. I had three choices: "Play", "Buy" and "Unlock". I entered the activation key I'd been sent by email after buying and It worked fine.

OK, we have an update for everyone. This problem is not related to the installation and activation of the original VF1 game. Instead, if you have VV5 installed and activated, you will encounter this error. We will have a workaround for everyone shortly, so please submit a Support Ticket and we will provide a solution to you as soon as we can!

We are vey sorry for this issue, and we will make it right!

Thanks Support Ticket Submitted

I have an older computer and it's stuck at the first page "Oh look. A big broken house."

I have just submitted a Support Ticket, but Barbara I don't have Virtual Villagers 5 on this system and I'm still receiving the error

We're still looking into this issue. We know there's an issue with VV5 already installed, but that may not be the extent of the problem. What LDW games do you have installed and activated?

I have A New Home, The Secret City and the original Virtual Families. I have the serial codes for all 3 so, if need be, I could try uninstalling them temporarily - of course, only as a last ditch effort as necessary to rule out what is causing the issue.

Princess_Atta, uninstalling the games would probably not resolve the issue, since the codes are stored in the Windows registry and wouldn't be removed by uninstalling. The best thing to do is to submit a Support Ticket and wait for a new build that will not have this issue.

Okay thanks! I will just wait patiently then

We have a new build (for the error with the purchased version), and Heather has said that she will start working on the submitted tickets now. Hopefully, you won't have to wait long!

(And, again, we're very sorry about this problem. )