C&C Generals + Zero Hour startup error: Activation.dll load failed - Solution? [ Edited ]

[Dr0p-Dead]

The error just started today, before the game(s) ran without any problems..

Been trying to start the game in every single way, still no-go..

I've tried repairing the game, re-install it and re-install Origins.

Been looking on the internet for a solution/fix to this error, so far no luck.

Any chance of a fix for it?

*Edit*

After trying to install other games from the Ultimate Collection and run, same error occurs.

[Nyerguds · Accepted solution]

I suspect the solution for this might be the same as for other issues with starting Generals/ZH, namely, disabling the Origin in-game overlay feature. 

You can find it in Origin's settings. Depending on your language, the buttons may be named differently:

1. Open Origin

2. On top of the Origin Window, click on 'Origin' in the menu bar

3. In the drop down menu, click on 'Application Settings'

4. In the settings window, click on 'Origin In Game'

5. Remove the mark in the 'Enable Origin In Game' checkbox

If the checkbox is greyed out and you can't uncheck the mark, then your game is running in the background, though you can't see it in the task bar.

In that case, you can either try:

- Restart Origin

- Kill the game executable via task manager

- Log off windows and log back in

- Reboot your computer

[Nyerguds · Accepted solution]

I suspect the solution for this might be the same as for other issues with starting Generals/ZH, namely, disabling the Origin in-game overlay feature. 

You can find it in Origin's settings. Depending on your language, the buttons may be named differently:

1. Open Origin

2. On top of the Origin Window, click on 'Origin' in the menu bar

3. In the drop down menu, click on 'Application Settings'

4. In the settings window, click on 'Origin In Game'

5. Remove the mark in the 'Enable Origin In Game' checkbox

If the checkbox is greyed out and you can't uncheck the mark, then your game is running in the background, though you can't see it in the task bar.

In that case, you can either try:

- Restart Origin

- Kill the game executable via task manager

- Log off windows and log back in

- Reboot your computer

[Artooxsan]

Ok. Thanks for help Mr Nyerguds your solution helped to me.

[thebigdaddyyy]

This did NOT help me. There are, apparently, other issues. I did not have in game enabled. I did reinstall the game a few times as well no go. Thanks EA, nice QA.

[Nyerguds]

@thebigdaddyyy I'm not EA. I'm just a guy who spends far too many hours of his free time here to help people who do nothing but complain at me for no reason.

But, hello to you too, anyway 

[TotalSykho]

I am having the same issues as well. It was working just fine for me yesterday and know it's showing the same error. Is there any other fix to this? I'm pulling my hair out!

[OldDude48]

New reply to the same problem two years later.. Because of updates to Origin the solution for me was as follows:

1. Open Origin

2. On top of the Origin Window, click on 'Origin' in the menu bar

3. In the drop down menu, click on 'Application Settings'

4. In the Menu across the top, click on 'Origin In Game

5. Switch the 'Enable Origin In Game' button to "OFF"

6. Kill the game executable via task manager

7. Kill the Origin executable via task manager

8. Reboot the computer

[jmeuffel]

Where do you find origins??