IL-2 GB and Clod-Blitz/Tobruk will no longer launch after system upgrade

[Geezer]

I've looked here for a solution but didn't find anything.  If I missed it, my apologies.

I badly needed a complete overhaul of my PC.  First, I needed to migrate to Windows 10 from 7 because of the CPU/MOBO selected.  All games were playing fine at the time, just sub-par.

After the switch BoS (I have all the GB series except Normandy) would still launch and play fine.  However, CloD refused to launch.  I hit the "play" button in Steam.  It changes to "Stop" then 3 seconds later changes back to "Play".  It tries to launch but fails.  I tried to launch from the shortcut and from the launcher app with same result.  I went ahead with the PC upgrade.  Went with AMD Ryzen 5600X and Asus Tuf Gaming B550M-Plus, 16Gb of DDR4 RAM and kept my Radeon 580X for now.  All in a new case.  After this, neither game would launch.  Tried all the suggested fixes I could find with no joy.  Decided to upgrade to Windows 11.  Still no luck.  Completely removed all game files from my PC (forgetting to save my config files, of course!) Uninstalled both games from Steam.  Uninstalled Steam from my PC.  Re-installed Steam.  Downloaded IL-2 set up from my account page here.  Re-installed both games on Steam.  Still, neither will launch.  What the heck am I missing?  I have reached out to the devs but am also wanting to see if anyone else might have a solution.  These are the only two games I play, and I have spent a great deal of time and money to get the best experience out of them, only to not be able to play them at all.  My PC is working fine in every other regard. 

Thanks,

dp

[Geezer]

I SOLVED IT!

 

All I needed to do was go into "Turn Windows Features On or Off", check the boxes for Legacy Components and DirectPlay. Voila.

Haven't had a chance to play them yet, but at least they launch.  I did lose all my settings and careers.  Got frustrated and forgot to 

save those files in the heat of battle.  Small potatoes.

[Geezer]

Apparently, my brain decided to start working again.  I was able to retrieve those files from the recycle bin...duh.

 

[BMA_FlyingShark]

24 minutes ago, Mysliwiec said:

Apparently, my brain decided to start working again.

How did you make it work again?

Mine doesn't always start up either you see.

 

Have a nice day.

 

[Geezer]

All I needed to do was go into "Turn Windows Features On or Off", check the boxes for Legacy Components and DirectPlay. Voila.