Microsoft KB Archive/936828

= After you install Games for Windows on Windows Vista, you cannot find the game =

Article ID: 936828

Article Last Modified on 12/4/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Halo 2 for Windows Vista
 * Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe
 * Microsoft Flight Simulator X Standard
 * Microsoft Age of Empires III
 * Microsoft Age of Empires III : The WarChiefs
 * Microsoft Gears of War (PC)
 * Microsoft Shadowrun (PC)
 * Microsoft Viva Pinata (PC)
 * Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2
 * Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure
 * Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger
 * Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species
 * Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania
 * Microsoft Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection

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SYMPTOMS
After you install Microsoft Games for Windows, you cannot find the game in Windows Vista. No shortcuts are created on the desktop. The game is not listed in the Programs menu.



RESOLUTION
When you install Games for Windows on Windows Vista, the shortcuts to the games are located in the Games Explorer folder. The Games Explorer folder is the central location for all the games on the computer. In the Games Explorer folder, you can find and open the games that are installed on the computer, download game information, and keep track of the games that you have played most recently.

To open the Games Explorer folder, click Start, click All Programs, click Games, and then click Games Explorer.



Note New games usually appear automatically in the Games Explorer folder. However, some earlier games might not automatically appear in the Games Explorer folder. If the game does not automatically appear in the Games Explorer folder, drag the game's executable file to the Games Explorer folder. The game's executable file is located in the folder where you installed the game.



MORE INFORMATION
When you select the game in the Games Explorer folder and then right-click the title, you receive a list of options. These options change based on the game. Some common options are as follows:
 * Play

Start and play the game.
 * Saved games

Access the saved game files. This option is not available for all games.
 * Copy

Copy the game shortcut from the Games Explorer folder to the desktop or to another location for easy access.
 * Pin to Start Menu

Have the game appear on the Start menu.
 * Add to Quick Launch

Add the game to the quick launch menu. The quick launch menu is located in the lower-left corner next to the Start button.
 * Customize

Change the properties of the shortcut. For example, change the compatibility mode.
 * Hide this game

Hide game shortcuts in the Games Explorer folder.

For more information about help and about how to use the Games Explorer folder in Windows Vista, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/games.mspx

For more information about Games for Windows, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/AboutGFW/Pages/gamesForWindows.aspx

Additional query words: icon missing

Keywords: kbtshoot kbprb kbexpertisebeginner KB936828

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