I spent 3 hours trying to load the game which stopped repeatedly with that bink32.dll error. So I switched off the computer and came back a while later. It loaded no problems. I then went to play the game, and the only thing I could get was the menu.. I pressed PLAY but a while later got this message " Original disc could not be found or authenticated." Yes the disc was in the DVD driver. I tried turning off the computer again..but it didn't work. So I have this great game that i cannot play. Any suggestions?

Welcome to the Forums!

As a start, read though sections 1 and 4 under Installing and Re-Installing EoA in Myst V: Clean Boot Install/Re-install With Win XP. Do whatever is appropriate from these sections.

G
I have done almost everything that you have instructed, and I must say that this seems to be a bit overboard to me. I am not a computer wizard and I am not able to understand all of your instructions. Although I have spent a further 10 hours tweaking, deleting and updating program files. I have turned everything that I can think of off but alas....no joy!
The game still loads fine but when I go to PLAY the game and load the disc in DVD Drive (E it comes up with a message "original disc could not be found or authenticated. 0 8 0118-000089". I think its time to get a replacement disc, don't you? L

You can certainly try getting a replacement disc, as long as it's from a reputable vendor. However, the replacement disc may well give the same error - I suspect that you have a hardware and/or system problem.

It's also possible that the EoA disc isn't really clean. DVD's can build up a microfilm/haze coating which interferes with your drive's disc reads and can also cause games to play incorrectly. Try cleaning the EoA DVD to remove smudges, fingerprints, any sort of microfilm/haze (which may be invisible to the eye), etc. Don't just look at the DVD and say "yeah, clean". Actually clean the shiny side using either water-clear rubbing alcohol (additive-free, no witch hazel or whatever, no green or blue color) or a warm mild dishwashing detergent solution. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth using a center-outward motion, NOT circular around the disc. Remove any scratches deep enough to catch a fingernail using one of the repair kits available at Best Buy, Circuit City et al, or from an Internet supplier.

Some questions. Did you:
1. Carry out section 4 (re-install EoA without support files) under Installing and Re-Installing EoA in Myst V: Clean Boot Install/Re-install With Win XP?

2. Remove all virtual disks installed by CD/DVD burning or copying programs, then play EoA?

3. Disable all programs that enable drag-and-drop-file-transfer CD/DVD burning, aka packet writing software or Drive Letter Access (DLA), then play EoA?

4. Install the most recent firmware for your disc drive, then play EoA?

What is a virtual disk and where do I find them?

What is meant by Drive Letter Access and where do I find them?

Thanks for all the other info as well. I have done the other things and am in the process of doing these 2 options. Ta L

A virtual disk is a file on your hard disk that appears (looking at its icon) to be an external disk. You have to create one on purpose; they are not just hanging around on your hard disk because you have a computer.

From Heimdall G's description, Drive Letter Access is a program that may be (or is) on your computer.