I do enjoy trying new things and appreciate the help I received in the process.

OK, Win10 file structure. The Program executable loads in Program Files, as expected only the Game folder does not hold the game data files.

C:\Program Files (x86)\EIS\TWGS

All of the game data files are kept in the Users directory:

C:\Users\Cruncher\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\EIS\TWGS\Game

I had to copy my saved games to the users Directory and in the Control Panel point them to the correct path. See Imported GameA.

Micro was helping me figure all of this out and he created a default test game in slot J. You'll notice that the game file is in the Users directory. See Test GameJ.

Imported GameA

Test GameJ

Here you'll notice a new game started looks as if its in the Program Files Directory.

I'm sure Micro will best explain what he helped me with on the networking and settings side of things. But in addition to normal setup he also had to make sure the Game folder in the "Users" directory had permissions for all users.

And finally, I cannot run the beta with the flash client, that version kept
crashing so I'm running TWGS220B now.

Long day and evening, but with Star Killer's generosity and Micro's expertise Cruncher's TWGS is running an stable!

I think you covered it pretty well. The only other thing is, that you should disable User Account Control (UAC). If UAC is disabled BEFORE you install TWGS, I think the games will be stored in the program files directory instead of the user directory.

@Micro

Can you enable UAC after you get TW installed?

I prefer to have it enabled on the system for the extra level of protection it does provide regardless of how annoying it is to deal with.

You might be able to get it to run, I haven't tried it.

p.s. I have never had UAC protect me from anything!

I cant get past wrong version error now that I have the game at least up, barely.

https://i.imgur.com/GAw3X0Z.jpg

also, how do I input all of the codes I bought back in 2002 for expanded nodes, gold aliens/editors, etc?
Thanks!

The update I installed today (3/18/2019) broke the link from TWGS to the game files.

Please be sure your Win10 TWGS is pointing to:

C:\Users\*Your computer Admin*\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\EIS\TWGS\Game

Make sure to view hidden files to see the AppData directory.