Madden NFL 2001
Page Last Updated: 5/27/17
Windows 10 Guide
Table of Contents:
3. dgVoodoo Setup
4. Database Patch
5. Additional Troubleshooting @ the Message Board
About This Page
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Madden NFL 2001 was and is a finicky game, but I've found a combination which allows it to run on my Windows 10 laptop with no major issues. I hope these steps work for you as well, but as always, I can't guarantee success. :)
I should also mention that I have never tested this on Windows 8 or 7, only Windows 10. My expectation is that it would work on older versions as well, but you'll have to be the guinea pig.
1. Installation
You shouldn't have too many headaches installing this - at least EA mercifully started using 32-bit setup programs in 2001.
I suggest doing a custom install and checking all the options -- what's 500 MB nowadays? Also, change the install directory to something outside of Program Files; you'll save yourself some trouble.
2. Download a No-CD Patch
This step is Windows 10-only. If you're running a previous version of Windows, you can skip this part and proceed to step 3.
Windows 10 has dropped support for programs which used SafeDisc copyright protection, which includes this game. The only way I know around this problem currently is to download a no-CD crack for the game. Click the link below to get it.
Unzip the files to your Madden 2001 directory and select yes when you're asked if you wish to replace the exisiting files. If you want, you can make a copy of the original EXEs beforehand, but it really doesn't matter -- the original will never work anyway.
3. - dgVoodoo Setup
Like 90% of everything on this site, you'll need to make use of the dgVoodoo DirectX wrapper in order to play. "Out of the box," this game has been broken graphically since the Windows XP days.
You'll want to unzip the following files to your Madden NFL 2001 game directory.
dgVoodooCpl.exe (dgVoodooSetup.exe in versions 2.53 and older)
D3DImm.dll (Located in the "MS" directory in the zip)
DDraw.dll (Located in the "MS" directory in the zip)
Run dgVoodooSetup and add your Madden folder to its configuration list. You can do that quickly by clicking the backslash icon (it’s to the left of “add” in the top right corner). You don't have to concern yourself with the other settings -- the defaults work fine in this case.
Click "Apply" and "OK" to complete the dgVoodoo setup. Check your Madden directory in File Explorer -- you should notice that a new file, dgvoodoo.conf, has been added. If this file does not exist, try re-running the configurator as an administrator.
4. Install the Database Patch
You can technically run the game at this point, but it will likely be very unstable. If you suffer from freezes/crashes, try downloading this small compatibility shim. Unzip the files to any folder and run PatchInstall.bat
You could also set the basic Windows 95/98 compatibility mode to achieve the same effect, but in my experience it really bogs the framerate down.
With the patch installed, there's nothing else to do but try launching your madnd3d exe. Heads up -- the 1 kink I don't have ironed out is that there is a delay before the game loads, and how long varies widely. It can be 5 seconds; it can be 5 minutes (yes, seriously). Don't jump to conclusions and try to CTRL/ALT/DEL your way out if it looks like your computer is locked up at first.
5. Additional Troubleshooting @ the Message Board
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For further assistance, or if you just have a question or comment about Madden 2001, please visit the message board.