If you are still recieving the "failed to initialize" when starting Stronghold 3 in version 1.6.24988. Could you send the "failed_to_initialize.txt" file in your win32_release folder C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\stronghold3\bin\win32_release folder to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

May I ask how?

Also I get a "Application load error 3:0000065432" and "Failed to start the game (fail code 51)"

Verify your games cache through steam.

Been there, done that....twice actually, still can't start it....dammit!!

Shall I try to reinstall the game?? and will all the saves and user maps be deleted??

Well that didn't help.

Reinstalling the game changes nothing, still got the same annoying problem

Fixed it!

Here's what you do:

Click Start > Run

Type in:

msconfig

Uncheck the box labeled "Load Startup Items".

Now, click on the "Services" tab.

Please make sure the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box *is* checked.

Then, click "Disable All".

Click "OK" and allow your computer to restart

To set the system back to normal, launch msconfig again and choose "normal startup", close the window and restart your computer.

EDIT: Just forget what I just said......it came back again...