I had this same problem. Here is the solution to make it work in windows vista/7 32 and 64bit versions:
1. Make sure you have the latest DirectX 9.0c installed. If you are not sure, simply download it at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43...laylang=en
2. Go to your "User" directory (for example C:/Users/YourName)
3. Open the My Documents folder
4. Find and open the folder named "Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data" (or without Zero Hour for normal C&C Generals)
5. Right click, select "new" from the menu that pops up, and finally select "Text Document"
6. Copy the lines below into the new text document. Save the file as options.ini (remember you're changing the extension from .txt to .ini)
AntiAliasing = 4
BuildingOcclusion = yes
CampaignDifficulty = 2
DrawScrollAnchor = yes
DynamicLOD = no
ExtraAnimations = yes
GameSpyIPAddress = 0.0.0.0
Gamma = 50
HeatEffects = yes
IPAddress = 0.0.0.0
IdealStaticGameLOD = Low
LanguageFilter = false
MaxParticleCount = 5000
MusicVolume = 50
Resolution = 800 600
Retaliation = yes
SFX3DVolume = 72
SFXVolume = 64
ScrollFactor = 100
SendDelay = no
ShowSof****erEdge = yes
ShowSoftWaterEdge = yes
ShowTrees = yes
StaticGameLOD = Custom
TextureReduction = 0
UseAlternateMouse = yes
UseCloudMap = yes
UseDoubleClickAttackMove = no
UseLightMap = yes
UseShadowDecals = yes
UseShadowVolumes = yes
VoiceVolume = 78
7. You may have to change the line, "Resolution = 800 600" to your computer's resolution. However, regardless of your true resolution, do not change this unless you need to later. It will be set to the appropriate setting once you choose the option in-game
8. Right Click on your Generals / Zero Hour shortcut or game exe file.
9. In the Compatibility Tab select Windows XP SP3 and click "Run as administrator" option too (if you are not already an admin)
10. Click Okay and run the game.
11. Enjoy!
If the game starts but becomes minimized immediately then you will want to edit the resolution line in your options.ini file. Play with a few resolutions, I've found that 1440 900 is a good one to start it with on widescreen monitors. 800 600 is good for normal aspect ratios. The game will set these to more appropriate values once you change your settings in-game.
1. Make sure you have the latest DirectX 9.0c installed. If you are not sure, simply download it at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43...laylang=en
2. Go to your "User" directory (for example C:/Users/YourName)
3. Open the My Documents folder
4. Find and open the folder named "Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data" (or without Zero Hour for normal C&C Generals)
5. Right click, select "new" from the menu that pops up, and finally select "Text Document"
6. Copy the lines below into the new text document. Save the file as options.ini (remember you're changing the extension from .txt to .ini)
AntiAliasing = 4
BuildingOcclusion = yes
CampaignDifficulty = 2
DrawScrollAnchor = yes
DynamicLOD = no
ExtraAnimations = yes
GameSpyIPAddress = 0.0.0.0
Gamma = 50
HeatEffects = yes
IPAddress = 0.0.0.0
IdealStaticGameLOD = Low
LanguageFilter = false
MaxParticleCount = 5000
MusicVolume = 50
Resolution = 800 600
Retaliation = yes
SFX3DVolume = 72
SFXVolume = 64
ScrollFactor = 100
SendDelay = no
ShowSof****erEdge = yes
ShowSoftWaterEdge = yes
ShowTrees = yes
StaticGameLOD = Custom
TextureReduction = 0
UseAlternateMouse = yes
UseCloudMap = yes
UseDoubleClickAttackMove = no
UseLightMap = yes
UseShadowDecals = yes
UseShadowVolumes = yes
VoiceVolume = 78
7. You may have to change the line, "Resolution = 800 600" to your computer's resolution. However, regardless of your true resolution, do not change this unless you need to later. It will be set to the appropriate setting once you choose the option in-game
8. Right Click on your Generals / Zero Hour shortcut or game exe file.
9. In the Compatibility Tab select Windows XP SP3 and click "Run as administrator" option too (if you are not already an admin)
10. Click Okay and run the game.
11. Enjoy!
If the game starts but becomes minimized immediately then you will want to edit the resolution line in your options.ini file. Play with a few resolutions, I've found that 1440 900 is a good one to start it with on widescreen monitors. 800 600 is good for normal aspect ratios. The game will set these to more appropriate values once you change your settings in-game.