There’s a color issue with Age of Empires 2 on Windows 7. You will get a corrupted color in game. Its not a driver issue or some directx compatibility. I think its just because of the Aero theme’s poor handling of colors.

So how to fix it? simply..

1. Change to Windows Classic Theme
2. Open the resolution changer window (Right click on your desktop, and select “Change Resolution”)
3. Run Age of Empire game.

Now the color problem has gone.

Sounds silly?? nope.. IT WORKS!
Believe me, it really works..