This is the guide how the install the game and build a succesfull zoo by Microsoft. Thanx for the information! So for all the guests with troubles installing or playing: Here it is!

Creativity runs wild with "Zoo Tycoon™," the new computer simulation game from Microsoft. Giving players the ability to build and maintain the ultimate zoo, "Zoo Tycoon" is stocked with an array of exotic animals and guest attractions, all accessible with the click of a mouse. The possibilities are limited only by the player's imagination. Below is a brief guide to get play started.

Installing "Zoo Tycoon"
To begin, a player inserts the "Zoo Tycoon" disc into the CD-ROM drive, clicks install and follows the instructions on screen.

Playing in the Zoo*
The "Zoo Tycoon" main menu gives the following options:
· Play Scenario games. Overcome predetermined zoo challenges.
· Play Freeform games. Turn a grassy field into a unique zoo.
· Load Saved games. Load a previously saved game.
· Check for new "Zoo Tycoon" items. This function automatically connects to the "Zoo Tycoon" Web site, www.microsoft.com/games/zootycoon and updates the game with new animals and other zoo-related amusements.

* Note: The first time gamers play "Zoo Tycoon" they will be asked to complete a short interactive tutorial to orient them to the basic functions of the game.

Six Easy Steps to Building a Zoo
Build an exhibit.
1. Click on the Construction button on the Zoo toolbar (represented by a hammer and a shovel).
2. A panel will open. Click on the tab with a fence and select the tall, chain-linked fence.
3. Move the cursor to the grassy area; click and drag the fence-shaped cursor to construct a section of fence and then release the mouse button. Repeat until a closed-in area is created.
4. A text box will appear for you to name the exhibit. A gate will also appear in your exhibit.

Place an animal in the exhibit.
5. Click on the Adopt Animals button (represented by a panda) to access a panel of animal choices; click on the giraffe.
6. Move the cursor to the exhibit, and click inside the exhibit to place your animal.

Refinements to the giraffe exhibit can be made by carefully monitoring for a positive reaction to changes in terrain elevation or the addition of foliage to their habitat.

Managing the Zoo
Exhibits must be designed to keep the animals happy. A well-cared-for animal is more likely to frolic and entertain guests, encouraging them to stay longer and resulting in higher profits as they buy more food, beverages and gifts. More profit provides an opportunity to build bigger and better exhibits and to purchase more exotic animals.

A good zoo manager constructs exciting exhibits, makes animals and guests happy, manages funds effectively, hires hard-working staff members, oversees research and conservation programs, and makes the zoo beautiful.

The "Zoo Tycoon" toolbar on the left side of the screen features four tabs for successful zoo creation: Construction, Adopt Animals, Buy Zoo Objects and Hire Staff.

Construction. To build a great exhibit, players must give the animals adequate space, enable the guests to see the animals clearly, select the appropriate foliage and terrain for the exhibit, and hire a zookeeper to feed and care for the animals.

Adopt Animals. After an exhibit is built, the next step is to stock it with animals. Players can select from a wide variety of animals, ranging from less expensive animals such as zebras and lions to expensive, rare animals such as the black rhinoceros and Bengal tiger.

Buy Zoo Objects. This option allows players to purchase a variety of zoo outbuildings, including food, beverage and gift stands; zoo amenities such as picnic tables, trash cans and observation areas; animal shelters such as foliage and rocks; and animal toys such as bars for monkeys.

Hire Staff. As zoo managers, players oversee the work of three types of employees: zookeepers, tour guides and maintenance workers, each of whom has specific duties to maintain the zoo.

Special Features
"Zoo Tycoon" is equipped with a number of special functions that make building and managing a zoo a more enriching experience.

Animal information. When players adopt an animal from the extensive list included in Zoo Tycoon, an information panel pops up that tells about the animal, its geographical location, its habitat and other preferences.

Animal satisfaction display. When a player adds or removes items from an exhibit, a happy or sad face may instantly appear, reflecting the animal's satisfaction. If no face appears, the animals are indifferent to the change. By clicking on any animal, players will get a summary of the animal's health and happiness.

Zookeeper recommendations. This function displays a zookeeper's suggestions for correcting whatever might be wrong or substandard about the zoo. For example, if an exhibit is not getting the proper care, the zookeeper may recommend hiring another staff member for that exhibit.

Research and conservation capabilities. The zoo adventure begins with simply buying and displaying animals. With additional research, would-be tycoons can use advanced features, build more complex exhibits and adopt rare or endangered animals, thereby attracting more guests and increasing the overall profitability of the zoo.

Status buttons. On the lower navigation bar appear several icons that provide specific information about the zoo. For example, players can obtain a complete list of all the animals in their zoo or see a summary of their zoo's finances.