Minecraft Forums

When I reused my old Minecraft launcher way back from my Windows 7 experience in Windows 8, I discovered that it won't download the files from s3.amazonaws.com, and it shows a Failed to launch screen. I fixed it by using the Troubleshoot method. (instructions below) Some dell laptops and even some computers can also have this problem which can be fixed by using the Troubleshoot method. (instructions below)

If you have this problem, I threw in a solution for you:
1. Right-click on the Minecraft executable and click "Troubleshoot Compatibility".
2. Wait for the Detecting Issues window to finish detecting all issues.
3. Click on Troubleshoot Program.
4. Tick the "The program worked in earlier versions of Windows but it won't run or install now". Or, if you're not sure, select "I don't see my problem listed".
5. In the "Which version of Windows did this program work on before?" page, select the operating system that Minecraft worked on before. Choose one or if you're not sure, tick "I don't know".
6. Click "Test Program" and see if Minecraft can download its files from s3.amazonaws.com.
7. Click on Next and wait until you see the next page.
8. There will be a message saying "Incompatible Program". Press finish and you're ready to play!
9. If the problem persists, downgrade to Windows 7 or lower. (Do not downgrade to Windows 2000 and below!)

I hope it works for some folks!

Thanks ^-^ It worked.

Quote from Redpanda92

Thanks ^-^ It worked.

Are you Sure? (Just checking)

Jeffrey, it works for some people who have the problems like that. It only works on some dell laptops running Windows 8, although I'm not sure of the effect on Windows 8 PCs though.