tell you what: you can pay me back by voting my next bryce image for the bryce hot 20! =) just kidding

Go to to the program's shortcut icon and right click it. Choose properties. Then, in the properties dialogue, there should be a tab that says "compatibility". Go there, then check the box that says "run this program in compatability mode for:" and then choose windows 98 / ME from the drop down list. disable the 256 colors, 640x480 screen res, and the disable visual themes check boxes. Go OK, give it another shot.

windows compatability modes typically don't work for shiet. But try it out anyway.

I know what you mean by the linking process... but wouldn't that break polygon seams? I don't believe Bryce matches the edges... I haven't tried though!