It definitely works. I've learned that disabling the anti-virus for a bit will allow things to work. It doesn't seem to matter if the programs are on a "whitelist/allowed, etc" for some reason. I found out that was the reason why I wasn't able to play AOE HD. I almost gave up on it, until it dawned on me. And what do you know? It fricken worked. I know it's not always the greatest idea to disable an anti-virus, but it is the only possible culprit to why things are failing to startup in general.
P.S. Thank you for this. So, if this is used it is under the radar, yes? I am not using it for multiplayer, just single. Would it work for multiplayer if the situation arised? I know it's a terrible question. I never play multiplayer anyway, it's more for curiousity's sake.