Common Problems
From Populous Wiki
Common Problems and their solutions
Populous Crashes when the Map Loads
Problem: When the map loads after the menus or after the game setup screen, Populous is crashing Solution: This is typically caused by using a resolution incompatible with your screen. Try setting the resolution ahead of the time either in the Matchmaker (Settings -> Populous -> Graphics -> Screen Resolution) for multiplayer or the in game Options for single player.