I think there's something wrong with my version of the game. The .msi installer posts 2 warnings in yellow for versions 1.0c and 1.0e, and there's messages about the files not being the expected size.
What I did was: install AOEII and AOEIITC (from e: to c:, I no longer have the cds), install patch 1.0c, dl your .exe and place it in main AOE installation folder, dl your .msi, run the .msi, and run the 2560x1600.exe from the folder. The game ctds with an error message when I try to enter gameplay - menus work fine @ low res.
Also, take a look at the attached screenshot from the report the installer gives.
(heh, I created a Photobucket account for this image alone!)
I don't remember what I did to get the broken interface.
And thank you for the time you take with me, man!
EDIT: it seems Photobucket displays a lower resolution image... I uploaded a cropped version showing the window.