Here I will post some of my findings that help me to get Homeworld 1 working with my unique setup.

Current Specifications

• Make: iBUYPOWER (Laptop)
  Model: CZ-12
  Processor: Intel Core i7-2860QM @ 2.5GHz
  Cache: Level 3 8MB
  Motherboard: Compal PBL21
  Chipset: Intel Sandy Bridge Rev 09
  Southbridge: Intel HM65 Rev B2
  RAM: 8GB DDR3 PC3-10700
  Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M Rev A1
  * DRIVER: v301.42 (from LaptopVideo2Go.com, not using modded INF)
  * This should be the same as the v301.42 driver from the NVIDIA site.
  Audio: Realtek High Definition Audio / NVIDIA High Def Audio (HDMI)
  OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
  Projector: Optoma PRO360W (via HDMI)

Naturally the odd part of this setup is the projector. This may apply to a setup with an external monitor via HDMI.
NOTE: Using the laptop screen instead of an external monitor/projector makes these settings unnecessary (but it won't/shouldn't break anything).

PROBLEM: Homeworld main screen won't show either because the application won't stay active, or there's a black screen with sound. Constant changing of screen resolution is also occurring.

SOLUTION: Edit the registry.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Sierra On-Line\Homeworld

• deviceToSelect = d3d

I found best results come from setting the screen resolution and color depth to the same as your desktop. The less homeworld.exe has to change the screen settings the better.

In my case, resolution is 1280x720 and color depth is 32, so...

• screenHeight = 720
  screenWidth = 1280
  screenDepth = 32

NOTE: These settings are in hexadecimal format in the registry, so when editing manually change the "Base" to "decimal".

The attached file is a REG file that applies the settings you see in this post. If your screen resolution is different then I suggest you just manually edit the registry instead of using the attached file.

The rest of what you find on Google still applies:

• Compatibility: Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5
  [√] Disable Desktop Composition
  [√] Run as Administrator