Walkthroughs for custom maps.

The HD-Mod still wouldn't install on my game.

Have you tried older versions (I don't remember if I gave you the links)?
Here are version 2.98 and version 3.07. They don't require installation; you just need to extract them from the archive into the "Heroes" folder and run them.
I recently installed the latest version, and it's even more convenient. I also sometimes use a plugin that prevents the plague from lasting a month and monsters from appearing in inappropriate places.