1. Install the game as you usually would.
2. Then install the patch by running the game a few times (Ubisofts AutoPatch should appear and ask you to update), first it will install a prepatch update the when you have installed that it will try to load the game and crash. Not to worry load up the game again and it will install the latest patch.
OR
you can just download the patch from http://anno.uk.ubi.com/pc/downloads.php#patchs
3. Add gbdhelp.dll to the system32 folder http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?dbghelp
4. Open winecfg and add anno4 to the program files list click apply
5. In the applications tab click anno4 then click the libraries tab.
6. Type gbdhelp.dll and click add then edit it to native only click apply.
7. Close winecfg and now anno 1404 should load.
For me the only problem is that i cannot create an online profile i have not confirmed this on other computers
