Close Topic Options

[Ordep]

Having problems running games?

I’ve composed a list of possible causes. It’s not intended to be a definitive list as there can be so many causes and permeations.

Check the “Recommended Requirements” of the game you wish to play. (These can be found on the games packaging)

Driver issues. The most common cause of problems. Check with your graphics card manufacturer for the latest updates. (Don’t forget to add a restore point before installing)

Check with your graphics card manufactures website to see if there any known issues with a particular game.

Check to see you have the latest drivers for your sound card, a common cause of games crashing.

Make sure you have the game patched. Check with the publisher’s website for the latest patches and updates. (Don’t forget to add a restore point before installing)

Check to see if you have the latest version of DirectX installed.

Try the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Run through all the tests to identify any DirectX related problems. (start - run - )

System errors, right-click My Computer, choose Manage, and view the System Event files to get more meaningful messages about system errors.

Read the “Read Me notes” that came with the game for possible conflicts, updates to the manual, FAQs etc

Close down any open Windows.

Shut down all other programmes. Including menu bar programmes, like ICQ.
Virus checkers, System utilities and screen savers can cause system degradation when playing games and may conflict with the game for system resources, potentially resulting in instability and crashes.

Try un-installing/reinstalling the game.

Run Defrag prior to installing.

Try reinstalling/repairing WinXP. Since games are RANDOM, it may just happen when the game calls a certain file that's corrupted or conflicting with the rest and cause a crash.

Try running the “Program Compatibility Wizard” in WinXP.

[Shirley_Crabtree]

I think this thread needs to be a sticky,a question mark needs to be added to the end of the title and other peoples input,adding further advice ;)

Excellent troubleshooting tips though.

Cheers.

Shirl.