Many games crash on startup

[DragonRider]

Im using Windows XP SP3. Usualy I have no problems with games. But my PC needed reinstall at one point. I got a Win XP install disk from a friand and reinstalled it.I istalled all the needed drivers(motherboard, video...) I also installed programs like DirectX 9, Microsoft Visual, Net framework 4.0. And maybe some other.

But then...
>insert game name here< has encountered an error and it needs to close

So far this happened to: Freelancer (Disco runs fire), NFS Most Wanted, Galaxy on fire 2 and some others (i forgot their names).

I get this message on games that I have played before woth no problems at all. But now after my reinstall.

Could I have missed some driver/program/setting? Becouse I know the games need stuff like DirectX to run.

Thank you in advance.

[phileditin51]

Strange, I play Galaxy on Fire 2 and that usually crashes with d3d9.dll which is a directx component.

have you ran the dxdiag? that might help but I can't be certain.

[Echo 7-7]

This may be a rather basic step and something you've already done, but are you using the latest graphics drivers?

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There was a sig here, once.

[DragonRider]

About the graphics drivers, im not sure. The ones I have now are mainly from the video card CD. I think I should see if there are newer versions.

[ophidian]

This is most probably either a Direct X or a graphics driver issue. Try reinstalling them both (but be sure to remove the initial ones first) and also avoid the latest / current driver built you are using if things don't change.

I don't think it is about the Windows installation. Having it happening only with games suggests an audio / visual thingy (dx or graph drv).

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[AeternusDoleo]

About the graphics drivers, im not sure. The ones I have now are mainly from the video card CD. I think I should see if there are newer versions.

I'd say this is the most likely cause. The graphics drivers on the installer disk are from the time the card was packaged, and likely VERY outdated. Also update your audio drivers and mainboard drivers.

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From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.

Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.

[DragonRider]

I'd say this is the most likely cause. The graphics drivers on the installer disk are from the time the card was packaged, and likely VERY outdated. Also update your audio drivers and mainboard drivers.

Well, on to the updates then.