I purchased Fallout 3 GOTY and cannot get it to run properly.
I have all of the system requirements and have Windows 7. I have heard complaints that Windows 7 causes problems with Fallout 3 but I am unsure.
I can get the game to start and get to the menu, but when I attempt to start a new game, the game crashes after loading for a few seconds. I have no idea what's going on!

Do you have an Intel Graphics Chipset?

Please post a dxdiag or at the very least a list of your hardware.

Try updating your Games for Windows Live software, the version that comes on the disc is outdated. I had problems starting my GOTY edition as well until I updated that, then it worked fine.

Here's what I have:
Pentium® Dual-Core CPU T4500 @ 2.30GHz
CPU Speed: 3.435 GHz
2.9 GB RAM
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition (build 7600), 64-bit
Mobile Intel® 4 Series Express Chipset Family (1.3 GB Video RAM)
Intel® High Definition Audio HDMI

I'd update my Games for Windows Live software, but I'm actually not sure how.

just search for the dl on google. another thing yu can try is "disable games for windows live". it"s a program to keep fallout from loading GFWL

Fallout 3 requires an actual, real video graphics circuit board added to the PC, not a little Intel chip buried inside of an ASIC, sorry. You need an upgrade.

What are the Fallout 3 (PC) system requirements?

Minimum System Requirements:

* Windows XP/Vista
* 1GB System RAM (XP)/ 2GB System RAM (Vista)
* 2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
* Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 256MB RAM
(NVIDIA 6800 "GS" or better/ ATI X850 or better)
{Added my note here, the X800 Pro & up also, and
avoid the Geforce 6800 SE, and 6800 XT}
* 4.6 GBs of free hard drive space

That doesn't make much sense; I can run Dragon Age: Origins with this thing.
Plus if the graphics card wasn't good enough, wouldn't the game just not start at all? Because the beginning menu will start without a problem.

Diferent game, different engine.





Loading the menu does not need the required shader capability that the Intel chipset lacks. Loading the game world does require those shaders and since the Intel doesn't have them, it won't run beyound the menu.

That svcks, I remember it did that to me when my video card couldn't run Oblivion.
It really blows though, the video card has the power to run it, but... can't. Bloody schemes to get more money, obviously.

Actually, it doesn't have the power at all. As a chipset (It's not a card) It leeches system RAM to make up for its lack of onboard memory. Intel chipsets aren't made for gaming, more for business and basic design work. The fact they run some more recent games is more down top luck than anything.

You are right though when you say its about money. But its more about saving it. Manufacturers will give a laptop a new tech processor, loads of RAM, the latest OS, built in webcam and then put in one of the worst brands of Graphics adaptor you can get to balance costs out.

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1144957-crashes-on-new-game-button/

Link to .dll fix is in this thread. It bypasses intel's crap.

Actually, that fixed it. I read the thread and am aware that I need to be careful with it, but thanks! Works great!

Its a lifesaver :foodndrink:

Up until the point your hardware does suffer damage from forcing it to run a game it was never meant to run.

It didn't fix it, it's just working around the chip's limitation. And those types of hacks usually come with a price. Don't expect your computer to last as long as it normally would, and don't be surprised if it suddenly stops working on you altogether for no apparent reason. And in the future, get in the habit of reading the system requirements of a game before spending money on it. It's unbelievable how many people come here with complaints that the game won't run when their equipment clearly can't handle it. It's not difficult to find that information with any game if you make the effort.

I checked and saw that my system fell into the mid-range of acceptable system configs and I'm still getting CTD's and complete lock-ups within 5 minutes of exiting Vault 101 and entering the Capital Wastelands. This game should not require a heinous number of flaming hoops to jump through in order to get it running properly. Instead, I should have researched the laughable number of problems with this game and stayed away in the first place.

And maybe you should stop hyjacking threads with unrelated problems.

For the record. With FO3, I've had less than two dozen major crashes. I had a lot more than that with fully modded out Oblivion.

I'm not asking for help. I was highlighting that not everything is a cut and dry as you imply it is with the listed system requirements for the game. Enjoy FO3 for me! I'll try again when I update my system.