OS: Windows 7 x64 Enterprise
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 (drivers updated less than a week ago)
CPU: Pentium Dual-core E5500 @ 2.8 GHz each
RAM: 4096MB


I am running Morrowind.exe as administrator. I have tried running with and without compatibility mode. When running in compatibility mode, I used Windows XP SP3. No change.

I have no mods installed. I installed the game and expansions in the correct order (MW > TB > BM) and patched to the latest version (v1.6.1820) via the patch from the Bethesda website. I have altered the Morrowind.ini, but only by adding the line "AllowYesToAll=1" underneath the MaxFPS line. The game is not installed in the Program Files directory, or even on the C drive (it's on the D drive, like all my other games, which run just fine)


When I select the "New Game" option from the title screen, the new game cinematic begins to play but freezes after the first line appears on the screen. I have to push ctrl + alt + delete to get a response from my computer. From here, I open the task manager and close Morrowind or attempt to end the process. Whichever I do, Morrowind closes, but the process remains and any further attempt to end it is met with an error message saying that it can't be ended. To get the process to end I have to shut down my computer by holding the power button (as restarting or logging off hang at the shutting down/logging off screen, respectively, for an indefinite amount of time). If i try to run the game after this, nothing happens. I have to restart the computer to be able to try again.

I had this same problem on another computer, a laptop, with this same OS installed (same disc and everything). I eventually got around it by mashing the escape button after clicking the new game option. I would, however, like to be able to watch the cinematic and not have to worry about the game breaking on another certain cinematic later in the game. Also, a solution for the Morrowind process not ending (as in, some way to force it to end through some means other than the task manager) would be ideal as well just in case this issue is simply a side effect of the game being run and I need to do if every time I close it.

Thanks for your time. I apologize if I made anything hard to understand or did not provide enough information. If more is needed, please ask and I will provide it.


EDIT: I just fired up the game and minimzed at the title screen. I attempted to adjust the process priority and was greeted with the same "Access Denied" message. I then exited the game normally from the title screen, and the process ended just fine. Not sure if relevant, but just thought I would add it.