Ok so even after getting the d3d9.dll file I was still stuttering terribly. So I decided to load 7 on another HDD and the game worked without issue!!!! So I was thinking WTF! Went back to my main install and removed 2 things from the installed programs:


Vodei Multimedia Processor 2.10
XBOX Audio Driver .020.2

Restarted and loaded up FO:NV and OMG!!!! IT WORKED!!!!!


Other things to fix crashing/performance: running the ATI d3d9.dll offered better frame rates for me, yet saw my card as an 8800gs O_o
Disable 2nd display fixed startup crash
removed FFDSHOW to kill audio lag
installed 260.99 driver

Hope this helps someone.

Hmm, does anyone know if having two sound cards installed messes things up? I currently have two so that I can easily switch between using speakers and headphones without having to unplug and re-plug. I was initially worried about having two sets of sound card drivers (Realtek and Creative) on my system but it doesn't appear to be a problem for most games.

Yup, it's known to mess the Gamebryo engine up in passed games. I see no reason why it would be any different now. (No guaranties but worth a shot.)

I have 2 sound cards currently, with no problems now that all the goofy codecs are removed from my system.

I've not tried it myself, but some sound cards are capable of running two outputs. Realtek has a tweak that will let you turn another port, like the microphone in, into a second output line. Just do a Google search for setting up a sound card with two outputs.