I experienced some crashes, couldn't finish the final chapter of a play through in FO:3 and had similar issues in FONV, but I thought I read somewhere FONV was supported by Win 7 and sent a help request into Bethesda Customer Support. What a joke that was. BTW, just for kicks and giggles I updated my system to the latest and greatest drivers, and it crashed more than on my currently very stable system - had to roll back to my regular image. This is Bethesda's message they sent back to me. After reading it you've got ask yourself what universe Bethesda lives in?
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Hello XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX,
Fallout 3 is not supported on Windows 7 for the reasons below.
Please note that the program is not tested or supported in Windows 7. You *may* be able to run the program using compatibility mode in Windows 7, but we cannot guarantee the program will function properly in this new operating system.
Program compatibility is a mode in Windows that lets you run programs written for earlier versions of Windows. Most programs written for Windows XP also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not run at all. If an older program doesn't run correctly, start the Program Compatibility Wizard to simulate earlier versions of Windows.
To change compatibility settings for a program:
NOTE: Do not use the Program Compatibility Wizard on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs, because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.
NOTE: If the Compatibility options are grayed out, then it is a 64 bit program and cannot be changed.
1. Right-click the icon for the program.
2. Click Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box "Run this program in compatibility mode".
5. Choose the version of Windows the program was made for. For best compatibility, choose the latest Windows version the program was written for. Check the system requirements for the program if you are not sure.
6. It may also be necessary to check the box for "Run this program as an administrator."
7. Click Apply and OK.
For Fallout New Vegas please update your graphics drivers as they are out of date at Driver Date/Size: 7/10/2010 06:38:00, 12471400 bytes. Your sound drivers are out of date at Date and Size: 9/3/2010 17:18:12, 2480104 bytes. Please update the sound drivers. Please disable any Dual Graphics Card Support and disable any Dual/Multi-Monitor Support. Please also disable background applications.
It is strongly recommended to turn off all background applications when running graphically intensive programs. Many applications can cause errors such as GPFs, color scrambling, loss of sound effects or music, etc. Taking a minute to turn off these applications can save you the trouble of rebooting later. Background applications include such things as System Agent, Norton Utilities, Internet chat utilities, virus checkers and screen savers. Crash guard programs such as First Aid for Windows can also cause problems.
1. Click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen.
2. Click on Start Search
3. Type in msconfig and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
4. Click the Continue button if the message "Windows needs your permission to continue" appears. If this message does not appear, please continue to step 5.
5. On the General Tab, choose Selective Startup.
6. Uncheck the option to Load startup items.
7. Click Apply, then Ok, and restart the system when prompted.
Best Regards - Joe T