had to re-install the game

i have the saved game file but can not get new install to recognise it

can any body tell me how its supposed to work

So when you uninstalled you told it to keep your saves? And are you saying you know where they are located? If not , they are found in "Mydocuments/Mygames/Fallout3/Saves" (depending on your system the Mydocuments might be different , but the rest is the same)

So first question , did you change the location of the game install ?

Second , did you uninstall GFWL ? And have you downloaded and installed their latest version http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/pc/downloadclient (Do you play when logged in , or off line?)

Third , were you running the game patched to 1.7 version before? And did you repatch on this reinstall?

If all those awnsers are yes ... then you can try deleteing the "Fallout3" folder found under "Mydocuments/Mygames" (move your save files though)

Then run the game from "FalloutLauncher.exe" It will set your video and remake those files ... then drop your saves back in their location.

Hope that helps .