well, here's EA's official response.... Somehow it doesn't suprise me....
"Hello ,
I would like to apologize for the inconveniences you are going through
believe me I know how you feel I'm a gamer myself. Unfortunately since the
Windows Vista is not supported by the game. We cannot guarantee the games
performance and stability using this operating system.
You can always return the game back to our warranty dept. in order to
receive a brand new sealed copy of the game. You could then try to bring back
this sealed copy of the game to the store where you purchased it, for you to
get a refund. Most stores accept this kind of arrangement. So should you
decide to return the game please refer to the original documentation that
came with your product, or click on the following link for replacement
instructions:
http://ea.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ea.cfg/php/enduser/cci/ea/warranty_information.php
Should you require further assistance about this or any Electronic Arts
games in the future please visit our website and review our extensive Self
Help knowledgebase
http://support.ea.com
Electronics Arts Technical Support"
Dale- Thanks for the suggestions.... I did try what you mentioned about
with and without the patches, and by running from the folder vs. the shortcut
as well as cleaning out the registry keys as you mentioned. Nothing worked.
I also, for giggles, changed the nvidia drivers back to the msoft ones, then
progressed through the nvidia releases, up to and including the beta drivers
from Jan 31.