Hi Roadbike,
1. To see if it's a software conflict: Temporarily disable Startup
programs one at a time, starting with Firewall, Antivirus, and ad
blockers using:
http://new.jtsoft2001.com/windows/startup.php
You can lookup what a program does before you disable it here:
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_pages/startup_full.htm
2. Run a virus scan at:
http://housecall.antivirus.com Afterwards
Download & Run Spybot from:
http://security.kolla.de to find any
Trojans, Adware, or Spyware which could clog up your system.
3. Go to the Windows Update site for everything under Critical and
Recommended:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
4. Update DirectX and your Chipset, Sound, &Video Drivers:
For all Video / DirectX / Game and Hardware Issues, I have a
Checklist of Solutions at:
http://NibblesNbitsVideo.tk
5. Reinstall the game and any patches for it.
Here's how to properly install or reinstall a game (and/or patch):
1. Backup any saved games and/or mods to a safe location.
2. Uninstall the game using Control Panel / Add-Remove programs.
* Manually delete the game folder if Add-Remove doesn't work.
3. Clear any references to the game leftover in your registry using this
Registry Cleaner:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download460.html
4. Click My Computer / Rightclick the Drive & Choose Properties
/ Run the "Disk Cleanup..." / Next Click the "Tools" Tab and run
the "Error-Checking" and "Defragmentation" utilities.
5. After a reboot close & exit your Antivirus and any other programs
using this method:
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=331796
6. Install the game again from your original CD, do not use a backup.
7. Don't reuse the saved games/mods until you properly test the game.
--
Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
Jimmy S.
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
Game FAQs:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
Visit my Zone.com / Gaming Helpsite:
http://nibblesnbits.tk or Call / Contact
MS Support at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=sz;en-us;top
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________
| i am in the middle of a great game of civ.III when i get
| a warning that i have exceeded the maximum hyperlink
| texts. now nothing in the game seems to work. any ideas?