Fallout 3 Windows 7 crash on startup, tried patch, xlive.dll fix, ffdshow does nothing

Anonymous
2010-01-21T03:52:35+00:00

My laptop should be a sufficient enough system to run Fallout 3.

Windows 7

core i3

4gb ram 32/64x

cocoa 2 smartaudio

intel graphics hd

I downloaded the patch from the Fallout website, then got the xlive.dll error, downloaded the patch to fix that, continued to crash on startup, searched for ffdshow couldn't find it, when I found it in the registry enabling or disabling it has nothing to do with gameplay or fallout port, also read elsewhere that it's another fix that doesn't work - especially for windows 7 users.  Tried running in Vista and XP, I'm set to run everything as admin., none of this ____ works.  I bought this game retail, since when does a game not work?  AND when I paid full price for it?  This is ____ stupid.  Is it the graphics card - I don't think so?  Please help, I don't play much games, was really looking forward to trying this one out.  But I guess things just aren't made the way they used to...to work.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Gaming

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-01-22T03:50:52+00:00

Hi litleredpoetess

I would suggest you to check with the manufacturer regarding Windows 7 compatibility. 

You may even check for the compatibility from the below link: Windows compatibility center: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx

Try installing the setup file in Windows Vista or XP compatibility mode. Steps to follow:

i.        Right Click on the game (On .exe file)

ii.      Click on Properties

iii.    Click on Compatibility tab

iv.     Select Run this program in compatibility mode and select windows vista

Below link for more reference: Make older programs run in this version of Windows: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Make-older-programs-run-in-this-version-of-Windows

If the program or software is not compatible with windows 7 and if you are not able to run the software in compatibility mode then you need to contact the manufacturer of the software or program, for there are any update or patch for Windows 7.

Thanks and Regards:

Samhrutha G S - Microsoft Support.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Was this answer helpful?

2 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

48 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-10-10T19:15:38+00:00

    Nope... not working.... I downloaded the d3d9.dll file, then made a copy of it and named it d3dx9.dll, renamed the fallout3 folder to fallout 3, set the comptibility to XP (SP2), modified the fallout_default.ini file, deleted file from video folder... I did EVERYTHING what was mentioned under this topic and it still doesn't work... I have an acer aspire, i5-2410M, 2.3Ghz, AMD Radeon HD 6650M, 4Gb DDR3, so it's not my laptop... I think I should just give up and accept the fact that I'm never gonna play the game i've been waiting for since it came out.... actually since fallout 1 came out

    The same thing has been happening to me i fixed it by changing the compatibility from windows xp (service pack 3) to windows 7 works geat!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-10-31T04:53:38+00:00

    Hey everyone.  It took me quite a while to find the answer to this one.  I recently upgraded my older laptop to a new Windows 7 OS based 64 bit core I7 Dell.  I reinstalled my copy of Fallout 3 GOY edition, and it would crash upon startup, as soon as I clicked "new game".  After reading hundreds of posts about Fallout 3 crashing, I finally came across this you tube video that showed me the fix. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GN5HbMsMVE  Basically, the original Fallout 3 (and Fallout 3 GOY edition) is missing the d3d9.dll file in the Fallout 3 directory.  Downloading this dll and putting it into the Fallout 3 directory fixed this for me instantly. 

    Hope it helps!

    Thank you so much I have been trying off and on for 2 years to get this damned game to work. Finally some helpful advice that worked!!! :)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-11-01T09:55:31+00:00

    Thank you this totally worked for me. I had been trying every solution for 2 days but this one did it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2012-01-31T10:48:54+00:00

    i have problem to instal any patch for fallout3 on my win7 64bit.when run installacion of patch and almost scale goes to 100% setup launches game and stays unpached.i tryed every possiblae patch and same result.what to do?this is because win7 or?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments