Quote:
Originally Posted by Big-Geoff
I hae just installed SHIII on a windows 7 Ultimate system, I get the start up sequence and then it all goes black. Windows then pops up the message that the program cannot start.
I have tried running in XP mode (which works on my laptop OK). to no avail.
Any help please.
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XP Mode is something different than setting compatibility mode to XP SP1,2,3 level in the properties of the .exe or shortcut.
XP Mode is a form of virtualization. Basically simulating a computer with XP on it, inside your computer. This isn't suited to playing games since they require better performance than can be delivered. Though some old games might be able to make do.
Setting the compatibility mode to XP SP-something on the Compatibility tab of the file-properties isn't required. Atleast, I never had to for this game.
Things SH3 and Win7 do not get along in are:
1: Win 7 doesn't like it when files are modified in the Program Files folder. (Same goes for Vista) Which is where the default install get's located. It's a form of malware prevention by Micro$oft, but for games this is often very annoying. This is important when you get to (installing) mods, or even when making a screenshot. But this doesn't apply in your case now (trying to start the game for the first time). Anyway, the solution is to assign a different folder somewhere else on your harddrive, like: c:\Games\SH3. No fuss with UAC anymore. Only required to authenticate when installing or doing a patch, or for example the GWX Setup. Not for playing.
2: The older releases of the game came with Starforce copy protection. Ever since 1.4 this has been removed I think. If you have one of the older releases then the Starforce code isn't compatible with Win7. I can't remember what the propper solution is in this case. Never got this myself. Easiest would be to buy a modern release that has v1.4 on the dvd. I believe this problem also came with a distinct warning about older Windows OS versions, which you did not mention. So I also think this doesn't apply here.
3: This is your problem, my bet. SH3 is built with resolution 1024x768 in mind. The stock version doesn't handle modern higher resolutions. Especially in combination with Win7, and/or widescreen resolutions, the game blocks on this. It cannot set the propper resolution and crashes or hangs. A solution to this is manually set your desktop resolution to 1024x768 temporarily. See if your videocard settings allow you to set a lower resolution for the game and automatically scale up the image (while maintaining 4:3 aspect ratio). My Nvidia 9600M GT allow this. (NVidia Control Panel/Display/Adjust Desktop Size and Position)
There are or is a widescreen/hires fix for SH3. I don't know exactly what the name is, or can provide a link. But FK usually comes with these answers so she should know more.
But I'm sure a search on it would make you succesfull also. It's probably in the download section somewhere.