ok, i used to play games on my p.c, but, i had to re-install windows, so i did, but when i go to install a game, it just doesn't load, im not 100% sure what video card and stuff i have, can anyone help ?   :-[ :brick: :'(

i installed it over the orignal one, no format, im running windows xp, it will install games, just won't load them up after install, so i can't play, i have tried plenty of games : midnight club II, GTA : vc, warcraft III, carmageddon TDR 2000, codename: outbreak.... i ahve tried nearly all my games, and none of them work  

yeah, it usually starts to load, but theres is like no picture, jus sound and a blank screen, or sometimes it runs really slow, or just cuts off for no reason. i'm not very good with hardware side of p.cs, im more web-design me, so sorry if i'm not being much help.

Hi carnaging

Just a guess at this stage, but I think this may be a DirectX problem.

If you click Start, choose Run and type DXDIAG followed by clicking OK, the DirectX dignostics program will start.

On the Display tab, you'll find a Test Direct3D button. Click this and follow the instructions.

Let us know how you get on

right, ok, first the reason for the windows re-install was i kept on getting an error mesage sayin key window files have been deleted, please reinstall, so i did, so thats the re-install covered, i tried the direct x thingy, and everything seems to be in order, i ran all the tests. right ok, only one choice left at the moment, get SP1, is that service pack ?  

:)cool, cool, i'll do that now then.

When windows 2000 (2K) came out it had a lot of bits missing the same as XP did so instead of having lots of individual updates to fix the faults they brought out SERVICE PACKS,the 2K one is SP4 and XP has SP1 and Office XP has SP2.
The problem is that even with the sevice packs they still seem to find lots more updates for XP so no doubt they will be bringing another SP 1A out soon ,I think I heard it was being made a few weeks back :doggie:

I dont think they did any for ME Michelle,theyre mainly security issues so was surprised that Robo said it affected the games but anythings possible with Uncle Bills Microcrapware I suppose