Fallout 3 on Windows 7.

[Billy93]

I did patch it after installing my drivers, but then it stopped working. I reinstalled my drivers and did what you guys said and it worked a treat. Thanks alot !

 

[sygnus21]

Good. Glad you got it fixed.

Enjoy.

 

[Dj3D]

Hate to bring this subject back to light for you guys and girls, but I seem to have the problem with starting a new game. I set compatibility to Vista RTM and ran as an administrator on the launch. Also, all my security permissions are fully enabled. I saw a few posts with the same problem as mine, but never saw any replies to the posts. So, the launcher opens and I run the game. The main menu loads just fine, actually. I click new and attempt to start a new game. It attempts to start the game as the loading crosshair in the bottom of the screen begins to spin and then it crashes. This leads me to believe that it's trying to write a save game at that point, but all my parameters are fully enabled. However the read-only box is checked on, which concerns me. I don't know if it's my laptop's specs, but I doubt it because the game initially loads up... Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Descendth3sky]

Hate to bring this subject back to light for you guys and girls, but I seem to have the problem with starting a new game. I set compatibility to Vista RTM and ran as an administrator on the launch. Also, all my security permissions are fully enabled. I saw a few posts with the same problem as mine, but never saw any replies to the posts. So, the launcher opens and I run the game. The main menu loads just fine, actually. I click new and attempt to start a new game. It attempts to start the game as the loading crosshair in the bottom of the screen begins to spin and then it crashes. This leads me to believe that it's trying to write a save game at that point, but all my parameters are fully enabled. However the read-only box is checked on, which concerns me. I don't know if it's my laptop's specs, but I doubt it because the game initially loads up... Any help would be appreciated.

yea ive been having the same problem.. the game installes fine on my windows 7. i enable it for everyone in sharing files and such but then wen i click new game and it starts to load a window pops up saying Fallout3 has stopped running, and i have no idea why

 

[shadowsbane]

Hey guys, first post here and I'm already begging for help. I've read through nearly all of this thread and tried several things, but to no avail. I've tried disabling my page file as suggested elsewhere, lowering graphics settings (water multisampling specifically was mentioned here), running as administrator, running in compatibility mode, adjusting permissions, anything I could think of.

My problem isn't the install loop that took up a few pages of this thread, rather it's crashes during play. The crashes seem to be random and happen when I've been playing anywhere between 30 seconds to an hour and a half. They're not related to saves because I quicksave very often. The game just seems to freeze the screen as if I were looking at a screenshot of my gameplay with no artifacting. However, the ambient sounds continue, such as music and wind.

My system specs are in my profile, I'm running a clean install of Windows 7 Pro and don't have trouble with any other games or programs. I've technically got two separate installs of Fallout 3 because I originally purchased the regular version through Steam and have had the problems on this system, then I purchased the GOTY edition also through Steam and have problems on that install as well.

I've also run the latest patch from Bethesda's website. If you need any more information let me know.

EDIT: Also, I get no error messages. If I don't do anything for 10 minutes it will just sit there and do nothing for 10 minutes until I Ctrl+Alt+Del out of it and task manager tells me it's not responding.

 

[sygnus21]

My problem isn't the install loop that took up a few pages of this thread, rather it's crashes during play. The crashes seem to be random and happen when I've been playing anywhere between 30 seconds to an hour and a half. They're not related to saves because I quicksave very often. The game just seems to freeze the screen as if I were looking at a screenshot of my gameplay with no artifacting. However, the ambient sounds continue, such as music and wind.

I mentioned it earlier in this thread but check your saves folder and clear out all but the last 5-6 saves. For some reason when you have a lot of saves files the game slows down and crashes. Clear out your save folder and see what happens.

Your save files should be in C:\Users\yourname\Documents\My Games\Fallout3\Saves

This has worked wonders for me.

If that doesn't work, uninstall both instances of the game, reinstall the one you want, probably GOTY edition, than play and see what happens. Make sure you backup your save folder before uninstalling, then copy the save folder back after reinstall. Also keep the clear out saves tip in mind.

Good luck.

 

[Warluck]

Hello everyone, I've read through almost all the thread and I did not find a solution (or missed it).

I have Windows 7 64bits Ultimate (RTM).

I did install the latest NVIDIA drivers which are 195.62

I installed Fallout 3 GOTY with all expansions and patched it to 1.7.

I can start the game, no probleme there but once I start moving around I get black screen and then get back to the game and then black screen again until the game simply crashes, sometimes back to windows and sometimes I have to reboot. No messages anywhere. To be honest, I don't know where to look and I would really like that game to work.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks

EDIT : I have the same error wheter I am playing old saved games or starting a new one and if I do start a new one I get the black screen during the introduction movie. I've seen a report to windows stating that my video had detected smething wrong...

 

[sygnus21]

With all the problems people seem to be having with fallout 3 I would suggest you visit the Bethesda Softworks Forums -> Fallout 3 since they're the experts on the game. Like we specialize in Windows 7 here.

Not trying to turn anyone away, its just that they deal with the game more than we do.

Good luck.

 

[Haxsys]

I've been keeping an eye on this feed via e-mail, and I'm becoming quite interested in solving this issue(s). Providing I can make the time to do it.

I have a few questions I'd like to ask those whom are having the issues, the answers will help me move in on the first part of my investigation.
1.) What specific version of Windows 7 are you running? (Both commercial title and build Number)
(Example: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition - Build 7600 [6.1.7600])

2.) Upgrade or Clean Install?

3.) Did you change ANY hardware for the migration to Windows 7?

4.) Is Fallout 3 the VERY first thing you install, AFTER the installation of windows 7?

5.) Were you running FO3 on the exact same hardware setup w/ previous OS?

6.) Are you running all systems at stock speeds, or are you overclocked?

7.) What Specific FallOut3 version are you installing, and are you using any mods / patches?


Like I said, for those of you still needing help, please answer those questions honestly, and literally.
From this point on, my questions will vary for each person, logically.

I'll get down to the bottom of the issues, one way or another!

~~~Haxsys

 

[Haxsys]

Hello everyone, I've read through almost all the thread and I did not find a solution (or missed it).

I have Windows 7 64bits Ultimate (RTM).

I did install the latest NVIDIA drivers which are 195.62

I installed Fallout 3 GOTY with all expansions and patched it to 1.7.

I can start the game, no probleme there but once I start moving around I get black screen and then get back to the game and then black screen again until the game simply crashes, sometimes back to windows and sometimes I have to reboot. No messages anywhere. To be honest, I don't know where to look and I would really like that game to work.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks

EDIT : I have the same error wheter I am playing old saved games or starting a new one and if I do start a new one I get the black screen during the introduction movie. I've seen a report to windows stating that my video had detected smething wrong...

First thing I would do is try an older driver from Nvidia.
What card(s) are you running, currently?

 

[Warluck]

Hello, I am glad to here from you.... ;o)

1.) What specific version of Windows 7 are you running? (Both commercial title and build Number)
(Example: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition - Build 7600 [6.1.7600])

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits, Build 6.1.7600

2.) Upgrade or Clean Install?

Clean Install

3.) Did you change ANY hardware for the migration to Windows 7?

Nope, I did not but later on I installed a 1 tera green hard drive on which none of my windows nor Fallout is running.

4.) Is Fallout 3 the VERY first thing you install, AFTER the installation of windows 7?

Nope and EVERY OTHER THING I installed is running perfectly.


5.) Were you running FO3 on the exact same hardware setup w/ previous OS?

Yes (except for the new hard drive). OS was Windows XP SP2

6.) Are you running all systems at stock speeds, or are you overclocked?

Stock Speed.

7.) What Specific FallOut3 version are you installing, and are you using any mods / patches?

I installed GOTY Edition (I got the black screen problem) and then I installed the 1.7 patch and still have the black screen issue described above.

To further add informations, I am using NVIDIA Drviers 195.62. I downgraded the drivers to version 181.71 as it was suggested somewhere with the exact same issue.

Thanks for helping.

 

[Warluck]

Hello everyone, I've read through almost all the thread and I did not find a solution (or missed it).

I have Windows 7 64bits Ultimate (RTM).

I did install the latest NVIDIA drivers which are 195.62

I installed Fallout 3 GOTY with all expansions and patched it to 1.7.

I can start the game, no probleme there but once I start moving around I get black screen and then get back to the game and then black screen again until the game simply crashes, sometimes back to windows and sometimes I have to reboot. No messages anywhere. To be honest, I don't know where to look and I would really like that game to work.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks

EDIT : I have the same error wheter I am playing old saved games or starting a new one and if I do start a new one I get the black screen during the introduction movie. I've seen a report to windows stating that my video had detected smething wrong...

First thing I would do is try an older driver from Nvidia.
What card(s) are you running, currently?

I am running a NVIDIA 9600 GT and this morning I installed version 181.71 witch is the oldest I can get for Windows 7 64 bits with the exact same issue.

 

[djcommy]

Hello, I am glad to here from you.... ;o)

I installed GOTY Edition (I got the black screen problem) and then I installed the 1.7 patch and still have the black screen issue described above.

To further add informations, I am using NVIDIA Drviers 195.62. I downgraded the drivers to version 181.71 as it was suggested somewhere with the exact same issue.

Thanks for helping.

I've got the same problem.

1.) What specific version of Windows 7 are you running? (Both commercial title and build Number)
     (Example: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition - Build 7600 [6.1.7600])
[COLOR=Red]
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits, Build 6.1.7100[/COLOR]
 
2.) Upgrade or Clean Install? 
[COLOR=Red]
Clean Install[/COLOR]
 
3.) Did you change ANY hardware for the migration to Windows 7?

[COLOR=Red]Videocard has changed from NVidia 8800 to ATI Radeon HD3450[/COLOR][COLOR=Red] and later on to a new NVidia GeForce 250 GTS
Also I added a new harddisk. 1TB Samsung (FO3 is installed on this one) [W7 is running on another HD]
[/COLOR]  
4.) Is Fallout 3 the VERY first thing you install, AFTER the installation of windows 7?

[COLOR=Red]No, I have w7 running since the release. I tried installing FO3 3 times the past year.
All three failed with black screen after loading the new game.
[/COLOR] 
 
5.) Were you running FO3 on the exact same hardware setup w/ previous OS?

[COLOR=Red]Almost, see no.3 for hardware changes.[/COLOR][COLOR=Red][/COLOR]
 
6.) Are you running all systems at stock speeds, or are you overclocked?
 
[COLOR=Red]Stock Speed.[/COLOR]

7.) What Specific FallOut3 version are you installing, and are you using any mods / patches?

[COLOR=Red]Just the normal installation, version 1.0[/COLOR]

With this post included: DxDiag

 

[Haxsys]

Hello, I am glad to here from you.... ;o)

1.) What specific version of Windows 7 are you running? (Both commercial title and build Number)
(Example: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition - Build 7600 [6.1.7600])

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits, Build 6.1.7600

2.) Upgrade or Clean Install?

Clean Install

3.) Did you change ANY hardware for the migration to Windows 7?

Nope, I did not but later on I installed a 1 tera green hard drive on which none of my windows nor Fallout is running.

4.) Is Fallout 3 the VERY first thing you install, AFTER the installation of windows 7?

Nope and EVERY OTHER THING I installed is running perfectly.


5.) Were you running FO3 on the exact same hardware setup w/ previous OS?

Yes (except for the new hard drive). OS was Windows XP SP2

6.) Are you running all systems at stock speeds, or are you overclocked?

Stock Speed.

7.) What Specific FallOut3 version are you installing, and are you using any mods / patches?

I installed GOTY Edition (I got the black screen problem) and then I installed the 1.7 patch and still have the black screen issue described above.

To further add informations, I am using NVIDIA Drviers 195.62. I downgraded the drivers to version 181.71 as it was suggested somewhere with the exact same issue.

Thanks for helping.

OK, The Blackscreen Issue...
Are you running stock graphic settings (in game)?
Have you tried going from full screen to windowed, and back?
Are there any artifacts before, or after the blackscreen?
Do you notice any type of situation, in game, prior to the blackscreen that you could say is a trigger? For example: Shaders, Smoke, Fog
And lastly, your PC, Pre-built? If so, make/model
If custom built, Motherboard / BIOS

I know a couple of guys who were having that issue, whom were using PC's that I built for them. Installing the Motherboard driver, and/or updating the BIOS fixed the issue. Not saying that's your issue, but it's something to consider if it's a custom built machine.

Be prepared for more questions.

~~Haxsys

 

[djcommy]

time to try a bios update than (never did it before, i was to scared to screw something )

btw, i am also going to try installing FO3 on my laptop, if the same problem occurs than it's not hardware related.

(btw, my pc is custom build and my laptop is made by the oh so sweet Dell )

 

[Warluck]

OK, The Blackscreen Issue...
Are you running stock graphic settings (in game)?

If I use stock graphic settigns : Black Screen

I did try to tweak some of my 3D parameters which none fixed the problem :
Disabling Physx Effect
Modification for the 3d Effect for Fallout3.exe

Inside the fallout setting I disabled V-Sync which fixed nothing.

Have you tried going from full screen to windowed, and back?

Yes I did with the same result.

Are there any artifacts before, or after the blackscreen?

The image freeze and then black screen and then animation resume to freeze again followed by another black screen, after two shot I get a complete lock up and I have to ctrl-alt-del to go out OR the system revert to windows stating a problem with Fallout3 and something like "Display stop responding".

Do you notice any type of situation, in game, prior to the blackscreen that you could say is a trigger? For example: Shaders, Smoke, Fog

Nope, wathever the save I load or even if I start a new game the freezing and black screen happens in the few seconds of the gameplay but never at the EXACT same spot. Sometimes I am SO lucky I can play as much a 28 seconds ;p)

And lastly, your PC, Pre-built? If so, make/model
If custom built, Motherboard / BIOS

Custom built :
Gigabyte motherboard, GA-965P-DS3 with Bios Revision F10

I know a couple of guys who were having that issue, whom were using PC's that I built for them. Installing the Motherboard driver, and/or updating the BIOS fixed the issue. Not saying that's your issue, but it's something to consider if it's a custom built machine.

Be prepared for more questions.

~~Haxsys

To narrow up further research I completely uninstalled the game, rebooted and then reinstalled the game but only the base module, no expansions and NO savegame. I started the game and experience the problem during the intro, where you have to select sex and apperance. During the fisrt few seconds of the intro the screen froze and then black screen and then the intro resume to freeze a bit later. I can select the sex and appearance but experience the freeze/black screen all along the intro so I've never made it to the end, there's no point continuing until I can fix the freeze/black screen issue. Hope this can help.

EDIT: Path 1.7 over clean install did not fix the problem.

EDIT2: Updating to latest Bios Release F14 did not solve the problem.

 

[shadowsbane]

1.) What specific version of Windows 7 are you running? (Both commercial title and build Number)
(Example: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition - Build 7600 [6.1.7600])

Windows 7 Professional 64-bit built 7600

2.) Upgrade or Clean Install?

Clean install

3.) Did you change ANY hardware for the migration to Windows 7?

New motherboard, RAM, processor. Listed in profile.

4.) Is Fallout 3 the VERY first thing you install, AFTER the installation of windows 7?

No

5.) Were you running FO3 on the exact same hardware setup w/ previous OS?

No

6.) Are you running all systems at stock speeds, or are you overclocked?

Tried video card with and without overclock. CPU is currently overclocked from 3.4GHz to 3.6GHz

7.) What Specific FallOut3 version are you installing, and are you using any mods / patches?

Both the regular version and the GOTY version. Tried both with and without patches. No mods.

Here you go.

 

[chev65]

According to everything I read about this problem online, if you arrive at the Jefferson Memorial without having it on your quests list, the game will crash on and off for no reason at all unless you either delate the game files or just reinstall the game and start over again.

From what I read, Installing the 1.7 patch after the fact will not fix the problem. Hey don't blame me I'm just repeating what I read. It's a well known bug if you google around a bit.

You still need the patch 1.7 either way but it works much better if you delate the old game save files and reinstall the game then install the patch. It's a known bug with the game and there is apparently no way around it.

To me this is still one of the buggiest games ever but it's not too bad now with the patch on a fresh install. I have been through it start to finish a few times and I took the long way.

 

[smarteyeball]

To me this is still one of the buggiest games ever

Guess you've never payed S.T.A.L.K.E.R then...

Or even Oblivion for PC.

 

[Warluck]

Still, I 've played this game for quite a long time now, I am level 27, almost 28 with the first three expansions. But since I installed windows 7 I have not played and I decided to install GOTY because I was missing this game but so far, no luck in replaying this game. To be honest, this is the first "major" bug I encounter in this game so I don't think it is soooo buggy. We just have to figure a way aroung this one because it is IMPOSSIBLE to play at all as it right now....