Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Crashing at startup

[Zulu Inuoe]

So I got my new PC all built up and set today, and start running some games on it, to find that Oblivion was crashing immediately after the intro sequence (right before the main screen that allows you to select new game, load, etc.).
Bioshock runs fine, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare runs fine, I seem to be having trouble with older games (Oblivion and Doom 3, though Doom 3 I can atleast play).

I am running:
Windows Seven Proffesional 64 bit
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E8600
5 Gigs of Ram
Nvidia Geforce 7800 GTX
Compatibility Mode with Windows XP Service Pack 3
*Oblivion has been updated to the latest version (1.204 or something like that)

If you have any suggestions as to what I should attempt doing to fix this problem, any ideas on what is causing it, or require more information in order to provide advice, please post below. Appreciate it!

 

[Rjck]

Hi Zulu and welcome to the forums.
Lets try to see what is causing the error shallwe.

1. Are you using the original executable or a cracked version?
2. Are you using codecs?
3. Have you update the Directx libraries?

 

[TaraSWinTeam]

Have you checked your software and driver compatibility? You can check for updates here: Windows 7 Compatibility Center home.

Cheers,
Tara
Windows Outreach Team

 

[Zulu Inuoe]

Rjck:

1)I am using the original version with my DVD in the drive.
2)I don't know what you mean by codecs, so I doubt it
3)How would I find that out? I remember updating DirectX but not to which version

TaraSWinTeam:

According to that website, 64 Bit Windows 7 should be compatible with no action required?

 

[Rjck]

Hi Zulu

• Codecs allows you to play almost every movie format.
• Here you can find the latest version of Directx. (just download and run it)

1. Have you tried to play with the lowest settings including minimal resolution?
2. Are you using any mods?
3. Do you installed any of the expantions?

 

[Zulu Inuoe]

I downloaded and installed that DirectX update. I was very enthusiastic for a second because it actually went to the main menu this time, though it crashed just a second later. I tried running it once more and it crashed as it was before, so I don't think it had much change.

I attempted all settings from very low, to ultra high
I am not running any mods on it.
I am not using any expansion, just version 1.204 or whatever the newest one for the original game is.

 

[Rjck]

Lets try this:

1. Can you reinstall the game and try to run it without the patch.
2. Also make sure to delete the saved game data in my documents (or if you saved any progress just rename it or move the folder to another location)
3. Make sure the game is not runnin' under any compatibility mode.

Let me know if there's any changes.

 

[Zulu Inuoe]

Sadly, I am having exactly the same problem after re-installing

 

[Frostmourne]

Update all your drivers with the guide in my sig and run the game as admin, don't apply any compatibility settings. Have action center send a report of the crash - it may find a solution.

 

[Rjck]

Try this:

1. go to My Documents\My Games\Oblivion.
2. Open Oblivion.ini with Notepad.
3. Find this values and change them.

From:

• SMainMenuMovieIntro=Oblivion iv logo.bik
• SIntroSequence=bethesda softworks HD720p.bik,2k games.bik,game studios.bik,Oblivion Legal.bik
• SMainMenuMovie=Map loop.bik

to:

• SMainMenuMovieIntro=
• SIntroSequence=
• SMainMenuMovie=

Now just save the file and launch the game.

Did you update your drivers like Frostmourne suggest?

 

[al3x3691]

Ah! I've just solved this problem, for me at least.

Try installing the game in C:\Bethesda Softworks\Oblivion, instead of Program Files. Then make sure you remove your old configuration files from My Documents. These files are NOT removed when the game is uninstalled, which may explain why it wasn't working. I loaded the game with my old configuration files in My Documents, and it crashed. When I removed them, it went straight to the in-game movie, which I skipped, and went straight to the main menu without a problem. When I loaded the game from C: with the configuration files still there, it crashed. Try combining these two, and see if they work.

 

[Blacksky]

u rule !!!
thx so much
i had the same problem
my pc is very good ( it can run crisis nearly maximum ) so i wondered what was wrong.
oblivion is one of my favorite games .

u made my day al3x3691

 

[The Carnage]

Sigh... I have the same prob, but i only just bought Oblivion, I have no old config files or any old game stuff for it, I tried your way and it still crashes... not even made to the game menu yet...

 

[sanguisanima]

I got a little luckier. I was able to install Oblivion 4 and reach the main menu, and it started loading for just three seconds before crashing. That's the farthest I've ever reached... Now my Oblivion 4 is sitting on my Unused Shortcuts folder :/