Screen Blacks-out

carbait · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2005, 09:55 AM

My Fallout 1 doesn't seem to want to cooperate with my Windows XP (SP2). I installed it on my laptop and it worked perfectly, but on my desktop computer, the screen blacks out every few seconds (literally sometimes a half second) I've updated my directx, my graphics card drivers, rebooted my computer, tried running it in other compatibility modes, tried reinstalling it.. and i still have the problem! Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Xandax · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 01:08 AM

Perhaps downgrading drivers would help solve the problem instead of upgrading. But it is a "dangerous path" to take, because it can mess up so many other things.

But getting the game to run on WinXP is a gamble, it wasn't made for neither the hardware nor the software, so many strange things can happen. But you sound to have tried all the things I would have suggested...

Do you run an Antivirus program? then if possible, try to deactivate/uninstall it and see if that makes a different. Sometimes the protect features of these programs will mess with your games/software.

carbait · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 08:21 AM

all ready upgraded all the drivers, patched the game, as well as trying to turn off antivirus software..firewalls..etc.. still not working. My hubby discovered that the game will run fine on his profile (same computer..same settings) but not on my profile. Both are super administrator profiles. he's a programmer for the state, and he cant figure it out either lol

Xandax · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbait

all ready upgraded all the drivers,<snip>

Said you could try and downgrad drivers not upgrade.

Old games sometimes (often) can have issues with new drivers due to all the new fancy thingies the drivers can do.....
But I wouldn't personally recommend downgrading for just one game.

It is indeed strange the game can run on one profile and not the other - I'd suspect there perhaps is some settings which indeed are different. Perhaps some software installed in one of the accounts and not the other.

Ravager · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 10:02 AM

It could be some kind of resolution issue. I don't own Fallout so I can't say for sure. Is it possible to play in some kind of windowed mode? That could help. And maybe it'd be possible to change resolution in-game or via a config.

Sometimes games can just start using an odd resolyution that a monitor cannot use.

carbait · #6 (**permalink**) 09-01-2005, 07:40 AM

i've tried changing the resolution several times, but it didnt seem to do me any good.. i believe origionally the game ran in 600x800 would be my guess, but changing it doesnt seem to have any effect.. i am at a loss! and i know that at least the display settings on both desktops are the same (i checked) I wouldn't know what else would effect it... as for games installed, my hubby's profiles has a ton installed, mine profile only has fallout 1 and 2 installed... so i can't see there being a conflict (unless it needs another game installed, and that would be stupid)

Ravager · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2005, 10:17 AM

Many Black Isle games have 'config.ini' files in their folders. Perhaps looking at that may provide you with more options (if it has one) such as a Windowed Mode. If there is a file (and it's similar to other ones) it will show a list of options followed by a '1' or '0'. Changing the number enables or disables a function.

Sometimes graphics issues are fixed in the windowed mode as the monitor's resolution isn't changed. The game can say it runs on 800x600 but run on a different one (or it's forcing your monitor to go to a different resolution- this happened to me with IWD1).

Even if you set your desktop resolution to 800x600, the monitor will automatically change for any videos or if the game demands a different resolution.

Good luck. I hope that helps

carbait · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 01:00 PM

i tried windowed mode..but didnt seem to fix the problem either >.> hmm.. im running outta ideas here lol

Malta Soron · #9 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 02:08 PM

New idea: play FO in the other account. I do the same with Rome: Total War.

Ravager · #10 (**permalink**) 09-03-2005, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malta Soron

New idea: play FO in the other account. I do the same with Rome: Total War.

I agree. It seems doubtful it's a problem with your graphics card or monitor if the game doesn't work in windowed mode either.
Was it installed under the other profile?

carbait · #11 (**permalink**) 09-06-2005, 12:23 PM

not allowed to use another profile, its my hubby's puter and he's ultra-protective of his puter.. lol

a) If i install it under my profile it still runs on my hubby's profile fine, but not mine.
b) If i install it under my hubby's profile.. it still runs on my hubby's profile fine, but not on mine.

so it doesnt seem that it matters which profile i install it under >.<..just which one i play it under..

Malta Soron · #12 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 12:15 AM

Maybe it's some program you're running in the background that's bugging.

Ravager · #13 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 03:17 AM

Or it's designed to run under the first profile and can't recognise more than one. Especially considering it's Windows XP.

SctViltord · #14 (**permalink**) 10-02-2005, 12:19 PM

hey guys.. i was wondering what you did to make vampire run in a window.. ive found a cfg-file but couldnt find a place to turn it on/off :/

anyone knows it?

thanks,
Sune

Kipi · #15 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SctViltord

hey guys.. i was wondering what you did to make vampire run in a window.. ive found a cfg-file but couldnt find a place to turn it on/off :/

anyone knows it?

thanks,
Sune

Hmm... not sure what you mean by "vampire", Vampire: TM?
In that case you should post your question to corresponding thread, or if you can't find thread that is for the game you need help with, then you can post you questions Tech Support -thread. That way you will find better someone who can help you.

This thread is for Fallout 1 -discussion only.