XP is Bad at running Games.

[Mintox]

I just got a brand new super duper PC and it has the bad OS that is XP on it. When I try and run Unreal 2003 it locks up and I have to do a manual restart and get the error report that my graphic drivers were the cause. I've tried updating my drivers by uninstalling them and restarting (as guided by the nice people at ATI) but when XP starts, it being as rubbish as it is, re-installs the old drivers. I can install the new ones but the old ones are still there. Even if I delete them they reappear. Any ideas how I can stop XP being helpful - or has any1 else had problems with XP running games? My PC can handle these games and I have all the latest drivers waiting to be installed - I may just have to format and go to 2K. Any ideas folks?

[j2buttonsw]

I think uninstalling the drivers then re-booting does not sound like a good way of installing the latest drivers. In windows 9x you had to change the driver to the standard VGA driver, then uninstall the driver application program then install the latest drivers. In Windows 2000 and XP it is difficult to select the standard VGA driver so I have found you just update them (in device manager double click the device, under the Driver tab go to Update Driver then point it to the new driver location). The new drivers should then stick. I am surprised you have had problems with XP since all gamers say it is the best OS to use. I hate XP and would rather play under Windows 2000 with slighly poorer performance. Presumably you have applied the latest XP service pack and have done all the windows updates.

[Mintox]

Thanks J2. Ive tried what you suggested but still the same. I think a re-formt is in order. i hate XP anyway so i think this will be a good excuss to goto 2K. RIP XP You were hated from day 1. :D

[snotmonkey]

should have got a mac:-)

[Mintox]

With that piece of rubbish Mac call a mouse?? I don't think so! :P

[lisaj]

ATI release new drivers very fequently - so much so that you'll need to update them every couple of months. Just go to ATI.com, and select "built by ATI: download drivers" or "powered by ATI: download drivers" in the bottom left hand corner (depending on whether your card is an ATI product, or simply part of your PC and happens to be ATI). Now select the product and the OS, and follow their instructions. This is the way to update the drivers, NOT to reinstall the existing ones! And yes, you can install them over the top of your existing ones - you do NOT need to uninstall first.

[Mintox]

I did that first LisaJ but i read the ATI help file and they say uninstall current drivers and install the standard VGA graphics driver - then reinstall new drivers. Tried everything i can think off (restart, not restart, powerdown, over the top, new directories, old directories - remove card etc) but XP is still being a bad boy.