Video Troubleshooting Resource Center for Microsoft Games

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing graphics, performance, or stability (for example, the program stops responding, or the screen turns black or blank) issues with your game, please download and install the latest video driver for your video adapter, and verify that your video adapter meets the video requirement listed for the product.

• How to Perform a Clean Boot to Prevent Background Programs from Interfering with Play
 When you start Microsoft Windows with an ordinary startup, several programs start automatically and run in the background. These programs, which may include antivirus and system utility programs, may interfere with the game program and cause it to stop responding (hang), quit, or generate an error message.

When you perform a clean boot before you start Windows, you prevent programs that may conflict with your game from starting automatically. To perform a clean boot, follow the steps appropriate for your version of Windows. Watch a video that shows you how to do this.

To return your computer to an ordinary boot after you finish troubleshooting the issue, follow the instructions in this Knowledge Base article. Watch a video that shows you how to do this.
• How to Update Your Drivers
 For a game to function correctly, you must have good drivers. When you start a game, you may be informed that an update is necessary. Additionally, you might want to update your drivers to take advantage of performance and stability improvements made by the manufacturer. To update your drivers visit this Microsoft Windows Update Web site.Watch a video that shows you how to update your drivers on the Windows Update Web site.
 

Additional Resources & Related Sites

Last Review : July 30, 2009

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