When you install or start a Microsoft game, you may receive an error message that states that your computer’s processor does not meet the requirements for the game

When you install or start one of the Microsoft games that are listed in the "Applies To" section, you may receive an error message. The error message states that your computer’s processor does not meet the requirements for the game.

This issue may occur if either of the following conditions is true:

• The processor speed is slower than the required processor speed.
• The processor uses a technology, such as Intel SpeedStep, that has automatically and temporarily lowered the processor speed to save energy for less processor-intensive tasks.

To resolve this issue, you must determine whether the speed of your computer's processor meets the requirements for the game. To determine the speed of the processor, follow these steps:

1. On a computer that is running Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type Dxdiag in the Open box, and then click OK.
   
   On a computer that is running Windows Vista, click Start
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   , type dxdiag in the Start Search box, and then click dxdiag.exe in the Programs list.
2. On the System tab, under System Information, note the value that is next to Processor.
3. Close the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window.

You can then compare the processor speed value that you noted in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window with the processor speed value that you received in the error message. If the processor speed values match, or if your current processor speed exceeds the requirements for the game, the game may have detected the processor information incorrectly. If this is the case, you may continue to use the product without concern. Technology such as Intel SpeedStep will automatically increase the speed for processor-intensive tasks. If the processor speed values do not match, you should use the game on a compatible computer or return the game to the point of purchase.

Windows Vista

If you are using a notebook as the computer that meets the system requirements, use AC power instead of the battery. Alternatively, adjust the power settings in Windows Vista to High Performance.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start
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   , type powercfg.cpl in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. Click High Performance.

For more information about how to buy a personal computer that is designed to handle today's demanding computer games, visit the following Microsoft Web site: The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.