Basic game troubleshooting

Additional information:
This document has been created as a location of general steps that can be taken to help you with problems you may be experiencing with computer games.
Below are some reasons why a user may follow the steps in this document.
Unknown or undocumented problem with a computer game.
Issue with the performance or stability of a game.
Solutions:
Click on one or more of the below links that matches the issue you are experiencing.
Unable to install the gameError during installGame does not load or has an error when it attempts to loadGame crashes while being playedProblems with videoProblems with soundProblems connecting to an online game serverIn-game help, hints, walkthroughs, and/or adviceOther game issues
Unable to install the game
Verify the diskettes or CD are readable by reading the files from the drive. For example, Microsoft Windows users can explore the drive in Windows explorer. If the CD attempts to AutoPlay, you may need to right-click the drive and click Explore to browse the drive.
If the CD reads fine with no errors, verify your computer meets the minimum requirements of the game. If your computer does not have enough disk drive space or does not meet the requirements, the game may not install.
Make sure the game you are installing is compatible with the version of operating system you have on your computer. For example, many older games developed for MS-DOS or Windows 95 may not work or are incompatible with the later versions of Windows.
If you are using the AutoPlay menu to install the game, try executing the setup.exe or install.exe directly from the floppy diskettes or from the CD instead of the AutoPlay setup menu.
If you are getting stopped at the CD-KEY or Serial Number verification, verify you are entering your correct number. If you lost your number or key or it does not work, you will need to contact the developer of the game. Computer Hope will not provide any users with an alternate number or key.
Other programs running in the background can cause issues with the program install. Make sure all programs and TSRs are closed.
Error during install
Verify your computer meets the requirements of the game. For example, if your computer runs out of disk space during the installation, this would cause an error during the installation.
Verify the CD is clean and contains no significant scratches.

Other programs running in the background can cause issues with the program install. Make sure all programs and TSRs are closedGame does not load or has an error when it attempts to load
If the game is a CD game, make sure the correct CD is in the computer when attempting to play the game. In some cases it may be necessary to have the first or last CD in the computer when attempting to play the game.
Verify the game documentation makes no mention of the error you are experiencing. Many times the error and explanation to how to resolve the error are already documented.
Verify no patches or updates are available from the developer of the game. Many times the game developer will list the available drivers. If you are not sure who the developer of a game is, use a popular search engine and search for drivers for your game. In most cases a game will start out as version 1.0.
If the game utilizes Microsoft DirectX it is possible you may have an issue with DirectX that was caused during the installation of another game or program. Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed on the computer.
Some games may require other programs such as OpenGL or QuickTime to be installed in order to play them. If you did not install all the programs during the installation, try running the install again.
Make sure all other programs are closed when you attempt to run the game.
Make sure the computer has been rebooted at least once after the game has been installed. In some cases the game may install files that are not initialized until the computer has been rebooted.
If computer is overclocked try reducing the speed back to the computer's correct settings to ensure that the overclocked settings are not causing the issue.
If the above recommendations do not resolve your issues, attempt to install the game again.
Game crashes while being played
Verify no patches or updates are available from the developer of the game. Many times the game developer will list the available drivers. If you are not sure who the developer of a game is, use a popular search engine and search for drivers for your game. In most cases a game will start out as version 1.0.
Other programs running in the background while playing a game can cause issues. Make sure all programs and TSRs are closed;
Make sure you have the latest updates for your video and sound card.
Verify you have the latest sound drivers for your sound card. If the above recommendations do not resolve your issues, attempt to install the game again.
Problems with video
Verify you have the latest video drivers for your video card.
If the game utilizes Microsoft DirectX it is possible you may have an issue with DirectX that was caused during the installation of another game or program. Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed on the computer.
Problems with sound
Verify you have the latest sound drivers for your sound card.
Problems connecting to an online game server
Verify no patches or updates are available from the developer of the game. Many times to connect to a game you must be running the same version as the server. Many times the game developer will list the available drivers. If you are not sure who the developer of a game is, use a popular search engine and search for drivers for your game. In most cases a game will start out as version 1.0.
Some games require additional software to be installed before they can connect to online servers. For example, many games require GameSpy. If your game requires these programs, verify they are installed on your computer.
Wait an hour or so and try connecting to the server again. Many times a server may crash because of a problem and/or go down for an update. Of course, when this occurs it is more than likely you will not be able to connect or view servers.