I cannot get the game to run at all (FIXED)

[Cthulhu]

I've tried everything;

- Fallout Anniversary Patcher

- Updated Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch

- fose

- https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/19122?tab=description

- editing fallout.ini

- bUseThreadedAI=1
iNumHWThreads=2

- steam launch options

- updated graphics drivers

- run as administrator

- changed compatibility settings to Windows 7 and XP (Service Pack 2 and 3)

After all this it tells me I have the wrong version of Fallout 3 installed

EDIT: So, for some reason, after doing another fresh install on Steam to copy over the exe from a fresh install from GoG, it suddenly works on Steam. I am so angry cause for this new install I've changed nothing and changed nothing, it just started working for no reason. I only have it on "Windows XP (SP3)" under the compatibility settings, but that's been like that for most of the fixes! It's an undeserving victory

What it could have possibly been is;

- backup your saved games in a separate folder or your desktop and uninstall Fallout 3 GOTY

- follow this guide "https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/"

- install a fresh version of Fallout 3 GOTY with no files in the GOTY folder prior to install

- make sure the Fallout3 exe is on AMD under "Settings > System > Display > Graphics Settings > Browse" choosing the Fallout 3 exe within "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 3 goty" and making sure its on AMD and on High Priority

- change the compatibility settings for Fallout3 exe to "Windows XP (SP3)"

- launch the game without the Steam overlay enabled and disable or uninstall Overwolf

For some reason my game only works when Steam isn't detecting that I'm running the game, there's no overlay and I don't appear as playing it on my friends list

[-={LG}=-]

Are you using an AMD video card?

[Cthulhu]

Originally posted by -={LG}=-:

Are you using an AMD video card?

Yeah AMD Ryzen

[-={LG}=-]

I understand that there's a problem with the current AMD drivers that is crashing both Fallout 3 and Fallout NV. From what I've read, you need to rollback to the December video driver to fix it.

I can't vouch for that since I'm an Nvidia user, but I've seen multiple reports about it.

[ChrisCross_Gaming]

I'm using AMD as well. Has to be the issue, I cant run NV or 3... Fall out 4 and 76 work perfect. I contacted steam Support, and they said its AMD side, and that they are working on a solution.

[Dryspace]

To be more precise, it is an issue with AMD cards and Windows 10+?

[monstermufin322]

Originally posted by Dryspace:

To be more precise, it is an issue with AMD cards and Windows 10+?

simply a AMD problem, rolling back to version 23.12.1 the games works fine. i was hoping the latest driver would fix it but i guess not. you can find the old drivers on techpowerup.com

[His Majesty's strawberry cart]

have found limiting frame rates and disabling display optimizations to help

[DaNh]

Originally posted by dirtbag:

have found limiting frame rates and disabling display optimisations to help

why

[His Majesty's strawberry cart]

Originally posted by dirtbag:

have found limiting frame rates and disabling display optimisations to help

think maybe this title was frame limited when released

[Cthulhu]

I've contacted AMD and Bethesda for information and to nudge for an update for the graphics drivers or game. I can't raise a ticket with Steam about it for some reason

[Dryspace]

Originally posted by Cthulhu:

I've contacted AMD and Bethesda for information and to nudge for an update for the graphics drivers or game. I can't raise a ticket with Steam about it for some reason

With Valve, you mean.

[Carinth]

You could try this https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=616529928

However, using the unofficial patch can still cause the game to crash, and you can add numerous patches but none really fix that issue with UFP.
Usually the the wrong version message is caused by FOSE and if using FOSE you have to use the anniversary patcher first, then run the normal game launcher to set the hardware, BEFORE running from FOSE as it get's it's settings from the launcher.

[Cthulhu]

Originally posted by Carinth:

You could try this https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=616529928

However, using the unofficial patch can still cause the game to crash, and you can add numerous patches but none really fix that issue with UFP.
Usually the the wrong version message is caused by FOSE and if using FOSE you have to use the anniversary patcher first, then run the normal game launcher to set the hardware, BEFORE running from FOSE as it get's it's settings from the launcher.

I tried this and unfortunately does not work either.

I reinstalled Fallout 3 as a clean installation, no mods, no loose files, I followed this guide precisely and it immediately closes upon "Play". I can guarantee I know how to install mods and follow instructions lol

I've run fose before and after the anniversary patch, I spent hours doing various methods with clean installations each time, it is an issue with AMD I'm certain

[Carinth]

Did you also check the comments on the guide for additional suggestions that may help? There are some additional suggestions that aren't part of the guides notes but may help with the issue.

[GrumpyOne]

I have the same issue and tried all the fixes and none worked. The only solution I found was to downgrade fallout3.exe from version 1.7.0.4 to 1.7.0.3

I ran 1.7.0.4 through WinDbg and it's dying right after it loads nvapi.dll from a memory access violation.