Solution for "ac3lhd_32.exe has stopped working" (aka game crashes during play)

[Bluetooth McGee]

I apologize if this solution has been posted before, however, I would like to share a technique I used in getting the game to run smoothly. Before we begin, here's my PC's specs:

Computer: Lenovo Ideapad Y580
Processor: Intel Core i7-3630QM 2.4GHz
Memory: 16 GB
Graphics: NVidia GeForce GTX 660M 2 GB
OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit

First of all, I strongly recommend following the tips in the link below before proceeding:

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7672-QEID-4568

Once you've done the tips detailed above, set the game in Compatibility Mode (Windows XP SP2). You can do this by right clicking on the game in your Library > Properties > Local Files tab > then clicking on the "Browse Local Files..." button. The game's directory should pop up. Right click on "ac3lhd_32.exe" > Properties > Compatibility tab > check the box for "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" then select "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)". Click Apply, then OK, then click on the "Close" button to close out the game's Properties dialog box.

Run the game afterwards. If the User Account Control prompt appears, click on the "Yes" button. You should be able to run the game smoothly. Although a few stutters and freezes may be expected from time to time, it should not crash to your desktop and/or ruin your save file. This solution allowed me to finish the game from 62% completion to 84%, without a single crash in between.

I hope this helps you in any way. Good luck and May the Father of Understanding guide you! :P

[Dr. IT]

I have the same Problem
Please help us!

[Bluetooth McGee]

Have you tried following the tips detailed above?

[Nep Nep]

i tried your tip above, and the link you have, but every time i open up the game, it still crashes. :(

[Wyreater]

Thanks! This worked for me!

[ShepSatt]

this helped me get the game started! still can't get past the opening menu, however. If you haven't bought this game, don't.

[AHTIXOTABbI4]

What about those (includes me) who is using a Windows 7?

[Combatking]

I have the same exact laptop model (still on Windows 7) and I followed all the steps but the above solution didn't work for me :(

[Gustan Vilieit]

Did not work for me :(

The game crashes on startup, doesn't even reach the splash screens

[yusupov]

my games just started doing this, am in the middle of it. just updated to the windows 10 RC, cant remember if i ran it on this build yesterday but it ran fine on prior builds.

compatabiloity mode?? tryy NOPE. i swear im about to turn this plce into a car wash

[Glatus]

If you have Nvidia graphics card and have shadowplay on disable it that fixed it for me.

[Sir Smurf the Drunk]

Originally posted by Glatus:

If you have Nvidia graphics card and have shadowplay on disable it that fixed it for me.

Thanks a lot Glatus, my game started working perfectly well when I disabled the shadowplay.

[Combatking]

Originally posted by Glatus:

If you have Nvidia graphics card and have shadowplay on disable it that fixed it for me.

Would you kindly explain how to disable shadowplay?

[Combatking]

Nevermind, I got it to work. Just download Nvidia's latest drivers

[Wild Snake]

Originally posted by -Wombat-:

Originally posted by Glatus:

If you have Nvidia graphics card and have shadowplay on disable it that fixed it for me.

Thanks a lot Glatus, my game started working perfectly well when I disabled the shadowplay.

This also worked for me!!! Thanks a lot!!!! Also with the new drivers this was the only solution (I always play with shadow play enabled). It is very creepy that ubisoft and nvidia don't get this running for such an "old" game.

[urb-warrior]

This worked for me go to " C:/Windows/SysWOW64 " look for " nvapi.dll " and rename. Also if you are running FRAPS or similar screen recording program in the background turn it off.