How to get Fallout to run perfectly on Windows 7 64-bit

[CompDoc]

I originally was able to sort out the glitched colors on Win7 64-bit simply by setting the mode=4 in the ddraw.ini file (thanks to another forum Fallout fan's advice). However, I noticed that the game ran very slow and the mouse was very choppy. After some internet research I found someone that suggested renaming the ddraw.dll file, so the game doesn't use it at all, to fix the slow and choppy gameplay. This indeed fixed the problem and the game ran smooth. However (as you might guess) the glitched colors returned. A bit more research and I found a patch called "Fallout FIXT" that, when used in conjunction with renaming the old ddraw.dll file fixed everything. The game now runs with proper colors, you can set it to various resolutions, it runs nice and smooth, and even the cut-scene videos work as originally intended. It's perfect. ;)

One important note is that once Fallout FIXT is applied any old saves won't work any longer, You will have to start a new game. So it's better applied before you start playing.

Here's the procedure:

1. Download "Fallout FIXT" from this location:

http://www.nma-fallout.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=57362

2. copy the file to your Steam Fallout folder:

example path: Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\Common\Fallout\

3. Run the file and follow it's installation directions.

4. Rename ddraw.dll (in the same Fallout folder) to f1ddraw.dll (or whatever name you prefer).

5. Start Fallout from Steam as normal.

You can set the resolution you desire in the options screen, the default is 800x600. Fallout FIXT is a mod to the original game, however it's very well done and stays faithful to the original story and gameplay (the changes are mainly subtle and for the better).

It's very important you don't apply any other patches or mods other than Fallout FIXT. It has all the proper patches and resolution mods built-in and any other patches or mods will glitch it.

PS: I found another procedure that fixes Fallout 2 to run perfectly also, however it's a different patch and requires a few more steps. It can be found here:

http://steamcommunity.com/app/38410/discussions/0/828938354804435204/

[LexT]

Big thanks!

[KevHoe]

Thanks!

[LepusLepi]

Great help, thanks!

[CompDoc]

No problem, I'm glad posting a procedure was useful.

However, the thanks really belongs to the people that devoted their free time and effort to create the "Fallout FIXT" patch/mod so we all could continue to enjoy this classic masterpiece on our modern systems. I'm just a messenger. :)

[Crow Magnums]

Thanks compdoc! I'd given up Fallout as the one in the series that was too much of a pain to get started.

[PorkChopExpress]

for me this procedure was not enough. i had to also use the direct draw compatibility tool that comes with fixit. i used it for both fallout and fallout 2.

[x0mb13]

Worked perfect for me, thanks for sharing this method.

[Tuite]

Question, for step 4 do you mean the FIXT Ddraw or the Steam Fallout ddraw?

[[Z-Pendragon]]

it's the same for windows 7 32bit ?

[CompDoc]

Originally posted by Tuite:

Question, for step 4 do you mean the FIXT Ddraw or the Steam Fallout ddraw?

The ddraw.dll file installed initially by Steam. FIXT may overwrite it with it's own version that would make that step unnecessary however. I haven't really gone back and analyzed it after making it work on my system. I've just been playing it. ;)

[CompDoc]

Originally posted by Z--Pendragon--:

it's the same for windows 7 32bit ?

I haven't tested it with the 32-bit version of Win 7, however this procedure should work with it as well.
.

[Jay Lay]

Didn't work. It still crashes at the smallest things. It's only started doing this recently and I'm starting to get pissed off at it. Any suggestions?

[Orge Lambart]

Using this method I was able to actually get rid of the rainbow colors at the begining of the game. Major props as I had purchased the disc version about 2 years ago but didn't play because of the rainbow colors, figured it was fixed on steam. After making the purchase it wasn't.

This patch fixed the issue, for the first game, now to hope a fix exist for the second game.

[tia]

Thanks and hat tips, compdoc :)

[zKoRpIoN]

bless the patch, thank you compdoc, damn you steam!