Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: Halo 2 Initialisation Fails.
  • Subject: Halo 2 Initialisation Fails.
Subject: Halo 2 Initialisation Fails.

Hi all,

Info about my system:
Alienware m11x R3
Windows 7 64 bit
8GB memory
Intel i7 1.5GHz (overclock to 2.6)
Dual graphics with Intel HD graphics 3000 and 2.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M

So basically when I try to start Halo 2, it won't do anything. I double click on it, it appears in the task manager (halo2.exe), then dissapears. I get no indication on screen that the game is running. I have tried all the things suggested in the sticky post, don't worry.

When I run in compatability mode for XP/Vista I get:

"Initialization failed. Either insufficient system resources were found to run the game, or the game data is missing or damaged.
Reinstalling the game may fix this problem."

When installing, it has a whinge about my graphics not being good enough when clearly this is not the case; it can only recognise my Intel HD graphics GPU and not the NVIDIA GPU.

Interestingly enough dxdiag can't see the NVIDIA card either, only showing the Intel card, but msconfig32 can.

So I think the main problem is that Halo 2 can't see my GPU, thus it deems the computer not good enough and refuses to run. I don't know if this is really the case or not but it's just what I think.

I have already tried the following for this problem:
Running as admin

Updating the game with latest patch

Uninstall then reinstall (many times)

Run in every compatability type

Ensuring I've selected the NVIDIA card in "NVIDIA control panel" (it's the default for everything).

Ensuring that other games can see the card (crysis 2, starcraft 2, etc all work so yes they can)

Installing the latest drivers for the card (version 275)

Disabling the intel card, uninstalling then reinstalling the nvdia drivers while the intel card is off (dxdiag detected NO card and NVIDIA control panel wouldn't start because the intel card wasn't detected).

Installing a friend's copy of Halo 2 to ensure my disk isn't damaged

Copying and using the program files from my old Toshiba laptop to run the game


I have emailed Alienware support a week ago but I haven't heard a response. I thought I would ask here just in case anyone has seen or experienced this problem themselves.

Any advice would be appreciated! Really want to play this game!

Thanks!

  • 06.10.2011 9:27 PM PDT

Uninstall GFWL and Halo 2, delete folders and sub-folders from my docs and program files.

Install the latest GFWL client first (google search)
Install halo 2, don't run, or update.
Install latest patch from halo 2 vista website.
Run.

Don't use compatibility mode, auto-update at your own risk. Refer to the FAQ on this board for further help.

Sorry for my robot mood, this kind of question is asked almost every week : ). Also, halo 2 pc was a very poor port, don't be surprised when you start to get bored/angry at it.

Wowowowow, Alienware!? That laptop will hate you for playing something like halo 2 vista on it! Everything from mouse lag, poor graphics, low pop, and no voice chat riddle that game. If you get mouse lag, force v-sync+triple buffering.

Do yourself a favour and buy halo 1 PC too, it's superior in almost every way.

  • 06.11.2011 1:43 PM PDT

Thanks for the friendly response. Unfortunately it is not working. I followed your instructions to the letter. I tried to start it and it said it's stopped working. I let it send info to microsoft, there was a progress bar thing and that was it.

Trying to start it afterward doesn't do anything. Same problem as before, it comes up in task manager, the program files window fades like something is loading, but then is dissapears and the window comes back into focus.

Any other ideas?

Also yeah I've had H2 and H1 for PC for a while, played them on my old Toshiba. H2 just has this special significance for me as it was the first Halo game I played and I'd love to feel that nostalgia again :(.

Don't worry still I plan to get games this computer deserves, getting Portal 2 once my exams finish :)

  • 06.12.2011 5:42 AM PDT

"I'm afraid of the man I'll become if I lay my life down for the people I don't even care for"

I still have the same problem. M17x r3 in my case.

  • 06.13.2011 7:33 PM PDT

Something smells fishy...


Posted by: MetaRidley16
Hi all,

Info about my system:
Alienware m11x R3
Windows 7 64 bit
8GB memory
Intel i7 1.5GHz (overclock to 2.6)
Dual graphics with Intel HD graphics 3000 and 2.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M

So basically when I try to start Halo 2, it won't do anything. I double click on it, it appears in the task manager (halo2.exe), then dissapears. I get no indication on screen that the game is running. I have tried all the things suggested in the sticky post, don't worry.

When I run in compatability mode for XP/Vista I get:

"Initialization failed. Either insufficient system resources were found to run the game, or the game data is missing or damaged.
Reinstalling the game may fix this problem."

When installing, it has a whinge about my graphics not being good enough when clearly this is not the case; it can only recognise my Intel HD graphics GPU and not the NVIDIA GPU.

Interestingly enough dxdiag can't see the NVIDIA card either, only showing the Intel card, but msconfig32 can.

So I think the main problem is that Halo 2 can't see my GPU, thus it deems the computer not good enough and refuses to run. I don't know if this is really the case or not but it's just what I think.

I have already tried the following for this problem:
Running as admin

Updating the game with latest patch

Uninstall then reinstall (many times)

Run in every compatability type

Ensuring I've selected the NVIDIA card in "NVIDIA control panel" (it's the default for everything).

Ensuring that other games can see the card (crysis 2, starcraft 2, etc all work so yes they can)

Installing the latest drivers for the card (version 275)

Disabling the intel card, uninstalling then reinstalling the nvdia drivers while the intel card is off (dxdiag detected NO card and NVIDIA control panel wouldn't start because the intel card wasn't detected).

Installing a friend's copy of Halo 2 to ensure my disk isn't damaged

Copying and using the program files from my old Toshiba laptop to run the game


I have emailed Alienware support a week ago but I haven't heard a response. I thought I would ask here just in case anyone has seen or experienced this problem themselves.

Any advice would be appreciated! Really want to play this game!

Thanks!

You probably already have but did you install the correct drivers for your laptop's Nvidia graphics card? I suggest downloading the drivers for your laptop from the Dell website.

You could try going to the Dell website and downloading the latest Nvidia graphics driver for your laptop.

  • 06.14.2011 2:51 AM PDT

I have the latest drivers, just installed them last week :(
Saw some other guy with the same problem in a different forum, it wasn't solved. Guess it's just not meant to be.

  • 06.14.2011 10:11 PM PDT

Something smells fishy...

This may sound kind of silly but have you tried installing the game without running it in compatibility mode?

I'm not sure but since you have a 64-bit operating system there might be some compatibility issues between H2V and your operating system. Not sure though.

Microsoft lists H2V as incompatible with Windows 7 here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-u s/Details.aspx?type=Software&p=Microsoft%20Halo%202&v =Microsoft&uid=&l=en&pf=0&pi=0&s=halo%202 &os=64-bit

There's this Microsoft support article that may pertain to what you're experiencing: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941208

I also found a thread on Microsoft Answers that someone described a similar if not the same problem you're having.

[Edited on 06.15.2011 9:56 AM PDT]

  • 06.15.2011 9:21 AM PDT

"I'm afraid of the man I'll become if I lay my life down for the people I don't even care for"

I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM

Can someone help? I called microsoft and dell and they both claim that Halo 2 is 100% not compatible with W7 and that there is no work around for it, but many people are able to play it on win7...

  • 06.16.2011 1:17 PM PDT

I am just about to get my own M11x, I will be pretty disappointed if I can't get my copy of Halo 2 to work on it. I wonder if the problem is specifically with Windows 7 64 bit? Because I've ran it on two different PCs with Windows 7 32 bit.

  • 06.16.2011 1:21 PM PDT

"I'm afraid of the man I'll become if I lay my life down for the people I don't even care for"

HELP

  • 06.17.2011 7:15 PM PDT

I have tried just about every possible workaround regarding problems with Windows 7.
It does appear that most people are able to play it on 7 without any problems. I swear other Microsoft pages I've seen say that it is compatible but I trust the source given. I really did think it was a graphics hardware issue, hmm.

I am just about to get my own M11x, I will be pretty disappointed if I can't get my copy of Halo 2 to work on it. I wonder if the problem is specifically with Windows 7 64 bit? Because I've ran it on two different PCs with Windows 7 32 bit.

The site Barnacle links to says 32 bit is incompatible too so I don't think it's a 32 v 64 bit problem. When you do get your m11x could you please let us know if it works? Would love to be able to narrow down the causes a little.

  • 06.18.2011 1:04 AM PDT

Something smells fishy...


Posted by: MetaRidley16
I have tried just about every possible workaround regarding problems with Windows 7.
It does appear that most people are able to play it on 7 without any problems. I swear other Microsoft pages I've seen say that it is compatible but I trust the source given. I really did think it was a graphics hardware issue, hmm.

I am just about to get my own M11x, I will be pretty disappointed if I can't get my copy of Halo 2 to work on it. I wonder if the problem is specifically with Windows 7 64 bit? Because I've ran it on two different PCs with Windows 7 32 bit.

The site Barnacle links to says 32 bit is incompatible too so I don't think it's a 32 v 64 bit problem. When you do get your m11x could you please let us know if it works? Would love to be able to narrow down the causes a little.

I'm running Windows 7 32-bit. I've installed Halo 2 Vista without any problems. Maybe you could Google, "Halo 2 Vista installation issues using Windows 7 64-bit" or something of the like.

  • 06.18.2011 7:14 AM PDT

Just to confirm Halo 2 runs fine on my Windows 7 64-bit Professional edition.

Did you upgrade from windows Vista, or preform a complete install?

  • 06.18.2011 7:55 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Intel Q6600 3.0ghz
4gb DDR21066 2x2gb RAM
Geforce GTX 260 Core 216 650/1100

from what I read it sounded like he's having a video card conflict. Alot of the new i5 and i7 CPU chips have intel graphics built in. If you can disable it in your motherboards settings or windows you might be able to play Halo 2 after.

  • 06.18.2011 12:20 PM PDT

I've ordered it, but it won't come till around July 1st according to what Dell's website says, but I'll be sure to try it and let you know when I do get it.

  • 06.18.2011 6:28 PM PDT

Sig made while listening to I-Doser.
Member of the i4Ni Clan.

Hey, I'm TetriS/r4v3n/Ryx. I've been modding Halo 1 pc since late 2008-2009, and playing Halo 2 Vista since summer of 2010. If you need any help with Halo 1 modding, just ask; I haven't modded in a while but I remember most of it.

I'm always up for a h2v game; message i4Ni TetriS and I'll get back to you.

Running 64bit/Win7/Vista there is some catroot folder that crashes Halo 2. You just have to wait a minute. I have the problem too, but if you give it a minute, or just kill the process in Task Manager and restart Halo 2, it'll work.

There used to be an app that deleted said catroot folder and stopped the crash, but it's long since dissappeared somewhere in the webs. And I don't remember the exact folder to delete.

  • 06.19.2011 12:12 PM PDT

And to add to this thread...I got Halo 2 running on my windows 7 32 bit laptop and my Windows 7 64 bit PC...It's really a hit and miss with this game...but then i've never been a fan of Alienware and who knows, that could be the issue that its not reading the proper GPU (which i saw you said you told it to but who knows)

  • 06.19.2011 12:33 PM PDT

I've tried the whole catroot folder, cryptographic services stuff and it didn't work.

I didn't install the OS myself, it came with it. Every part of this computer is the same as it was when I got it.

Thanks for all the responses btw guys I appreciate it, even if we're barely getting anywhere

  • 06.19.2011 7:53 PM PDT

"I'm afraid of the man I'll become if I lay my life down for the people I don't even care for"


Posted by: MetaRidley16
I've tried the whole catroot folder, cryptographic services stuff and it didn't work.

I didn't install the OS myself, it came with it. Every part of this computer is the same as it was when I got it.

Thanks for all the responses btw guys I appreciate it, even if we're barely getting anywhere


Do you have switchable graphics or optimus? I have an M17x r3 with Optimus and I called microsoft support and apparently Halo 2 will not work with any form of switchable graphics and also said something about "virtualization".

I hope there's some workaround for this because now im stuck with playing it on my old desktop :(

  • 06.19.2011 8:14 PM PDT

Yeah I've got switchable graphics. I thought this was the problem and I guess you've just confirmed it :( Dammit NVIDIA!

  • 06.19.2011 9:28 PM PDT

"I'm afraid of the man I'll become if I lay my life down for the people I don't even care for"


Posted by: MetaRidley16
Yeah I've got switchable graphics. I thought this was the problem and I guess you've just confirmed it :( Dammit NVIDIA!


:( New drivers I hope!!!


(Dell's support site is useless and downloading from Nvidia doesn't work for my system)

  • 06.20.2011 12:37 PM PDT

Posted by: Nessy

The bungie.net community is the halo PC community that is renowned for being unbelieveably sucky.

Call Alienware and explain to them you need access to the BIOS to disable the Intel graphics.

  • 06.20.2011 1:56 PM PDT

"I'm afraid of the man I'll become if I lay my life down for the people I don't even care for"


Posted by: Frnksnbns
Call Alienware and explain to them you need access to the BIOS to disable the Intel graphics.


Well. I tried but I have to pay $50-$150 for premium services to deal with stuff like this. I love Halo 2 but this is a bit much for a $20 game

  • 06.20.2011 2:31 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

HI I have slightly diferent problem regarding halo 2 reagarding windows 7 .
my halo 2 is installed fine joins live and after 2-7 min of gameplay crashes my computer(black screen iritating sound and then I have to restart the coptuter manually). I run on windows 732bit ultimate and all my drivers are up to date . Also my coputer runs with ease all crysis games on ultra high therefore it's not a graphics issue
P.S. this might be the last or one of my last commensts through this acount thanks to MS and their games for windows live beacuse this hotmail is linked to my older gmaertag wich I will never use again(at least I now have a new gamertag that has my orginal nickname Alpha B A 7)so I will let this acount die so I can rejoin with my new hotmail. Out of curiosity After the 365 day the acount will be deleted so I will be able to use my nickname right??

[Edited on 07.21.2011 7:20 AM PDT]

  • 07.21.2011 7:18 AM PDT


Posted by: UnfitFatbill

Posted by: Frnksnbns
Call Alienware and explain to them you need access to the BIOS to disable the Intel graphics.


Well. I tried but I have to pay $50-$150 for premium services to deal with stuff like this. I love Halo 2 but this is a bit much for a $20 game


That's what you get for buying anything with the brand "Alienware".

  • 07.21.2011 9:04 PM PDT