Please help ... I have just encountered a strange problem --- all the while my PC has been able to play both my FS2002/2004 and Falcon Allied Force. But just a while ago, when trying to load up my FS2002, a message popped up saying "Safe mode enabled because your system is currently unable to use hardware acceleration."Also, my Windows boot up is suddenly taking a very long time.I have never had this problem before. What could be wrong? My graphic card is ATI Radeon 9700 Pro.Would appreciate if someone could help.Thanks.Lep

Before this problem occured did you do anything to your computer in the way of updates? Updates to Windows or drivers or anyting like that?I recommend you run DxDiag and go through the tests and see what happens. When you run DxDiag check out the 'Display' Tab. Are DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture Acceleration all enabled?OneTinSoldier

Thanks OneTinSoldier. I did not do any update to my system before the problem happens. For the DxDiag, may I know where I could get it? Is it a freeware? Thanks.Lep

It's included with the Windows OS. Do the following...Start --> Run --> 'type in' DxDiag --> press the Enter key on your keyboard.Good Luck,OneTinSoldier

By the way, it might be a good idea of you list your system specifications if you can. The following is an example, which I keep in a text file for quick copy and pasting...System Specs:Intel 3.4C(C = Northwood Core) on Asus P4C800-E Deluxe(Intel 875P + ICH5R Chipset), Zalman 7000a-Cu HS/Fan, Enermax RG651P-VE 550W PSU, 2 GB Mushkin eXtreme Performance(2-2-2) Dual Channel PC3200 RAM, NEC MultiSync FE2111SB 21" CRT Monitor, Sapphire Radeon X800 XT PE Videocard with v5.9 Catalyst Drivers, DirectX 9.0c, Creative Audigy2 Platinum Soundcard with Creative OpenAL Beta Driver, 250 GB w/8 MB Cache Western Digital 7200 RPM Parallel ATA HDD, WinXP Pro SP2, Comcast Cable Internet Connection, Nortons Anti-virus and Personal Firewall 2005

Thanks there. I've run a check and please see my attached results.It seems it says all my 3D, accelerator, are not available. But that can't be, just yesterday everything was still fine and I haven't made any change/update to my PC.Please help.Thanks,Lep

Have you tried a system restore to a time before the problem occurred? It might be worth a try. R-

No I haven't been making backup for quite sometime.Lep

You need to reinstall your motherboard's chipset drivers.Regards,Greg

I didn't mean restore from a backup; WinXP puts in restore points automatically, usually one per day. You can find the Restore facility at Start > Help and Support -or- Start > Programs > Accesories > System Tools > Restore. Restore has saved my bacon several times. R-

Thanks everyone. Problem solved ... I updated to latest ATI Cat driver and everything works beautifully now.Thank You All.