I have installed a new video card (Geforce FX5700) and FS9 suddenly refuses to load with the message "FS9 has caused an error in panels.dll FS9 will now close". Any help much appreciated.Airdog

Several things could be causing your problem. First, did you uninstall the previous graphics card drivers from your system prior to installing the new graphics card? Second, installation of the new graphics card drivers was incomplete or corrupted.Start by updating the MOBO's controller chip drivers, i.e., Intel, VIA, SiS, AMD, ALi, NForce. Next uninstall any graphics card drivers using the Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs menu. If more than one, you will have to reboot the computer several times. If you are using Win98/ME, you will need to place the graphics card in the Standare Display Adapter (VGA) or Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA) mode prior to installing the updated drivers for the new graphics card. Visit www.guru3d.com for detailed instruction for placing your card in the above modes.Once you have installed the above, check to see if you have DirectX9.0b installed. Press start, run..., type dxdiag, OK. Let the directx diagnostic stabilize, review the version installed. If 9.0b, then test the graphics adapter under the Display tab. Ensure DirectDraw, Direct3d, and AGP Accelerators are enabled. If any are grayed out, you haven't installed the MOBO controller chip drivers properly. If AGP is grayed out, it may mean you don't have AGP capability. If your computer is fairly new, it is likely it has AGP capability.W. Sieffert

Thanks very much W.Sieffert. Removing the old graphic card drivers and re-installing the new ones did the trick.CheersAirdog