Originally posted by: icysnot

Things known to help in the reduction of CTDs (Crash To Desktop)
Please don't post questions in this thread; comments/suggestions welcome.

The following should be done in the order written:

====================================1====================================
Things to do in general

-Read the pinned (lock icon next to title) threads at the top of this forum.

-Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements

-Make sure you are running the latest patched version of Morrowind

-Make sure your operating system is up to date. AMD users take note!!
---Windows Update - http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

-Make sure your hard drive is healthy and optimized (do weekly):

---Windows 9x/ME
Run scandisk to fix errors
Run defrag to optimize

---Windows 2000/XP
Start>Run> type 'cmd'
Type 'chkdsk /f'
Answer yes if prompted
Reboot
Run defrag to optimize

====================================2====================================
Things to do before playing Morrowind

-Shutdown background processes (virus scanners, instant mess., etc.):

---Windows 9x/ME
Press Crtl+Alt+Delete
End Task on everything except Explorer and Systray

---Windows 2000/XP
Too extensive to be posted here;
Do a google search for: 'services tweak'

====================================3====================================
Graphics/Sound/Chipset Software

-Make sure your graphics card/chipset is supported (others may work w/issues):
Supported:
---NVIDIA GeForce 4
---NVIDIA GeForce 3
---NVIDIA GeForce 2
---NVIDIA GeForce 256
---NVIDIA TNT2
---ATI Radeon 8500
---ATI Radeon 7500
---ATI Radeon 7200
---ATI Radeon

-Update your graphics drivers:
---nVidia - http://www.nvidia.com/
---nVidia (unofficial) - http://www.omegacorner.com/ (these are very stable)
---ATI - http://www.ati.com/
---SIS (Not Supported) - http://www.sis.com/
---Intel (Not Supported)- http://www.intel.com/

-Update your motherboard chipset driver:
---Intel - http://www.intel.com/
---AMD (older Athlon) - http://www.amd.com/
---VIA 4in1 - http://www.viaarena.com/
---SIS - http://www.sis.com/

-Update your sound drivers (DirextX 8.1 compatible card/chipsets):
---Sound Blaster - http://www.soundblaster.com/
---Hercules - http://www.hercules.com/
---Turtle Beach - http://www.turtlebeach.com/
---Integrated (VIA) - http://www.viaarena.com/
---Integrated (Intel) - http://www.intel.com/
---Integrated (SIS) - http://www.sis.com/

====================================4====================================
Modifying morrowind.ini

-Located: <root>\Program Files\Bethesda Softworks\Morrowind

-Backup your existing copy

-Open file with notepad (should open automatically when double-clicked)

-Locate this line:
Max FPS=240
-Change to (or lower):
Max FPS=60

-Locate this line:
DontThreadLoad=0
-Change to:
DontThreadLoad=1

-Locate these lines (optional):
Interior Cell Buffer=16
Exterior Cell Buffer=32
Experiment with the values (32&64, 64&128, etc.)
Higher values use more RAM

====================================5====================================
Troubleshooting Tips

-General

---Always reboot after a crash
---Consider any new software installed or system configuration changes
---Consider heat issues; is your computer well ventilated? CPUs, RAM, vidcards
heat up substantially when gaming.
---If any of your system is overclocked, reduce back to default speed
---Disable all mods except maybe the official ones. DO NOT SAVE YOUR GAME!

-Sound

---Disable Hardware Sound in the Options Menu

-Video

---Set your desktop resolution/color to match your Morrowind environment
Right-click desktop; choose properties
Click Settings tab
Adjust resolution/color depth (quality)

---Disable write combining for your graphics card (Thanks Freddo)
Right-click desktop; choose properties
Click Settings tab
Click Advanced
Click Troubleshoot Tab
Uncheck Write Combining