#1: Check your Graphics Card and System Memory

Check that your graphics card meets the required specifications to run the software. PC’s must be running Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, or later. A graphics card with at least 32MB of memory is required for most created games. When designing and testing games, the memory requirements must be at least 128 MB and preferably more, depending on the operating system.

#2: Check for DirectX and its settings

Your graphics card must be DirectX 8 (or later) compatible graphics and sound card. Make sure you have the most recent drivers installed. Game Maker requires DirectX version 8.0 or later to be installed on your computer which can be downloaded at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/.

To check the DirectX settings, you must open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool:

1. Choose the START menu
2. Select RUN…
3. Type “dxdiag”
4. Click OK
5. Choose the DISPLAY tab
6. Under DirectX Features, click ENABLE on DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture Accelleration
7. You can click TEST DIRECTDRAW to make sure DirectX is now active on your computer
8. Click EXIT

#3: Registry modification if running Active Directory

If your School District uses Active Directory software it will block Game Maker from running games. To fix the problem, you have to modify the registry. Please note: making adjustments to the registry can cause problems with your computer. Only make adjustments if you feel comfortable doing so.

1. Choose the START menu
2. Select RUN…
3. Type “regedit”
4. Click OK
5. From the left column, choose HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
6. Choose SYSTEM
7. Choose CURRENTCONTROLSET
8. Choose CONTROL
9. Choose GRAPHICSDRIVERS
10. Choose DCI
11. From the right column, double-click TIMEOUT
12. Type “7” in the Value Data field
13. Select DECIMAL under the Base section
14. Press OK
15. Close out the Registry Editor