Solved Fallout 3 troubles

I bought Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition today. It installed normally, except it didn't add a shortcut to my desktop, and it didn't install itself into steam. The game can turn on, and I can watch the opening cinematic, but then in freezes during the birth scene. Anybody know what the problem could be? My PC runs New Vegas flawlessly. Did I install it wrong? Any help is valuble

What do you mean it didn't install itself into Steam.

Try running it in compatibility mode for Windows Vista.

I'm using Windows 7, so that's the problem? If so, how do I make it compatible?

Right click on the launcher icon, select properties, click on the compatibility tab, check the button beside 'run this program in compatibility mode for', select Windows Vista from the drop-down, and click 'apply.'

Thanks, I'll try that

It didn't work I'm afraid. It still froze eventually.

Try changing it to Windows XP Service Pack 3 instead.

Tried that too. It froze much quicker.

Are you running it in admin mode? Right click on the launcher icon and select 'run as administrator.' I had the same problem as you and I'm trying to remember how I eventually got it to work.

Tried that just now. Still didn't work I'm afraid

The only other suggestion I can make is to try playing it in offline mode. Failing that, check the fallout forums. It's a common problem with Windows 7 users, hopefully someone there can offer a solution.

Like I said, it didn't install onto steam. Could it be possible that I have a bad copy?

No idea. You might consider reinstalling, but you're best off browsing the forums beforehand.

I've already reinstalled it 3-4 times.

Should I get the Steam version if I can't get this one to work?