Playing free game downloads from sites like Arcadetown and Big Fis

[J.C.]

My son's new computer is running Vista (our 1st exp w/it). He loves to
download these 60 minute free downloads from several different websites. We
have never had a problem doing this with our other three computers and XP.
Now we can download the game but when it loads to play it just freezes. I'm
assuming this is a Vista issue?? We just bought him this top of the line HP
for the holidays. I'm not a computer guru and have tried to resolve this but
to no avail. I've made sure java and Active X are enabled etc...Anyone else
had this issue? Not being able to play these games really defeats our
purpose of getting him his own computer in his room and getting him off of
ours!! Help please.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Do you also have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player installed too?

 

[J.C.]

YES, I do have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player also. Any other
ideas??

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Well, you need to contact the developer of this game to find out about Vista
support, if there are any work arounds available or possible alternatives.
Can you try playing in Firefox web browser maybe?

 

[uvbogden]

Most of us are used to installing an application update over an existing
version of the program. Many of us download and install games and other
software frequently. Frequent installs and other program functioning often
fill up the Temporary File Folder and other installation sites on your hard
drive which prevents downloading and installing new programs. Regularly
running a good unneeded file cleaner/shredder such as Ccleaner (see link
below) will help free up space for new installs.

For many programs in Vista, the old program or buildup of install/uninstall
debris must be completely removed before the update or new program can be
successfully installed and expected to function properly. Download and
installation of programs or updates sometimes fails, leaving broken install
debris. Normal uninstall processes on Vista are usually inadequate, often
leaving program remnant files and orphaned registry entries on your system.
Buildup of this install/uninstall debris can block normal program download
and installation, impair proper program functioning, generate any number of
error messages, and degrade Vista performance.

Complete removal of broken installs and incomplete uninstalls is essential
for normal program install and function processes to occur. You can do this
retroactively, after debris buildup has accumulated to the point of major
computer malfunction, using a good registry scanner/cleaner. It is preferred
to do this proactively, cleaning file remnants and registry entries after
each uninstall, preventing debris buildup. Proactively, you can remove this
install/uninstall debris manually with help from Windows Install CleanUp
Utility or you can use Smarty Uninstaller.

The best way to remove all the remnants of a partially uninstalled program
or a broken install is to use Smarty Uninstaller. This program will scan
your system and list all the programs on your computer, including "broken"
parts of programs. It will then run the program's uninstaller (if present),
and then rescan to list any pieces left on your system. Clicking Cleanup
will then remove all traces of your program and installation of the new or
update program can then proceed normally.

A link to Smarty Uninstaller and other information about install/uninstall
problems can be found at the following tutorial. For information on removing
an empty listing from your Programs and Features, see the second tutorial.
The third and fourth links are to good unneeded file removal and registry
scanner/cleaner programs. If the preceding doesn’t solve your problem, see
the fifth link about your Repair Vista Options.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/87249-unable-install-latest-version-program-vista.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/86721-programs-features-remove-uninstall-entry.html

http://www.ccleaner.com/

http://wisecleaner.com/download.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/101393-repair-vista-options-preferred-sequence.html

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My son's new computer is running Vista (our 1st exp w/it). He loves to
download these 60 minute free downloads from several different websites. We
have never had a problem doing this with our other three computers and XP.
Now we can download the game but when it loads to play it just freezes. I'm
assuming this is a Vista issue??

Why would you assume that? Wouldn't it make much more sense to
conclude that the game(s) in question weren't designed or intended to
work on Vista?

We just bought him this top of the line HP
for the holidays. I'm not a computer guru and have tried to resolve this but
to no avail. I've made sure java and Active X are enabled etc...Anyone else
had this issue? Not being able to play these games really defeats our
purpose of getting him his own computer in his room and getting him off of
ours!! Help please.

Have you contacted the maker(s) of these games to determine when
they'll have Vista-compatible versions available?


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Most of us are used to installing an application update over an existing
version of the program. Many of us download and install games and other
software frequently. Frequent installs and other program functioning often
fill up the Temporary File Folder and other installation sites on your hard
drive which prevents downloading and installing new programs.

These temporary storage areas do not "fill up;" there is no preset
limit to their size.

Regularly
running a good unneeded file cleaner/shredder such as Ccleaner (see link
below) will help free up space for new installs.

Freeing up space my help the computer's performance, but it won't have
any affect on the ability to install software, unless the hard drive is
completely full.

For many programs in Vista, the old program or buildup of install/uninstall
debris must be completely removed before the update or new program can be
successfully installed and expected to function properly. Download and
installation of programs or updates sometimes fails, leaving broken install
debris. Normal uninstall processes on Vista are usually inadequate, often
leaving program remnant files and orphaned registry entries on your system.
Buildup of this install/uninstall debris can block normal program download
and installation, impair proper program functioning, generate any number of
error messages,

Possibly, but only very rarely.

... and degrade Vista performance.

No, that's completely untrue.

Complete removal of broken installs and incomplete uninstalls is essential
for normal program install and function processes to occur.

Again, only very rarely, and only if one is trying to reinstall the
same thing as was improperly removed earlier.

You can do this
retroactively, after debris buildup has accumulated to the point of major
computer malfunction, using a good registry scanner/cleaner.

Ah, but there's no such thing. Registry "cleaners" are nothing but
snake oil.

It is preferred
to do this proactively, cleaning file remnants and registry entries after
each uninstall, preventing debris buildup.

Prefered by whom?



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot