To be honest, I would format the computer before spending ages looking for solutions that might not even work.

Once the operating system has been reinstalled, create a restore point as a starting point, and then reinstall everything. Step by step to eliminate any errors sources. Graphic drivers, required Redistributables, Sound drivers, Steam and everything else you work with.

Before doing so, of course, backup everything what is important to you (e.g. favorites, documents, fonts, pictures, music, saved game data, email data) somewhere.

The question that would then arise is whether you know how to do it. May be a simple question, but not everyone knows how to reinstall the operating system.

But maybe someone else here has ideas that make this step unnecessary.

Quick Question: Which Windows version are you using?

It also never hurts to check the windows logbook with the event viewer, allowed me to pinpoint a failing PSU a couple weeks back.

I am using Windows 10.

Postat inițial de Vamp:

It also never hurts to check the windows logbook with the event viewer, allowed me to pinpoint a failing PSU a couple weeks back.

Yeah, windows 10 eventviewer is easy to access just press win key+R to open the run window and use eventvwr to open the log viewer. From there look for critical issues under the top directory. Even better to do this after a game crashes so it'll be fresh at the top of the logs.

Have you tried reinstalling Steam? You can do this leaving your games intact. A guide to follow:

https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2307584451

At the very least, it should rule out any possible issue with your games being caused by Steam.

Thank you Ren. I was just thinking along the same lines. This method might be faster. I contacted Steam support, but then the responded, it was obvious they did not read my whole message.

I'd start with a clean install of Steam firstly, a complete reinstall of your OS means losing everything and having to reinstall and configure every piece of software and hardware on your PC, that's a bit extreme in my opinion and should only be done as a last resort.

What I usually try and do is narrow down what could be causing the issue, I'll look at the drivers firstly, then I'll move on to my operating system (have I changed anything recently), I'll then look at Steam and see if anything has been changed that could be affecting the game or games, I'll make sure that I'm running everything as an administrator, I'll then search online for possible solutions to the same problem and see if a fix has been found for that particular game.

If I still get no luck, the game or games will be uninstalled and reinstalled, I'll check the background processes to see if any conflict is happening when I try to play. If it still won't work, I'll then consider a full OS install. Thankfully, that last option has never been reached (so far).

I just did an uninstall of Steam and a full reinstall. Sadly my reinstalled Game Zephon is still crashing. Steam is obviously not reading the messages I send them,, but it's really not there problem, but mine. Thanks for trying to help

I have just done a quick search for that game, some things you have already tried, but maybe one or two things you haven't tried yet, the list I found:

How To Fix ZEPHON Crashing at Startup Error or Crashing On PC
To fix ZEPHON crashing at startup or during gameplay on Windows 10, follow these steps:
Update Graphics Card Drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers for your graphics card from NVIDIA or AMD.

Install Visual C++ Files: Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft.

Reinstall ZEPHON: Uninstall the game and then reinstall it to ensure all files are correctly installed.

Check for Background Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running in the background that may interfere with ZEPHON.

Verify Game Files: Use Steam to verify the integrity of the game files to ensure they are not corrupted.

Reboot Your PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary issues causing crashes.

If the problem persists, consider reaching out to ZEPHON support or community forums for additional troubleshooting steps or updates.

I will try it, but I have other games crashing as well. Thanks.

Postat inițial de curtio rico:

I will try it, but I have other games crashing as well. Thanks.

That's the problem, it's not game specific, I suspect it's an outside source causing the issue. The hard part is finding it, I've had another look online, but it's the same replies or answers, drivers, OS, reinstall the game, etc. Hopefully, someone else can come up with an answer.

I just may have to break down and get windows 11. I really do appreciate your help. I was going to wait until November Black Friday Amazon sale for a new PC. Getting a new PC can be a real pain.

I've found a YT video with multiple options for a fix for that game, it might give you a starting point or an option you haven't tried yet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra1EDISh6Og&t

With regards to Windows 11, I'm currently using it, it runs OK, version 24H2 has a few issues, these are carried over in to version 25H2. As of October 1st, 4 issues detected so far. I'm not trying to put you off, but as usual with Microsoft, for every bug they fix, they add another 10.

Hopefully, you can find a fix soon!

Thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to help.