Halo 2

Halo 2 for Windows Vista Readme File
May 2007
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Halo 2 for Windows Vista!

This Readme file contains late-breaking information as well as troubleshooting information about Halo® 2 for Windows Vista™. You can find information on Microsoft customer support services in the printed or online .pdf manual.

Note: If Halo 2 for WindowsVista came installed on your computer or bundled with your computer or other hardware or software as an OEM version, contact the manufacturer of the computer or other hardware or software it was bundled with for product support. Refer to the documentation that came with your computer, hardware, or software for the product support telephone number.

Contents
A. System Requirements
B.Installation
Installing Halo 2 for Windows Vista
Installation Issues
Installation Tips
Starting Halo 2 for Windows Vista
C. Getting Help
Overview
Viewing the Online Print Piece
D. Configuration Issues
E. Graphics Issues
Graphics Cards and Video Drivers
Graphics Issues
Graphics Card Drivers and Manufacturers
F. Audio Issues
G. Advanced Run Modes
A. System Requirements
Halo 2 for WindowsVista requires a personal computer with the following minimum requirements:

· 2 GHz or faster processor
· 1 Gigabyte (GB) of RAM
· 7 GB of available hard disk space (the Dedicated Server and Map Editor require additional hard drive space)
· DVD-ROM drive
· ATI x700 or nVidia 6100 or better display adapter
· Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device
· Sound card and speakers orheadphones for audio
· DirectX® 9.0c or later (included on the DVD)
· Network adapter for LAN multiplayer gameplay
· Broadband Internet access for Windows LIVE™ multiplayer gameplay
B. Installation
This section describes how to manually install the software components necessary to play Halo 2 for Windows Vista in the event they are not installed automatically.

Note: We recommend you uninstall anyBeta, Trial, and OEM versions of the game before you install the Retail version.

To uninstall earlier versions of Halo 2 for Windows Vista

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start and then Control Panel.

2. Click Uninstall a Program under Programs, and then select Halo 2 for Windows Vista.

Installing Halo 2 for Windows Vista
When you insert the Halo 2 for Windows Vista DVD into theDVD-ROM drive, you should see the Halo 2 for Windows Vista installation screen. Click Play Halo 2 for Windows Vista for the fastest installation. For additional installation options, click Customize Game Install.

If your computer does not automatically display the installation screen after the DVD is inserted into the DVD-ROM drive, perform the following procedure.

To install Halo 2 for WindowsVista manually

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start, Accessories, and then Run.

2. In the Open box, type x:\startup, where x is the letter of your DVD-ROM drive, and then click OK.

For example, if your DVD-ROM drive letter is D, type d:\startup

3. Click Install Halo 2 for Windows Vista, and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Installation Issues
If youexperience video, graphics, or sound problems using DirectX, always check with your graphics or sound card manufacturer for the latest DirectX-compatible drivers, or go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/ for the latest troubleshooting information.
Installation Tips
If you have problems installing Halo 2 for Windows Vista, try the following troubleshooting steps in the order they are listed:1. Before installing Halo 2 for Windows Vista, make sure all open software applications, including antivirus software, are closed.

2. Clean the Halo 2 for Windows Vista DVD. To do this, use a DVD cleaning kit, or gently wipe the silver side of the DVD with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. Do not use paper cloth, which can scratch the plastic and leave streaks. When you clean the DVD, wipe from...