Encore CS4 constantly crashes

Question

I installed the CS4 Master Collection suite and had no errors in the installation. I have been using some of the applications without problem. However, when I try to work with Encore CS4 it crashes everytime.
I created a new project and imported some JPG images to create a slideshow. I can't get past this point. Everytime I launch Encore and open the project it crashes. I have tried to create new projects and it makes no difference.
I spoke with Adobe Technical Support and they suggested I start Windows with all of the services disabled. Encore still crashes. They then suggested I uninstall and reinstall the entire suite which would take hours.
I am running Windows XP Sp3 with Core2Duo processor and 2 Gb RAM. I have plenty of available hard drive space.
Has anyone had this problem or have suggestions on what may be causing Encore to crash?

Answer 1

I think the problem is with the NVidia GE Force 7xxx series of graphics chips. I have had the exact same issue on a Laptop running a 512Mb GO 7600, and know of folks with a GO 7300 and the same issues.
The trouble is that with a lot of systems (laptops especially) the graphics chips are OEM items - meaning the manufacturers buy scads & scads of them & the original manufacturer does not provide end user support. As soon as internal firmware hits issues, rather than bugfix & update most manufacturers these days obsolete the model & introduce a new one as it is cheaper for them to build them by the container load in China, and to hell with the end user.
None of this is a solution to the problem though.
The biggest problem of all is that unless Adobe fix the problem, then it is not going to go away as it is impossible to update the NVidia chip drivers to the latest versions because of the OEM nature of the product. Go to the NVidia website & you will be politely told to go to the seller of your machine.
This problem is probably going to get a lot worse in the future as well. The only solution I can think of is to
A - Avoid using Laptops unless you can afford to buy a new one each software build.
2 - If using a desktop, avoid buying from Box Shifters and instead either build your own or get someone reputable to do it for you - preferably without using NVidia Graphics cards (They have other, more serious problems as well)
3 - Dump the NVidia Graphics card where possible & go for an ATI device instead.
I also think that the Adobe installer should check this - and tell you - pointedly - your graphics chip/card is not up to the job.
BTW - on Premiere CS4, you will find that 4.0 installs & runs, but the 4.01 update might well kill it.