When you install or start a Microsoft game, you may receive an error message that states that your computer's processor does not meet the requirements for the game (909534)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Flight Simulator X Deluxe
  • Flight Simulator X Standard
  • Microsoft Age of Empires III
  • Microsoft Age of Empires III Expansion: The War Chiefs
  • Microsoft Age of Mythology
  • Microsoft Age of Mythology: Gold Edition
  • Microsoft Age of Mythology: The Titans
  • Microsoft Dungeon Siege II
  • Microsoft Fable: The Lost Chapters PC
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 - A Century of Flight
  • Microsoft Halo: Combat Evolved
  • Microsoft Rise of Nations
  • Microsoft Rise of Nations: Gold Edition
  • Microsoft Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends
  • Microsoft Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon: Complete Collection
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs Expansion Pack
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon: Marine Mania Expansion Pack
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species
  • Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania

SYMPTOMS

When you install or start one of the Microsoft games that are listed in the "Applies To" section, you may receive an error message. The error message states that your computer's processor does not meet the requirements for the game.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if either of the following conditions is true:
  • The processor speed is slower than the required processor speed.
  • The processor uses a technology, such as Intel SpeedStep, that has automatically and temporarily lowered the processor speed to save energy for less processor-intensive tasks.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, you must determine whether the speed of your computer's processor meets the requirements for the game. To determine the speed of the processor, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type Dxdiag in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. On the System tab, under System Information, note the value that is next to Processor.
  3. Close the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window.
You can then compare the processor speed value that you noted in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window with the processor speed value that you received in the error message. If the processor speed values match, or if your current processor speed exceeds the requirements for the game, the game may have detected the processor information incorrectly. If this is the case, you may continue to use the product without concern. Technology such as Intel SpeedStep will automatically increase the speed for processor-intensive tasks. If the processor speed values do not match, you should use the game on a compatible computer or return the game to the point of purchase.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to buy a personal computer that is designed to handle today's demanding computer games, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/default.mspx

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/10/2006
Keywords:kbsetup kbConfig kbtshoot KB909534 kbAudEndUser
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