Autoroute Express Europe 2000/Streets 2000 locks systems with GeForce 256

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Problem: On systems with the Nvidia GeForce 256 or GeForce 256 Plus video cards, attempting to use either Microsoft Autoroute Express Europe 2000 or Streets 2000 (part of Microsoft Works Suite 2000) on a Dell Dimension XPS Txxxr or Dimension XPS Bxxxr system running Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), locks the system completely. The mouse and keyboard are rendered inoperative.

Discussion: This occurs with the Nvidia GeForce 256 or GeForce 256 Plus video cards (also known as NV10 and NV10+) using the v4.12.01.0359 drivers combined with Microsoft Works Suite 2000. Rebooting the system is the only way to recover.

Solution: Dell Engineering has released new video drivers (v4.12.01.0377), which correct this issue. The drivers can be downloaded from http://support.dell.com. The file name is GFRCW377.EXE. The new drivers began shipping at:
• EMF on March 6, 2000
• AMF on April 6, 2000
There is also a workaround that will allow Autoroute Express Europe 2000 and Streets 2000 to launch without causing the system to lockup on systems using the older v4.12.01.0359 driver:
Change the Hardware acceleration so it is one notch away from None. Follow the steps below:
1. In Control Panel, double click the Display Icon.
2. Select the Settings tab and then click the Advanced button.
3. Click the Performance tab and move the slider bar one notch away from None.
Warning: Lowering the hardware acceleration may cause problems with OpenGL and Direct3D applications.

Keywords: Magellan, Kublai, Autoroute, Express, Europe, 2000, 2K, Streets, Nvidia, GeForce, video, adapter, Works, 3874