So I installed it on my PC. No probs except for a strange issue vis a vis DX9. It told me I didn't have a file called d3dx9_32.dll and wouldn't start. I got this on two different PCs. I tried to install Dx9 though I had it already (version C) too. Wouldn't take. So finally I just looked up the file on 'the google' and dn loaded it and threw it in my windows/system file that fixed it.

Where the problem arose after that is when I fired up the nav training mission. After playing around with the views and stuff I set the boat to just circle the island and then went to walk our scotty. (heheh she had to go. It was fun watching her on the 'poop' deck. groans :)) when i came back the game was locked up hard and required a reboot. I am applying the patch and hoping that helps. In the event it doesn't fix things anyone experience this?

I think you will find that installing the LATEST DX9 will solve this.
The version you installed was probably an older version of DX9c.

Well the saga continues... I did install a later version of Dx9 yada yada. Also after the patch lots of visual artifacts went away... So I ran the training missions through and had a hoot. Then on the last mission, I started getting flickering every now and then. Finally it got worse and had flashes of a green screen in there. Then BAM out to windows with one of those classic send in a report messages.

I like SH4 and I am not bashing it but this PC is simply awesome at running all but mebbe FSX, (but that PC's a half year away yet ) It plays COH with all it's glory and I was getting 50-60 FPS in SH4 on 1200 by 1028 with all stuff on..ALL stuff. So what's the hubbub bub? Why she go boom? Anyway I am sure as I've read after patching SH will be a hoot but as it stands now I am not going to reconfigure my pc to run one game as good as it my be.

BTW I am not pissed but just resigned that this is the way things are vis a vis windows gaming.