Requirements of this guide to apply:
Windows XP (x86-32bit, x64-64bit, any Service Pack level)
Crash-to-Desktop at BF2 startup (even EA/Dice intro video is not showing up)
Tested with GF6,GF7,GF8 series cards.
Background:
Fresh Windows XP (x86 x64 SP0...SP3, i.e. all WinXP) will have only one refresh mode for 800x600 resolution: 120 Hz.
ReForce can modify this Windows Registry / DirectX settings wrong behaviour. I wonder why EA haven't still fixed this after so many bug reports on this one.
ReForce will first show up current settings it finds from Windows Registry / DirectX settings, but will also let You modify the defaults.
1. Install ReForce to add 800x600@60Hz into DirectX abilitis (by default it's 120 Hz !)
First, find tool called ReForce RefreshForce Home Page
Just run the program and scroll down to resolution 800x600:
On this point, in Your case, the only default refresh rate could be e.g. "120" Hz.
Just change that box value to "60" and click Apply.
You can now close this program.
Note: Adding a new value like 800x600@60 next to 800x600@120 WON'T FIX YOUR PROBLEM. Just only change the only default rate to 60.
2. Enjoy your gameplay!
Additionally, You can always submit a bug report to EA to fix this behaviour.
Describe the error as following:
"By default, Windows will have only refresh rate for 800x600 as 120Hz. Please fix BF2.exe to support any refresh rate for this resolution at bf2.exe startup. Workaround exists by using ReForce to fix Windows default for 800x600 being 800x600@120 to 800x600@60 Hz, which bf2.exe will try to use at initialization phase."
