So when starting up the game if I try to skip the opening movie it freezes up and ultimately crashes back to windows I looked over all the previous posts and faqs I didn't find anything like that. does anyone have any idea what might cause this?

Sounds like it might be a corrupted install (I could be wrong though). Try re-downloading and reinstalling.

I already did that and it's still the same. I also tried the fan made patch that is supposed to fix crashes but it didn't fix mine.

umm.. I have an ATI video card but I don't see anything called ATI tray tools??? there is a thing called ATI catalyst control center but I don't know much about it or how to tell if it is running or not. I did have problems upon first downloading the game, even starting it, that 640 x 480 problem, I solved it with the high res. patch and erasing that .dll file or something like that.

rename it what??

nevermind... I took the w off the end and it seemed to work, seems weird but whatever I am not a programmer.
Thanks a ton though weclock you are awesome.

Thanks, I do my best.