on start up i get an error that says can't set mode trying 640x480x8 i hit ok then another one pops up with can't set mode to 640x480x16 i hit ok for that one and then i get a setmode failed err=-2147467263 and after that it comes up with the do you want to tell microsoft about the program that just crashed
ruining xp pro

Hi,
What game ? Exoddus or Oddysee?
Look in your start menu folder of the game to see if there's a graphic tool that allows you to choose some other display options/properties.

You may also want to check the shortcut to make sure 640x480 isn't being forced. To do this right click the abe shortcut and got to properties. Then click the compatibilty tab and make sure that run in 640x480 screen resolution box is unticked.

Oddysee there is no tool for resolution changes and it isn't being forced to run in 640x480 i have tried checking it though but i got the same message so i unchecked it

What are your system specs? and what monitor are you using?

well i'm running it on a Lenovo laptop duel core (already tried doing to core affinity didn't affect anything) and i've got a dual monitor set up and trying to run it on the one built in. my graphics card is an NVIDIA quatro fx 570m

A couple of things you could try, try to run it on the second monitor that isn't the laptop screen. Try disabling dual monitor setup just to see if it will run with one screen avalible. Changing compatibilty to run on different OS like 98, 95. Turning off visual themes in the compatibility tab.

that would be a no go on everything

Do you remember what directx version the game comes with and asks you to install if any?
Also if you haven't done so already get in contact with gog support and send them the details of whats wrong and a dxdiag as well.

i don't and i just sent off the support email. in the process of downloading an new installer and going to see how a reinstall works

Well the only forum I could find that mentioned something about the error was for linux which if your running on xp doesn't apply. They did however mention that error occuring if you install directx from the abe install so if given the choice don't do that. I don't know if installing directx 9 and 10 off of microsofts site again might help as well.

Let us know how the reisntall worked out.
And by the way, why did you copied my board tag (Malkavian) ? :)

Maybe hes a fan of VtMBL as well? I think thats where thats from the insane vamps.

i didn't notice you had it as well i was just trying to find a good one and my source books for VTM were in sight
the reinstall did nothing btw