Hi,
Just got FS2 from GOG but when I try and run using either the launcher or FS2.exe it crashes with the following error in the errorlog file
FS2 caused an Access Violation in module FS2.exe at 001b:005b1f90.
Exception handler called in Freespace 2 Main Thread.
Error occurred at 11/17/2008 12:33:14.
C:program filesgog.comfreespace 2FS2.exe, run by Doug.
1 processor(s), type 586.
1016 MBytes physical memory.
Read from location 000000ac caused an access violation.
I have DirectX 9.0c(4.09.0000.0904) drivers installed but I have a rather old system which uses S3 prosvage DDR integrated graphics chipset. The FS2 demo worked fine so I thought I may be in luck. Any help would be great.
DxDiag summary is
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 11/17/2008, 16:11:08
Machine name: SUNRISE
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
System Model: KM266-8235
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Duron(tm) processor, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.6GHz
Memory: 1016MB RAM
Page File: 236MB used, 2208MB available
Windows Dir: C:WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
Manufacturer: S3 Graphics, Inc.
Chip type: S3 ProSavage DDR
DAC type: S3 SDAC
Device Key: EnumPCIVEN_5333&DEV_8D04&SUBSYS_73891462&REV_00
Display Memory: 8.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: s3gnb.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.0033 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/13/2004 13:42:08, 401280 bytes

Which OS are you using? I'm assuming XP due to the system being "old".
Go through the various other threads here and try the various solutions offered. Summary to follow:
Set access rights (Vista, mostly)
Set compatibility mode for XP or W98.
Upgrade all drivers.
Try running the game from the executable in the game folder.
Redownload and reinstall in case the download was corrupted.
Kill all antivirus/spyware detectors. (just remember to reactivate as soon as you are done)
And a few others.

OK thanks, I've tried some of those already but will give the re-download a try. I've updated my post above with my system info.

Just posting here because i quite had the same kind of problem, even if i didn't see any error message.
When i first installed (then launched) freespace2, my computer just froze on a black screen (no alt tab, no ctrl+alt+del possible) so i made a "hard reboot" ... and then xp wouldn't launch (in bios menu i couldn't even do a scandisk because of "disk read failed"). I formated yesterday :(
Then, i fully reinstalled my pc, dl again, launch .... and re-freeze .....but i could rebboot quite nicely this time :erf:
I will try your advice, but i wanted to warn people that there could be severe issues with fs2 (i hope i'm a rare case).
My config:
-laptop hp nc8430, intel core duo
-radeon x1600
-2 GB ram
-xp pro sp3
-dx 9c
- nod 32 av, comodo firewall.
I will soon try to deactivate both av and fw before launching.
PS: i didn't have any major issue with any other gog-game ... just that one. I think it's worth the warning (but on the other hand, i don't want to scare people)
EDIT: firewall down, AV up = fs2 works fine. So if you have an overly-efficient firewall ... say it to lay down for a moment (or mark fs2 as "trusted application") .

I had FS2 GOG copy crash when trying to run it on my PC.
I have Core2 PC with XP & Nvidia 7600GT card.
Updated drivers still crashed.
Then I ran dxdiag and "test direct3d" button.
In there I had the Direct3D 7 test fail on something
whereas 8 & 9 ran fine.
I think what is happening is that while you say you have
DirectX 9 installed that doesn't matter as the game was
written a long time ago and uses v7 calls and maybe those
don't work.
Anyhow I installed the FS2 "Open Source" stuff which offers
me an option in the launcher to switch to OpenGL which works great!
Now not only can I play but the graphics are MUCH improved.
I can also play at 1680x1050 on my widescreen monitor and
it's just amazing difference compared to 10 years ago.

Usually when that happens, it means you need to run the program while logged into the "Administrator" account. I see you are logged into an account named "Doug". It may have Admin access, it may not. Try logging on as the Administrator (if you can), and see if that fixes it.