Xon

I was using a router. With the PC connected straight to the modem I don't have any problems anymore. I had the same issue with Bad Company 2, but not BF3.

So far I've just played single player and I haven't managed to have a game longer than 10 minutes.

Following Blizzard's advice (flush DNS & Selective Startup) I get 10 minutes.

Without it, I get 3 minutes.

Any ideas?

I switched off crossfire when I loaded the game for the first time and it worked. Afterwards I switched it back on, and no problem. So I am enjoying the game, at the moment.

Thanks WeeBee. My big issue is that I can max-out BF3, Witcher 2, Skyrim et al. I simply have NO visuals, apart from the intro. No menu, nothing. This is the reply I got from EA. I don't think I'm going to get to play this game (my money down the drain (does it rhyme?):

Dear Dhaun,

Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.

Firstly, I appreciate your interest in Syndicate. I know how eager you have been to play the game. I respect that and assure you immediate attention.

Having viewed your mail found that you have been getting black screen when run the game. To assist you with the issue, here are the steps, please follow:

1. Right-click on blank space on the Windows Taskbar and select Task Manager.

2. Follow these steps to close unnecessary programs:

a) Click the Applications tab to view the list of active programs.

b) Click on any program listed in this window and click the End Task button.

c) Repeat the previous instructions until all programs have been closed.

3. Follow these steps to close unnecessary processes:

a) Click the Processes tab to view the list of active processes.

b) Click the User Name column header to organize the processes by login.

c) Click on any program listed next to your Windows login, other than EXPLORER.EXE and TASKMGR.EXE, then select the End Process button 4.

* Warning: Do not close any processes running under SYSTEM, LOCAL SERVICE, or NETWORK SERVICE 5. Repeat the previous instructions until all programs associated to your Windows Login are closed except for the following two:

* TASKMGR.EXE

* EXPLORER.EXE

Also, try clearing your temporary files:

To delete your Windows temporary files on Windows Vista:

1. Click on Start

2. Type %temp% in the search box, and then hit the Enter key.

3. Click on one of the files in the folder that just opened, and press Ctrl + A to select all of the files in this folder.

4. Press the Shift+ Delete key on your keyboard.

5. When prompted if you are sure, choose Yes.

If you receive an Error Deleting File or Folder message while the files are being deleted, it just means that one of the files is in use by a program right now. Click OK, close all open programs, and repeat the steps above. If this continues, try restarting your PC and repeating the process again.

Also, please update your video card driver.

For any help with the steps above, please do not hesitate to approach us. Alternatively, please visit our online knowledgebase here: http://help.ea.com/uk/

At Electronic Arts, we value your co-operation and efforts.

Regards,

Electronic Arts – World Wide Customer Experience.

Howzit,

I live in Brazil, bought Syndicate UK from gamersgate.com. Even though Europe unlocks later this week, my game unlocked 21/02. But I only get a black screen. This has never happened to me and my rig can run anything out there, so I don't think it is my system. Tried several crazy-ass solutions (xp sp 3 compat, virus switch off, run as admin) and repair install but to no avail.

Anyone else with this problem? Any suggestions?