Next installment (literally). So I re-installed and updated to 1.2.1 patch. Now Crysis runs fine off the CD (though i did not keep saves and may get stuck at the same point later on). The 64 bit .exe didn't work - but the one from the CD - 32 bit I assume - does -- now. Go figure.
There are several message on various boards about this issue. It seems I'm not alone, but I lucked out. (Good karma from TR)
My system is Asus P8P67pro, i7 2600K, 8 GB Gskill 1600, Asus 660, Crucial SSD, Corsair 620 PSU - hopefully it can run the game. Latest drivers, etc. All else runs fine.
I'll get a screen shot of the error message if it returns.
(Personally, its not trolling if its accurate - I had thought of downgrading after this. I run Win 8 only as I have to update a manual on another piece of software under Win
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