Most likely your problem caused by 32-bit OS: Code: Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 Memory: 4096MB RAM Available OS Memory: 3580MB RAM By default 32-bit OS have 2GB RAM limitation per process and usually it's not enough for this game. There is two thing you can do: Upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit. This is right way to fix your problem. If you advanced user you can read this topic: https://forums.uberent.com/threads/crashing-on-32-bit-windows-heres-a-guide-to-help.51990/ Then you can apply 3GB patch on your operation system: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=9583842&linkID=9240617 And then patch "bin_x86/PA.exe" with 4GB patch: http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php I'm personally recommend upgrade to 64-bit.
Ubuntu 64x is free, would only require partitioning your hard drive or using two hard drives, and would run PA and take no more than 25GB free space to do. It too requires an advanced understanding of computer use, but it is at least free. Just remember to not mess with your windows and also back up things, and then try to partition off a new segment for Ubuntu using a guide off google. Here is one. It is little harder than the 3gb x32 fix. It would in fact run arguably better than it would on 32bit with fix, and almost definitely better if your computer has very good hardware as 32bit would limit it more harshly and Linux usually has been known to let that kind of thing flourish. It is free in case you are strapped for funds upgrading to Windows 64bit. I suppose I would still recommend win7 or 8.1 x64. Unless you are extremely computer savy anyway.
As long as I know any user of 32-bit Windows 7 can re-install 64-bit version using same key. So price isn't a problem here.
Really? I honestly didn't know that. My understanding might be outdated by as far as Windows XP though. Which btw, this is a fix for anyone using XP still as well. I feel for those guys not wanting to upgrade, I can't say I don't agree with some of their arguments lol. EDIT: Hey SXX, check this link out. Some guy asks "Can I install windows 7 32bit twice and get 64bits so I can run programs?" It really is funny, thinking that would work, like if you painted a blue wall the same color it would be a darker blue. On a serious note, obviously you CAN'T install 32bit twice to get 64bit. You literally need to install 64x. From what I understand, you will need to back up in order to fresh install, as you can not directly upgrade. However, saving all your files on a flash drive or something and then freshly installing a 64bit OS should be simple enough.
I'm not sure it's affect all Windows 7 keys, but laptop OEM keys are tied to hardware and for them it's doesn't mater if you using 32-bit or 64-bit. Correct, there is no way to upgrade to 64-bit from 32-bit.
Only legally AFAIK. At least I always give away keys I get with my hardware, and to date none was reported to fail.