Tudo might also try OptionsEditor change it to 800x600 and add the code below

Thanks Secrets. Here's what the dbg.txt contains. The memory address is 0x0376e086 referenced memory at 0x00000044. The 44 address is always the same.

[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00000:Starting EverQuest (Built Jun 8 2010 16:44:32)
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00001:EverQuest Configuration Type: RELEASE_NON_AVATAR
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00002:Timezone: UTC-5h00m
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00003:Loading graphics DLL.
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00004:Parsing INI file .\defaults.ini
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00005:INI file .\defaults.ini loaded.
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00006:Parsing INI file .\eqclient.ini
[Sun Dec 07 01:43:58 2014]00007:INI file .\eqclient.ini loaded.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:00 2014]00008:Graphics DLL Configuration Type: GraphicsDLL9
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:00 2014]00009:Graphics DLL Version 2.00.47211
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:00 2014]00010:Initializing timers.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00011:Checking critical files.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00012:Initializing WinSock.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00013:Enumerating 3D devices.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00000:Found adapter #0 - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 (9.18.13.4475)

[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00001:Adapter #0 - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 :

[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00002:32Bit = 1, D32 = 0, D24 = 1, D16 = 1

[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00003:16Bit(565) = 1, D32 = 0, D24 = 1, D16 = 1

[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00004:16Bit(1555) = 0, D32 = 0, D24 = 0, D16 = 0

[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00014:Initializing keypress handler.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00015:Loading keyboard tables.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00016:Creating window.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:03 2014]00017:Checking display driver version.
[Sun Dec 07 01:44:04 2014]00018:Activating window.

Thanks Noport. Added that as well, but crashed in the same place.

Did you check the FAQ in my sig? You may just need to run eqoptions.exe to setup your video card to use for UF.

Also, what server are you trying to play on? I would suggest trying it on PEQ, EZ or Storm Haven as they definitely support UF client. If you are trying to play on P99, that may be your issues, since last I checked, they don't support UF client.

Yes, was trying on Storm Haven and Grand Creation, same error. Does anyone a file list with sizes that I can compare to my installation to see if i have all the correct files for a UF installation? Thanks.

Also since the exact same UF installation runs fine in a win 7 virtual machine but crashes in the native win 8.1 host, does that mean the issue is in the video card drivers ??

Did you say yes to my question about trying eqoptions.exe?

Just a random thought, but have you tried running WinEQ2?

Trevius: yes, i tried all the resolutions listed in the options editor and it would still crash on client start. Thanks tho.

Ward3: good suggestion as well, so i loaded up eqwin2 and it worked perfectly under that software.

So, thus far I have the UF client that won't run natively on Windows 8.1, but runs perfect either through WinEQ2 or VMWare (Win7 Guest). So do these facts narrow down what is causing my issue??