Sorry, thought I mentioned that. Yea, drivers are up to date and it's set to compatibility mode. I have tried using run as admin (though I have UAC turned off anyway, so it *shouldn't* matter).
I am having the same issue with my installation, only it isn't on CTDs. I have to reset updates every time I want to launch the game. The only difference I can think of is that the Net-7 launcher dos screen gets to the Login OK line and stops there. In game I don't get the hand lighting up. It exits just as it would be about to light up. Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT video card with updated drivers on Windows Vista 64bit.