After a bit of faffing I've managed to get Skyrim to install from the DVD, register with steam, and install all the MS bits. I can then set the video mode and launch the program, but can't get into the game itself. I experience the same problem in windowed or fullscreen, with our without virtual desktop, with the recommended video settings or the lowest possible:
I launch SkyrimLauncher.exe, and see the Bethesda splash. I get the main menu, click New and press Enter to start a new game. I see a statue of a dragon with some SFX and a quote from "Song of Dragonborn". The screen flickers briefly, the quote then changes to something about duel-weilding weapons, and the game freezes or crashes.
Does anyone have any pointers for getting past this stage and into the game itself?
Many Thanks
Mark