No no no guys, it's totaly new installation. First time i expirinced this problem was couple of month back, then i went back to Windows 2K pro. Last night did fresh install on completely different hardware, almost everything got upgraded (hardware wise). I did tried uninstalling and installing it back.. nothing, some problem.
Do SoFo guys have any clue?

I had the exact same thing...followed the steps below and it fixed it for me...good luck.

Knowledge Base: Vegas: Basics
Applies To: Vegas Video 3.0

Item #: 1605

Summary: Launching Vegas Video 3.0 reports a Windows error stating 'An error occured starting Vegas Video. The reason for the error could not be determined.' The application may or may not load, but this error occurs every time you start the application.

Solution:
This error occurs only under Windows XP. It occurs due to the fact that the machine in use has Terminal Services disabled. Vegas supports Windows XP "Fast User Switching" and this uses Terminal Services.


Enabling Terminal Services

From the Start menu, choose Control Panel. The Control Panel appears.
Double-click the Administrative Tools icon. The Administrative Tools window appears.
Double-click the Services icon. The Services window appears.
Scroll down until you see Terminal Services.
If the Startup type value is Disabled, double-click the value to display the Properties window.
If the Startup type value is Manual, skip to step #7.
In the Properties window, choose Manual from the Startup type drop-down list.
Click OK to close the Properties window.
In the Services window, right-click Terminal Services and choose Start from the shortcut menu.


Once Terminal Services are re-enabled, the error on startup should disappear.

What I'm thinking is that maybe it's a hardware driver problem (since you have no other apps on your system). I remember seeing in some older posts that Creative sound cards can cause problems in Vegas. Was your sound card also in you older machine? If so, remove it and see if that is the cause. Drivers for video cards can also be a source of strange problems with applications. Basically, I'd be suspicious of hardware in your new system that was in your old system and investigate if there are any new WinXP drivers for them. ( I bet your going to tell me that only the mouse & keyboard came from your old system! 8o)

Cheers,

Scott

Ignore my post above - just seen AlohaMike's post - looks like he's found the solution.

AlohaMike nailed it like the Robin Hood!!! Thank you (though it srikes me why none of SoFo guys replied since it is a known issue... come on guys)
Of course, once I install XP or any other version of windows, as probably many of you, I take my time to go and disable all the crap I dont need to free up resources and have my system in top notch. Yes, I disabled "Fast User Switching" and "Terminal Services" along with many other crap...
"Vegas supports Windows XP "Fast User Switching" and this uses Terminal Services" - well, appears that it does it kinda one way then: only to be enabled, I think it should be addressed by SoFo to kindly include options for those of us that dont use that servece, and make Vegas work when that service is disabled.
For me, having "Terminal Services" running is just another opportunity for so-called hackers and lame-ass-wana-bes to mess with my system (I'm on cable, so net connected 24x7), since I never plan and will never use it.
Conclusion seems to be: Windows let me disable "Terminal Services", but Vegas doesnt...

Can this be addressed in next update?

Any comments from SoFo???

Bump!!!
Any comments from SoFo?

Don't turn off services that are required by your software.
///d@

I have that problem -- and services were enabled & set on manual. And a similar story with upgrading to XP pro and reinstalling from scratch. Actually installed 4.0 fresh for the first time, and the Sony web was down yesterday, so I backed that out and reinstalled the tried & true 3.0c but exactly the same.

SO I know I'm closing in when you talk about services, and I will tweak these settings but any further info will be appreciated, and I'll come back with what I find.

Also there's less info on the failure -- just the opening screen and then "VVx needs to close... Send a report?"

(By the way I HAD to get out some work and had to use the Audigy audio editor -- ouch)

Check the version of DirectX that you have after upgrading to XP Pro from Win2K (Start | Run | dxdiag). Perhaps it is dropping you back to an older version.

I never had much success with that particular upgrade path. I ran into all sorts of issues with the Windows Media Player and other various applications. You are probably better off either remaining with Win2K, or doing a clean install of WinXP (not an upgrade).

a rather arrogant reply, isn't it, SonyDennis?

As CrazyRussian told you, Terminal Services are considered by many a dangerous backdoor to PCs (and widely recommended to turn off) and Fast User Switching is useless for most people. He is right asking for fixing that problem in Vegas!

btw, I am having the same problem with my trial version, and such attitude from Sony will likely make me buy Edition...

Vimp,

I have Liquid Edition 5.5 and buying it rather than Vegas will be a big step backwards! It had NO audio capabilities, output issues, sync issues and a steep learning curve. It looks good on paper and offers a lot of features but in my opinion - it's blotware!

Cheack out there forums before you buy - Pinnacle is know for buggy software with lack of support.

http://webboard.pinnaclesys.com/read_forums.asp?WebboardID=6&lng=1