Real problem - please help!

Right, so I created a database for my new experiment, adn I ran it overnight, only to see that my laptop had crashed. I fixed the tracking cookies that had come on, and when I attempted to run the game again this happened

I have deleted the game that the database ran on (as it was the last saved game) and still I can not get on to the start menu, and when I try to select it again it says 'football manager 2009 is already running.'

Please does anyone have any help as i'm getting really frustrated that I can't play the game and get on with my experiment.

I can't play the game due to an XML parsing error

If you have a shortcut on your desktop you can do the following:

• Right-click on the FM shortcut.
  
• Choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
  
• In the "Target" field, add the --reset_preferences command line option after "fm.exe", so it should look like this:
  "C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\fm.exe" --reset_preferences
  
• Press OK and then try to run the game as normal, using the shortcut.
  

You'll want to remove the command after you run the game, as otherwise it will continue to reset your preferences every time you launch.

If you don't have a shortcut you can make one and then perform the instructions on the shortcut you've made.

• If you purchased and installed the game through Steam you should be able to find the fm.exe in the following directory:
  C:/Program Files/Steam/SteamApps/Common/Football Manager 2009/
  
• If you purchased and installed the game from a boxed DVD copy you should be able to find the fm.exe in the following directory:
  C:/Program Files/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2009/
  

Other XML Errors

First of all you need to turn on hidden files and folders. Go to My Computer and at the top select 'Tools' the 'Folder Options'. The go to the 'View' tab and select 'Show hidden files and folders'

Delete the following folder:

XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\settings

Vista: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\settings

This may solve some issues regarding the XML Errors

I cant seem to find the target box

Right click on the shortcut of your FM09 icon, then select properties. Then you see the icon, below that you will see the target type and below that the target location and below that you will find the box: target. here you have to add the line:

--reset_preferences behind what is in originally.

So when done it should be like this:C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\fm.exe" --reset_preferences