I tried from several fresh installs of the game and when I try to install patch 1.02 I get a failure because of missing CMBench.dll file.

I tried many searches but can't find others with same problem.

In addition the game freezes as the intro starts. Have to use Windows task manager to close the game.

Not sure if these two problems are related.

Running Windows XP w/SP3
Nvidia 7800 GS video card, latest nvidia driver
SoundBlaster Live 5.1 sound card

First, what version of the patches are you installing (English, French, or UK)? Did you read the note in the Chessmaster 10th Edition FAQ about the different versions (English, French, and UK)? If one version doesn't work, try another.

Also, did you install Chessmaster to the default folder (C:\Program Files\Ubisoft\Chessmaster 10th Edition)? If not, that could be your problem as well.

I have us version. The game freeze happened before I even installed any patches. I launched the game right after installing the game and it freezes. Wondering if it is a video or sound driver problem. This is on my daughter's new computer.

I thought the patches might fix it but instead I get the missing .dll message.

Is the mentioned dll file in the installation folder?

I bought and downloaded version 11 to give it a try. I didn't get the .dll problem and installation went very smooth.

Still major problem though on my daughters computer is the game freezing at startup somtimes and when going into fun/play. She likes the 3d boards. I reinstalled her video driver, sound driver, and direcx on her windows xp system.

It appears to be a CPU hog. Games rund great on my Intel Quad core, but my daughters AMD dual core is problematic. It has to be a system resources issue.

I've read about going into preferences and setting game priorities but I can't find that setting. And on my daughter computer, I can't even get into the game far enough to be able to access the menus. Any ideas appreciated.

Yes, Chessmaster has always consumed a large amount of resources; poor design, perhaps... but it's not the problem.

Select 'Engine' from the Preferences menu (from below the Title Bar, not by right-clicking on the screen). You'll be able to change the Chess Engine and priority there.

For futher discussion about Chessmaster Grandmaster Edition, please post to the Chessmaster 11 forum.