I get this error whenever i try to start the game which is very frustrating becuase the install took me forever!   
Any known fixes would be great.

So it's your first install? Did you buy the game legit?

" Did you buy the game legit? "

Jeeez, you guys are harsh!

Did you get it on Steam? If so, Verify the integrity of the game cache might fix it. (right click on the game, properties > local files)

" Jeeez, you guys are harsh! "

Get it on 360, problem solved. ;)

" Get it on 360, problem solved. ;) "

" @PercyChuggs said:

" Get it on 360, problem solved. ;) "

No DX 11 still a problem... "

" @Dragon_Fire said:

" @PercyChuggs said:

" Get it on 360, problem solved. ;) "

No DX 11 still a problem... "

So not having DX11 makes the game broken? Gotcha. Makes perfect sense.  -_- "

If you have multiple monitors, change your settings to either disable the monitor(s) that aren't the primary monitor, or set them to duplicate your primary monitor and turn them off. That's the problem I was having. It would crash at start up when I had my 2nd and 3rd monitors enabled.

I downloaded it from Steam and have gone through all steps. I got the patch, verified the files, deleted the local files and re-installed them, re-installed physX, D3D and all the other files that come with Metro and I've gotten to the point that I don't have the D3D: update your drivers..blah blah blah message. However, it does still crash at the 4A logo. I've got the system to push it. Might be on the low end, but, it meets the requirements...Any ideas?

" @xyzygy: but trading mouse+keyboard for controller does. :E "

its lagging like HELL for me on LOWEST SETTINGS and my machine is not so bad !! omg :(

" its lagging like HELL for me on LOWEST SETTINGS and my machine is not so bad !! omg :( "

had same issue.
 
solution 
1 >> install game 
2 >> manually install directx update- directx 11-- c++ redistributable -- nvidia physx (for nvidia card users only). 
3 >>all these files which u need to install manually are located in your c:/program files/thq/metro2033/install folder. 
4 >> for those of you using skidrow's crack -- after all the installations are done copy metro2033.exe from skidrow (if u r using skidrow's crack) and replace it in the metro2033 directory. have fun playing :) 
5 >> for those using the legit game-- no need for step 4,
 
Hope this helps...
 
if you follow the above steps correctly, u wont have startup crashes after AGAME screen.

 After so many hours trying I finally make it to work follow this steps and be happy with this great game:
1)Update your graphic drivers,physics and DirectX

2) For XP users only go to "C:\Documents & settings\[Users]\Local Configuration\Program data\4A Games\Metro 2033" and open with notepad user.cfg
For Win7,  users only go to:
"c:/ users/[ User]/appdata/local/4agamas/metro2033" and open with notepad user.cfg

3)Now change value for r_quality_level from r_quality_level 3 to r_quality_level 0.

4)Enjoy in Game ;)

@djoslax: Alright I tried that but I couldnt find it on the adress.. So I just went to game folder and saw user.cfg.. I did what you told me at first was giving me an acess denied.. so I saved it to desktop then replaced it worked fine.. BUT I still get the executable and I did everything you told.... wait I havent re-started my pc.

Yep Re-started it.... Still gives me the Excutable.. Btw are the files like directx and phyx soppsed to be installed in a specific order? Cause I just hit install on the install folder down the list... everything installed... and I did what you told me to do... Still Fails.

Also all my graphics drivers are up to date. Just went to Nvidia and it told me I had the latest version.. Direct X didnt install because it said I had the same version or newer. Tbh I only thing I have left to do is unistall and carry on with my life.. God I hear the game looks so good... D: