There are 2 versions of the v531
there is a v531 for us / uk
and there is a v531 for German
You will need a Clean install of SFC 3.. which means using widows control panel and using Add / Remove programs and uninstall SFC3 there..
then deleting the SFC 3 game folder
then reinstalling SFC 3.. only the game.. say no to Direct x 8.1 and say no to Gamespy Arcade...
DL and install only the v500 SFC 3 patch
then dl and install only the v531 SFC 3 patch
right click on your desktop shortcut and click properties.
click on the compatibility tab and look for "Disable Visual Themes"
make sure there is a check in the box next to it then click OK.
Make sure your video drivers are up to date.. such as if you have an NVidia video card, go to NVidia's web site and get the Drivers.. if you oen a Radeon card, go to AIT's site and get the ATI Catalist drivers.
and just as a precautionary method.. re-download Direct x 9.0b and let it install.. restart system when done..
then try SFC 3..
for those that are still having issues after doing this, go to your start button, click RUN
type in MSCONFIG
click on and a window properties box will pop up.
click the properties tab and uncheck any mouse software that is there and uncheck any software that your system absolutely does not need when it starts up.
hope that this helps.