Happens to me all the time. I then use some kind of memory managing software. Cleans up memory and its starts. But I have to say my windows-version has been attacked by malware several times and some functions like search and help dont work anymore. I need to do a fresh install but havent found the patience uptill now. As long as I can race its ok.
press alt+tab when the game is about to start, and close the game by right-clicking on the windows-bar below (right click on gpxpatch => close) then start it again, it should work then (I always do so...)
I installed a fresh copy of gp3, My yas marina keeps crashing to the desktop when i load it in the game with xpatch, the others work for the original 98 season. i have installed the 1.13 patch and have the 1.13 no cd exe.