Mass Effect
Version Differences
Digital and retail versions differ only in the fact that there is a problem with installing a retail version on Windows 7. Retail versions can be registered with Origin.
Save game location
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\Bioware\Mass Effect\profile\save games\
Issues and Fixes
Steam
Steam must be running in administrator mode or Mass Effect will not load.
In some cases, character and weapon textures will display at low resolution even if the game settings are set to higher quality. To fix this, follow these instructions from the Steam Forums.
Intel Integrated Graphics
Mass Effect does not officially support Intel graphics chips. However, the game is still playable. The game will crash if the main menu is called up (through Esc). It is still possible to play through Mass Effect if one uses shortcuts to access desired menu item, for example, quick save or codex).
Windows 7 Retail Install
Mass Effect retail copies do not run under a Windows 7 environment. This, however, was fixed with the 1.02 patch. The real reason of this issue is originated by the MassEffectConfig.exe file, which crashes under Windows 7. Digital copies, however, are not affected by this issue. If you are unwilling to download the patch, you can start the game from MassEffect.exe to bypass the MassEffectConfig.exe crash.
Black screen after loading a save
If the whole screen is black except for the UI, then Shepherd fell through Normandy and the save is bugged. Only happens on Normandy, in the Engineering part of the ship. Never save there.
Therum missing textures
If when you get to Therum most of the ground is black, then you've got a common texture problem. Some of the black area is safe to drive on but some of it will kill you outright, making it quite hard to navigate. To restore the texture, go to My Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC and remove the file LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk. Restart and Therum should look fine.
The Pinnacle Station DLC is no longer available for purchase via the official website. In order to obtain this DLC, users must contact EA support.
Free DLC
The Bring Down the Sky DLC is still available for free. Simply go to this Bioware page, register and receive your key for the Bring Down The Sky DLC. This DLC also works with Steam.