Just did a quick search here but couldn't find my specific issue.

I just got my hands on a new hp desktop running the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium. It isn't the greatest machine but it has 3gb RAM and an Intel dual core 2.5ghz processor - much better than my older PC's. The graphics accelerator is an Intel-based chipset on the motherboard, no dedicated card… this may play some role in contributing to the problem (based on similar issues I've seen in this forum). Anyway when I launch the program it hangs on the splash screen forever. The task manager says Houdini is running but nothing happens beyond that (I finally quit it after about 12 minutes once and there was still no “unresponsive program” message). Nothing ever “froze” or locked up. The system is pretty stable. I do have the 64-bit version installed here. The 32-bit version works just fine in my older Windows XP-based computers so I've been using those. I just want to get this annoying little issue solved so I can use my new computer! May have to get a graphics card for it but I'm trying to save money and find a way around it.

Same issue, Apprentice License, Houdini stuck on splash screen. :?

delete your prefs