Remedy has released a new patch for the registered version of Max Payne - v1.02 (a 6.1Mb download). This is a small update to the game, and it fixes this issue, according to Remedy's notes: The clock and other desktop icons are no longer randomly flashing during the game. This patch also includes all the fixes that were in v1.01 of the patch. Those fixes included: Exit to desktop stability issues addressed: The issues with the game crashing to Windows desktop when loading a new map have been addressed.
Game doesn't start with some CD-ROM drives: A newer version of Safedisc copy protection is now in use. Download the patch from these locations: 3DRealms FTP
Avault FTP