> 1. The project files all screw up
Did you read the README and/or the help on project files?
The format of the project file has changed in R10, but pre-R10 versions of
Autodesk Inventor can read the R10 project file. Because of the file format
change, pre-R10 Autodesk Inventor cannot detect usable information in the
project file and replaces the file.
Create a folder for R10 projects to isolate them from older project files.
Set the Application Options > File tab > Projects Folder to a folder that
has R10 in its name and that contains only R10 projects. For example, name
the folder "C:\My Documents\Inventor\R10."
When you save a new project in R10, a backup copy of the project file is
placed in the Old Versions folder, so you can recover it if it is
accidentally replaced. When you migrate a pre-R10 project file, and Autodesk
Inventor detects a project file with the same name in the Old Versions
folder, you are asked to restore the R10 project and use it instead of the
older project.
Regarding your other issues, have you verified that your graphic
card/drivers are certified?