There are 3 service packs for 3ds Max 8. Have you tried installing any of them to see if it solves the problem?

Service Pack 1
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...linkID=9241178

Service Pack 2
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...linkID=9241178

Service Pack 3
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...linkID=9241177