Black Window on 1280x1024x32 Startup

1024x768x32 Works fine?

from GalCiv2 Forums
Here's an odd bug.

If I try to load up GC2 with my desktop set to 1280x1024 (32-bit color), the game doesn't start. Instead, I get a black window. It looks like the game is trying to open up full-screen, but at a lower resolution.

If I load up GC2 at 1024x768 (32-bit color), I'm fine.

I have the latest Catalyst drivers for my Radeon 9800 Pro, and I'm running the most current build of GC2.

Here's my ERR file...

------------------------------------------

Debug Message: Version v1.0D-1 Digital: Bonus Pack last updated on: Fri Feb 24 12:35:33 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 3/2/2006, 20:00:02
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: SONATA
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: INTELR
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 273MB used, 2187MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9800 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: RADEON 9800 PRO AGP (0x4E48)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4E48&SUBSYS_2068148C&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (85Hz)
Monitor Name: ViewSonic G90f-3
Monitor Max Resolution: 1920,1440
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6599
Driver Date: 1/24/2006 21:52:48
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB Audigy Audio [A000]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0004&SUBSYS_00521102&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0443
Driver Date: 2/23/2004 14:11:46
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0



Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Could not create the render device using default format. Switching to 16bit
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Could not create the render device.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
10,411 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Just curious, what version of DirectX 9 are you using and do you have any other software (or utility) that is running in the background that might impact the video overlay?

I used the same card recently with the latest Catalyst and it played fine. Even in window mode. Note however I only used the Drivers, I didn't use the other junk that ATI offers as download like the resolution utilities etc.

Not sure if thats useful, but hope you get the game rolling soon.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My DX version is listed in the .err file.

I'm running with the extra Catalyst garbage, and I'm also using a freeware program called "RefreshLock" that keeps my refresh rate set the proper amount.

Anyways... The game isn't unplayable... It's just that if I have my res set at 1280x1024, I can't start the game up from a fresh install. I have to switch to a lower desktop res.

If I switch to a 1280x1024 res in-game, I don't get a blank black screen. The game starts up in 1280x1024 properly.

- Nobody
Fences - Organize your desktop icons today!
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I had the same issue the first time I launched the game after install. After I exitted the game and restarted it, I haven't seen the issue since.

I run a 9800 Pro at 1280x1024x32, but stil use the 5.10 drivers ( I know. I need to upgrade)