Total freeze

Don't even get to play the game

from GalCiv2 Forums
https://forums.galciv2.com/?ForumID=162&AID=107273

^^^ previous thread on the matter, but it appears I posted it in the wrong location.

System: AMD XP2200+, GF6600GT 128mb AGP, 1gb RAM, AC'97-on-board-sound

Symptom:
Start application, and within a couple of minutes screen gets completely corrupted before locking up the system totally.

Remedies tried:
Checked system temperatures
Updated video drivers to latest
Updated sound card to latest
removed un-needed pheriphals
killed background apps
tried various resolutions
tried various colour bit depths
turn off AA
checked all boxes under "performance"
reinstalled graphics drivers
tried on seperate operating system on the same machine
tried uninstalling GalCiv2 and redownloading base module
tried hardware mouse mode
ran memory tests to check for faulty RAM (unlikely - I'm a 3D modeller, the number of apps I have that massively stress the RAM is insane)


There's several debugs in the above linked thread. *edit* I chose Bug Reports in the dropdown box... the forum seems to have ignored it, and it wont let me edit it to that location either - is Firefox a problem here?
9,781 views 20 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
To add to the list of attempted remedies:

Turned audio hardware acceration down to basic
Turned off framerate throttling.

Still no luck.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Can you post your debug.err?
WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Do you have any tools to measure temperature? Maybe the GPU is getting hot?
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Temperatures are all fine.

Debugs:
First one:
Debug Message: Version v1.0X.1 last updated on: Mon Mar 6 13:57:14 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 3/14/2006, 15:25:03
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: ESD-XP
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: MSI
System Model: MS-6712
BIOS: Version 07.00T
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 121MB used, 1572MB available
Windows Dir: F:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce Go 6600
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00F1&SUBSYS_02250000&REV_A2
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8198
Driver Date: 12/10/2005 03:06:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_71201462&REV_50
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5350
Driver Date: 10/9/2003 17:52:08
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: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_IMMEDIATE
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 0
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: Border size reported as 6 by 25
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now windowed.
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask F:\Documents and Settings\esd\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.StarSystems
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for PirateShip. ***
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for Starbase. ***
Debug Message: No files found matching mask F:\Documents and Settings\esd\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask F:\Documents and Settings\esd\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Description_Text
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Tab_Homeworld
Debug Message: Creating Galaxy
Debug Message: Set galaxy size.
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message: Number of Unplaced Stars: 0.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message: Num Anomalies: 300
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Done
Debug Message: Creating Civs
Debug Message: Drengin Empire: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Altarian Republic: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Torian Confederation: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Yor Collective: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Creating Civs... Done
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Galaxy Create... Done
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0




Last one:
Debug Message: Version v1.0X.1 last updated on: Mon Mar 6 13:57:14 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 3/15/2006, 00:56:41
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: ESD-XP
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: MSI
System Model: MS-6712
BIOS: Version 07.00T
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 161MB used, 1532MB available
Windows Dir: F:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce Go 6600
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00F1&SUBSYS_02250000&REV_A2
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (70Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.7189
Driver Date: 4/1/2005 16:16:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_71201462&REV_50
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6030
Driver Date: 2/17/2006 17:15:34
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: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 70
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask F:\Documents and Settings\esd\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.StarSystems
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for PirateShip. ***
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for Starbase. ***
Debug Message: No files found matching mask F:\Documents and Settings\esd\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask F:\Documents and Settings\esd\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Description_Text
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Tab_Homeworld
Debug Message: Creating Galaxy
Debug Message: Set galaxy size.
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message: Number of Unplaced Stars: 2.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message: Num Anomalies: 42
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Done
Debug Message: Creating Civs
Debug Message: Drengin Empire: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Altarian Republic: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Arcean Empire: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Torian Confederation: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Yor Collective: Intellence -> 30
Debug Message: Creating Civs... Done
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Galaxy Create... Done
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0


Updates to attempted remedies:
Tried increasing desktop refresh rate
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
A thread by someone else: https://forums.galciv2.com/?ForumID=274&AID=107523

They're saying there that they're running a GO chipset on their graphics card, and are having CTDs and total freezes. The game misidentifies my GPU as a GO chipset. Could it be an issue between the game and it's method of dealing with said chipset?
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
*sigh*
No-one got any ideas then?
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
That happened just once for me. As it was a very hot day I don't know if the video card or CPU hyperheated or what. Thankfully no more problems since.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Definately not a heat issue. CPU is contant at 45 to 50, GPU is at 50. Both perfectly normal for my card. And I only cleaned the damn thing out last week! lol
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
No-one got any ideas then?



Hi, maybe you already tried this (I haven’t read through both threads) but you could try setting the DirectX sound acceleration to basic or no acceleration. You are a 3D modeller do your have your refresh rate or your resolution set extremely high?
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
try setting the DirectX sound acceleration to basic or no acceleration.

Did that, no joy.
do your have your refresh rate or your resolution set extremely high?

Nope, 1024x768@32bit @ 70hz
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You might try the beta drivers for you gfx card (84.xx) if you haven't already. Saw you said tried latest, and you are using the old drivers again, don't know if you meant the new beta drivers. I really doubt using the old ones will help. Have you thought about trying Omega drivers maybe?
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well the new ones (Latest stable nVidia release) seemed to be what made things misidentify my card, reading it's chipset rather than it's make (Seeing it as a GO rather than a GT). I've no idea what knock-on issues that could cause.

Thinking about it, the on-screen corruption occured about 20-30seconds later with the new drivers, but was much more pronounced in it's appearance (more colours and apparent artifacting) than when it does it with my current batch of drivers.

See, I don't know much about drivers except the ones I am using work with everything else I run, and the new ones don't help, but cause additional issues.

As for these Omega drivers... erm, huh? What's the difference, hell; what are they?
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Cari_Elf mentioned in passing, codecs.... could that be it? If that's it, how do I find out and how do I fix it?
Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Omega Drivers are alternative and unofficial drivers for ATI and nvidia. This Link goes to the page. All you have to do is click on the nvidia tab, then on your OS at the top. I have seen a few people post that the Omega drivers did the trick, so since you are running out of options I thought I would mention them. You can click on the about tab there to read more about them if you want.
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It seems to be a serious disagreement beetwen your PC and the software. Besides reinstalling the game or even windows maybe trying to disable the hardware aceleration to see if the card is the one to fault.
Reply #16 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Omega Drivers are alternative and unofficial drivers for ATI and nvidia. This Link goes to the page. All you have to do is click on the nvidia tab, then on your OS at the top. I have seen a few people post that the Omega drivers did the trick, so since you are running out of options I thought I would mention them. You can click on the about tab there to read more about them if you want.

Thanks for the link - I checked them out and it appears they stopped making nVidia drivers in June... making them pretty old.

Also tried reinstalling the feb redist. build of DirectX. Still crashes.
Besides reinstalling the game

Tried that.
or even windows maybe trying to disable the hardware aceleration to see if the card is the one to fault.

Windows resinstall is not an option atm

Trying hardware acceleration....
Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Ok, tried every level of hardware acceleration. First few resulted in nothing but a black screen (expected). The first one to work then had the same issue - crash.
Reply #18 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
codecs.... could that be it?

Anyone got any ideas on this?
Reply #19 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well the CD arrived today, so I did a clean install of the unpatched version. Still crashes, exactly the same way, exactly the same place.

Reply #20 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well, at least I'm glad I'm not alone. I have the same vid card and my game debug err gives EXACTLY the same report as yours. Everything's fine until a few minutes into the game, then it all ctd's. I feel bad I paid 50 bucks at this point.