AceBalasador

Join Date 04/2006

My COmputer FREEZES right after intro cinematics

Updated ALL drivers, resolution into 1024 x 768 and 16-bit colors but still no effect

A friend of mine bought this game and said that i should try it, so he installed it in my rig and left. But to my dismay everytime i start the game and each time the cinmetics are finished my RIG just freezes. with a matching stuttering sound in the background.

my specs
amd 64 3000+ s754
dfi lan party ut 250 gb
radeon 9800 pro 128mb 256-bit
2x512mb geil value

here's my debug.err file

Debug Message: Version v1.0 last updated on: Mon Feb 6 12:52:05 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/16/2006, 04:06:53
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: DEVASTATOR
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: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 420MB used, 1527MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9800 PRO
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_00021002&REV_00
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: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6606
Driver Date: 3/22/2006 11:56:42
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: nvapu.sys
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version: 6.14.0445.0031
Driver Date: 8/17/2004 08:43:24
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): RADEON 9800 PRO
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
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: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done

WHAT CAN I DO??? im planning to buy the game but if this continues then ill buy another one isntead... how sad...

Locked Post

Advanced Search

Watch this post

Do not email me updates for this post Email me updates for this post

Successfully updated karma reason!

Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost

Oh, that sounds good...

In any case, you're on an old version. You need a serial number to download the latest ones (ie. have purchased the game). Try the demo?

Successfully updated karma reason!

some clarifications

1. i have not OC'ed any part of my computer, they are all running at stock
2. the ati driver i am using is from ati.com, not some funky driver
3. i have installed #2 by 1st using the cat-uninstaller from ati.com too
4. all my other games are perfectly working
5. i have tried different setings, tweaked my bios for AGP settings, tweaked my video settings via DXDIAG but still it crashes
6. im using the latest build of DX 9.0c by microsoft
7. i have followed every applicable suggested fix in other threads but still...
8. i have borrwoed a patch from a friend and still the game crashed

my computer still FREEZES right after the intro cinematics EACH and EVERYTIME i try to run the game

anyway, here's my err file

Debug Message: Version v1.0X last updated on: Fri Mar 3 17:16:22 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/16/2006, 04:51:35
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: DEVASTATOR
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: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 305MB used, 1643MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9800 PRO
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_00021002&REV_00
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: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6606
Driver Date: 3/22/2006 11:56:42
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: nvapu.sys
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version: 6.14.0445.0031
Driver Date: 8/17/2004 08:43:24
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): RADEON 9800 PRO
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.StarSystems
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.raceconfig
*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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done

Successfully updated karma reason!

If you really want to go all out diagnosing it, try the following semi-typical procedure:
1) Disable all background applications, especially firewall and antivirus software. This is especially important if you're running Norton or some other crapware
2) Disable sound acceleration through dxdiag
3) Uninstallation of any codec packs
4) Reinstallation/updating/replacing of any codec packs
5) Check the BIOS after the crashes to see what the CPU temperature is at
6) Full spyware scan using Microsoft Antispyware / Ad-aware / Spybot S&D
7) Cry
8) Wait for a developer or someone else who knows what they're talking about (or email [email protected])

Successfully updated karma reason!

ok, gonna make some tweaks, it's 5am and i installed this game some 12 hours ago...

Successfully updated karma reason!

Maybe try updating the sound driver.

Driver Date: 8/17/2004 08:43:24

Couldn't hurt.

Successfully updated karma reason!

updated the sound card driver but still nothing...

i tried running in in window mode, but suddenly it went full screen in that same spot that it goes crashing while in full window mode then again my rig freezed...

disabled all accelerations on the sound via dxdiag but still nothing...

anyway, here's my latest err file, it maybe of some help

Debug Message: Version v1.0X last updated on: Fri Mar 3 17:16:22 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/16/2006, 05:21:15
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: DEVASTATOR
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: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 281MB used, 1666MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9800 PRO
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_00021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6606
Driver Date: 3/22/2006 11:56:42
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio (emulated)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name:
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version:
Driver Date:
Type: Emulated
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 0
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_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): RADEON 9800 PRO
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 32
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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.StarSystems
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.raceconfig
*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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done

i guess this game isnt just for me, my friend is using a 3 year old P4 1.x Ghz rig and doesnt encounter any problem while im using a fairly nw rig and i encounter this...

Successfully updated karma reason!

Stardock support themselves are likely the only ones capable of diagnosing this, if it's at all possible.

Successfully updated karma reason!

It's realized that you didn't purchase your copy(the AI is that good) and is punishing you.

Successfully updated karma reason!

well i intend to buy the game and my friend introduced me to it and said that i could check it out first.

no intention of "piracy" here

Successfully updated karma reason!

ok, last thing i did was to upgrade the nvidia GART driver, i researched the web and found out that this has something to do abt AGP . so im already tired and it's already 6am, i exhausted all of my known possible means to remedy the problem, here's the latest err file

Debug Message: Version v1.0X last updated on: Fri Mar 3 17:16:22 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/16/2006, 05:56:30
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: DEVASTATOR
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: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 264MB used, 1683MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9800 PRO
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_00021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6606
Driver Date: 3/22/2006 11:56:42
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: nvapu.sys
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version: 6.14.0442.0030
Driver Date: 5/25/2004 15:58:04
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_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): RADEON 9800 PRO
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 32
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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.StarSystems
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.raceconfig
*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 g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask g:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done

there are only quite a few things left that i havent done which are

1. reflash my bios with the latest with the latest one available for my mobo
2. reformat and reinstall from scratch

i think the last 2 are a -no-no for me... and i still dont know why a 3 year old 1.x p4 rig my friend has encounters no problem whatsoever vsersus my rig... also, i have scanned the other err files and i found one that is very similar to mine, that his err file also ends up at the reading star names line.

gotta sleep, im really, really tired and i think that i did my best to be as specific and detailed as possible...

Successfully updated karma reason!

i read a few more posts and i saw someone saying to use a tool called "smart exception" so i downloaded it then ran the game...

but the computer freezed and it didnt catch any "exceptions" LOLZ!

i also browsed my event viewer for some kind of ati/ game related error, all i got was this...

Faulting application galciv2.exe, version 1.0.0.1, faulting module galciv2.exe, version 1.0.0.1, fault address 0x00001d74.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

cmon dev team! you're gonna lose a possible buyer here! cmon help me (us)!

Successfully updated karma reason!

Frogboy

Join Date 03/2001

+2423

This is definitely a tricky thing. Could you email [email protected] with a link to this thread along with as much info as you can provide? With it being Easter she won't necessarily get back to you instantly but if anyone can figure it out, it'll be her.

I've not see anything quite like this. Everything seems okay.

You have, literally, a very similar setup to what I have which I use to build the game.

Here's a suggestion:

In your \my documents\my games\galciv2 directory is a file called prefs.ini. open it up in notepad or whatever and change the anti-aliasing to no antialiasing.

I would also check your ATI setup to make sure you're not overriding the game's settings or something. You could also in that prefs.ini try turning off sound so we can rule out your sound card.

Successfully updated karma reason!

HOHOUMM!!!

after 6 hours of sleep i am again ready to face the GC2: problem!

@frogboy
sure thing! but i cant find any anti-aliasing entry there, im quit sure that i can only set it up once i reach the options menu but like i said it freezes right after each cinematic intro

anyway here is my prefs.ini file

[Initialization]
ForceTextureUpdate=0
HyperthreadEnhancement=0
ThreadedInitialLoading=0
SkipIntro=0
PreloadModels=1
[Video]
DisplayWidth=1024
DisplayHeight=768
ColorDepth=32
Fullscreen=1
HardwareMouseCursor=0
Multisample=4
Brightness=50
Contrast=50
AmbientLight=25
[Sound]
MusicVolume=8000
EventMusicVolume=8000
SFXVolume=8000
UserDefinedPlayList=0
Sfx=0 <---- disabled sound
Music=0 <---- disabled sound
EventMusic=0 <---- disabled sound
CurrPlayListDir=PlayList
CurrentPlayList=
CurrPlayListPos=0
[Prompts]
PromptToBuildStarbase=1
PromptToUpgradeStarbase=1
PromptToHarvestResource==1
ImpDonePopup=1
ShowAnomalyPopup=1
[Display]
DrawGrid=0
ShipBattleSpeed=1.200000
ShipTurnSpeed=7.853982
ShipMoveSpeed=800.000000
BackgroundStars=1500.000000
SnapBack=1.000000
[GameOptions]
TutorialMode=0
AutoTurn=0
ViewAttacks=1
WatchEnemyShips=0
WatchAutoPilot=0
ShowShipBattles=1
ShowShipDamage=1
ShowExplosions=1
LoseRemainingMoves=1
ShowAIShipBattles=1
AutoSave=1
TurnsBeforeAutoSaving=12
AutoBuild=1
GNN=1
ShowQuarterlyReport=1

now, can anyone suppply me with the right keys so i can set the anti-aliasing off? it's just not there

Successfully updated karma reason!

i already emailed [email protected] with this link. anyway, and how do i check for my "ATI setup"? anyway, i just found out that there is a dx9 april 2006 release, im gonna DL this and install and hope it fixes my problems

Successfully updated karma reason!

It's called "multisample", and is in the [Video] section of the ini. Turn that to 0.

By ATI setup he means to right click on the desktop and open up the ATI CC (I assume you have it, as you have the latest version which tends to force it). Go into the 3d and DirectX section and make sure that Anti-Aliasing and Anisotrophic Filtering are both set to "Application Preference".

Successfully updated karma reason!

@crustacean

ok, gonna try that ^^

anyway, i DLed the latest directX 9.0c with april 2006 build, set all the sound/ music FX in the prefs.ini to ")" and disabled my anti-virus and firewall but it still crashed... @_@

im going to try crustacean's suggestion ^^

Successfully updated karma reason!

ok, just downloaded ati CC

i checked the vales and they are ok, "let application decide" whenever possible.

i editted the prefs.ini again to "multisample=0"

ok, running the game again... *sigh*

Successfully updated karma reason!

OMFG!!!!

IT FINALLY WORKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOT!!!!

i disabled the intro cinematics for a change and it worked, i also set multisample=0 maybe that was the answer to all of my pains!!

ok, ok, ok... final settings of my prefs.ini

[Initialization]
ForceTextureUpdate=0
HyperthreadEnhancement=0
ThreadedInitialLoading=0
SkipIntro=1
PreloadModels=1
ModsDir=d:\my documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods
[Video]
DisplayWidth=1024
DisplayHeight=768
ColorDepth=32
Fullscreen=0
HardwareMouseCursor=1
Multisample=0
Brightness=50
Contrast=50
AmbientLight=25
[Sound]
MusicVolume=0
EventMusicVolume=0
SFXVolume=0
UserDefinedPlayList=0
Sfx=0
Music=0
EventMusic=0
CurrPlayListDir=PlayList
CurrentPlayList=
CurrPlayListPos=0
[Prompts]
PromptToBuildStarbase=1
PromptToUpgradeStarbase=1
PromptToHarvestResource==1
ImpDonePopup=1
ShowAnomalyPopup=1
[Display]
DrawGrid=0
ShipBattleSpeed=1.200000
ShipTurnSpeed=7.853982
ShipMoveSpeed=800.000000
BackgroundStars=1500.000000
SnapBack=1.000000
[GameOptions]
TutorialMode=0
AutoTurn=0
ViewAttacks=1
WatchEnemyShips=0
WatchAutoPilot=0
ShowShipBattles=1
ShowShipDamage=1
ShowExplosions=1
LoseRemainingMoves=1
ShowAIShipBattles=1
AutoSave=1
TurnsBeforeAutoSaving=

*does the robot*

Successfully updated karma reason!

bwehehe

Successfully updated karma reason!

up!

i believe this is a great help with people having similar problems like me.

Successfully updated karma reason!

I just had the exact same problem, it started when I updated to the latest beta (Beta 4a I believe.) I tried the fix mentioned above and it didn't work. So I played around a little.

1. Deleted all of my custom races, custom ship designs, basically almost all the everything in the mygames\galvic2 directory that i put there. No Luck.

2. Noticed that the Campaign still worked, i think this means the problem happens when the map is being created, not sure though.

3. Tried a bunch of different settings for the generation of a random map, still no luck.

4. Got horribly frustrated and deleted the Prefs.ini file thinking it was maybe something else in there, Bingo.

Not sure if this really helps narrow down the problem but it did work, I just loaded up the game again, set my prefrences back to the way they were one at a time to see what caused it and it still worked fine, maybe I clicked something I didn't realise.

So If the other fix doesn't work just try deleting the prefs.ini file instead of modifying it. It worked for me.

Great game by the way, it is the first one in several years that i am still playing more than a month after buying it.

Successfully updated karma reason!