I reported this earlier in "Better, but no cigar." I thought it was a late game bug. No, I've tried a few more games and whenever I try to talk with anyone I get dumped to Windows. I've tried smaller size games and playing on a freshly restarted system. No effect.

Here's an error file:

Debug Message: Version v1.11 last updated on: Mon May 8 11:15:04 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/18/2006, 10:07:29
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: ANUBIS
Operating System: Windows 2000 Professional (5.0, Build 2195) Service Pack 4
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
System Model: KM400-8235
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP, ~1.4GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 213MB used, 2249MB available
Windows Dir: E:\WINNT


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce3
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce3
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0200&SUBSYS_88221462&REV_A3
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8198
Driver Date: 12/10/2005 00:06:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_70611462&REV_60
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: vinyl97.sys
Provider: VIA Technologies, Inc.
Driver Version: 6.14.0001.4070
Driver Date: 9/6/2004 00:01:56
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_NONMASKABLE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): NVIDIA GeForce3
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: No string tables in E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods/*.str
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Event Music\*.mp3
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 E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for PirateShip. ***
Debug Message: Found existing ship type with class name: Ranger
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for Starbase. ***
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Invasion\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenario_CPU_Option_Title
Debug Message: GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenario_CPU_Option_Checkbox
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message: No files found matching mask E:\Documents and Settings\rylen\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Description_Text
Debug Message: CustomRaceWnd: Cannot find OBJID CustomRace_Tab_Homeworld
Debug Message: Creating Galaxy
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: Galaxy Size Set: 5 x 5
Debug Message: Creating Random Map
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message: Number of Unplaced Stars: 12.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message: Num Anomalies: 59
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Done
Debug Message: Setting Game Options
Debug Message: Creating Civs
Debug Message: Terran Alliance: Intellence -> 85
Debug Message: Drengin Empire: Intellence -> 85
Debug Message: Arcean Empire: Intellence -> 85
Debug Message: Yor Collective: Intellence -> 85
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 = 7
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: StackedShipsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Stacked_Logistics_Value
Debug Message: StackedShipsWnd: Cannot find OBJID stacked_Fleet_More_Button
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: StarportWnd: Cannot find OBJID StarPort_Planet_Logo_Image
Debug Message: Destroying ship Terran Alliance Colony. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drengin Empire Colony. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Yor Collective Colony. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Terran Alliance (0): Researching: Xeno Research
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Xeno Research
Debug Message: Arcean Empire (3): Researching: Xeno Research
Debug Message: Yor Collective (5): Researching: Xeno Research
Debug Message: Snathi (18): Researching: Galactic Warfare
Debug Message: Pirates! (26): Researching: Galactic Warfare
Debug Message: DomesticWnd: Cannot find OBJID Domestic_Government_Tab
Debug Message: DomesticWnd: Cannot find OBJID Domestic_Governor_Tab
Debug Message: DomesticWnd: Cannot find OBJID Domestic_Stats_Tab
Debug Message: DomesticWnd: Cannot find OBJID Domestic_Graphs_Tab
Debug Message: EconomicWnd: Cannot find OBJID Template_Button_Back
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Empire Colony. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Terran Alliance (0): Researching: Research Centers
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Basic Logistics
Debug Message: Arcean Empire (3): Researching: Space Militarization
Debug Message: Yor Collective (5): Researching: New Propulsion Techniques
Debug Message: Snathi (18): Researching: Space Militarization
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Colony Ship M0-1 12. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Arcean Empire (3): Researching: Space Weapons
Debug Message: Yor Collective (5): Researching: Planetary Improvements
Debug Message: Destroying ship Yor Colony Ship M0-1 16. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: First contact: Terran Alliance Flagship at position 4150.000000,6550.000000 rotation 4.712389
Debug Message: First contact: Terran Alliance Flagship at position 4150.000000,6550.000000 rotation 4.712389
Debug Message: First contact: Terran Alliance Flagship at position 4150.000000,6550.000000 rotation 4.712389
Debug Message: First contact: Terran Alliance Flagship at position 4150.000000,6550.000000 rotation 4.712389
Debug Message: First contact: Terran Alliance Flagship at position 4150.000000,6550.000000 rotation 4.712389
Debug Message: First contact: Terran Alliance Flagship at position 4150.000000,6550.000000 rotation 4.712389
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Planetary Improvements
Debug Message: Cannot find texture
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drengin Colony Ship M0-1 14. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Year: 2225. Terran Alliance traded Xeno Communications to the Yor Collective in exchange for Ion Drive
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Space Militarization
Debug Message: Yor Collective (5): Researching: Universal Translator
Debug Message: Snathi (18): Researching: Space Weapons
Debug Message: ForeignRelationsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Foreign_Relations_Destabilize_Slider
Debug Message: ForeignRelationsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Foreign_Relations_Destabilize_Scale
Debug Message: ForeignRelationsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Foreign_Relations_Destabilize_Title
Debug Message: ForeignRelationsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Foreign_Relations_Destabilize_Value
Debug Message: Could not parse file screens\TradeNumbersPopupsWnd.dxpack for EFDX objects.
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Spinner_Title
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Numbers_Title
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Numbers_Cancel_Button
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Numbers_Done_Button
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Spinner_Back
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Numbers_Slider_Slider
Debug Message: TradeAmountPopup: Cannot find OBJID Trade_Numbers_Amount