Constant crashing.....randomly happens????

ctd but 1 in 5 restarts pc

from GalCiv2 Forums
like the heading states crashing it seems for any reason...ive had it like this for about 2 weeks was trying to determine a pattern at all, cant seem to find one...it mainly ctd but every now and then it restarts pc with serious error message.

i have no probs with any other game or software, any ideas??

ps. happened to 1.1 and the 1.2 beta.

heres debug,

Debug Message: Version v1.2 Beta 1 last updated on: Fri May 26 19:38:18 2006
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 6/6/2006, 19:47:53
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: NEILO
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: GBT___
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz
Physical Memory: 1536MB RAM
Page File: 239MB used, 5149MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce FX 5700LE
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0343&SUBSYS_29A8107D&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: LG FLATRON L1915S
Monitor Max Resolution: 1280,1024
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8421
Driver Date: 3/9/2006 15:29:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Sound Blaster Audigy
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0007&SUBSYS_100A1102&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: P17.sys
Provider: CREATIVE
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0608
Driver Date: 3/17/2006 16:10:00
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: 1280 x 1024
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE
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 C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods/Data/*.str
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\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: * Collectors Edition *
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
*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 C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Invasions\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
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: Clearing Turn Event Log
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: Loading Custom Map
Debug Message: Loading Data Defs
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Loading TechDefs
Debug Message: Max num techs: 248
Debug Message: Loading ImprovementDB
Debug Message: Loading Component Defs
Debug Message: Loading ShipTypes
Debug Message: Loading ShipConfigs
Debug Message: Loading AnomalyTypes
Debug Message: Loading RandomEvents
Debug Message: Loading UPIssues
Debug Message: Loading ResourceTypes
Debug Message: Loading InvasionTactics
Debug Message: Loading SBmodules
Debug Message: Loading PoliticalParties
Debug Message: Loading Planet Types
Debug Message: Loading Star Types
Debug Message: Loading Game
Debug Message: Loading: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Should be a metaverse game, but is reporting that it isn't. Attempting to fix
Debug Message: Sectors across: 18 x 18
Debug Message: Loading FOW Map
Debug Message: Loading ZOC Map
Debug Message: Loading Planets
Debug Message: Loading Stars
Debug Message: Loading Anomalies
Debug Message: Loading Resources
Debug Message: Loading Civs
Debug Message: Loading Colonies
Debug Message: Loading RallyPoints
Debug Message: Loading Ships
Debug Message: Loading Fleets
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 10
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Metaverse Game Started
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 1-BattleShip M6-2 at Kwilas I - No open slots
Debug Message: StackedShipsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Stacked_Logistics_Value
Debug Message: StackedShipsWnd: Cannot find OBJID stacked_Fleet_More_Button
Debug Message: Destroying ship 1-Escort M5-8X 5. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Altros I
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drath Constructor M5-8 2956. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drath Constructor M5-8 2943. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drath Constructor M5-8 2953. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 1-Frigate M6-2 at Kwilas I - No open slots
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\QuickSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\QuickSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Deleting previous save game.
Debug Message: About to auto save.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\AutoSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Finished auto save.
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 1-Frigate M6-2 at Kwilas I - No open slots
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: CampaignVictoryWnd: Cannot find OBJID Campaign_Screen_Back
Debug Message: CampaignVictoryWnd: Cannot find OBJID Campaign_Status_Title
Debug Message: Destroying ship Thalan Escort M3-7 876. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Leto I
Debug Message: Destroying ship Colony Ship M5-8 2916. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drath Constructor M5-8 5274. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Thalan Constructor M5-8 2858. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Deleting previous save game.
Debug Message: About to auto save.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\AutoSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Finished auto save.
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 1-Constructor M6-2 at Kwilas I - No open slots
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drath Constructor M5-8 2938. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Thalan Constructor M6-1 4490. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Deleting previous save game.
Debug Message: About to auto save.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\neil\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\AutoSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Finished auto save.
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Black Hole Eruptor
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 1-Frigate M6-2 at Kwilas I - No open slots
3,433 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
bump
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
heat, mybe?

i think the new NVIDIA control panel (comes with the very newest drivers, looks very different from the old one) lets you track GPU temperature over time, even if the control panel isn't open.

but i'm not sure if it would preserve the record after a full system crash... does your whole system go down, or is it just a "crash to desktop" of the game only?
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Constant crashing is not random. It's constant.

You said there is no pattern whatsoever? Not a point in the game you get to, or the same error messages?
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
ok its a random crash as it will happen at any time....but its also constant as it will happen at some point...i hope u understand that......and yes about 1 in every 5 crashes is a whole restart with some cryptic microsoft message about the gpu....i had considered heat and installed 2 more case fans that blow directly over the card and it has had no effect that i can see......a new graphics might be the answer???

please guys all opinions are greatly apprecieted.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
another bump
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
What is the cryptic Microsoft message?
That might help track it down.

And the gpu is not the only high heat producer in there. The cpu could be overheating. This game will max out the cpu and can keep it maxed out for extended periods, depending on what you are doing and how you are playing. I was observing my cpu usage and heat last night during a game. I have a dual core cpu, and it frequently had them both maxed and the temps were right around 68-69C during those times. I have a monster Zalman fan installed, and the normal temps are in the 50-55C range.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If this is the only game causing the problem, promptly change all your graphical options for the game to lowest possible settings. Then load up a saved game and play it about twice as long as you normally can & see what happens. If it doesn't cause the crash/reboot/error -- it's possible it is the heat issue from the GPU. Having fans blowing on it does no good if the air flow in the casing is just blowing the heated air back onto the card. What you need is cool air flow into, then out of the case. Try a "Cyclone" fan that can sit under the card and push hot air out the back of the case instead.

If the CPU is overheating, then you may want to consider a whole new casing option or CPU cooling solution as this will be a problem as newer games continue to push limits.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
i have that chrashing stuff to and its not heat i have an ati radeon video card my system should very well support this game some time i play an hour some times 2 i dont get it but it sucks big time
maybe 1.2 will cause more stability at least i hope it will:)
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Please install SmartException from Stardock Central (it's free) and use it to capture one of your crashes. If it does, send that info to the address SE points you to so that the gang has details on what's going on.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
tks for the help guys and ive thrown a couple of emails to stardock already from smartex...no word on any solution or diagnosis as of yet.....i am inclined to think it is maybe a heat issue with my cpu...a new case may be the answer i was thinking of upgrading in the next couple of months....time to do it now i guess!!

tks.