gazman555

Join Date 05/2007

Game crashing constantly

I have the most recent version of the game (+DA) 1.6 beta 3, even though with beta 2 I had the same problems. The game crashes constantly (this is on max setting though my computer shouldn't have any trouble with them enabled) and very very annoyingly the game just crashed while saving so I lost 3 hours of gameplay, in fact the quicksave file has totally gone missing!! This was while on 1600x1024 window.

Before when I had fullscreen resolution the game would crash whenever I exited from a fleet battle, making the game unplayable but windowed mode seemed to fix that.

My video card drivers are 93.71 Catalyst, I run an updated winXP and have a 7900GTO + Dual core 6400 +2gig ram. I also have 2-4 gig of virtual memory allocated. I don't get what the problem can be apart from an unstable game but perhaps the debug.err will show up something.

Cheers.
Debug Message: Version v1.6 beta 3 Dark Avatar last updated on: Wed May 9 17:37:24 2007
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/13/2007, 13:50:03
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: GARETH01
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: GBT___
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 433MB used, 3508MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0291&SUBSYS_032110DE&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9371
Driver Date: 10/22/2006 12:22:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB Live! Audio [B000]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0002&SUBSYS_80641102&REV_07
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0244
Driver Date: 3/22/2002 22:09:40
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek HD Audio output
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0883&SUBSYS_1458E601&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5259
Driver Date: 5/26/2006 15:20:58
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: 1680 x 1050
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
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: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 7f28cba0
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\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: Popup Manager Update: Updating window with ID=0
Debug Message: Popup Manager Update: Unhiding FullscreenBink
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing ship styles:
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message: Popup Manager Update: Updating window with ID=1
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Dark Avatar\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Gfx\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\SandboxGames\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ShipStyles\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\shiptemplates\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Story Logs\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\temp\*.sav
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Debug Message: Killing 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 asteroid fields.
Debug Message: Killing asteroid field mining bases.
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: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing ship styles:
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy: Completed
Debug Message: Shutting down sound system.
Debug Message: Clearing sound and music handles.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize end
Debug Message: Device not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: D3D not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: Destroying Window.
Debug Message: Main Shell terminating normally

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Welcome to the wonderful world of Galactic Civilizations II my friend... welcome.

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I'm not positive, but that's either the wrong debug file, or you went back into the game first. That debug seems WAY too short for 3 hours of gametime assuming you played it all at once.

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The only map size I like playing on is Gigantic. Unfortunately, mid to late game the thing tends to crash more often than not. Mind you, I'm running a pretty beefy rig with 2gb RAM, Gforce 5600, 3.4ghz Pentium, soforth and so on. It isn't for lack of resources that my universe implodes. I have to think the devs need to seriously retool how the game uses resources and maybe plug a few memory leaks. Where's a Dutchboy when you need him?

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this isn't the correct de-bug, this debug says you terminated the game normally.

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Well thats funny my game just crashed again then and both of the degug.err's (from main game directory and DA directory) were about the same as the one I posted. Then again these are pretty speccy crashes, or there's something wrong with my computer it crashes so badly it automatically restarts the comp half the time.....maybe thats why the proper debug.err isn't there. I'd agree with memory leak however starting fresh the game can crash right away in the menu, theres nothing predictable about it...

. I'll post a debug.err when it reports properly then.

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The debug.err is created fresh each time you start the game and is added to during the game.
It won't matter how it crashes, you will have the correct one just after the crash.
If you were playing DL it will be the one in the GalCiv2 folder, and the Dark Avatar folder if were playing DA.

The one you posted looks like you started the game, got to a menu screen, then quit and exited normally.

You also might get better results playing the game at your desktop resolution, and fullscreen instead of windowed.

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Hi!

The only map size I like playing on is Gigantic. Unfortunately, mid to late game the thing tends to crash more often than not.

I'd suggest you using smaller map first and see if game still crashes so often. The other thing you may check is "Throttle frame rate" (or sth. similar) at game's Graphics settings. Maybe your graphics card is overheating and causes reboots.

BR, Iztok

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Also, I've seen them recommend installing and running smart exception, I guess it helps them determine what may cause the problem.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

If you do get it again, be sure to post the debug right after so we can see how it ends when it does crash.

Just offhand, there have been issues with 7900/7950 cards in the past, particularly in SLI. Some suggestions for this in the past have included using the hardware mouse cursor option and disabling antialiasing.

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Then again these are pretty speccy crashes, or there's something wrong with my computer it crashes so badly it automatically restarts the comp half the time.....maybe

That almost sounds like a hardware issue, check your device manager for conflicts, and maybe test your ram.

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I'm having trouble with crashing too. SmartException doesn't pick anything up though. Debug Message: Version v1.5 last updated on: Thu Jan 11 13:39:19 2007
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/14/2007, 16:40:23
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: DAN-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_rtm.061101-2205)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System Model: HP Pavilion dv6000 (RD861AV#ABA)
BIOS: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.1
Processor: AMD Turion(tm) 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-60 (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 652MB used, 1641MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce Go 7200
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_01D6&SUBSYS_30B7103C&REV_A1
Display Memory: 64 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.9815
Driver Date: 2/27/2007 11:26:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Internal Speaker/Headphone (Conexant High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_5045&SUBSYS_103C30B7&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: CHDART.sys
Provider: Conexant
Driver Version: 4.10.0001.0000
Driver Date: 12/12/2006 13:06:40
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: SPDIF Interface (Conexant High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_5045&SUBSYS_103C30B7&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: CHDART.sys
Provider: Conexant
Driver Version: 4.10.0001.0000
Driver Date: 12/12/2006 13:06:40
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
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_2_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1280 x 800
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce Go 7200
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 17d7840
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: * Collectors Edition *
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\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 normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Sectors across: 8 x 8
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: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Loading ENDGALAXYDATA
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 0
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Constructor M2-4 409. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Constructor M2-5 709. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Torian Constructor M1-4 193. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Harpoon
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Arcean Empire (3): Researching: Mass Drivers III
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Constructor M2-4 689. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Constructor M2-4 424. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drengin Constructor M2-10 1015. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Constructor M2-10 706. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Torian Confederation (4): Researching: General Life Support
ASSERT ERROR in file .\Source\Starship.cpp at line 5638.
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drengin Heavy Fighter M2-10 1027. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Heavy Fighter M2-4 657. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Fleet 14. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Drengin Defender M2-3 224. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Kerchen V
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Altarian Republic (2): Researching: Manufacturing Centers
Debug Message: Torian Confederation (4): Researching: Beam Weapon Theory
Debug Message: Destroying ship 2-Heavy Fighter M3-1X 3. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: ERROR: Had to force clean up on dead ships that were lingering! (Ship Name: 2-Heavy Fighter M3-1X 3)
Debug Message: Destroying ship 2-Heavy Fighter M3-1X 3. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship 2-Heavy Fighter M3-1X 3. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Fleet 9. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Jessuins Constructor M2-4 361. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Torian Confederation (4): Researching: Habitat Improvement
Debug Message: Destroying ship Scout Ship M0-1 12. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Mormegil III
Debug Message: Destroying ship Torian Colony Ship M2-10 1018. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Toria IV
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Constructor M2-10 1033. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Torian Constructor M2-10 1013. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Jessuins (14): Researching: Laser II
Debug Message: Destroying ship Mining Starbase 139. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Torian Constructor M3-1 1041. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Jessuins Constructor M3-1 1036. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Debug Message: Killing 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: 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: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy: Completed
Debug Message: Shutting down sound system.
Debug Message: Clearing sound and music handles.
Debug Message: WorkAreaBack.png not cleared 1 counts left.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize end
Debug Message: Device not cleared. 2 counts left.
Debug Message: D3D not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: Destroying Window.
Debug Message: Main Shell terminating normally

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That is not the debug just after a crash, though.
You closed the game normally.

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How about this one.Debug Message: Version v1.5 last updated on: Thu Jan 11 13:39:19 2007
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/14/2007, 21:17:22
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: DAN-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_rtm.061101-2205)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System Model: HP Pavilion dv6000 (RD861AV#ABA)
BIOS: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.1
Processor: AMD Turion(tm) 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-60 (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 699MB used, 1594MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce Go 7200
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_01D6&SUBSYS_30B7103C&REV_A1
Display Memory: 64 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.9815
Driver Date: 2/27/2007 11:26:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Internal Speaker/Headphone (Conexant High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_5045&SUBSYS_103C30B7&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: CHDART.sys
Provider: Conexant
Driver Version: 4.10.0001.0000
Driver Date: 12/12/2006 13:06:40
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: SPDIF Interface (Conexant High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_5045&SUBSYS_103C30B7&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: CHDART.sys
Provider: Conexant
Driver Version: 4.10.0001.0000
Driver Date: 12/12/2006 13:06:40
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
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_2_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1280 x 800
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce Go 7200
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 17d7840
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: * Collectors Edition *
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Dan\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 normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Sectors across: 8 x 8
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: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Loading ENDGALAXYDATA
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 0
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Debug Message: Destroying ship Altarian Constructor M1-8 301. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

You're running Vista with an nVidia chipset and old (by Vista standards) drivers. You should update your video drivers at the very least; you can get directions and/or modified versions that will let you put the latest on your laptop at laptopvideo2go.com.

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As it turns out my ram was just about dead - in fact so dead that when I ran memcheck the computer wouldn't even boot afterwards. Had some new ram put in (2gb same type) - gave it a quick memcheck and seems fine, everything has worked so far....apart from gc2 and da, this time its actually worse and will crash about 5-10secs into the menu constantly. Still trying to work out what this might be atm...

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dandan, is your video card direct x10 compatible? as far as i knew the Nvidia 8 series are the only directx 10 compatible cards. also it might help to go into your bios and change your VMI from 64mb to 128 or 256mbs if its possible.

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Ok this is interesting...the following debug.err has the following at the end:

Debug Message: GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_MoreDetails_FText
Debug Message: GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_Details_FormattedText
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Scenarios/*.GC2Scenario
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario

And I noticed that especially upon beginning a new game the program will quickly crash, although in the original game (gc2 vanilla) it happened when I changed the map to gigantic size.

Dark Avatar is very unstable however and will crash predictably in ~8 seconds into the menu if i do nothing each time.

I have no anti-aliasing and the hardware cursor enabled.

Thanks for the help!

Debug Message: Version v1.6 beta 3 Dark Avatar last updated on: Wed May 9 17:37:24 2007
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/17/2007, 19:37:16
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: GKOMPUTER
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: GBT___
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 191MB used, 3748MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0291&SUBSYS_032110DE&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell 2405FPW (Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1920,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9371
Driver Date: 10/22/2006 12:22:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB Live! Audio [B000]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0002&SUBSYS_80641102&REV_07
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0252
Driver Date: 7/19/2002 10:47:52
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: 1920 x 1200
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
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 36
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: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 7f287d80
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\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: Popup Manager Update: Updating window with ID=0
Debug Message: Popup Manager Update: Unhiding FullscreenBink
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing ship styles:
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Gareth\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message: Popup Manager Update: Updating window with ID=1
Debug Message: GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_MoreDetails_FText
Debug Message: GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_Details_FormattedText
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Scenarios/*.GC2Scenario
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario

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1. Your Sound Blaster drivers could be updated to a newer version.
Check at www.soundblaster.com.
For the straight Live! (as I don't know your exact SBLive type from the debug) drivers there are drivers dated at 2003. (yours are 2002 - newer is usually better)

2. Try running the game in fullscreen mode.

3. Do you get the crashing in sandbox games as well? Because scenarios are famous for having problems.

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Updated the sound driver....unforunately no good. Something is seriously amiss here even with bad memory the game was running fine compared to now! I will re-install the game soon at some point it seems like the only option left. GalaxyWnd reports an error : "Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_Details_FormattedText", so something may have gone wrong with the files on install.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Did you update GC2 to the latest version too when you installed DA? Leaving GC2 at 1.4 will cause dxpack errors in DA, since it borrows some of the ones from GC2.

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The sound card drivers were the first thing that I noticed too.

SmartException should help us track down the crashes, so if you haven't installed it yet, you can get it from https://www.stardock.com/products/smartexception

Also check your anti-virus/security program to make sure that it isn't scanning your directory while you're trying to play.

If you are still getting random crashes, you may have a problem with a codec on your system. Many media player programs like WinDVD or Media Portal install codecs on your system and they don't always play nice with other programs. You can see what codecs are installed on your system by right clicking on My Computer, then select properties. Click on the hardware tab and then click on the Device Manager button. Then right click on Audio Codecs and choose properties. The properties tab of the dialog that comes up will list and allow you to remove the audio codecs installed on your computer. You can follow the same steps for the Video Codecs. There are instructions in this MSDN article for re-installing the Windows audio and video codecs:

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;893681&spid=1007&sid=1498#EUADAAA

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