How do you open Debug.err files?

from GalCiv2 Forums
I have been trying for the last four hours to get either DL or DA to run with cheats so i can play a hotseat multiplayer, i have gone to the wikipedia page and done the exact thing with the short cut links, the stardock swirl in starts and so does the history vid but then crashes when its about to go to the main menu.....the stickied posts i have read say that my debug.err files tell everything, so after finding them i tried to open them just not to be able to...Now after being fed up with it im just trying to play a regular game and then the game crashes...i have updated both DL and DA all the way (yes even 1.6 for DA)......what should i do? i have the debug.err files but i dont know how to open them!! someone plz help  
7,157 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Right click the file and choose "open with". Scroll through the list and pick notepad. Most log files for any program can be opened and read in a similar way.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Debug Message: Version v1.50 Dark Avatar last updated on: Fri Feb 2 10:52:32 2007
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 6/11/2007, 19:24:50
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: PC191762682119
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System Model: Pavilion dv4000 (EC318UA#ABA)
BIOS: Ver 1.00PARTTBLX
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 2.00GHz
Physical Memory: 1014MB RAM
Page File: 484MB used, 1957MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Controller
DAC Type: Internal
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2592&SUBSYS_3081103C&REV_04
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.3984
Driver Date: 12/13/2004 11:02:54
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_266E&SUBSYS_3081103C&REV_04
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.5240
Driver Date: 9/1/2004 15:17:46
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_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
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: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Steven McCornack\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
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 ./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/English/\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Steven McCornack\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
thats when the game crashes and im following the shortcut with cheat after the exe"....can anyone tell me what is wrong?
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Check that the start in path in the shortcut properties is correct. It should be the same as the path to the executable, minus the \GC2DarkAvatar.exe on the end. So if the path is "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Totalgaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\GC2DarkAvatar.exe" cheat then the start in box should contain "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Totalgaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar".

Barring that, go to My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar, open the file prefs.ini, and make the following changes:

Change
DisplayWidth=1024
DisplayHeight=768

To
DisplayWidth=1280
DisplayHeight=800

Then save the file and start the game.

I would also strongly advise updating your video drivers. You should be able to find newer ones at HP or Intel's websites.



If you have problems in the future, post just one thread about it and be patient for a response. Please do not make multiple threads on the same topic, as this just creates unecessary clutter and makes more work for those who would help you.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You may also want to try updating to version 1.6, now available on Stardock Central.