Black screen instead of GCII » Forum Post by Yegolev

Ok, I just changed full screen=1 to 0, and now it works. But it sucks, because some windows items sit right over top of the game.

To answer my previous question, it appears that the "Dreadlords Campaign" you can play through "Dark Avatar" is the same as the first game anyway so I guess it doesn't matter really?

Would still be nice to know what the major malfunction is though...

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

If some things are showing on top, they likely have 'always on top' options somewhere that you can toggle.

The DL campaign is indeed available in DA, though. The only differences will be that core game mechanics (battle system, etc) that were changed in DA will be the DA way.

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Yeah um... I just got the new galciv 2 that comes with dark avatar. It works fine for a bit then when the ships are all moving, the screen stats twitching back and forth, I can exit out with ctrl-alt-delete or alt-tab, but the task manager always says it is working fine, when I try to go back to the game, the screen turns completely black except for the mouse cursor, I tries changing the resolution from 2 to 3 in the prefs.ini, but it only worked for a little bit, plus it wont stay changed to 3 even if I save it. My computer's resolution is 1440 by 900 if that helps. If anyone knows what I should do, could you post it.

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Hey, similar problem here - I get a (smaller than my monitor) black box when trying to run either DA or TA. DL works fine after a reinstall (although it was suffering from the same error).

Here's my debug.err. Any help would be most appreciated!

Debug Message: Version v1.96 Twilight of the Arnor last updated on: Tue Jun 24 17:37:47 2008
Debug Message: Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net value named Serial No
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/1/2008, 22:33:23
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: SLICK
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp.080413-2111)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: 965P-DS3
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 4300 @ 1.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 3326MB RAM
Page File: 495MB used, 4719MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 8800 GTS
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0193&SUBSYS_042010DE&REV_A2
Display Memory: 320.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: SyncMaster 206BW(Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1680,1050
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7792
Driver Date: 8/15/2008 23:22:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB X-Fi Audio [B400]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00311102&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1284
Driver Date: 7/15/2008 18:07:18
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: Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2 value named Language
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using hardware vertex processing
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 1024 x 768, Windowed: 0, Multisample: 4
Debug Message: Could not create the render device using default format. Switching to 16bit
Debug Message: Using hardware vertex processing
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 1024 x 768, Windowed: 0, Multisample: 0
Debug Message: Could not create the render device.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Go to My Documents\My Games\GC2Darkavatar or GC2Twilightarnor, open the file prefs.ini, and make the following changes:

Change
DisplayWidth=1024
DisplayHeight=768
ColorDepth=32
Fullscreen=1

To
DisplayWidth=(Your desktop width)
DisplayHeight=(Your desktop height)
ColorDepth=32
Fullscreen=0

Then save the file and start the game.

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Quoting kryo,

reply 5

Go to My Documents\My Games\GC2Darkavatar or GC2Twilightarnor, open the file prefs.ini, and make the following changes:ChangeDisplayWidth=1024DisplayHeight=768ColorDepth=32Fullscreen=1ToDisplayWidth=(Your desktop width)DisplayHeight=(Your desktop height)ColorDepth=32Fullscreen=0Then save the file and start the game.

Perfect! Thanks kryo!

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Thanks a lot from Athens Greece!

I got the same problem withthe black screen and corrected it.

Keep up the good work there at stardock and please bring us galciv3 multiplayer asap

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Recently bought and downloaded ToA, however when I try and load it I get the black screen, and have to ctrl alt delete to close down the program. I also get the same problem with GCII and DA. I have tried changing the resolution size in the .ini, but it hasn't worked. Below are the debug files for GCII and ToA:

GCII:

Debug Message: Version v1.53 last updated on: Tue Nov 4 11:55:35 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 12/18/2008, 19:42:56
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: YOUR-VIMQHG1D72
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
System Model: PCG-K115M(GB)
BIOS: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
Physical Memory: 766MB RAM
Page File: 227MB used, 3497MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ATI Mobility Radeon 9200/9250 (Omega 3.8.442)
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc. (Omega 3.8.442)
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x5C61)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5C61&SUBSYS_8175104D&REV_01
Display Memory: n/a
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic Television
Monitor Max Resolution: 640,480
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6755
Driver Date: 12/5/2007 03:04:08
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5451&SUBSYS_8175104D&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6280
Driver Date: 1/24/2008 16:36:16
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: WS Audio Device
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: *VirtualAudioDevice
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: VirtualAudio.sys
Provider: Wondershare
Driver Version: 1.00.0000.0001
Driver Date: 9/3/2008 11:02:08
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: No compatible devices found.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now windowed.
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.

ToA:

Debug Message: Version v1.53 last updated on: Tue Nov 4 11:55:35 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 12/18/2008, 19:42:56
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: YOUR-VIMQHG1D72
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
System Model: PCG-K115M(GB)
BIOS: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
Physical Memory: 766MB RAM
Page File: 227MB used, 3497MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ATI Mobility Radeon 9200/9250 (Omega 3.8.442)
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc. (Omega 3.8.442)
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x5C61)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5C61&SUBSYS_8175104D&REV_01
Display Memory: n/a
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic Television
Monitor Max Resolution: 640,480
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6755
Driver Date: 12/5/2007 03:04:08
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5451&SUBSYS_8175104D&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6280
Driver Date: 1/24/2008 16:36:16
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: WS Audio Device
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: *VirtualAudioDevice
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: VirtualAudio.sys
Provider: Wondershare
Driver Version: 1.00.0000.0001
Driver Date: 9/3/2008 11:02:08
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: No compatible devices found.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now windowed.
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.

NB on the ToA one it is on older drivers, updated them and ran GCII again with no luck.

I would be willing to bet my problem is in my 3d accelerator, namely that it doesn't seem to want to do Direct3d for some reason. The card is an ATI Radeon mobility 9200, ie an integrated laptop accelerator (namely for a sony vaio PCG-K115M). ATI and Sony seem to be allergic to updating their drivers for the Laptop chipsets that they produce, and the only place I can get drivers is by using Omega.

Any help would be appreciated.

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Card Name: ATI Mobility Radeon 9200/9250 (Omega 3.8.442)

Omega dropped support for the 9k/9250 and lower after the Cat 6.5 build (since ATI did as well), which was 3.8.252. I'm not sure how you got a newer version than that to even install, but that's likely the issue.

Also, you seem to have posted the DL debug as both. TA will have its own in the GC2TwilightArnor folder under My Documents\My Games.

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Thanks, it worked.

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I get the black screen within a few turns. I've tried doing as many of the recommendations as possible... updating video drivers, changing page file size, etc. I've also tried some of the fixes that worked for other people but no luck. My debug.err is below. Thanks for any help you can provide!!

Debug Message: Version v1.80g Dark Avatar last updated on: Wed Dec 19 15:10:23 2007
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 1/20/2009, 21:25:46
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: CHAD-Q55MS9G8UP
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
System Model: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
BIOS: BIOS Date: 09/24/04 16:10:38 Ver: 08.00.09
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 2700+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 449MB used, 2678MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ALL-IN-WONDER 9800 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x4E48)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4E48&SUBSYS_4F721002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell M780
Monitor Max Resolution: 1280,1024
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6844
Driver Date: 7/31/2008 22:32:35
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB X-Fi Audio [EEA0]
Default Sound Playback
Default Voice Playback
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00311102&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.1186
Driver Date: 5/23/2006 21:41:04
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 hardware vertex processing
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 1024 x 768, Windowed: 1, Multisample: 4
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): ALL-IN-WONDER 9800 SERIES
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 369e99
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\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\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: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing ship styles:
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\shiptemplates\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\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: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\CustomMaps\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Dark Avatar\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Gfx\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\SandboxGames\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\ShipStyles\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\shiptemplates\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Dana\My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar\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 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: Loading Custom Map
Debug Message: Loading Data Defs
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing ship styles:
Debug Message: Loading TechDefs
Debug Message: Max num techs: 273
Debug Message: Loading ImprovementDB
Debug Message: Loading Component Defs
Debug Message: Loading ShipTypes
Debug Message: Loading ShipTemplates
Debug Message: Loading ParsedHardpoints
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 AFMBModules
Debug Message: Loading ShipStyles
Debug Message: Loading Game
Debug Message: Loading: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Sectors across: 4 x 4
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 AsteroidFields
Debug Message: Loading AFMiningBases
Debug Message: Loading Civs
Debug Message: Loading Colonies
Debug Message: Loading RallyPoints
Debug Message: Loading Ships
Debug Message: Loading Fleets
Debug Message: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Loading Treaties
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: CampaignVictoryWnd: Cannot find OBJID Campaign_Status_Title
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog 6
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog 6d
Debug Message: Eval
Debug Message: Eval
Debug Message: Eval
Debug Message: Destroying ship Torian Confederation Flagship. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Toria
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End

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Was having the same problem on my new install. Resolution trick did nothing except change the size of the black box on the screen. However, changing Fullscreen=0 did work with default resolution. Then in game I changed the resolution and put a tic next to full screen, rebooted the game and it works fine so far. So something odd with initial settings it seems in full screen mode it gets stuck before it can generate other needed files (my game dir has a bunch of news stuff in it after the successful launch)

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hi, i just got the Ultimate Edition today (disk version), and i installed it, and updated using impulse, but it doesn't work. it opens with a black screen, and just sits there, not doing anything. when you end the process or close the applications using the task Manager, it comes up with an error report request.

i'm using XP (SP3), and my hardware beats the recommended requirements by a good long way.

i tried the suggestion where you right in the prefs.ini file what your resolution is, but all that succeeded in making my entire screen black.

what should i do?

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Please open your debug.err file in notepad, and copy/paste the contents into a post here. This will give us some technical information that can help troubleshoot your problem. The location you'll find the debug.err in varies depending on which game you're playing:

Dread Lords: My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2
Dark Avatar: My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar
Twilight of the Arnor: My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor

Older versions may store the debug directly in the location the game is installed at.

Be sure to copy the debug immediately after the error occurs; if you start the game again, the debug will be erased and recreated for the new session.

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Debug Message: Version v2.02 Twilight of the Arnor last updated on: Tue Dec 9 11:44:40 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/22/2009, 16:34:43
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: BIGRIG-GAMER
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: P5K Premium
BIOS: BIOS Date: 06/26/07 14:33:14 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 484MB used, 3455MB available
Windows Dir: F:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 8800 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0611&SUBSYS_06EA10DE&REV_A2
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 2048 x 1152 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: SyncMaster 2443BW/2443BWX(Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1920,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.8122
Driver Date: 1/15/2009 08:19:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX HD Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_1043829B&REV_1004
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: ADIHdAud.sys
Provider: AnalogDevices
Driver Version: 5.10.0001.6110
Driver Date: 1/16/2007 02:09:06
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 hardware vertex processing
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 2048 x 1152, Windowed: 0, Multisample: 4
Debug Message: Could not create the render device using default format. Switching to 16bit
Debug Message: Using hardware vertex processing
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 2048 x 1152, Windowed: 0, Multisample: 0
Debug Message: Could not create the render device.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start

i hope that helps

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

That's a *really* big screen.

Try setting windowed to 1 in the prefs.ini file and drop the resolution back to 1024x768--it's probably having trouble with that massive resolution in fullscreen. Once you've got it running in windowed, try raising the resolution back up.

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running the game in windowed mode seems to have fixed the problem. when i tried top set it to Fullscreen with the game, it caused the problem again, so my guess is that the game can't handel being run at such high resolution.

cheers for that Kryo, it looks fixed. i just have to keep it in windowed mode

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THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH THIS FIX WORKS NO MORE BLACK SCREEN AND NOW I CAN PLAY MY GAME AGAIN

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Quoting CariElf,

reply 1

If anyone else gets this error, the fix is to go into your prefs.ini and change the resolution to match your monitor resolution.

For GalCiv2: Dread Lords, the Prefs.ini is located in My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2

For Dark Avatar, the Prefs.ini is located in My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar

For Twilight of the Arnor, the Prefs.ini is located in My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor

Also, if your monitor came with a disc, make sure that you install the driver because GalCiv2/DarkAvatar/Twilight doesn't always get along with the generic Windows driver. You can also check the website for the monitor's manufacturer for the most recent version.

THANKS VERY MUCH THIS FIX WORKED OUT FOR ME, NOW I CAN PLAY MY GAME AGAIN

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I had the same problem running the game on my widescreen 1280x720 (720p LCD TV) display. I got an error message saying the game wouldn't support a lower res than 1024x768 and then total blackness.

Changing the prefs.ini file fixed it, even though I still get the error message before the opening video starts. This thread helped me figure out the problem, thanks guys!

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Hello; I just re-installed GC 2 and could use some help. Getting the black screen;

Here are my stats:

Debug Message: Version v1.53 last updated on: Tue Nov 4 11:55:35 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 10/24/2009, 08:02:50
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: S-1-5-21-149195
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.090803-2339)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: P35-S3G
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9450 @ 2.66GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Physical Memory: 3582MB RAM
Page File: 1283MB used, 6114MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 8500 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0421&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1
Display Memory: 2542 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 8.16.0011.9107
Driver Date: 9/27/2009 16:12:22
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0662&SUBSYS_1458A002&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHDA.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5567
Driver Date: 2/14/2008 05:03:10
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek Digital Output (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0662&SUBSYS_1458A002&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHDA.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5567
Driver Date: 2/14/2008 05:03:10
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 hardware vertex processing
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONMASKABLE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 59
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: No string tables in ./Data//ToolTips.tips
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 da7a64
Debug Message: No string tables in ./Data//*.str
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default/Data/*.str
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\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: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\*.xml
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\John\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\John\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Invasions\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message: Danger Will Robinson, no Stars!!!!
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data//Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data//Scenarios/*.GC2Scenario
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario
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: 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: Galaxy Size Set: 4 x 4
Debug Message: Creating Random Map
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message: Number of Unplaced Stars: 5.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message: Num Anomalies: 42
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 -> 48
Debug Message: Drengin Empire: Intellence -> 53
Debug Message: Torian Confederation: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message: Yor Collective: Intellence -> 45
Debug Message: Drath Legion: Intellence -> 54
Debug Message: Iconian Refuge: Intellence -> 56
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 = 0
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Enabled

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

Debug Message: Danger Will Robinson, no Stars!!!!

Download and run this registry file and it should fix it.

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Kryo: U R the man! The registry file worked. Thank you for helping me oujt.

John

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Is there any way to play the game on 1024x576 resolution ? I want to play this game on my netbook and it won't run. Here's the debug.err. It says I don't have a compatible card but my chipset was listed on Intel's site as compatible with this game.

Debug Message: Version v1.53 last updated on: Tue Nov 4 11:55:35 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 12/9/2009, 15:08:33
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: MOEBIUS
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090804-1435)
Languages: French (Regional Setting: French)
System Manufacturer: LENOVO
System Model: 4187RWF
BIOS: Rev 1.0
Processor: Intel(R) Atom(TM) CPU N270   @ 1.60GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 1014MB RAM
Page File: 670MB used, 1771MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Intel(R) GMA 950
DAC Type: Internal
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_27AE&SUBSYS_387017AA&REV_03
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 576 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Écran Plug-and-Play
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: igxprd32.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4926
Driver Date: 2/15/2008 00:12:06
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek HD Audio output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0269&SUBSYS_17AA3BF8&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5794
Driver Date: 2/18/2009 05:31:04
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: No compatible devices found.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now windowed.
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start

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kryo

Join Date 05/2003

+458

You can set the resolution manually below the 1024x768 min in the prefs.ini file at My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2, but as the game is not designed to run at that low of a resolution, you may have problems with UI scaling or clipping.

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