Yegolev Yegolev

Black screen instead of GCII

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Black screen instead of GCII

from GalCiv2 Forums
I last played GCII some time ago after getting the Dark Avatar expansion. It has been a while and for some reason when I try to play now, the screen goes mostly black and I cannot see anything. I can ALT+TAB but the blackness is impenetrable... except for the Start menu thankfully so I can do a graceful reboot.

The things that have changed are that I have a new monitor and a new sound card. Of course I also have recent Nvidia drivers for my GF 7900GS. I tried changing my desktop reoslution from 1680x1050 to 1024x768 but the only difference was that the entire screen was back where before I did have a small strip of desktop on the right. Ah, well also I was able to bring up an ALT menu for GCII and select Close and it actually worked, maybe that is important. Previously I could not even ALT+F4 GCII, requiring a reboot.

Any ideas?
68,246 views 109 replies
Reply #26 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Try changing the line:

GfxUseEnhancedRendering=1

to

GfxUseEnhancedRendering=0

in your prefs.ini, and see if that makes a difference.
Reply #27 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
No difference. Should I change that back or leave it?

Is the hardware vertex processing something I can turn off at the nVidea control panel?
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #28 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You can try adding SOFTWAREVP to the end of the path in the game's shortcut, but a 7600 should have no problem with hardware mode.
Reply #29 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
No difference, other than the reference to vertex processing in debug.err. I changed the path back to normal. Any other ideas?
Reply #30 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I get the black screen for a couple seconds, then it just goes to desktop. This only happens with DA, GC2 works fine. The debug.err for DA just ends at shell initialization complete, and up to that point it looks like the one from GC2. I updated drivers, tried setting size to my desktop resolution, running in window...any other ideas?
End of quote


Wow, i'm in the same boat. Same debug.err message, GC2 works but not DA.
Unfortunately, i e-mailed tech support but they were unable to help me. If you have success, please let me know.
Reply #31 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
At this point, I'd say contact [email protected]. As it's also stopping just before reporting the activation status, I can't help but still think it's an issue with that. If you mention that to them it should help point them in the right direcion.
Reply #32 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Aha. Tim, I just saw your posts on another thread and remembered that you were doing an offline install. Did you activate all of GC2, DA, and TA seperately, and put all of their sig.bin files in the corresponding folders? I seem to recall that having a sig.bin from the wrong game can have just the effect you're experiencing.
Reply #33 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Wow, i'm in the same boat. Same debug.err message, GC2 works but not DA.Unfortunately, i e-mailed tech support but they were unable to help me. If you have success, please let me know.
End of quote


I spent a good chunk of time in chat with the tech support folks. Got some promising leads that they are going to study, and I'm going to try some things over the weekend with reinstalling. Should have an answer next week I expect.

Reply #34 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I have a laptop (a toshiba satellite pro if it makes much difference) connected to an extra (newer bigger nicer) monitor as my secondary monitor.Depends on what sort of video you have on the laptop. I know ATI can do it, and I'm pretty sure nVidia can as well. If you're using Intel though there may not be an easy solution. Also a number of laptops (HP/Compaq do at least) have one of the function keys mapped to toggle/swap the internal and external displays on the fly.
End of quote


Thanks, I've got it to load on the external monitor now - except I just get the black screen. I've copied my debug.err file here for you. Thanks for the help!

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: 5/28/2008, 15:37:54
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: ALGERNON
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: TOSHIBA
System Model: Satellite PRO L10
BIOS: Rev 1.0 XXX
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) M processor 1.40GHz
Physical Memory: 1006MB RAM
Page File: 462MB used, 812MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: Intel(R) 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Intel(R) 82852/82855 GM/GME Controller
DAC Type: Internal
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3582&SUBSYS_FF311179&REV_02
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4497
Driver Date: 2/7/2006 08:56:16
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Sony CAV-U5
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: USB\Vid_054c&Pid_005f&Rev_0100&MI_00
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 5.01.2600.2180
Driver Date: 8/4/2004 00:07:56
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Conexant AMC Audio
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_FF311179&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: camcaud.sys
Provider: Conexant
Driver Version: 6.13.0010.8355
Driver Date: 9/15/2004 16:01:14
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: Could not create the render device using default format. Switching to 16bit
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Could not create the render device.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start


I've tried both with fullscreen mode enabled and disabled, with the same result.
Reply #35 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
What resolution is it trying to use (will be in the prefs.ini)? Also, you'll want to update those video drivers, they're pretty old.
Reply #36 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
What resolution is it trying to use (will be in the prefs.ini)? Also, you'll want to update those video drivers, they're pretty old.
End of quote


It's trying to use 1680x1050 according to the prefs.ini which should be the right dimensions for my monitor.

How do you update video drivers? They're probably just the ones that came with the laptop. Sorry for being a big idiot. Thanks for the help though.
Reply #37 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
What resolution is it trying to use (will be in the prefs.ini)? Also, you'll want to update those video drivers, they're pretty old.
End of quote


wait never mind i've figured out how to update the drivers i'll try that and see what happens.

edit: according to the Intel website I already have the most current (february 2006) drivers for my chipset. it does seem old though, a little odd they wouldn't have updated since then.
Reply #38 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Strange then, generally setting the dimensions to the desktop size and fullscreen to 0 in prefs.ini solves that type of issue.
Reply #39 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Just to preface, Ive changed the resolution in the prefs file for both Dread Lords and Dark Avatar to 1280X1024 (Same as my monitor resolution) as well as the Fullscreen to 0...still nothing other then a black screen. I have the Nvdia card, but with the latest updates (175.16 or whatever it is), so I went through the whole Nvdia problems when Vista first launched, and was really hoping to never have to experience it again! Thanks for any help!
Reply #40 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
 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 your game version:

Dread Lords, all versions:
C:\Program Files\Stardock\Totalgaming\GalCiv2

Dark Avatar 1.5-1.6 (non-Vista):
C:\Program Files\Stardock\Totalgaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar

Dark Avatar 1.6+(Windows Vista), 1.7+(non-Vista):
My Documents\My Games\GC2DarkAvatar

Twilight of the Arnor:
My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor

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.
Reply #41 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thank you so much!

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: 2/16/2007, 12:10:37
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: RICHARD-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_rtm.061101-2205)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3800+, ~2.4GHz
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 687MB used, 1611MB 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_C5633842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.9746
Driver Date: 12/7/2006 20:25:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 00:36:49
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Digital Output Device (SPDIF) (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 00:36:49
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Headphones (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 00:36:49
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_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 75
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: 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: 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.


Reply #42 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Time: 2/16/2007, 12:10:37
End of quote


Looks like you posted an old debug--make sure to look in the right folder for the version you're using, to find the latest one.
Reply #43 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Ok, so that's the only debug file I have!!!! Checked, checked and rechecked, and I cant find another one anywhere! I just want to play Gal Civ :( haha
Reply #44 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Just to add, I have Gal Civ II version 1.50.135 as well as Dark Avatar 1.80q.100. I also have all the latest updates for maps, movies, etc.
Reply #45 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Ok, so I checked some more, and I found this...thanks a ton!!!!:

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: 7/9/2008, 21:11:35
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: RICHARD-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080425-1930)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3800+, ~2.4GHz
Physical Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1207MB used, 3126MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name:
Manufacturer:
Chip Type:
DAC Type:
Key Device: Enum\
Display Memory: n/a
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (1Hz)
Monitor Name:
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name:
Driver Version:
Driver Date:
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback
Default Voice Playback
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/1/2006 23:28:10
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Headphones (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback
Default Voice Playback
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/1/2006 23:28:10
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Digital Output Device (SPDIF) (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback
Default Voice Playback
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/1/2006 23:28:10
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: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Failed to find a device that can start with hw vp mode. Trying mixed vp.
Debug Message: Failed to find a device that can start with mixed vp mode. Trying sw vp.
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
Reply #46 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Looks like something went horribly wrong with your last driver update--DirectX can't even recognize what video drivers you have. Best bet would be to remove the video drivers, redownload, and reinstall them.
Reply #48 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I can run TA and DA, but not Dread Lords. I have recently reformatted everything, and updated all drivers including my monitor driver. I tried to modify the prefs.ini file, but I do not have such a file. Currently I'm running the digital download version of both games. I also tried a pirate copy that I used to run, but it doesn't work anymore either. A small black window opens up in about 1/3rd of my screen, but nothing goes beyond that. Below is my debug file. Thanks in advance!






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: 8/4/2008, 22:53:18
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: PHILLIP-AC5677F
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: v0.1
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 3200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 345MB used, 3598MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7600 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_02E0&SUBSYS_A5593842&REV_A2
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 960 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: SyncMaster 226BW,SyncMaster Magic CX226BW(Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1680,1050
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7551
Driver Date: 4/11/2008 11:29:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: nvapu.sys
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version: 6.14.0442.0030
Driver Date: 5/25/2004 15:58:04
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: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Could not create the render device using default format. Switching to 16bit
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Could not create the render device.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Reply #49 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Lisdop.

It is strange to be running at 1280 x 960 when your monitor's native resolution is 1680 x 1050.
I have the exact same monitor, and DL works fine with it at 1680 x 1050.

And there is always a Prefs.ini.
It is located in My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2.
Reply #50 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I was running it at 1680X1050 at first, and it did the same thing. Oh ok, I was nubbing out. I found the prefs.ini. Just change res to match my desktop, no joy.

Could the fact that I may have leftover files in \my games\GalCiv2 be causing a problem?

Also, does it even matter if I can't run Dread Lords? I just peeked at the Dread Lords Campaign through Dark Avatar, and I swear the first mission looks exactly the same one as in the very original Gal Civ 2.