After a quick look at the different specs. I have an updated BIOS and an updated sound driver, this is beyond your more RAM and more CPU. Would either of these things make a difference? Heck if I know.

~sheepishly comments~ Isn't that on the first line of the debugg.err? Or would that date be the release date for that version?

My system only has 1 CPU but it is hyper threaded which makes it appear to the OS as 2 CPUs.

I failed to mention in my original post that I found a work around to the crash. If after starting up GalCiv2 ToA 4c, I first load up another saved game before loading up the saved game causing the crash, I can avoid the crash and continue the game.

I checked Stardock Central to see if 4d has been posted and it claimed to update me from "0.96a[b].004 -> 0.96a[b].006 Released Feb. 19, 2008". However, when I started up the game it was still reporting itself as 4c in the menu and the debug.err file. I retried the saved game that was giving problems and reproduced the display driver crash although this time instead of the blue screen of death I was dumped back to the desktop in low res with messed up colors.

In case I has a bad installation as Cari suggested, I uninstalled ToA and reinstalled it. This time I got a system lock while loading the saved game, that disabled Ctrl-Alt-Del. I was forced to hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a power down.

The system lock produced a debug.err file just like my original post but the crash prior to the reinstall has new errors at the end:

Debug Message: Version v1.80g Twilight of the Arnor beta 4c last updated on: Thu Jan 31 14:24:59 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 2/23/2008, 22:50:51
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: HAL
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: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 4600i
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A08
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2558MB RAM
Page File: 221MB used, 2184MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce FX 5200
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0322&SUBSYS_01B910DE&REV_A1
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.6921
Driver Date: 12/5/2007 01:41:00
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_24D5&SUBSYS_01741028&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.5246
Driver Date: 1/27/2005 14:31:06
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Modem #1 Line Playback (emulated)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID:
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 81
Driver Name:
Provider:
Driver Version:
Driver Date:
Type: Emulated
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: Failed to find a device that can start with hw vp mode. Trying mixed vp.
Debug Message: Using mixed 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: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (mixed vp): NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
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: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 a67a8f90
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Gfx\Tutorials\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\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: No files found matching mask ./Data/*.xml
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 C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2./Data/English/\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
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:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: No files found matching mask ./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.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\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Backup\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\CustomMaps\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Dark Avatar\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Gfx\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\SandboxGames\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ShipStyles\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\shiptemplates\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Paul DesRivieres\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\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: 520
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 TechTrees
Debug Message: Loading TechTreeDefs
Debug Message: Loading Game
Debug Message: Loading: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Game started in version v1.80g Twilight of the Arnor beta 4c
Debug Message: Sectors across: 5 x 5
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 AscensionCrystals
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: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: D3DERR_DEVICELOST
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Attempting to reset device.
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: D3DERR_DEVICELOST
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Attempting to reset device.
...
The above was repeated many times in the log.

Anyone know what changed between 0.96a[b].004 and 0.96a[b].006?

I'm still experiencing this crash with Beta 6c.

I checked the NVIDIA website and they still have not released a new driver for the GeForce FX 5200 since Dec. 2007.