Very Disappointed; Galciv2

from GalCiv2 Forums

let me start by saying i had galciv 1 long ago and loved it and always wanted this game.

but if i knew i would have to pay 30 dollars for it and still have to work hard enough to create the thing myself before i could play it id never have spent the money. its ridiculous, its got probs with vista, probs with nvidia, i cant get the 2.0 patch i keep hearing about because i cant register my game with impulse because they dont have an option for me to choose my game which is galciv2 gold edition. you would think they would share the patches and updates on their site but no...they force you to get impulse which i was cool with i guess but to d/l it and find it was for nothing ticked me off.

i updated all my drivers, i have a geforce 8400 vidcard, all on a new computer that i thought for sure would play this game.

i can play the game for about 20 minutes max and then my computer freezes. i can do nothing, its just locked so i have to turn my computer off and then on again. ive done everything i can think of, read all the tech help and forums i can take and it still happens. i was hoping to be able to patch each game in the gold edition seperately and maybe fix something and thats when i heard about the galciv 2.0 patch that you can only get through impulse.

what a maze. i will definitely think, not twice, but three or four times before eve buying a stardock game again. too many issues, run arounds and dead ends only to end up at the same place i started. with a game i cant play. i could go and get a cd key online for each game in the gold edition and register it that way for the product updates (at least i think i should be able to) but seriously stardock, i have to do something illegal to play your game? thanks.

so if you have any suggestions id be more than happy to hear them. thanks :)

11,933 views 19 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

A crashing computer doesn't sound like a fault in the game. It is the task of the operating system to make sure applications cannot crash the system, and the newer Microsoft operating systems do that reasonably well. I'd blame the hardware vendors. Unfortunately hardware issues are hard to troubleshoot. You may try to turn off features like AGP texturing or uninstall GART drivers. Does your computer survive 20 minutes of 3DMark?

I can't believe Impulse cannot handle a Gold Edition that's quite old already. I'd contact tech support about that. You can also try Stardock Central to update. The update with Vista fixes is only available on Impulse, though, and since you run Vista.... I don't believe these updates have anything to do with crashing, though.

Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

First thing - post your debug.err info.

Without that, nothing much can be determined.

This is your first post. Which means you have not tried to contact the forum for help before this.

Simply ranting won't do any good. We need more info, and the debug.err info will give some of that. So calm down, and ask for help in a civilized manner.

GC2 does not have problems with either Vista nor Nvidia. However, both Vista and Nvidia have had problems with GC2 - due mostly to video drivers. If you rely on Windows Update, you will be dissapointed. You have to go to Nvidia directly. If you are on a laptop, you may need other sources for your drivers.

Post your debug.err info.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

i didnt mean to rant but yeah im kinda upset...

your right i havent posted here before but like i said i did search out all the info i could find before 'ranting'.

here is my debug.err:

Debug Message:  Version v1.5 last updated on: Thu Jan 11 13:39:19 2007
Debug Message:  Can't find TGN or GalCiv2 serial number.
Debug Message:  GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message:  Checking DX Version.
Debug Message:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 12/31/2008, 04:10:56
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: OWNER-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080917-1612)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Compaq-Presario
System Model: GX617AA-ABA SR5310F
BIOS: BIOS Date: 03/04/08 20:50:19 Ver: 5.19
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual  CPU  E2140  @ 1.60GHz (2 CPUs), ~1.6GHz
Physical Memory: 2038MB RAM
Page File: 1185MB used, 3141MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS  
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 8400 GS
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_06E4&SUBSYS_0A5E19F1&REV_A1
Display Memory: 1263 MB
Current Display Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: HP w17e Wide LCD Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0011.7824
Driver Date: 10/7/2008 13:33:00
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_0888&SUBSYS_103C2A59&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHDA.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5502
Driver Date: 10/25/2007 09:26:10
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:  Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message:  Game Resolution: 1440 x 900
Debug Message:  Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message:  HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS  
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 34
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:  ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message:  Timer Frequency is 0 da7a64
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:  TitleWnd: Quit Button.
Debug Message:  Posting WM_CLOSE message.
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:  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

Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Try to throttle the framerate, or even better, enable Vsync.

It seems your computer has on-board Intel Extreme graphics? If yes, are you sure its drivers are uninstalled without any trace left?

Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

your problem has nothing to do with gold edition. I myself bought the gold edition.

Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Why is 4x AA on with an 8400GS?

Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

This *may* be caused by running the game in Windowed mode since any edge moves with the mouse can act as a "crashout"  -- but,  only when such activity is (somehow) too fast for the whole Vista-OS infrastructure to react accordingly. Weird, but even in today's much better (and faster!) hardware the lag time effect can always creep up in very high-end games (both GDI & memory extensive on resources) such as GC2.

You might want to try playing at 'FullScreen' option for a number of days to see if that helps.

 

BUT (i should insist), there are bazillions of other 'technical' issues which may also be involved... sadly, even this community of gamers can't remotely diagnosed your PC for flaws - but, i highly doubt StarDock staff won't do anything possible to fix your problems as they usually do & have been consistently. Ask most anyone here, they will tell you that much about SD excellent track record for service.

Motto; Every problem has multiple solutions or just the right one!

:|

Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

they dont have an option for me to choose my game which is galciv2 gold edition.
End of quote

Just register it as both DL and DA individually with the same serial. Once you're updated then we can eliminate old versions from potential causes of the other issue.

 

Reading back is all well and good, but nobody will begrudge you for just asking right up front if you have any trouble. That's what we're here for, and it saves a lot of stress on both ends if you ask *before* you get frustrated to wit's end. :)

Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting kryo, reply 8

they dont have an option for me to choose my game which is galciv2 gold edition.


Just register it as both DL and DA individually with the same serial. Once you're updated then we can eliminate old versions from potential causes of the other issue.

 

Reading back is all well and good, but nobody will begrudge you for just asking right up front if you have any trouble. That's what we're here for, and it saves a lot of stress on both ends if you ask *before* you get frustrated to wit's end.
End of kryo's quote

 

i tried that but my code (only one comes with gold edition) does not work for any galciv options at impulse.

ill try and play for a while without windowed mode and see what happens, thanx :)

Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting Sole, reply 6
Why is 4x AA on with an 8400GS?
End of Sole's quote

I'm going to keep saying this until someone responds.  I would suggest you turn it down or preferably off.

As kryo said, the gold edition code should work both as a DL code and as a DA code.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting myst1cx, reply 9
i tried that but my code (only one comes with gold edition) does not work for any galciv options at impulse.
End of myst1cx's quote

then may I suggest to contact [email protected] for registration issues

Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

True that AntiAliasing when "too high" can stretch out nearly insufficient runtime memory calls until a CTD situation happens; there are a number of Interface options (100% planet surfaces variety, being one of these) which could also grab extraneous cpu cycles that lead to crashes on *SOME* systems.

But since the page file shows up as 3100+ available in that debug_err listing - i'd be surprised if in fact the memory slappings are in cause.

Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

I totally know this is gravedigging but since it was my thread to begin with and i have basically the same problem i didnt see the need to start a new one.

ive had this game almost two years now and have yet to be able to patch it. words cannot express my disappointment.

first i didnt have the option of choosing my gold edition in the list...i was told to try and enter them seperately which didnt work either. i wrote stardock this nice long message and never even got the courtesy of a reply.

i was cleaning out my closet and found the game again and since my comp recently got revamped and a new video card (geforce8400) i decided to try install and patch it again. this time i didnt have to choose which version i had so i got happy...but the rug was quickly pulled out from under me. after jumping through the hoops they make you go through to download a %$&^$#$&* patch, impulse asked me again for my cd key. i put it in and it said it doesnt match my email address. what? i have ONE email addy, always have. it is the same one i used before, the same one i used to make this account im posting with now almost two years ago.

so i gave stardock 30$ for a game i never even played. yeah i can play the 1.5 version that it comes as...but who wants that?? there is a reason patches are put out....

what options do i have now? contact stardock to have them ignore me again? or tell me im wrong? or just to say "tough cookies but thanks for your money" and then tell me i have to buy a new cd key or some crap. everyone here knows that IS what the replies will be from stardock because game companies know that anyone with a complaint or a problem is just a liar or a thief trying to get something for free... *sarcasm*

i want to say first, im not a thief. but im seriously considering just downloading the ultimate version illegally so i can have a more updated version and i will get the twilight xpack for free. yeah it sounds crappy and rude...kinda like how i feel ive been treated.

sorry for the rant but ^%$^#@*& it has been almost two years...i just want a freakin patch!!! seriously is it too much to ask? why cant they release a patch like a NORMAL company? whats with the uber security, paranoia, etc...? oh i know. they want you to see and click their ads and buy from the impulse store. its all about cross promotion and advertising. there is absolutely no other excuse for not releasing a patch like every other company. honestly i think it is just a scam to get more money from people by selling them new cd keys.

so if you have any suggestions id like to hear them. i need them. im kinda furious. i should have just left the game in my closet and accepted the fact that i wasted 30$ on another greedy selfish company.

Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

So you're back a year and a half later with the same complaints.

So, you've revamped your computer and added a new 8400? Yet, you had an 8400 back then.

And the same e-mail address all this time, and you registered the game with it back then, yet the game is registered to another e-mail account.

 

Sorry, but it sounds like you either purchased a used copy that was already registered or you downloaded a pirate copy.

Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

i didnt have an 8400 back then, that was my moms computer. i didnt realize i put up the stats for hers...it was a while ago, i think i had a completely different computer way back then.

my computer is an asus, i forget what hers was. my card was a g100, hers was a geforce8400, the same i have now. so yeah, my computer IS revamped and with a new video card. i didnt lie. ill post my debug thing to prove it.

i dont have a pirated copy so take your assumptions and shove it. you just proved what i said in my last post....its always assumed that anyone with a problem is a liar or a thief. if i was either one i would have downloaded the "ultimate" version of the game illegally sometime within the last two years and not even posted here. i have a box, book, 2 discs and some keyboard fold out thing that came with it. the cd key is on a sticker on the back of a double sided disc case. it was sealed when i bought it and brand new, i wouldnt pay 30$ for a used copy of any game. if im forgetting anything else that came with it, then it is probably still somewhere in my closet.

its almost funny how the first problem i had was that i couldnt even choose the gold edition to register the game, then they failed to respond to my email and now the problem is it mysteriously says my email doesnt match ...but you seem to find the problem lies with me. thanks for throwing down your accusations from your self appointed pedestal.

as for coming back a year and a half later with the same complaint...yes, im back. ill come back ten years from now if i feel like it, stardock made 30$ off me for a defective game or through their defective system and i have every right to be angry and i think my 30$ is more than enough to pay for one tiny thread on their forums.

not that it matters but here is my debug thing as proof that i didnt lie earlier:

Debug Message:  Version v1.5 last updated on: Thu Jan 11 13:39:19 2007
Debug Message:  Can't find TGN or GalCiv2 serial number.
Debug Message:  GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message:  Checking DX Version.
Debug Message:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 7/3/2010, 07:09:46
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: NMNMNM-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.100218-0019)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
System Model: CM5570
BIOS: BIOS Date: 05/13/09 18:11:59 Ver: 08.00.14
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU    Q8200  @ 2.33GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.3GHz
Physical Memory: 6142MB RAM
Page File: 1866MB used, 10622MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS  
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 8400 GS
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_06E4&SUBSYS_05CC10DE&REV_A1
Display Memory: 3310 MB
Current Display Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver Version: 8.17.0012.5721
Driver Date: 6/8/2010 00:58:00
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_0887&SUBSYS_1043837B&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5783
Driver Date: 2/3/2009 18:23:18
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_0887&SUBSYS_1043837B&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5783
Driver Date: 2/3/2009 18:23:18
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek Digital Output(Optical) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0887&SUBSYS_1043837B&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5783
Driver Date: 2/3/2009 18:23:18
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 8400 GS  
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 da7a64
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:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\mike\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\mike\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message:  TitleWnd: Quit Button.
Debug Message:  Posting WM_CLOSE message.
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:  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

Reply #16 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

i wrote stardock this nice long message and never even got the courtesy of a reply.
End of quote

Did you ever get an autoreply issuing you a support ticket number? If not, it's likely it got caught in a spamwall coming or going.

Reply #18 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

can i get an idea of what should be included in it for best results?

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Send the debug.err file and as much information as you can about what happens and when it happens.