Problems with GC2_Conversations.xml

Although there is a thread with an external link to a tutorial that may help you, I cannot seem to recall the post OR the URL. I will continue to investigate...

EDIT: Found it: wiki.i-mod-productions.com

Thank you, but I did use this to help me edit GC2_Conversations.xml, and as far as I know it doesn't have anything about errors. I've also searched their forums with no luck so far.

The Conversations and Flavortext files are wierd. There seems to be a max number of races allowed, and other mysterious hidden "rules". Nobody on the forums (with the possible exception of the Stardock people) knows how to mod this effectively, myself included.

Okay, I'll try trimming down the number of races.

I dount its the number of races. You mention 28, well the game supports up to 36 races. It might though be a conflict with the ID numbers that you have assigned to them, thinkig outloud though.

Here is an old post that Cari made some time ago that outlines the races for you. It may help.

It's not related to the conversations.xml but may give you some insight.....

There is a maximum number of 36 races in the game, therefore the possible race IDs go from 0-35 (inclusive).

The race IDs are as follows:

Major Races - There is a maximum of 13 major races and their race IDs must be between 0-12 inclusive.

0   Terran
1   Drengin
2   Altarian
3   Arcean
4   Torian
5   Yor
6   Korx
7   Drath
8   Thalan
9   Iconian
10  Korath
11  Krynn
12  Custom

Minor races that might appear at the beginning of the game:

13  Akilian
14  Carinoids
15  Scottlingas
16  Jessuins
17  Lentzlandians
18  Paulos
19  Dark Yor
20  Snathi

Special Minor Races - might appear due to random events, etc.  Apart from the Dread Lords and Pirates, these minor race IDs could probably be overwritten

21  Rebels
22  I-League
23  Dread Lords (reserved)
24  Draginol
25  Calor
26  Pirates (reserved)
27  Moralists
28  Religion
29  Monster (unused)

30-35 are unreserved.

If a race config's CivType field is set to 3, it will be added to the list of minor races and can potentially show up at the start of the game.  The CivType for Major races is 4. The Dread Lords, Pirates, and civilizations with the CivType of 5 (special) will not show up in the minor races screen.  All others should be fair game, and if they're not showing up, it's probably a bug.

I'm not really sure it's that, as the Korath and Krynn have different ID numbers in RaceConfig.xml and GC2_Conversations.xml by default. The game apparently disregards the ID number in GC2_Conversations.xml, instead using the name in quotes in the tag.

Ahhh ok then, well no i'd agree with you then that it's not that. Still though, i don't think you have too many races in there.

What about the names of the topics(name attribute of one topic)? Did you leave their names or did you alter them?

Since I have not tried it myself, but it might be possible, that the game expects the exact topic names as they were defined by SD.

Could it be, that modding conversation and flavortext can only be done by altering existing topics rather than adding new ones?

I didn't add or remove any topics, if that's what you mean. (Like, AI_SCOFF_AT_BRIBE, AI_CRY_FOR_HELP, AI_BLACKMAIL_REJECT etc.)

And I tried truncating it to the number of races that are defined in the default GC2_Conversations.xml, which also involved re-assigning the Dread Lords ship names one to another race, but I still got a Runtime error.

Have you tried running the game WITHOUT the mod? Once, I was wondering why my mod was crashing the game, then I realized that there was an unrelated bug and that my mod worked fine...

Yes, when I move GC2_Conversations.xml out from the Twilight\Mods\Default\Data folder, a new game starts properly (the only other thing I have in the Default mod is custom Event Music), but when I move GC2_Conversations.xml back in, it fails to start a new game with a Runtime error.

Could you post your modified file so we can see if there are any obvious errors?

Going back over your debug.err, it seems like the problem is with planets, the raceconfig, AND shipstyles. I would move the mod to another folder and reinstall the game.

I think the shipstyle problem is from the ones I've downloaded. Although I haven't had any crashes because of this, only invisible ships. I am using my custom races as seperate ones (eg. .raceconfigxml files in My Documents/My Games/GC2TwilightOfTheArnor), but I don't know about the planets. All the mod folder has is the GC2_Conversations.xml, the ModDescription.xml, and custom music in EventMusic. (Just to clarify).

Thos eare the files that are mentioned in the .err... and the ships are obviously crashing the game. I would resolve that befor doing anything about the other... oddities.

Well, I moved the Ship Styles that were causing problems out of the way, and I still get the Runtime error. New debug.err attached. (I notice there are no occurances of "Failed to Place Planet" there, but it seems that that is just random.)

Also, If I want to let you have a look at my GC2_Conversations.xml, how would I go about attaching it?

Debug Message:  Version v2.02 Twilight of the Arnor last updated on: Wed Dec  3 09:43:09 2008
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net value named Serial No
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Checking DX Version.
Debug Message:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 2/11/2009, 17:54:16
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: ASPIRE3680-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Basic (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_gdr.080917-1612)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Acer, inc.
System Model: Aspire 3680    
BIOS: ZR1 v1.3211 3B11
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) M CPU        420  @ 1.60GHz, ~1.6GHz
Physical Memory: 1526MB RAM
Page File: 1198MB used, 1876MB 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_27A2&SUBSYS_01101025&REV_03
Display Memory: 256 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: igdumd32.dll
Driver Version: 7.14.0010.1504
Driver Date: 6/18/2008 13:38:24
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Logitech USB Headset)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: USB\VID_046D&PID_0A0C&REV_1013&MI_00
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: USBAUDIO.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 18:55:04
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0883&SUBSYS_10250000&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5324
Driver Date: 11/15/2006 16:34:00
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:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message:  Failed to find a device that can start with hardware vp mode.  Trying sw vp.
Debug Message:  Using software vertex processing
Debug Message:  Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message:  Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 1024 x 768, Windowed: 1, Multisample: 0
Debug Message:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message:  Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message:  HAL (sw vp): Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
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 25
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 da7a64
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ObjectDesktop\DesktopX
Debug Message:  Initializing sound card.
Debug Message:  initailizing bink
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\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:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message:  No string tables in F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/Data/*.str
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Screens\*.dxpack
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Event Music\*.mp3
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\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:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\TechTrees\*.xml
Debug Message:  Clear data definitions.
Debug Message:  Killing ship styles:
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipTemplates\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2./Data/English/\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomPlanets\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomRaces\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
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 F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipCfg\\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipTemplates\\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Invasions\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\AsteroidFieldMiningBaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message:  GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_MoreDetails_FText
Debug Message:  GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_Details_FormattedText
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Scenarios/*.GC2Scenario
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario
Debug Message:  CustomPersonalityWnd: Cannot find OBJID Personality_Special_Title
Debug Message:  CustomPersonalityWnd: Cannot find OBJID Personality_Special_Disctiption_Spinner_Back
Debug Message:  CustomPersonalityWnd: Cannot find OBJID Personality_Special_Disctiption_Title
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 asteroid fields.
Debug Message:  Killing asteroid field mining bases.
Debug Message:  Killing space resources.
Debug Message:  Killing ascension crystals.
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:  Using mod Generic
Debug Message:  Mod description: This is a generic mods folder for casual mods.
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net value named Serial No
Debug Message:  Star Frequency: 4  Max Num Stars: 48
Debug Message:  Planet Frequency: 4  Max Num Planets: 192
Debug Message:  Galaxy Size Set: 4 x 4
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message:  Star Density: Loose clusters.
Debug Message:  Number of Unplaced Stars: 13.
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message:  Total planets placed: 65
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message:  Num Anomalies: 135
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Ascension Crystals
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Done
Debug Message:  Distributing bonuses on planets...
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomRaces\*.xml
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Asteroid Fields
Debug Message:  Setting Game Options
Debug Message:  Creating Civs
Debug Message:  Republic of Zobo: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Verhagenish Empire: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Lovellian Commonwealth: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Grayish Corporation: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  United States of Usheria: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Smithian Confederation: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Creating Civs... Done
Debug Message:  Updating ZOC.
Debug Message:  Creating ships...
Debug Message:  Updating ZOC.
Debug Message:  Galaxy Create... Done
Debug Message:  UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 5
Debug Message:  UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message:  UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Enabled

Just copy and paste the parts you messed with. It also looks like something has messed with your registries and other stuff: do you use a defrag program or something like that?

The only registry issues I have had that have caused errors in the game are the same as here: https://forums.stardock.com/331070 (The tips when loading are missing problem), and I followed the instructions to make the game workable.

Well, that would serve for a pretty long post as I've changed quite a bit of the GC2_Conversations.xml. But I'll do that if it's the best way.

Maybe this has nothing to do with a Runtime error but with the above "low counts" for page file and available memory for initialization processing of HUGE extra modding assets - you've possibly reached a point where the code is already unstable enough to crash as soon as you enter gameplay.

It is in fact a nearmiss situation even when we should also implicate a SWp sampling for the integrated Intel Video chipset rather than Hardware driven multisampling by card & drivers.

Sure, that PC can actually load this game just fine - but not within 'consistant settings' (i'm guessing here) that must adapt to supplemental resources grabbed BY a modded environment which, indeed, must stack its memory demands somewhere.

Don't get me wrong... there just MIGHT be a stinky single typo in the Conversation file for all i know - but this system doesn't help either.

StarDock also has a nice little "utility' that can report on runtime flaws; SmartException. Using it might give us another diagnostic source to detect what IS actually wrong with your installation settings first - then, we could concentrate on a MOD cause.

Okay, I already know my PC isn't the best one I could run the game on... indeed, at full detail, if I recall correctly, it wasn't that great.

Based on your hypothesis and suggestion, I installed SmartException and ran it twice, the second time with all the custom music moved out, but still no luck, however, now I just got the generic Windows error.

When I looked at the GC2TWILIGHTOFTHEARNOR.EXE_1234513952.cra file in the generated ExceptionLog.zip file, I found something intriging at the bottom of the debug:

[SmartException]
LastEx=GC2TWILIGHTOFTHEARNOR.EXE
File=C:\PROGRA~1\Stardock\SmartException\GC2TWILIGHTOFTHEARNOR.EXE_1234513952.CRA
LastEx2=F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe
CrashAddr=409196

Stardock SmartException Logging Information
https://www.stardock.com/products/smartexception
-----------------------------------------------

OS version : Windows XP Unknown - (6000.vista_gdr.080917-1612)
Video card : Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
Sound card : Speakers (Logitech USB Headset)
Date : 02/13/09
Application Exception code: C0000005 ACCESS_VIOLATION
Crash Addr:  00409196 01:00008196 F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe

Processor Registers (x86):
EAX:006D1E16
EBX:006D1E16
ECX:00000000
EDX:00000006
ESI:00000000
EDI:00000000
CS:EIP:001B:00409196
SS:ESP:0023:0012F270  EBP:0012F87C
DS:0023  ES:0023  FS:003B  GS:0000
Flags:00210293


Current Application Call Stack:

Addr      Frame     Logical addr  Module Name
---------------------------------------------
00409196  0012F87C  0001:00008196 F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe
006D2081  0012F8B8  0001:002D1081 F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe
006D4746  0012FB9C  0001:002D3746 F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe
191EABF0  01451130  0000:00000000


Debug information for each stardock app follows ....

Debug.err info follows
Debug Message:  Version v2.02 Twilight of the Arnor last updated on: Wed Dec  3 09:43:09 2008
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net value named Serial No
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Checking DX Version.
Debug Message:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 2/13/2009, 18:31:29
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: ASPIRE3680-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Basic (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_gdr.080917-1612)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Acer, inc.
System Model: Aspire 3680    
BIOS: ZR1 v1.3211 3B11
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) M CPU        420  @ 1.60GHz, ~1.6GHz
Physical Memory: 1526MB RAM
Page File: 1066MB used, 1959MB 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_27A2&SUBSYS_01101025&REV_03
Display Memory: 256 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: igdumd32.dll
Driver Version: 7.14.0010.1504
Driver Date: 6/18/2008 13:38:24
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Logitech USB Headset)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: USB\VID_046D&PID_0A0C&REV_1013&MI_00
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: USBAUDIO.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 18:55:04
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0883&SUBSYS_10250000&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5324
Driver Date: 11/15/2006 16:34:00
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:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message:  Failed to find a device that can start with hardware vp mode.  Trying sw vp.
Debug Message:  Using software vertex processing
Debug Message:  Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message:  Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 1024 x 768, Windowed: 1, Multisample: 0
Debug Message:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message:  Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message:  HAL (sw vp): Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
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 25
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 da7a64
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Software\Stardock\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ObjectDesktop\DesktopX
Debug Message:  Initializing sound card.
Debug Message:  initailizing bink
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\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:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message:  No string tables in F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/Data/*.str
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Screens\*.dxpack
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Users\Aspire 3680\Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Event Music\*.mp3
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\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:  Set mouse.
Debug Message:  Set update timer.
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\TechTrees\*.xml
Debug Message:  Clear data definitions.
Debug Message:  Killing ship styles:
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipTemplates\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2./Data/English/\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomPlanets\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomRaces\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
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 F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default/gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipCfg\\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\ShipTemplates\\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Invasions\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\AsteroidFieldMiningBaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message:  GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_MoreDetails_FText
Debug Message:  GalaxyWnd: Cannot find OBJID Scenaro_Details_FormattedText
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Scenarios/*.GC2Scenario
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario
Debug Message:  CustomPersonalityWnd: Cannot find OBJID Personality_Special_Title
Debug Message:  CustomPersonalityWnd: Cannot find OBJID Personality_Special_Disctiption_Spinner_Back
Debug Message:  CustomPersonalityWnd: Cannot find OBJID Personality_Special_Disctiption_Title
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask F:\Games\Stardock Games\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\Twilight\Mods\Default\Data\CustomRaces\*.xml
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 asteroid fields.
Debug Message:  Killing asteroid field mining bases.
Debug Message:  Killing space resources.
Debug Message:  Killing ascension crystals.
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:  Using mod Generic
Debug Message:  Mod description: This is a generic mods folder for casual mods.
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GalCiv2UL
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net\GC2EU
Debug Message:  Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net value named Serial No
Debug Message:  Star Frequency: 4  Max Num Stars: 48
Debug Message:  Planet Frequency: 4  Max Num Planets: 192
Debug Message:  Galaxy Size Set: 4 x 4
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message:  Star Density: Loose clusters.
Debug Message:  Number of Unplaced Stars: 19.
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message:  Total planets placed: 65
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message:  Num Anomalies: 135
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Ascension Crystals
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Done
Debug Message:  Distributing bonuses on planets...
Debug Message:  Creating Random Map... Asteroid Fields
Debug Message:  Setting Game Options
Debug Message:  Creating Civs
Debug Message:  Republic of Zobo: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Verhagenish Empire: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Lovellian Commonwealth: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Grayish Corporation: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  United States of Usheria: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Smithian Confederation: Intellence -> 40
Debug Message:  Creating Civs... Done
Debug Message:  Updating ZOC.
Debug Message:  Creating ships...
Debug Message:  Updating ZOC.
Debug Message:  Galaxy Create... Done
Debug Message:  UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 5
Debug Message:  UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message:  UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Enabled
 Updating ZOC.

Debug Message:  Creating ships...

Debug Message:  Updating ZOC.

Debug Message:  Galaxy Create... Doame. Let both our civilizations flourish and prosper in the centuries to come.</Text>

            </Phrase>

            <Phrase Morality="2">

                <Text>So, [LISTENING_RACE_LEADER], we meet

For some reason, it cut off "Galxy Create... Done" with some of my GC2_Conversations.xml. In mine, the offending phrase is:

<Dialogue>
            <Speaker Name="Generic">10</Speaker>
            <Listener Name="Lewis">11</Listener>
            <Phrase Morality="0">
                <Text>Greetings, [LISTENING_RACE_LEADER] - we meet at long last! We are the humble [SPEAKING_RACE_NAME] and we have laid claim to several worlds throughout the galaxy. May this be the start of a great friendship between our two civilizations.</Text>
            </Phrase>
            <Phrase Morality="1">
                <Text>So, [LISTENING_RACE_LEADER], we meet at long last. We are the [SPEAKING_RACE_NAME] and we have claimed these worlds in our name. Let both our civilizations flourish and prosper in the centuries to come.</Text>
            </Phrase>
            <Phrase Morality="2">
                <Text>So, [LISTENING_RACE_LEADER], we meet at long last. We are the mighty [SPEAKING_RACE_NAME] and we have claimed these worlds in our name. Beware!</Text>
            </Phrase>
        </Dialogue>

This phrase, in turn, is based on this one from the original GC2_Conversations.xml.

        <Dialogue>
            <Speaker Name="Generic">10</Speaker>
            <Listener Name="Human">0</Listener>
            <Phrase Morality="0">
                <Text>Greetings, Human friend - we meet at long last! We are the humble [SPEAKING_RACE_NAME] and we have laid claim to several worlds throughout the galaxy. May this be the start of a great friendship between our two civilizations.</Text>
            </Phrase>
            <Phrase Morality="1">
                <Text>So, Human, we meet at long last. We are the [SPEAKING_RACE_NAME] and we have claimed these worlds in our name. Let both our civilizations flourish and prosper in the centuries to come.</Text>
            </Phrase>
            <Phrase Morality="2">
                <Text>So, Human, we meet at long last. We are the mighty [SPEAKING_RACE_NAME] and we have claimed these worlds in our name. Beware!</Text>
            </Phrase>
        </Dialogue>

It seems a little strange.

Also, I've noticed that even though the original GC2_Conversations.xml has a maximum number of races of 15 defined, it only has IDs 0-11, 13 and 14 allocated, there is no race assigned to ID 12, where as there is one in mine. I can hypothesize that this could be causing this mess like I hypothesized in my original post, but it's just that, a hypothesis.

So, now that SmartException created a ExceptionLog.zip file, would you like me to send it to you?

This is the kind of straight memory reference that only an SD coder could 'refer' solutions for... but, you can always join that particular file and send it all directly to them via a regular "Bug tracking" process while explaining in details the situation.

Give them a few days and i'm sure they'll respond in their usual helpful manners.

Judging from the last DebugLine 'wreck' with the Conversation tags, i'd say we're on the right track... and the darn typo (all it takes is a single wrong backslashing combo (doubling -/-text) or an incorrect indent tab, btw) i feared may actually be the guilty offender. In the meantime, there's certainly a CS:409196 stack call that proves it.

So I should send this file to StarDock support, [email protected], then? Also, would you suggest attaching the GC2_Conversations.xml file as well?

I can also private message the GC2_Conversations.xml to someone if they don't mind looking through it, too. Although the shortened one has a few more fixes than the lengthed one (i.e. some errors fixed in the short one are probably still present in the long one).

Whatever it takes, sam!

We, as a community of Modders, are watching and would certainly benefit from a solution to this particular issue!

We, as in regular GC2gameplayers, already know how much precious SD-Support is and has been to the many.

PS; To detect an xml file errors or mistakes, i use a quick and swift SeaMonkey Browser edit -- it simply goes straight to the guilty lines. There maybe some other programs which does the same (XML-Marker comes to mind) but it's always a good idea to parse through these files for typos before calling it quit.

I copy-paste often when i mod... and characters such as < & > are the most resilient issues i get when saving any files.

As per your recommendation, I gave XML Marker a whirl, and it found some errors in my GC2_Conversations.xml. So, I fixed them up, started up GalCiv2, started a new game... and got the Windows error again. Dang.

However, I've sent the ExceptionLog.zip generated by SmartException with a explanation on how I'm getting the errors, as well as my GC2_Conversations.xml, to StarDock, so hopefully they can explain what is going on.

Oh, and I'd like to thank you for all your great help so far.

Double-post, I know, but I got a reply back from StarDock support:

Hopefully the problem will be fixed now.