Crash on Start-Up

I have installed the game twice (from the 2-disk collector's edition) and the most recent patch, but I am unable to start up the game. If I go into the program directory in Windows and click on the program icon, I get nothing. No running of the cpu, no running of the CDROM. If I place the CD into the CDROM, autorun does its thing and I can choose to "Play" the game, but when I click on it, the start-up screen blinks and I am returned to desktop. I'm fresh out of ideas. No problems with any other programs at the moment, including some fairly high-end graphics games. Here's the dxdiag, if anyone is interested (see attached).

Any ideas or suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks!

Before we go down the usual ini's then drivers then harky patch route, I think advice is needed from the DirectX guys, as in the Dxdiag it is stating "reinstall directx". Whether the reasons for it shown are pertinent to the game problem you have - dont know - hence need their advice before going further.

Hopefully some kind directx guru could advise ?

Regards
Zy

Good catch, Z. I did not see that. Any advice anyone?

Anyone have any other suggestions? Still struggling

You could try here

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...51-2DBE-4ECC-8C57-C52EEA50C20A&displaylang=en

That will update your Directx 9.0c and overwrite the necessary files. Civ IV needs extentions to the "standard" Directx 9.0c, however that is catered for in the install process for Civ IV release 1 & release 1.09 Patch.

So after installing the Directx above, I suggest you deinstall Civ IV via "add remove programmes" in Control Panel, then go to the disc and make sure the directories for Civ IV in "Program Files" and "My Documents - My Games" are deleted along with any remaining contents. Then go thro the standard load of Civ IV and Patch 1.09. During the loading process the Civ IV loader will detect if you need any update to the Directx because of Civ IV, and will add the needed Civ IV bits. If it asks you can it load Directx during Civ IV install - say yes, let it do its thing, if it dont ask, dont worry about it.

You will then be back with a Civ IV install and correct Directx. If you still get the error showing in Dxdiag, then definitely need advice from a Directx guru before going further.

The Directx load above is straight forward, you should not have any hassles in actually doing it.

The above will give you a bit of clagage as well as its actually the Directx SDK (the Developers kit version), so lurking on your disc will be additional files you dont need, but this way you get the latest possible version of the Directx Run Time module)

Regards
Zy

I had exact same problem. I got around it by installing DX9 while online. For some reason it needed to make a connection and then it installed and ran the game. it took almost 3 days to suss it out and that was by error. As a rule I never install while online.
HTH
Nig

I have a similiar problem except I get an 'program had to shut' error offering me the chance to report the case (fat lotta good that does!)

I am desperate to play this game...hurry with the advice will you!