As soon as Civ IV gets exciting, it crashes

[Crdnl Richelieu]

Hi. Playing single player games, large map, not too many other Civs. It never occurs at the start of the game, but whenever there are a lot more cities and units, it crashes randomly, sometimes if I do a swift movement with the zoom or something similar, and other times for no reason. Other times it looks like it's about to crash, the screen goes black and then it all comes back to life.

I think it might be connected with the graphics, as the loading screen seems to freeze every couple of seconds and then jump on.

I bought this computer specifically for Civ IV (so all the specs more than exceed the recommended).. I've downloaded the patch and installed the latest driver for my graphics card. I enclose my dxdiag though most of it is like Greek to me!

I'd be eternally grateful if anybody could help. I offer Uranium, 2 workers, Civil Service and a warrior if anyone could help me?!

 

[kill-9]

Try the remedies in this thread: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=145238

If you would, please post here and let us know if these steps solved your problem.

 

[Zydor]

Try here - you indicated large map problems & when lots of units / cities, that indicates the known memory issue in Civ IV - not a-fix-it-all, and may not work for you.

This patch has been vvv successful at its target (slow game, late game, CTDs), its benign, easy install / deinstall and does not touch game code. Mega endorsemnts in the thread, currently at 107,000 hits

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=146309

Post 1 has instructions

Keep expectations level, not worked for all but has been v successfull. The guys on the thread are v helpful and will assist with the settings on the patch - its not a technical one to install, ask on the thread if you are unsure.
Regards
Zy

 

[Crdnl Richelieu]

Cheers you two. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[lostinfens]

I have the same prob - crashes regularly, never had this with any other version. It is drivin me maaaaad!

 

[lostinfens]

WTH????? why should I have to go thru all this to play a game that cost me £30? is there a patch- there shouldnt have to be. Why do we put up with this shoddy mechandise-this game should play given a decent computer , and mine is- this really piffes me off

 

[Crdnl Richelieu]

That seems to work (so far, fingers crossed). I tried Zydor's suggestions for meaty graphics cards and so far it hasn't crashed, though I haven't tried turning up the graphics again and the loading screen still jerks.

Thanks for the help chaps!!!

Right, I need some sleep...

 

[Zydor]

Sleep! Sleep ! And you call yourself a CivFanatic, geez whats the world coming to ... not like the good old days ..... mutter .. mutter ....

Happy World Domination

Regards
Zy

 

[Crdnl Richelieu]

Ah... my first crash. Up till now the worst that happened was the screen went black and you had to go back to the main menu and reload. It's just crashed there in the usual way, I'll let you know if it happens again.

Still, a lot better than what it was!