Fix-It List

[cmn55555]

I had the game working until I upgraded my machine. Now have a new MCP550 motherboard, athlon 64 x2 processor, 1 gb memory, ATI x1650pro video. Game loads fine, soon as game play starts system hangs up for a moment and video goes black. Monitor shows no video input, but he computer is still responsive (sound is working etc.) I can alt-tab to desktop (still no video) and blindly restart with keystrokes. Logging shows no errors.

I have latest patch for Civ 4. Most recent video driver for ATI card and all updates for XP Pro.

I have gone down the whole trouble shooting list and have nothing has changed with the game. Video crash within 1-5 turns.

Any ideas?

 

[SidheDragon]

Civ4 is crashing within seconds of starting the game. I can play a couple of turns and then it either restarts my computer or freezes up. Following are Sys Specs and init log from My Games folder. I did the dxdiag and will post that if it is needed it is just that it is long - unless there's a specific part I need to post. I also patched it, and did what fixes I could (read: felt comfortable doing) from the first post on this thread. :

Sys Specs:
WinXp Media Center SP2
Pentium D
2.66 GHz
1 GB RAM

nVidia GeForce 7600 GT vid card w/latest driver
Directx 9.0c installed and functioning properly
On-board sound - RealTek AC'97 Audio

[99.515] DBG: CIV Init
[99.515] VERSION: App: C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4\Civilization4.exe
[99.515] VERSION: Build: Thu Mar 30 08:49:29 2006
[99.515] VERSION: 1.6.1.1841 (45604)
[99.890] VERSION: Mod Loaded: none
[100.593] DBG: FILE Cat Init
[106.312] DBG: Using XML cache
[106.328] DBG: Game Init
[106.328] DBG: Multiplayer Init BEGIN
[106.656] DBG: Multiplayer Init END
[106.671] DBG: Audio Init
[108.031] DBG: ArtFileMgr Init
[108.031] DBG: Python Init
[111.437] VERSION: CIV Version: 0
[111.437] VERSION: Save Version: 103
[111.437] DBG: Input Init
[111.453] DBG: Engine Init
[111.578] DBG: Checking available screen resolution
[111.843] DBG: Validating screen resolution
[111.843] DBG: Creating rendererer
[114.968] DBG: Engine: renderer Initialized
[115.125] DBG: Engine: Shaders Initialized
[115.375] DBG: Engine: Scene Lights Initialized
[115.625] DBG: Music Start
[115.625] DBG: Font Init
[115.703] DBG: Total Frame MS: 16407.0 FPS: 000 Min:000 Max:000 Avg:000 SampleFilter:10.000000
Time : Ave : Min% : Max% : Num : Profile Name
-----------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
[115.703] DBG: Begin MenuManager
[178.609] DBG: Engine: Camera Initialized
[187.484] DBG: SyncRandSeed is 116052, MapRandSeed is 116052

I am noticing the "SyncRandSeed" and "MapRandSeed" seem to fluctuate wildly. The last error log had them at over 800K.

I am pulling my hair out over this. Any help?

 

[cmn55555]

SidheDragon - It doesn't seem that anyone is interested in responding. The error fixing methods are extensive and they don't help. I have written 2K games and they have no interest in responding. I think I will return mine and at least get some money back.

 

[jome]

Hello there,

Are some of you still having the complete freeze of the computer after have been playing a while?

I have been reading a lot of your posts without finding the solution: it seems that it is not a software-driver problem (or it could be a consequence on the hardware after a new driver is installed).

I just went on my computer in order to check the HARDWARE; that is probably why a lot of you haven’t see any logs.

I have monitored the CPU temperature while playing CIV4 and there was no doubt: the CPU temperature went from about 52C (125F) to 70C (158F) and that issued to a complete freeze of the computer and a Hard reboot was needed.

I changed the threshold of the CPU temperature to some less degrees in order to let the fan go a little faster and yet no more freeze happened.

So in other words if CPU too hot then Freeze and no logs (except Hardware Logs).

Hope it could help.

Bye

Jome

PS: config P4 3.2Ghz, 2Gb Ram, SATA 160GB, ATI PCIE X600XT, Win XP SP2 and last Ati driver (Catalyst 7.1)

 

[Cromm]

Civ4 is crashing within seconds of starting the game. I can play a couple of turns and then it either restarts my computer or freezes up. Following are Sys Specs and init log from My Games folder. I did the dxdiag and will post that if it is needed it is just that it is long - unless there's a specific part I need to post. I also patched it, and did what fixes I could (read: felt comfortable doing) from the first post on this thread. :

Sys Specs:
WinXp Media Center SP2
Pentium D
2.66 GHz
1 GB RAM

nVidia GeForce 7600 GT vid card w/latest driver
Directx 9.0c installed and functioning properly
On-board sound - RealTek AC'97 Audio

[99.515] DBG: CIV Init
[99.515] VERSION: App: C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4\Civilization4.exe
[99.515] VERSION: Build: Thu Mar 30 08:49:29 2006
[99.515] VERSION: 1.6.1.1841 (45604)
[99.890] VERSION: Mod Loaded: none
[100.593] DBG: FILE Cat Init
[106.312] DBG: Using XML cache
[106.328] DBG: Game Init
[106.328] DBG: Multiplayer Init BEGIN
[106.656] DBG: Multiplayer Init END
[106.671] DBG: Audio Init
[108.031] DBG: ArtFileMgr Init
[108.031] DBG: Python Init
[111.437] VERSION: CIV Version: 0
[111.437] VERSION: Save Version: 103
[111.437] DBG: Input Init
[111.453] DBG: Engine Init
[111.578] DBG: Checking available screen resolution
[111.843] DBG: Validating screen resolution
[111.843] DBG: Creating rendererer
[114.968] DBG: Engine: renderer Initialized
[115.125] DBG: Engine: Shaders Initialized
[115.375] DBG: Engine: Scene Lights Initialized
[115.625] DBG: Music Start
[115.625] DBG: Font Init
[115.703] DBG: Total Frame MS: 16407.0 FPS: 000 Min:000 Max:000 Avg:000 SampleFilter:10.000000
Time : Ave : Min% : Max% : Num : Profile Name
-----------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
[115.703] DBG: Begin MenuManager
[178.609] DBG: Engine: Camera Initialized
[187.484] DBG: SyncRandSeed is 116052, MapRandSeed is 116052

I am noticing the "SyncRandSeed" and "MapRandSeed" seem to fluctuate wildly. The last error log had them at over 800K.

I am pulling my hair out over this. Any help?

I have a very similar system. Only difference is
i got Win XP Prof and an Athlon 2,2 GHz.

Ive tried just about everything including a total re-install
of windows but i keep getting these freezes.
Sometimes i can play for 3 hours, sometimes for 3 minutes.

It seems its either the soundcard or the graphic card that
is the problem. I just cant figure out which, and even if i
could im not sure what i would do about it.

Everytime the comp freezes up i get this "click" sound
from the speakers though, so im thinking it has something
to do with the soundcard.
I have tried to disable sound in the .ini file though and
it still froze on me.

Also i checked the temp of the cpu while playing and
it stayed around 59-60 degrees celsius, that cant be
to much, can it ?

Anyways, i sooooo looked forward to playing this game
and as it is right now, its pretty much unplayble.

Ive tried and installed and played the game on my old
computer and even though its slow it works. No crashes.
We talking an Athlon 700 MHz, 256 MB mem and 128 MB
video card. Its so annoying to be able to play the game
on that old thing but not on my new one. Everything
is soo slow, on my new one everything goes quick and
looks great, but the comes the freezes...

Help please....help.

 

[jome]

Hello,

Even if the CPU seems to be quite cool (50-60C) I just noticed some peaks in temperature (Due to the way Civ4 is using your CPU) those peaks are related with the technology on CPU (Cache and other features). In order to limit peaks of CPU temperature, you should consider the following stuff:

Be sure that there is a correct flood of air within the computer case, ie remove dust that has probably settled your heatsink(s) and fan(s), let enough space in front of your pc AND rear of it, if it still doens't work, thing about a better cooling system (more fan for more fun).

Let me know if it works.

Bye

 

[Cromm]

The cooling seems to be working well. I have a fan
on the CPU, one for the case itself and one on the
power supply. They all work perfectly and i cleaned
them. Overall, i dont seem to have a problem with the
temp in my computer.

The one thing i managed to do that seems to lessen
the freezes quite alot is deactivate the sound completly.
I mean in windows as well as in the game.
After i done this i have had a few freezes in total, but
quite alot less then i used to have.

This indicates that its indeed something related to my
sound system, hardware and/or software. But since
im not at all getting rid of all the freezes it hasnt solved
the problem completly. If i could have deactivated my
onboard sound and plug in a new soundcard i would
have been content with that solution. Not the perfect
one, but i would have been quite happy with it. After all
onboard sound has never been a favourite of mine, usually
causing problems at one time or another.

So the quest goes on. Something with my hardware/software
is clearly not working 100% with Civ IV. I just wonder what
it could be. Anyone had any experiance with lack of powersupply ?
Could that sort of thing cause this kind of trouble ?

Since i never ran into this problem with any other game on
any other system i have ever had, its abit frustrating...

 

[themelloguy]

I want to say that I was able to fix this issue.

From the "CivilizationIV" Configuration file I changed the following value from 1 to 0.


; Specify whether to play in fullscreen mode 0/1/ask
FullScreen = 0 (default value = 1 for full screen)

that will give you a window (that can be maximize) instead of the full screen.

Just got the game last night and i'm having the exact same problem. the fullscreen edit didnt work for me. Ive tried all patches, updates, just about everything.

please....someone, anyone....help!

 

[themelloguy]

Need help with the following:

Initialize renderer failed. Check DirectX installation, latest graphics drivers and graphics settings parameters:
width=1024
height=768
flags=0xc
hwnd= 0x11033c
adaptrid=0
deviceid=1
Error: Creation failed: Could not match desired fullscreen mode

QUOTE]


Im having the exact same problem, no patches have worked for....neither has editing the fullscreen info. begging for help

 

[mrgenie]

People, since im just waiting turns for testing our new mod on civilization, im running a Huge Map with 36civs with Visa3 tests so every next turn will take some time, im getting a smile on my face reading about your problems..not that you have them!!! believe me, I've been through the same thing you guys had!!! really!!! but the smile is there because you all just confirm how buggy the game is

Firaxis is working for 14months to fix the MAF!!! 14months for something that every other programmer fixes in a day TOPS! but, noone except firaxis has the source codes for the executable..so..we have to wait for firaxis to supply the fix

anyway..to get the game running, you must know a few things:
1) this game is user unfriendly!
2) this game has more bugs then units
3) this game is highly moddable
4) firaxis hates to help people! they dont do that
5) if you report a fix for a driver issue, on their website they just publish it, without thanking the person who spend 2weeks to track the bug and a solution for it..

with this info, you should know 1 thing:"for every of your problems there is a solution"

1) do not bother firaxis, they really HATE to help people, they just want your money, like Bill Gates
2) dont come to the forum threads for anything related to your system! every system is so different from any other, noone can make a greenbook with fixes

so what you all need to do? same as i did, i spend 2weeks in 2005 testing ALL ATI drivers for my card to be able to run civ on my ATI 9800 pro..
i found a driver from february 2004 to be working, any driver later doesnt work.

a friend of mine has the same ATI card, and had the same problem, he however couldnt use the driver i did!!! he had to take the driver from march 2005..

why? DO NOT ASK ME..

my advise:"stop complaining, firaxis won't help you anyway, and go and test all 150 drivers for your video cards, either ATI or Nvidia related, or even soundcard related"

just try out!!! my humble advise

oh btw, the MAF from firaxis..we have made a fix for that! only stupid firaxian idiots are to stupid to fit it..
there is just 1 little MAF issue, but that's easy to bypass..but i wont say how..untill we have fully tested it's behaviour so we can fix the last issue also because, you can continue playing, bypass it, but we first tell how when we are not actually able to bypass it, but actually fix it...i hope however, firaxis might be sooner with a fix then us...still waiting after 14months im sceptical though

 

[Likes_Civing]

So the quest goes on. Something with my hardware/software
is clearly not working 100% with Civ IV. I just wonder what
it could be. Anyone had any experiance with lack of powersupply ?
Could that sort of thing cause this kind of trouble ?

I am wondering about power.

I too get exactly what you get, black screen crashes, sometimes with a tick of sound out the speakers.

I can only guess power. I know i get the black screen when I boot up PC and then haven't even launched the game yet. So my issue is NOT heat, although it may have been overheated other times.

I think it's power and heat to a lesser extent later in games.

I am upgrading my pwoer supply. It would be interesting to hear what folks have for power supplies that are posting these black screen issues since late '05 when the game came out.

I see no "fixes" in all these forums. wow

I finally lost my XP last night, 3 lock ups in short order, goign to have to run repair, hope my box is still alive.

Runs great, game great, just get a black lock up every 25 minutes or so.

I won't play game anymore until corrected.

Anyone any thoughts on power?

 

[Cromm]

I havent had the time to mess around with my power
supply yet. Im going to check what kind it is and post
it here when i get a chance though.

Before i changed my vidoe card i had CTD issues but
it never locked like it does now. The old card was a
128MB GeForce 5900 or something like that. The new
one is a 512MB Geforce 7600. Im no expert but im
guessing the new one uses more power then the old
one...?

Also i now use the old card (128MB) in my old Athlon
700Mhz and i get NO errors at all. The game is just
kind of slow at later stages but thats fine. So the
old card seems to be able to play the game just fine.

My new computer is at a friend for now (for other
multiplayer stuff) so its kind of hard for me to mess
around with it on a regular basis. Im gonna try and
at least check on the power supply thing in the near
future though.

Cheers.

 

[yackush]

Hiya there, I'm trying to start the game and I get this:

[353.750] DBG: FILE Cat Init
[353.875] DBG: Using XML cache
[353.875] DBG: Game Init
[353.875] DBG: Multiplayer Init BEGIN
[354.031] DBG: Multiplayer Init END
[354.031] DBG: Audio Init
[354.718] DBG: ArtFileMgr Init
[354.718] DBG: Python Init
[356.468] VERSION: CIV Version: 0
[356.468] VERSION: Save Version: 101
[356.468] DBG: Input Init
[356.468] DBG: Engine Init
[356.468] DBG: Checking available screen resolution
[356.468] DBG: Validating screen resolution
[356.468] DBG: Creating rendererer
[356.468] ERR: Initialize Renderer failed. Check DirectX Installation, Latest Graphics Drivers and Graphics Settings
Parameters:
	- width    = 1024
	- height   = 768
	- flags    = 0xc
	- hwnd     = 0x6030a
	- adaptrid = 0
	- deviceid = 3
Error:Creation failed: Could not initialize DirectX9

From log files, the init one.

For some reason my dxdiag says I'm only on DX 9.0b at the start which makes no sense as I've updated. Trying to update my 1600xPro drivers atm. If this fails though, any other ideas?

Why nobody does not want to answer this question. Beside me in accuracy such problem. That to do, help

 

[Tigger1979]

Hello I'm new to this Forum anyone got any ideas on what the following Error message means

Load Error
Cannot load version 542327876, expected version 103 or lower
OK [button]

I get this on a PBEM game when trying to load a particular date works fine 0200BC and error appears when loading 0190BC save file

if these details help I'm running version 1.61 and other person is running a no CD version

 

[Likes_Civing]

Been crashing almost every 15 minutes and now installed a new 450W power supply with 20A on the 12V rail.

Have not had a crash tonight in about 5 hours of play.

As I was playing, I was waiting for the screen to go black. It never happened.

I will post back one more time after some more test results.

I was WAY underpowered before, 200W with 10A on 12V rail.

 

[Cromm]

Sounds interesting. Please do report back in awhile
to let us know if this has helped you.

At last i have been able to check out the power supply
on my computer. Its on 300W, im not sure but this could
possibly be too low. My new graphic card might have put
me over the edge here.

If you will report back that this completly solved your
problem im quite sure it could help me too and i will
buy a new one in the 450W area i guess.

Cheers

 

[Likes_Civing]

Just played today and after 5 hours over weekend. The 5 hours over weekend were 3 idle just seeing if it would crash like before and some playing.

I played about 23 minutes tonight and then the screen went black and had to hit PC reset button as before.

What a joke.

PS I also have the same onboard AC'97 sound stuff

 

[Cromm]

Just played today and after 5 hours over weekend. The 5 hours over weekend were 3 idle just seeing if it would crash like before and some playing.

I played about 23 minutes tonight and then the screen went black and had to hit PC reset button as before.

What a joke.

PS I also have the same onboard AC'97 sound stuff

Hmm, i guess we shouldnt be suprised. Seems like i have
to live with the fact i can never play Civ 4 on my current
system. Something in the hardware doesnt like the game.
Would be alittle easier to accept if i just knew what it was.

Cheers

 

[scape]

i have an error that has been mentioned before in this topic but i couldnt find the solution.

When playing civ4, my mouse cursor disappears. It still works in the background and if i go back to windows its gone too. The mouse works but the cursor is invisible.

Does anyone have a clue?

Hope someone can help me out!

scape

ps. i have a top notch pc..

 

[krazy1488]

im new with civ 4, im not having too many problems with this game, its fun, it didnt have any crash problems.... but recently ive started trying to play longer games, so i could get create cavalry units and quickly destroy my newb friends.... but when we advanced to the point of 300 AD in the game, it crashed... and we cant seem to play past that time, any assistance would be appreciated, ive got an eMachines pc windows xp sp2, AMD Athlon 64 3400+ 2.21GHz, 896MB RAM, nVidia 6100 and 195mb hard drive... listed on my Xfire profile as well http://www.xfire.com/profile/krazy1488/
please help ASAP, because me and my friends all have this game now, and we want to play together