Jperkinson
Warlord
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2005
- Messages
- 100
Hello Everyone,
Been a long time civ fan, and have been struggling with this problem since I bought Civ 4 vanilla way back.... Now, with BTS, it seems worse, although it might have been that time, 'smoothed' over my memory of vanilla (because I wasn't playing it).
The Problem has 2 or three ways of rendering it self:
1) The screen freezes (music still plays) and a funky 1" by 1" square of colors shows up in the upper left corner. This corner changes colors when I move the mouse. after ~30 seconds, it locks up, and a hard reboot is required. At no time can I alt-tab or ctrl-alt-delete once this has started.
2) the screen drops to black, and nothing else- Hard reboot required
3) The whole screen drops to some kind of screen with all colored bars.
The Problem happens very rarely during early game, moderate in the middle, and almost every turn as you get near the end. No apparent 'trigger' as it happens seemingly randomly... (during turn when idle, between 'builds, after diplomacy, etc.)...
To me, this seems like a video card issue. So that's where I began my search....
I updated all motherboard drivers, chipsets, and the ATI card to the latest catalyst bundle (forgot the #, this was a week or 2 back)... A radeon 9800 Pro. No effect.
I dropped the resolution, and turned down the civ 4 graphics options, No effect. (Although I may not have hit all of them, can't remember).
I read a post that said Catylist 4.12 was the way to go... I just tried download this and installed it. No effect. (although I haven't tried reducing the graphics settings again... although I don't see why that would matter, if it didn't before)...
I'm not sure what else to do... Any suggestions from the group? What am I missing?... Having to finish my games early severely limits my strategy selection!
My dxdiag
Been a long time civ fan, and have been struggling with this problem since I bought Civ 4 vanilla way back.... Now, with BTS, it seems worse, although it might have been that time, 'smoothed' over my memory of vanilla (because I wasn't playing it).
The Problem has 2 or three ways of rendering it self:
1) The screen freezes (music still plays) and a funky 1" by 1" square of colors shows up in the upper left corner. This corner changes colors when I move the mouse. after ~30 seconds, it locks up, and a hard reboot is required. At no time can I alt-tab or ctrl-alt-delete once this has started.
2) the screen drops to black, and nothing else- Hard reboot required
3) The whole screen drops to some kind of screen with all colored bars.
The Problem happens very rarely during early game, moderate in the middle, and almost every turn as you get near the end. No apparent 'trigger' as it happens seemingly randomly... (during turn when idle, between 'builds, after diplomacy, etc.)...
To me, this seems like a video card issue. So that's where I began my search....
I updated all motherboard drivers, chipsets, and the ATI card to the latest catalyst bundle (forgot the #, this was a week or 2 back)... A radeon 9800 Pro. No effect.
I dropped the resolution, and turned down the civ 4 graphics options, No effect. (Although I may not have hit all of them, can't remember).
I read a post that said Catylist 4.12 was the way to go... I just tried download this and installed it. No effect. (although I haven't tried reducing the graphics settings again... although I don't see why that would matter, if it didn't before)...
I'm not sure what else to do... Any suggestions from the group? What am I missing?... Having to finish my games early severely limits my strategy selection!

My dxdiag
Spoiler :
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/19/2007, 17:22:36
Machine name: LANDROVER
Operating System: Windows 2000 Professional (5.0, Build 2195) Service Pack 4
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
System Model: MS-7142
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3300+, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 246MB used, 5738MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINNT
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0904 32bit Unicode
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.
--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: RADEON 9800 PRO
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: RADEON 9800 AGP (0x4E48)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4E48&SUBSYS_00021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Res:
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6497 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 11/30/2004 23:12:50, 221184 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 11/30/2004 23:12:28, 873984 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-0D08-11CF-D36A-0820A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x4E48
SubSys ID: 0x00021002
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_04301462&REV_60
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: vinyl97.sys
Driver Version: 6.14.0001.4180 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 10/10/2006 04:58:48, 203648 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: VIA Technologies, Inc.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run
---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE)
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: vinyl97.sys
Driver Version: 6.14.0001.4180 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 10/10/2006 04:58:48, 203648 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0
Description: Live! Cam Voice (Mic) #2
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
Driver Version: 5.00.2150.0001 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 10/12/1999 15:57:12, 68912 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0
-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE), Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run
-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK
-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 40176 bytes
|
+-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x0029
| | Location: Microsoft IntelliMouse® Optical
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03&subclass_01
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 24752 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 23056 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 18192 bytes
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 10/4/1999 15:03:32, 13904 bytes
| | Driver: pid.dll, 10/30/2001 09:10:00, 31744 bytes
| |
| +-+ HID-compliant mouse
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x0029
| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 11632 bytes
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 21776 bytes
----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 46992 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 24528 bytes
----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.0001.0904)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.0001.0904)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK
-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM2
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter -
-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s
-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/19/2007, 17:22:36
Machine name: LANDROVER
Operating System: Windows 2000 Professional (5.0, Build 2195) Service Pack 4
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
System Model: MS-7142
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3300+, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 246MB used, 5738MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINNT
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0904 32bit Unicode
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.
--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: RADEON 9800 PRO
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: RADEON 9800 AGP (0x4E48)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4E48&SUBSYS_00021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Res:
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6497 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 11/30/2004 23:12:50, 221184 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 11/30/2004 23:12:28, 873984 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-0D08-11CF-D36A-0820A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x4E48
SubSys ID: 0x00021002
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_04301462&REV_60
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: vinyl97.sys
Driver Version: 6.14.0001.4180 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 10/10/2006 04:58:48, 203648 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: VIA Technologies, Inc.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run
---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE)
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: vinyl97.sys
Driver Version: 6.14.0001.4180 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 10/10/2006 04:58:48, 203648 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0
Description: Live! Cam Voice (Mic) #2
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
Driver Version: 5.00.2150.0001 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 10/12/1999 15:57:12, 68912 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0
-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Vinyl AC'97 Audio (WAVE), Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run
-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK
-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 40176 bytes
|
+-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x0029
| | Location: Microsoft IntelliMouse® Optical
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03&subclass_01
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 24752 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 23056 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 18192 bytes
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 10/4/1999 15:03:32, 13904 bytes
| | Driver: pid.dll, 10/30/2001 09:10:00, 31744 bytes
| |
| +-+ HID-compliant mouse
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x0029
| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 11632 bytes
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 21776 bytes
----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 46992 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 6/19/2003 15:05:04, 24528 bytes
----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.0001.0904)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.0001.0904)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK
-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM2
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter -
-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s
-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------