Starting Problems (Civilization4.e.exe caused a problem)

[AT-Colt]

Hi folks,

as I searched the forum, I did not find any clues that my problem was mentioned before, so I will post it here. I did not view through the attached graphic files though, so I apologize if my problem showed up there.

I have installed CivIV and patched to 1.52, after double clicking the game icon, the multilanguage "Loading"-Screen shows up. Shortly after he disappears, I get the following error message:

"Programmfehler
Civilization4.e.exe hat einen Fehler verursacht und wird geschlossen. Starten Sie das Programm neu.

Ein Fehlerprotokoll wird erstellt.

[Ok]"

(Program error
Civilization4.e.exe caused a problem and is shut down. Restart the program. An error log is made.
(Not to sure if that is what would be shown with an english copy of the game, but it should fit to the core problem.))

I run a machine like

AMD Athlon 2000+
512 MB Ram
GeForce4 Ti 4200 (most recent detonators installed)
LG GCC-4120B DVD-Drive (can´t upgrade firmware due to an ntvdm.exe error)
Creative SB Live! (most recent drivers installed)
Windows 2000 Professional (latest Service Pack, DirectX as on the Civ DVD)

I have Norton Internet Security 2005 installed, with or without it activated, Civ won´t run.

I have no clue where to find the error log.

Btw. error log:
I can´t edit the _Civ4Config.ini which is linked to a file called CivilizationIV.ini that does not exist on my machine, so I can´t use the Civlog.

As I don´t know what file the "civilization4.e..exe" is and as I can´t seem to use logs, I regret not being able to provide more information about the problem.
But I am thankful for any hints.

greetz

AT-Colt

 

[AT-Colt]

Sry 4 doublepost, hasn´t anyone heard about this problem recently?

I´ll attach my DxDiag Speccs...

greetz

AT-Colt

 

[Zydor]

In some releases of Civ IV, _Civ4Config.ini is the main ini file not CivilizationIV.ini, it has depended on Country of release by the looks of it. However is you cant open it up, you cant enable the logs (the log ini switches are at the bottom of the ini file).

May be worth a TOTAL purge of Civ IV so that none of it remains, then do a clean install - at least then you will be certain of starting from a known clean baseline.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=152620

I suspect "civilization4.e.exe" is the German version, educated guess not too sure, but if so may need to check if the Patch V1.52 that is generally available will work on that - I dont know - but wise to check incase it does not have suitable german dialogue in it. It may be a mulkti-lingual patch, not a clue. The German Civ Board should know.

Now the unpopular bit.....

The Ti 4200 is a horrible video card for 3D games, and I most strongly suspect thats your main problem. If after reloading, and going through the 'housekeeping' tasks below, you still have issues, replace it with a 6 series card (maybe the 6600gx / gt) if the board takes it and finance allows. Personally I would go for the new card, do the clean install and thats that, should be fine, but your choice re the tasks below. Whatever choice you make increase the Pagefile to 2000mb min=max

Follow through on the link below (ignore the AGP part your AGP is ok, and ignore specific ATI stuff) reducing memory load on the video as much as possible.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=154317

Dont hesitate to post again if issues or problems

Regards
Zy

 

[AT-Colt]

Well, thanks for replying, that´s a bunch of stuff to do ^^;

I will try some of it in the next days, but I would love to see the game running, even if it lags as my video device is not that new. I´m still waiting for a reply from a mail I sent to the support, seems, they don´t know the error either ^^

greetz

AT-Colt

 

[AT-Colt]

Update:

I did lots of the stuff I will mention now many times, but it doesn´t seem that I did it in that combination.

Deinstalled Daemon Tools and Civ4, installed Civ4 on drive C:, opened an user login and startet Civ4 there. Under that login, I can play Civ4 without any software related problems (well, the wonder and religion videos are lagging, but I can live with that). By now, Daemon Tools are up again, the latest Civ4 Patch is installed and everything is still running fine.

As for my hardware specs: I use lowest settings, but the game runs smooth (except the vids).

greetz

AT-Colt