XML Parse Error Hell

[Tbab]

I am recieving the following Loading Error:

"Caught unhandled exception creating XML parser object
Current XML file is:"

That's all it says, doesn't specify a file.

I have been working on this for 2 and a half hours. I have tried every single solution mentioned in any thread on any forum I have found including but not limited to:

1) Reinstalling.
2) Updating audio drivers.
3) Using onboard sound rather than added soundcard.
4) Changing just microphone to use onboard sound while other sound uses added soundcard.
5) Muting microphone.
6) Making sure nothing is using microphone (Ventrilo, Teamspeak, etc)
7) Changing sound hardware acceleration levels.
8) Installing the MSXML Parser update msxml3.msi.
9) Making sure Regional settings are set to U.S.
10) Making sure decimal is . and comma is , in the appropriate fields.
11) Playing various media players while starting game. (Hey, it was suggested)
12) Re-registering the XML version.
13) Creating a new user in Windows and trying to run the game from there.
14) Probably some I'm forgetting.

I have noticed many people citing something like this:
[32526.062] DBG: FILE Cat Init
[32526.734] DBG: NOT Using XML cache, failed to find crc.dat file
[32526.734] DBG: Game Init
[32526.734] DBG: Multiplayer Init

I have not seen or been able to find any such lines in my case, where might I find these? Are they in a certain file, or am I missing something? If its in init.log, then all I get is:
[3268.828] DBG: CIV Init
[3268.828] VERSION: App: H:\Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4\Civilization4.exe
[3268.828] VERSION: Build: Thu Mar 30 10:49:29 2006
[3268.828] VERSION: 1.6.1.1841 (45604)
[3268.828] VERSION: Mod Loaded: none
[3376.390] ERR: CIV Init FAILED, exiting

I figure that this problem is quite old now, and that most of the solutions have been found. If anyone has any suggestions that I have not yet tried, please post them.

This game had better be worth it.

 

[crunch]

Have you patched the game?
http://www.civfanatics.com/civ4/patch/

 

[auldian]

Have you cleared the hidden \cache folder?

 

[Tbab]

Yeah I've patched to 1.61. Where and how do I find the hidden cache folder?

 

[crunch]

Make sure that in the "Show hidden files and folders" is active under My Computer -> Tools -> Folder Options -> View.

Search C drive for "cache" directory.

 

[Tbab]

Search C drive or the drive the game is installed on?

Also, it just occurred to me that perhaps the game being installed on a different drive than C drive could possibly cause a problem. Think it's worth trying installing it on C to see if it helps?

Thanks.

 

[auldian]

Yeah I've patched to 1.61. Where and how do I find the hidden cache folder?

In Windows Explorer navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\<your login id>\Application Data\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\cache and delete all files in that \cache folder. These are hidden folders so you may need to enable [Tools > Folder Option > View > Show hidden files and folders] in Windows Explorer to see them.
It's important to delete these files if you update your CivIV with a patch or reinstall it; it can contain some old data that may muck things up. You can actually delete the folder "\cache" and the game will create a fresh copy when you run CivIV next.

[edit: I emphasize this is not in My Documents on your desktop or Start Menu. This is a folder that's hidden by default.]

 

[auldian]

Search C drive or the drive the game is installed on?

Also, it just occurred to me that perhaps the game being installed on a different drive than C drive could possibly cause a problem. Think it's worth trying installing it on C to see if it helps?

Thanks.

I have mine installed on F: partition without issue.

 

[Tbab]

I have no cache folder in that path, even with hidden folders revealed, probably because I have never been able to successfully run the game.

 

[auldian]

Sorry Tbab, but any of the resolutions I've found have involved updating the MS XML parser, which you've done. I'll keep my fingers crossed that 2K comes through with a solution for you.
Let us know how it plays out.

 

[Tbab]

Will do, I'm in correspondence with them now. I suppose the problem could be rooted in the crappiness of my Windows XP. My main hard drive has been slowly dying, and its taking its toll on my copy of Windows. For example I cannot access device manager. It says the file is missing or I don't have permission (on system admin user). I wouldn't be suprised if other random things were wrong with my copy of windows, possibly contributing to my XML problem. I've tried repairing it quite a few times, but to no avail.

Anyway, for now I can play it on my parents desktop. Hopefully I'll figure this out before I have to head back to school. If I do figure it out, I'll post my solution, and thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[crunch]

Actually I was about to recommend Windows reinstallation but I did not dare

 

[auldian]

Actually I was about to recommend Windows reinstallation but I did not dare

With the other symptons just described, I'd be suspicious of bad sectors and/or malware. I'd delete my partitions and start fresh with a squeaky-clean installation of Windows as well. Tbab, I'd encourage you to get any "can't lose" data off that computer and safely on a CD or other storage.
Good luck and let us know *bows*
[edit for 3:00am speling blus ]