Game wont start-Black screen

from GalCiv2 Forums
When I start the game all I get is a black screen. I downloaded all the newest drivers. Sound works... but no video.
Using an Nvidia GEforceFX 5200

Debug Message: Version v1.0 last updated on: Mon Feb 6 12:52:05 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/6/2006, 16:41:18
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: YOUR-M5D4U9R2UV
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) (2600.xpclient.010817-1148)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 04
System Model: P8564A-ABA 752N
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.0
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.00GHz, ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 1278MB RAM
Page File: 242MB used, 1659MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce FX 5200
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0322&SUBSYS_194D270F&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 960 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8421
Driver Date: 3/9/2006 15:29:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Display device 2:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY2
Card Name: Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Intel(R) 82845G/GL Chip
DAC Type: Internal
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2562&SUBSYS_80931043&REV_01
Display Memory: 48.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 4.13.0001.3055
Driver Date: 3/27/2002 18:17:04
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_808E1043&REV_01
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.3501
Driver Date: 4/3/2002 17:24:26
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0



Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Multisample Type chosen in prefs not supported. Forcing a supported type.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics Controller
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: Hardware does not support a color cursor.
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.StarSystems
3,687 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Looking at the above you appear to be running duel monitors. If i am correct there is a known issue doing this. I believe that there is a work-around available from the support guys. Email [email protected] with your debug.err file, problem easily explained and your contact details and they will attempt to assist you shortly.

The guys & girls at support are busy supporting the entire Stardock range so please have a little patience waiting for a reply. If you havent heard from them in 48 hours (Please check your spam settings in your email client to allow replies from Stardock through [you would be suprised to find out how many people dont do this]) please email me at [email protected] and i will email one of the developers directly for you.

Sorry i cant help more at this stage.

DG


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Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Update the game, you might not have got the multimedia files. You certainly don't have the new version.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The second video driver is very very old - I assume this is built into you MB? If the game is trying to run on that monitor and card combo, you will have issues as it will not support the current video stuff. Also, upgrade to at least ver 1.0x - it is much more stable.

Also, update to XP sp2 - you will get much better support for two monitors.

BTW, why are you running the internal card anyway - doesn't the GFx 5200 support two monitors? You may need the special adaptor to use the second port, but that would be a much better solution anyway. That internal card is way obsolete.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200


Display device 2:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY2
Card Name: Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Intel(R) 82845G/GL Chip
DAC Type: Internal
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2562&SUBSYS_80931043&REV_01
Display Memory: 48.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 4.13.0001.3055
Driver Date: 3/27/2002 18:17:04
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes


Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Multisample Type chosen in prefs not supported. Forcing a supported type.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics Controller
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT


I downloaded all the newest drivers

Well, unless I miss something, the game is trying to use your second display. Try to see if you can remove it or force GC2 to use the first display.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

I'll add this to the bug database, but in the meantime,

1) Right click on your my computer icon and choose properties
2) Click on the hardware tab
3) Click on the Device Mangaer
4) Select the intel video card under Display adapters and right click on it. Choose Disable.

--Cari