grpahics problem with GeForce FX Go5200

from Stardock Forums
When it comes to troubleshooting games, I really try to figure it out for myself, but this one is beyond me.

Here's the problems, so far:

1 Video is very laggy and sometimes the title movie won't even play

2. Non-habitable worlds are greyed out

3. The tutorial skips constantly when I try to play it.

Now, normally, this would be enough for me to say, "Oh well, too bad." and never play the game again, but when it comes to turn-based strategy, I am made of sterner stuff. I was hoping for Alpha Centauri meets Master of Orion II in this game, and so far it looks very promising - just these dang graphical glitches.

I've gone to laptopvideo2go.com and downloaded some things to try and upgrade but it hasn't been a full success yet.

I was hoping one of the forum gurus could give me some advice.

Here are my computer specs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/19/2006, 15:30:16
       Machine name: FUNKONE
   Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
       System Model: Inspiron 8600                  
               BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A10
          Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.50GHz
             Memory: 512MB RAM
          Page File: 305MB used, 1674MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 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: Problems were found in the system registry.  Details are available in the saved text file.
        Network Tab: The registry information for the DirectPlay application 'Age of Empires II' is missing or damaged.  You should reinstall that application.

--------------------
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: NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce FX Go5200
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0324&SUBSYS_019C1028&REV_A1
   Display Memory: 64.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1280 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Default Monitor
  Monitor Max Res:
      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6742 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 10/26/2004 12:01:00, 3742720 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 10/26/2004 12:01:00, 2830688 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4064-11CF-CE69-962100C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0324
        SubSys ID: 0x019C1028
      Revision ID: 0x00A1
      Revision ID: 0x00A1
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
 Deinterlace Caps: {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {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
                   {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                   {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                   {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {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




5,840 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Try using Omega Drivers--they're modded versions of nVidia's reference drivers that will work on any GeForce (including the Go series): http://omegadrivers.net/nvidia/win2k_xp.php
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The debug.err file provides this, plus more usefull game information as well. It is located in your main game folder - usually C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2 - and can be opened with Notepad. Just copy and paste the full contents in a reply.

But from the info you provided, you are running some pretty old video drivers. The game usually requires newer drivers.

Have you turned off anti aliasing in the options? Turning off some of the other video features may help as well.
CursorFX - Customize your Windows cursor
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Driver Date/Size: 10/26/2004 12:01:00, 3742720 bytes

Could also be a problem
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thank you very much for taking the time to look over this.

Kryo, which file should I download from the site you listed?

Moostek13, I'll try to post the file you mentioned.

IAmGory, yes, I think you are right, it is a driver issue.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Debug Message: Version v1.3 beta 2a last updated on: Tue Aug 8 16:18:51 2006
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 8/19/2006, 13:24:55
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: FUNKONE
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Inspiron 8600
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A10
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.50GHz
Physical Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 288MB used, 1690MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce FX Go5200
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0324&SUBSYS_019C1028&REV_A1
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6742
Driver Date: 10/26/2004 12:01:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SigmaTel Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_01911028&REV_01
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: stac97.sys
Provider: SigmaTel
Driver Version: 5.10.3913.0000
Driver Date: 5/12/2004 20:30:14
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: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
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\Christopher Spencer\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
*DEBUG ERROR: ***TutorialWnd: Unknown edit field Totorial_GridList_Entry type: CustomListEntry ***
Debug Message: TutorialWnd: Cannot find OBJID Totorial_All_Button
Debug Message: TitleWnd: Quit Button.
Debug Message: Posting WM_CLOSE message.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clearing Turn Event Log
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: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy: Completed
Debug Message: Shutting down sound system.
Debug Message: Clearing sound and music handles.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize end
Debug Message: Device not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: D3D not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: Destroying Window.
Debug Message: Main Shell terminating normally
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Kryo, which file should I download from the site you listed?


The different listings on that particular page are just mirrors of the same file, so any one will do. They're old (Omega stopped updating them last year, I think he only does ATI drivers now) but since they're six months better than your current drivers, you might have a shot.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

I used the Omega Drivers with my laptop's Geforce FX 5200 Go, and they were much better than the ones that Toshiba provided.

Make sure that you do a clean install, though.

To do a clean update of your video drivers:

1) Go to www.omegadrivers.net and download the latest drivers.
2) Right click on your my computer icon and choose properties
3) Click on the hardware tab
4) Click on the Device Manager
5) Select your video card under Display adapters and right click on it. Choose Uninstall.
6) Reboot
7) Cancel the Found New Hardware wizard when you log back into windows
8) Install the drivers you downloaded (you may need to reboot again after installing them).

Also, if you turn off anti-aliasing and add these lines to your prefs.ini (My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2) under Video:

NoPointSprites=1
GfxForceNoPointSprites=1

You will have much better performance.