No Video or Sound upon startup

from GalCiv2 Forums
when i try to play galciv2 all i get is a blank screen with no sound or video. I have to ctrl+alt+dtl to end program and get back to desktop. Here is my debug.err. Please Help. Debug Message: Version v1.30 last updated on: Thu Sep 7 14:01:25 2006
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/8/2006, 15:54:36
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: COMPUTERBYTV
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 336MB used, 3603MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 6500
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 6500
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0160&SUBSYS_040310B0&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9147
Driver Date: 8/11/2006 21:42:52
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: nvapu.sys
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version: 6.14.0465.0000
Driver Date: 7/26/2005 07:01:56
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: Could not create the render device using default format. Switching to 16bit
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Could not create the render device.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
2,621 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
First try deleting the file prefs.ini in My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2, and see if the game will run then (it will remake that file and run with default settings).
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Did the game run under 1.2, and have you updated your video drivers lately? There have been some issues with the latest build or two of nVidia's drivers IIRC, so you may try a slightly older one.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It says Direct 3D failed.  This might sound bizarre but have you tried rebooting your PC recently?
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
if you download the game from SDC, did you download the Multimedia and the Movies for GalCiv 2? or you had sounds and movies before?
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
i have installed the lates drivers and the reinstalled the previous drivers. I did not download it. I have reinstalled the game and tried without the updates... Still nothing. Really anoying now.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Has the game run in the past for you or is this your first time trying to run it?
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

1) If your monitor came with software, check the manufacturer's site to see if there is an update

2) If you are mirroring your desktop to a TV or another monitor, try turning off that monitor/tv.

3) Try changing your desktop resolution to something higher if your monitor supports it.

4) Open your prefs.ini file (My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2) and set Fullscreen = 0 to run in windowed mode.  Desktop color should be in 32 bit for that to work.

When this sort of thing happens on a newish video card like yours, the device can't create because it's having some kind of issue with the resolution.

Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks, I will try this out and let you know. I do have my pc hooked up to my 52" Samsung DLP TV. I don't have any problems with any other games I have played, but I guess you just never know.

Thanks again. I will let you know how it goes.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
4) Open your prefs.ini file (My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2) and set Fullscreen = 0 to run in windowed mode. Desktop color should be in 32 bit for that to work. Thanks for the tip, this worked great. Cool Game, I am glad I can play it now.

Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Glad to hear it!