Game shuts off monitor in the middle of playing

from GalCiv2 Forums
I downloaded GC2 a couple of days ago and each time I play it at some random time in the game both of my monitors shut off while my computer is still running and I have to hit my computers reset button to get the monitors to come. Here is the latest debug report. any insight would be great.

Debug Message: Version v1.5 last updated on: Thu Jan 11 13:39:19 2007
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 7/8/2007, 17:45:09
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: DAGOSTJS
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.061219-0316)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 362MB used, 2562MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON X600/X550 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x3E50)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_3E50&SUBSYS_03021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6698
Driver Date: 6/13/2007 15:24:32
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes

Display device 2:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY2
Card Name: RADEON X600/X550 Series Secondary
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x3E70)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_3E70&SUBSYS_03031002&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell P780
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6698
Driver Date: 6/13/2007 15:24:32
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: 6.14.0460.0000
Driver Date: 1/26/2005 11:47:34
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_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): RADEON X600/X550 Series
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\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
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: Loading Custom Map
Debug Message: Loading Data Defs
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Loading TechDefs
Debug Message: Max num techs: 248
Debug Message: Loading ImprovementDB
Debug Message: Loading Component Defs
Debug Message: Loading ShipTypes
Debug Message: Loading ShipConfigs
Debug Message: Loading AnomalyTypes
Debug Message: Loading RandomEvents
Debug Message: Loading UPIssues
Debug Message: Loading ResourceTypes
Debug Message: Loading InvasionTactics
Debug Message: Loading SBmodules
Debug Message: Loading PoliticalParties
Debug Message: Loading Planet Types
Debug Message: Loading Star Types
Debug Message: Loading Game
Debug Message: Loading: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Sectors across: 18 x 18
Debug Message: Loading FOW Map
Debug Message: Loading ZOC Map
Debug Message: Loading Planets
Debug Message: Loading Stars
Debug Message: Loading Anomalies
Debug Message: Loading Resources
Debug Message: Loading Civs
Debug Message: Loading Colonies
Debug Message: Loading RallyPoints
Debug Message: Loading Ships
Debug Message: Loading Fleets
Debug Message: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Loading ENDGALAXYDATA
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 0
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Deleting previous save game.
Debug Message: About to auto save.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\AutoSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Finished auto save.
Debug Message: Iconian Refuge (9): Researching: Basic Logistics
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Colony Ship M0-7 48. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Destroying ship Colony Ship 46. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Destroying ship Colony Ship M0-7 49. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Thalan Empire (8): Researching: Space Weapons
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Deleting previous save game.
Debug Message: About to auto save.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\AutoSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Finished auto save.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Dominion of Korx (6): Researching: Xeno Communications
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Drath Legion (7): Researching: Starship Defenses
Debug Message: Iconian Refuge (9): Researching: New Propulsion Techniques
Debug Message: Destroying ship Korx Colony Ship M0-7 74. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog 1
Debug Message: Deleting previous save game.
Debug Message: About to auto save.
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\AutoSave.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\John D'Agostino\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Saving: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Finished auto save.
Debug Message: Arcean Empire (3): Researching: Universal Translator
Debug Message: Iconian Refuge (9): Researching: Beam Weapon Theory


Thanks in advance
2,728 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Please install 'SmartException' from the free stuff section in Stardock Central. Make sure that SE is running and start your game as normal. If the game crashes it will generate an exception report that can be emailed to [email protected].

Include with the email a description of what you were doing at the time, how to reproduce the crash if possible, a zipped save if applicable when you send an SE log to gc2bugs, and the appropriate debug.err file for DL or DA. The devs cannot help if you do not provide these details!

If SE does not automatically pop up and prompt you to send the report when the game crashes, you can find it at C:\Program Files\Stardock\SmartException (it will be the newest file with a .CRA extension).
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I installed SE but it is not logging anything when the game crashes. Do you have any other ideas?

Dago
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If the computer is just completely giving up, it could also be due to overheating or a (impending) hardware failure. One simple thing you could try to help narrow it down is to run the game in windowed mode, and see if the same thing still happens (just uncheck Fullscreen in the video options and reduce the resolution a bit).

In the event that the machine is trying to toss a Blue Screen error (driver issue or some hardware problems), you can try the following:

---
A spontaneous reboot often means your computer is tossing a Blue Screen of Death but is set to not display it. BSODs are generally caused by hardware or driver problems, and the error message it shows can help pin down exactly what the issue is.

To have your computer display BSODs instead of rebooting immediately, go to Control Panel->System Properties->Advanced Tab->Startup and Recovery Settings and uncheck 'automatically restart'.

The next time it crashes, you may get a BSOD similar to the one below (not all highlighted parts may be present):


Write down the information in the highlighted areas before turning your computer off. The information there can then be researched online to see if others have experienced similar problems, and what the cause was. You may also get a 'windows has recovered from a serious error' message when you turn your computer back on--if you do this, you should agree to send the report to microsoft. You'll then be forwarded to information about that error on Microsoft's knowledgebase, if they have any.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Dago, i noticed you're using Radeon X600s. i've had a similar problem on my Dell machine, but not specifically with GC2, and i've got a low profile X600.

my monitor goes dark about 15 minutes after i freshly turn my system on. the power light turns yellow and starts blinking. i have to hold the power button down to turn the system off. i don't even get any sort of error message when i start my system back up. the problem only occurs after my computer's been off for at least a few hours, and only then infrequently (it was more common when i first got my computer a year ago), and further it only occurs after the computer's first turned on: the problem never repeats itself during subsequent reboots until i've had the computer off for several hours. my problem isn't isolated to heavy processing loads, either. a couple times i've turned the computer on, walked away for 15 minutes, and come back to find it in that state. i've never got a visible BSOD, and i've never got a 'serious error' message upon restarting.

my pet hypothesis is that it's not a direct danger of overheating, but rather something resulting from a sudden temperature change (from completely cold). but i still haven't found any source to confirm this (or any other hypothesis for that matter). i've searched online for answers, run every hardware diagnostic built into the system, asked the IT guys at work, opened the sucker up to check for loose connections, and wasted a whole month's cell minutes on the horn with dell technical support (which is a joke).

does any of this sound familiar to you? i thought i'd throw it out there since it sounds vaguely similar to me and we have some of the same hardware.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
dystopic, my problem with the monitors shutting off seems to happen only when I try and play GC2, but I have come back to my computer on occasion and had to turn my monitors off and then back on again to get them to come back from "sleep".


kryo, thanks for your advice but I finally had a good idea in what has seemed to be my week of stupid. I finally decided to check out the post code on my mother board after my monitors shut off, to make a long story short I went to reset my video card in its slot and found that the fan on it died ( the bearings seemed to have been shot). So needless to say my card is toast and I need to buy a new one.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
to make a long story short I went to reset my video card in its slot and found that the fan on it died


Overheating indeed, then
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
damn, i was hoping to narrow down my problem! oh well. i'm glad you figured out what was wrong with yours   

cheers