SC4 won't start...

[Loney 22]

Just today, whenever I start SC4, the splash screen appears, but then the screen stays black. After waiting for an hour, I decided to alt-ctrl-delete and got an error message saying, "GDriver DirectX error". I have ran a DirectX test twice, but the tests say it is working fine. I even tried removing all of the plugins and restarting the computer, but the error message kept on poping up.

My laptop configuation:

Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 T7200 2.00 GHz

RAM: 3 GB

OS: Window xp SP3 home edition

Graphic card: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400

DirectX version: 9.0

The version of SC4 I am using is the deluxe with the main and nightlight patch.

[City2TheMax 3]

Well, I'm not too familiar with that type of computer, but seeing that you have a dual core system, you will need to adjust your computer to only use 1 core for the game (it is incompatible with 2 cores). I believe going to the task manager can adjust that (I use Pentium 4, but I've heard of many people having problems with dual core).

If that doesn't help, you might need to get files from an older version of DirectX. Assuming that your computer came with DirectX 9.0, I believe SC4 needs some files from DirectX 8.0 (since it's an older game). I'm not sure where to download that, but it shouldn't be too hard to find.

I hope that helps out

[Loney 22]

My laptop started wtih DirectX 9.0 (I think), and I already tried setting SC4 to single core.

[City2TheMax 3]

OK, so I recommend downloading DirectX 8, and see if that works. If your DirectX 9.0 works well, then it probably means SC4 needs some of the files from DirectX 8

[Null 45 3,041]

Directx 9.0 includes everything in directx 8.

The latest version of Directx is at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0cf368e5-5ce1-4032-a207-c693d210f616&displaylang=en

Also the command -d:Software when added to the shortcut will force the game to use software mode

for example in the shortcut Target box "C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:Software

[earwax_man 18]

This always happens when you start simcity 4. Just leave it start.

[Loney 22]

Originally posted by: earwax_man

This always happens when you start simcity 4. Just leave it start.

quote>

Is it suppose to suddenly take more than 2 hours to start up even though a week ago it took less than 30 seconds with no hardware or software changes?

[Vahr 341]

The most recent ATI cards are known for having issues with SC4. However I'm not sure why it would just fail all of a sudden.

[Hendrick4life 1]

Originally posted by: Null 45

..... "C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:Software

quote>

That wont work, because the Target box wont allow that change. (Vista x64) 

[Loney 22]

Originally posted by: Hendrick4life

Originally posted by: Null 45

..... "C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:Software

quote>

That wont work, because the Target box wont allow that change. (Vista x64) 

quote>

What about Window XP SP3?

[Hendrick4life 1]

I doubt it, but someone here can try it & post there results.

[tungston 19]

Originally posted by: Loney

Originally posted by: Hendrick4life

Originally posted by: Null 45

..... "C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:Software

quote>

That wont work, because the Target box wont allow that change. (Vista x64) 

quote>

What about Window XP SP3?

quote>

The tag will work, but I doubt it will solve the problem.  It's most likely a driver issue.  Have you made changes to the drivers?

[Loney 22]

Originally posted by: tungston

Originally posted by: Loney

Originally posted by: Hendrick4life

Originally posted by: Null 45

..... "C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:Software

quote>

That wont work, because the Target box wont allow that change. (Vista x64) 

quote>

What about Window XP SP3?

quote>

The tag will work, but I doubt it will solve the problem.  It's most likely a driver issue.  Have you made changes to the drivers?

quote>

No, like I said, no hardware or software changes other than installing FF 3.5 and updates for CXL Beta.

EDIT: I trid playing it today and it gave me a "GDriverWindow DirectX" message when I alt-ctrl-delete after waiting for about 3 hours for the stupid EA logo to show up.

[Null 45 3,041]

Originally posted by: Null 45

Directx 9.0 includes everything in directx 8.

The latest version of Directx is at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0cf368e5-5ce1-4032-a207-c693d210f616&displaylang=en

quote>

That download will update directx to the latest version, and overwrite any broken files.

There is also some information in this post.

[Loney 22]

It appeared that my computer had trouble loading all of the plugins at SC4 startup while running Window Defender which was causing the GDriver-Window DirectX error.

But there is another problem, it takes about 10 minutes for SC4 to start up even though there are no other programs running other than background tasks (they take up around 1%-6% CPU, compared to to SC4's 48%-51% CPU). Does SC4 DAT Packer help reduce the loading time?

[Loney 22]

Sorry for bumping this, I noticed a new problem. Each time I want to play SC4, I have to double click on the icon, the screen turns black, computer freezes, and when I go into task manager, it says, "GDriver--Window DirectX not responding", and after I shut down the process, I have to click on the SC4 icon again for the game to start.

After it starts up the second time, the computer suddenly enters the desktop screen, and I have to click on the SC4 tab on the bottom of the screen to re-enter SC4 screen. This has been happening ever since Monday.

I tried launching a DirectX test, but it says it is working properly.

[tungston 19]

I would look outside the game for the problem, reinstall the video driver, etc. What about the updates to the CXL beta?

[Loney 22]

I doubt CXL updates would effect SC4, and I have already reinstalled the video driver, DirectX, and SC4.