Error after splash screen: "could not initialize graphics card"

[RiCHBoyZ 75]

Hi everyone,

I just found this gem of a website after being a major SimCity fan for over 10 years. How did I miss it? I have a lot of catching up/reading to do.

Anyways, I purchased the SimCity Box yesterday to upgrade from my vanilla version of SimCity 4, and unfortunately, I can't get SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition to work on my desktop. It works fine on my laptop, so I know that there is not a problem with the discs.

Here's the issue: The game installs successfully (I've tried multiple times). After install, the game automatically starts up and goes to the region map. It looks terrible on my 1920x1080 HD monitor, so naturally the first thing I want to do is fix up the graphic options. I set the graphics to 32-bit color, the highest resolution available, and everything else to high. After that, the game prompts me to restart in order to have my changes take effect. I close the game, go to start the game through the Programs menu, and the splash screen (the bridge) shows like everything is going fine. Then the screen goes black for about 1 second and then returns immediately to the desktop. The FIRST time this happens after changing the graphics options, a small dialog box that says "Hardware Driver Error" in the headline and "Could not initialize graphics card." in the message shows up on the Windows desktop. I can't get this box to go away without doing Ctrl+Alt+Del, but when I do that, another error box pops up that reads "SimCity 4 will run with the software driver when next launched." If I click okay on this box, it goes away and nothing happens. When I go to start the game again, I get the "Simcity 4 will run with the software driver..." message every time I try to start the game from then on. I have tried installing the patch, I have tried starting as an administrator, I've tried running in compatibility mode, I've set all my graphics card options to factory defaults. No luck. Any ideas?

System configuration (DxDiag)

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_rtm.101119-1850)

System Manufacturer: DELL Inc.

System Model: Studio XPS 435T/9000

Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.7GHz

Memory: 12288MB RAM aka 12 GB

Page File: 2955MB used, 21600MB available

DirectX Version: DirectX 11

Card name: ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series

Display Memory: 2793 MB

Dedicated Memory: 1006 MB

Shared Memory: 1787 MB

Thanks so much for any help. I was really excited about playing Rush Hour for the first time after 8 years of playing the vanilla version.

i suggested you to install DX9 as well maybe DX11 installed does not recognize by SC4 engine i think. Also launch your sc4 using this command "C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:DirectX -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 ~ where your Sc4 was installed location is.

[kbriz87 0]

Hi everyone,

I just found this gem of a website after being a major SimCity fan for over 10 years. How did I miss it? I have a lot of catching up/reading to do.

Anyways, I purchased the SimCity Box yesterday to upgrade from my vanilla version of SimCity 4, and unfortunately, I can't get SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition to work on my desktop. It works fine on my laptop, so I know that there is not a problem with the discs.

Here's the issue: The game installs successfully (I've tried multiple times). After install, the game automatically starts up and goes to the region map. It looks terrible on my 1920x1080 HD monitor, so naturally the first thing I want to do is fix up the graphic options. I set the graphics to 32-bit color, the highest resolution available, and everything else to high. After that, the game prompts me to restart in order to have my changes take effect. I close the game, go to start the game through the Programs menu, and the splash screen (the bridge) shows like everything is going fine. Then the screen goes black for about 1 second and then returns immediately to the desktop. The FIRST time this happens after changing the graphics options, a small dialog box that says "Hardware Driver Error" in the headline and "Could not initialize graphics card." in the message shows up on the Windows desktop. I can't get this box to go away without doing Ctrl+Alt+Del, but when I do that, another error box pops up that reads "SimCity 4 will run with the software driver when next launched." If I click okay on this box, it goes away and nothing happens. When I go to start the game again, I get the "Simcity 4 will run with the software driver..." message every time I try to start the game from then on. I have tried installing the patch, I have tried starting as an administrator, I've tried running in compatibility mode, I've set all my graphics card options to factory defaults. No luck. Any ideas?

System configuration (DxDiag)

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_rtm.101119-1850)

System Manufacturer: DELL Inc.

System Model: Studio XPS 435T/9000

Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.7GHz

Memory: 12288MB RAM aka 12 GB

Page File: 2955MB used, 21600MB available

DirectX Version: DirectX 11

Card name: ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series

Display Memory: 2793 MB

Dedicated Memory: 1006 MB

Shared Memory: 1787 MB

Thanks so much for any help. I was really excited about playing Rush Hour for the first time after 8 years of playing the vanilla version.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Please navigate to Program files\Maxis\SimCity 4...\Apps and locate the Simcity 4.exe file. Right click on it and tell us what the version numbers are.

If the build number is not 640, you need to update the game from the EA site using the published patches.

[kbriz87 0]

A Nonny Moose: Thank you for alerting me to the 640 build patch. I was running 638 build. They don't quite make it easy to find.

RiCHBoyZ: I added the custom resolution command to the target path and it made everything work like a charm! I haven't had a single crash yet after playing for 4+ hours today. *knocks on wood. Turns out that my graphics card doesn't support 1600x1200 resolution, so when I kept clicking that in the graphics options it created the issue with the card. I've got it going at 1920x1080 now with no problem. It is quite snappy too, which makes me happy after reading so many other issues that I could have had on these forums.

Thanks for your help guys!

[RaisinBranshee 0]

Please navigate to Program files\Maxis\SimCity 4...\Apps and locate the Simcity 4.exe file. Right click on it and tell us what the version numbers are.

If the build number is not 640, you need to update the game from the EA site using the published patches.

I'm having the same problem as kbriz here. I just got my game updated to 638, but I don't know how to get the 640 build. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place or I'm the stupidest man ever. Can you help me out?

[kbriz87 0]

If you go to http://simcity.ea.com/index.php and register your product then you can download the Building Architect Tool (BAT) and update (build 640) from the "Cool Stuff>Tools" menu. You can't see the download or update if you haven't registered and logged in. That's the tricky part.

Please navigate to Program files\Maxis\SimCity 4...\Apps and locate the Simcity 4.exe file. Right click on it and tell us what the version numbers are.

If the build number is not 640, you need to update the game from the EA site using the published patches.

I'm having the same problem as kbriz here. I just got my game updated to 638, but I don't know how to get the 640 build. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place or I'm the stupidest man ever. Can you help me out?

[RaisinBranshee 0]

If you go to http://simcity.ea.com/index.php and register your product then you can download the Building Architect Tool (BAT) and update (build 640) from the "Cool Stuff>Tools" menu. You can't see the download or update if you haven't registered and logged in. That's the tricky part.

You said you have the Simcity Box? How did you register that?

[kbriz87 0]

I used the register button at the top right of the website I sent you. I didn't do it through the product.

If you go to http://simcity.ea.com/index.php and register your product then you can download the Building Architect Tool (BAT) and update (build 640) from the "Cool Stuff>Tools" menu. You can't see the download or update if you haven't registered and logged in. That's the tricky part.

You said you have the Simcity Box? How did you register that?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you have registered on the site, you can get the BATupdate here.

If you don't intend to use the BAT, you need not download it. You may want the lot editor (updated) from the BAT page, however. You can use this link.

[RaisinBranshee 0]

I used the register button at the top right of the website I sent you. I didn't do it through the product.

What number did you use to register it. That's what I meant. Sorry for the confusion. I can't download without registering

[CaptCity 4,665]

I used the register button at the top right of the website I sent you. I didn't do it through the product.

What number did you use to register it. That's what I meant. Sorry for the confusion. I can't download without registering.

There should be a code consisting of a series of numbers and letters (20). It's usually on the CD case or the back of the manual. Sometimes it's on a separate card.

[Mayor Tom Kane 0]

I had this same problem on my Win 7 64 bit upgrade. I was able to change the cmd level prompt to launch SC4 with the correct screen resolution.

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c START "high priority sc4" /high "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -w -intro:off -d:DirectX -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1786x992x32

Was unable to find the 640 build anywhere. I am still having an issue where my Win taskbar remains after the game launches. It is really annoying but I was at least able to get the game to launch! Any suggestions besides Auto-hide the taskbar? Also my edge scrolling doesn't seem to work even though it is enabled....has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks all!!

[CaptCity 4,665]

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c START "high priority sc4" /high "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -w -intro:off -d:DirectX -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1786x992x32

...I am still having an issue where my Win taskbar remains after the game launches. It is really annoying but I was at least able to get the game to launch! Any suggestions besides Auto-hide the taskbar? Also my edge scrolling doesn't seem to work even though it is enabled....has this happened to anyone else?

That's because you have included the "-w" in the command line. This sets the game to window mode. To remove the effect, remove the "-w" and add "-f". This will set the game to full screen and all should be normal.

Was unable to find the 640 build anywhere.

The 640 patch can be found on SC4Devotion. Use the EA Support button on the left of the page and make your way to the BAT page. It will be listed there.

[Mayor.Tom Kane 0]

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c START "high priority sc4" /high "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -w -intro:off -d:DirectX -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1786x992x32

...I am still having an issue where my Win taskbar remains after the game launches. It is really annoying but I was at least able to get the game to launch! Any suggestions besides Auto-hide the taskbar? Also my edge scrolling doesn't seem to work even though it is enabled....has this happened to anyone else?

That's because you have included the "-w" in the command line. This sets the game to window mode. To remove the effect, remove the "-w" and add "-f". This will set the game to full screen and all should be normal.

Was unable to find the 640 build anywhere.

The 640 patch can be found on SC4Devotion. Use the EA Support button on the left of the page and make your way to the BAT page. It will be listed there.

YOU ARE THE BEST!!! I've been at this for a week!

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

I had this same problem on my Win 7 64 bit upgrade. I was able to change the cmd level prompt to launch SC4 with the correct screen resolution.

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c START "high priority sc4" /high "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -w -intro:off -d:DirectX -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1786x992x32

Was unable to find the 640 build anywhere. I am still having an issue where my Win taskbar remains after the game launches. It is really annoying but I was at least able to get the game to launch! Any suggestions besides Auto-hide the taskbar? Also my edge scrolling doesn't seem to work even though it is enabled....has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks all!!

Besides the very good advice from Captain City, you should review that command line. It is overkill. You do not need -intro:off more than once, and the -d and -CPUCount items are definitely redundant on an up-to-date version of W7, but are harmless. It is also not necessary to do the handsprings using the cmd.exe system for such a simple program. You don't need high priority for this program unless you are running a lot of things in the background. Just replace the target line in your desktop shortcut with the text starting with "C: and you will be fine.

[Hellken 1,658]

I was having this problem too. "Hardware Rendering Error: could not initialize graphics card"

 

I couldn't get hardware rendering to work on my new computer. Now it works thanks to this thread. I simply changed the resolution (in the in game menu) to 1064 x 768. Voila! It worked on that resolution. Whenever I load SimCity 4  in hardware rendering, it sets everything to highest (by default, if you have a good graphics card) but puts the color in 16 bit instead of 32 bit. Are there any noticeable changes in quality at 16 bit? 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

I run with 32-bit graphics.  Why would you want to run with 16-bit?  What's on your target line?

[Hellken 1,658]

I run with 32-bit graphics.  Why would you want to run with 16-bit?  What's on your target line?

 

 

I found this in Graphic Rules.sgr: I didn't touch it and I left it as is:

 

partialRule

            # Enable 32 bit graphics if user has decent computing power.

            # Paul P: My tests have shown that my GeForce uses less memory in 16 bit mode than 32 bit mode.

            atLeast memory          256

            atLeast cpuSpeed       1000

            option $ScreenDepth   $Depth_32

         end

 

 

I am using NVIDIA GeForce. I added my video card into the Video Cards.sgr:

 

vendor "NVidia" 0x10b4 0x12d2 0x10de

   card 0x1b1d "Riva 128"

   card 0x0008 "NV 1"

   card 0x0009 "NV 1"

   card 0x0010 "NV 2"

   card 0x0018 "Riva 128"

   card 0x0019 "Riva 128 ZX"

   card 0x0020 "TNT"

   card 0x0028 "TNT2"

   card 0x0029 "TNT2 Ultra"

   card 0x002a "TNT2"

   card 0x002b "TNT2"

   card 0x002c "TNT Vanta"

   card 0x002d "TNT2 M64"

   card 0x002e "TNT Vanta"

   card 0x002f "TNT Vanta"

   card 0x00a0 "TNT2 Aladdin"

   card 0x0100 "GeForce 256"

   card 0x0101 "GeForce 256 DDR"

   card 0x0102 "GeForce 256 Ultra"

   card 0x0103 "GeForce 256 Quadro"

   card 0x1055 "Geforce 410M"

   card 0x0110 "GeForce2 MX"

   card 0x0111 "GeForce2 MX DDR"

   card 0x0112 "GeForce2 Go"

   card 0x0113 "GeForce2 Quadro"

   card 0x0150 "GeForce2"

   card 0x0151 "GeForce2 Ti"

   card 0x0152 "GeForce2 Ultra"

   card 0x0153 "GeForce2 Quadro"

   card 0x0170 "GeForce4 MX 460"

   card 0x0171 "GeForce4 MX 440"

   card 0x0172 "GeForce4 MX 420"

   card 0x0173 "GeForce4 MX"

   card 0x0174 "GeForce4 Go 440"

   card 0x0175 "GeForce4 Go 420"

   card 0x0176 "GeForce4 Go 420"

   card 0x0178 "GeForce4 Quadro4"

   card 0x0179 "GeForce4 Go 440"

   card 0x017a "GeForce4 Quadro"

   card 0x017b "GeForce4 Quadro"

   card 0x017b "GeForce4 Quadro"

   card 0x01a0 "GeForce2 Crush11"

   card 0x0200 "GeForce3"

   card 0x0201 "GeForce3 Ti200"

   card 0x0202 "GeForce3 Ti500"

   card 0x0203 "GeForce3 Quadro"

   card 0x0250 "GeForce4 Ti4600"

   card 0x0251 "GeForce4 Ti4400"

   card 0x0253 "GeForce4 Ti4200"

   card 0x0258 "GeForce4 Quadro"

   card 0x0259 "GeForce4 Quadro"

   card 0x025b "GeForce4 Quadro"

   card 0x02a0 "GeForce3 XBOX"

   card 0x1054 "GeForce 410M"

end

 

 

 

 It works now.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Surprising you would take advice that is about 10 years old.  Paul Pedriana is one of the developers, and machines have come a long way since he made that note.  Remember you are dealing with a legacy game.