multiple (different) graphics issues on multiple settings.

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

So I've done some exploring in terms of fixing my problems. Here are a few issues I have:

- [see Picture #1] I get random green/blue/black boxes for small props on low and medium density commercial lots and some automata props (IE Parking lots where cars should be) on all settings (hardware/software, 3d settings, ect), but only on zoom level 3 (which is probably the most used zoom level) I also, although rarely, get issues like THIS, but it's much more rare. Also, I've narrowed down the ingame name of the props that give me the strange box problem. (see note below)

- [see Pictures #1 & #2] On software mode, my shadows are all kinds of jacked up.

- Alternatively in hardware mode, shadows are fine, but I get serious graphic glitches like THIS. It's rather annoying.

- [see Picture #2] Night-lighting on most (but not all) custom BAT's do not work (yes, I've checked to see if the BAT's come with night lighting). I've updated to the latest version (although when I do, I get a "files do not match" error, and something doesn't update somewhere).

[PICTURE #1]

[PICTURE #2]

Props that give boxes on zoom level 3: (note, this is ingame names)

-She-She Clothing

-Gourmet Foods

-Snob Light Boutique

-Llama Feed Store

-Fine Restaurant

-Fine Kiwi Store

-Fine Jewelry

-Parking Garages

-Cars (only three types)

-Fountain (only one type)

Computer Specs:

OS: Windows Vista Home Premium x64

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB (Running HDMI)

RAM: 8 GB DDR2

HDD: 1x 320GB / 2x 1TB

So. Any speculations?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

First, make sure that your hardware is set up for this legacy program. No options should be set to anything but "application selected" or equivalent wording.

Try reducing your screen resolution by one step.

Pick up the sc4tool and inspect the lots for undocumented dependencies.

Some BATs have not followed the night lighting protocol. There are specific things that must be done to invoke night light textures. Failing all else, PM the author.

I am running VGA, so I can't comment on any effects that HDMI might have.

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

none of the custom bats have any problems. It's all maxis stuff that has the green boxes.

[PBGV103 729]

The custom buildings aren't lighting up because you don't have the updates. The one "custom" building that does light up does so because it's a Maxis building that has be copied and smashed together a few times.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

The custom buildings aren't lighting up because you don't have the updates. The one "custom" building that does light up does so because it's a Maxis building that has be copied and smashed together a few times.

Make sure your game build version is up to 1,1,640 or higher.

[z1 566]

On software mode, my shadows are all kinds of jacked up.

Shadows are known to have various issues in software mode.

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Well, it runs like a dream now, with no problems. Here was my solution:

I noticed my disc had minor scratches and blotches, and I couldn't remove them, so I bought a replacement disc and installed it. This removed all the green/blue/black boxes from the props.

I updated the game to v1.1.640

I downloaded DirectX 9.0c, and installed it.

I downloaded the latest video drivers for my card, and set all relevant 3d settings for SC4 to "Application Controlled"

I restarted the computer.

I added the "-w", "-CustomResolution:enabled", "-r0000x0000x00", and "-CPUCount:1" command lines in the shortcut.

I set hardware rendering with shadows at medium.

This set of actions did the trick! Thanks for all the help guys! (from this thread and many others, especially A Nonny Moose for the directX suggestion/Information)

  Edited September 25, 2011 by daTSchikinhed