SimCity won't start

[Mad777 0]

Hi everybody,

I experience an issue running my SimCity 4 Deluxe-Rush Hour edition.

version 1.1.638

After uninstall it and reinstall it I still have the same problem, I tried by right clicking to use it working with different windows version but same issue.

the first screen come on (the one with the bridge), then the screen goes black like it suppose to to adjust the graphic settings but it come back with a small window message

"SimCity 4 will run with the software driver when next launched"

This is the first time I replay with this game after replacing my video card (actually an ATI Radeon HD 5450 2GB DDR3)

My computer is:

HP desktop Intel Core 2 quad CPU Q9300 - 2.50 GHz/2.50 GHz

RAM: 8GB DDR

operating system: 64 bit

Window 7 Home premium

I prospected in the web with no success.

thanks for your help

  Edited July 7, 2012 by Mad777  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

And did it run on the next attempt (in software mode?). There is something about your graphics hardware the game doesn't like. Couple of things:

1. Run the multimedia diagnostics (dxdiag) from your Run box. Run each test and see if any fail.
   
2. Make sure you have downloaded and installed DirectX 9.0c. It runs with the other DX versions OK.
   

[Mad777 0]

Thanks for your reply.

I ran dxdiag and all is good, showing DirectX 11 is the current version.

I then did install DirectX 9.0c and restart my computer.

I ran again dxdiag and still showing DirectX 11 is the current version, I tried to launch SimCity 4 having the same issue.

What doesn it mean "runniung in software mode"? I'm not an expert in IT

  Edited July 8, 2012 by Mad777  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Basically, "software mode" means that none of the "features" of your graphics hardware are used. All the rendering for graphics is done in memory by the game and then the graphics processor is just used as a frame buffer to present the image.

Some further checks you can make (get assistance locally if you don't understand this):

All the 3D features of your Graphics Processing Unit need to be set to "application selected" or equivalent wording. SC4 cannot tolerate any of them.

[Mad777 0]

I checked in Catalyst Control Center and under the 3D tabs I verified all "Use applications settings" are selected (I previously click the "defaults" tabs yesterday and it had automatically selected this feature).

How run SimCity 4 in software mode?

  Edited July 8, 2012 by Mad777  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I checked in Catalyst Control Center and under the 3D tabs I verified all "Use applications settings" are selected (I previously click the "defaults" tabs yesterday and it had automatically selected this feature).

How run SimCity 4 in software mode?

In the target of the short cut to the game add the option -d:software to force it. Remember that there must be a space after the final quote of the pathname and the option. If it will help you, here is my command script (Linux doesn't really use short cuts).

"C:/Program Files/Maxis/SimCity 4 Deluxe/Apps/SimCity 4.exe" -intro:off -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 -d:software -CPUcount:1

All on one line, of course.

[Mad777 0]

I tried this as well but still getting the same message

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

This is very unusual. How did you install your game and patches?

[Mad777 0]

like the original CD said, put the 16 digits code, click install, then EP1 is automatically install...

I downloaded the .638 patch, installed it and that's it....nothing unusual as far installations.

  Edited July 9, 2012 by Mad777  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Well, there is something funny about your graphics hardware. Did you try to run in software mode?

This almost sounds like your graphics set up is not correct from a hardware standpoint. Do other graphics intensive programs run? It might be as simple as an improperly seated card. Is your graphics processor a chip set on the mother board to a card seated in a slot? If in a slot, check to make sure that it is seated properly.

The other reason that the game might quit on you at load time is non-accelerated sound. Make sure your sound system is OK.

Oh, and what Graphics Processor Unit are we talking about? I know it is ATI because you mentioned the Catalyst control centre. Do you have the most recent version of the driver?

  Edited July 9, 2012 by A Nonny Moose  

[Mad777 0]

Problem solved!!!!!

Please don't laugh but I'm maybe not the only one to who happened and will quickly share what I did (after a nice night and sleeping well )

During the previous install (long time ago), I didn't paid attention a folder was created with the plugin, regions, and so on (I didn't erase those when I uninstall it and reinstall the game) as personal regions are in it, they are in a separate location --> under users/document/simcity4.

It was as well a file .CFG which it suppose to be in the same location than the game (created date show the last date I attempted to start the game), I moved this file into the main folder and attempt to launch the game with no issue!!!!

thanks for your help and hoping my message was clear enough if other encounter a similar issue...

I've seen people saying changing the video card, or change the motherboard or other solutions involving fees to spend to make it work, but finaly with a simple "free" click it solve my issue.

At least I can enter in the game but still have issue to put the highest graphic settings as it does go out to the desktop with the same message.

Regards

  Edited July 9, 2012 by Mad777  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

From some of what you said, I gather that you've been working in the Program Files section where the game is installed and not in your user directory. In the long run this can be fatal.

The game is set up for use on multi-user machines. The Program Files section is the base for all users. Everyone should work in their own data space for this reason.