Lots with no buildings

[ZMT123 13]

After installing SimCity 4 on my computer, I brought the cities from my old computer to my new one by burning them on a disk. However, when I load them, most of the cities have plenty of buildings that aren't appearing. The result is a blank, empty lot. When I query over the lot, it tells me that it's zoned land. Any clue as to how I can fix this? 

[Ro-Bo 183]

Do you copy the plugins folder too?

Have you updated you game to atleast version 1.1.638?

Do you have bldgprop_vol1 & bldgprop_vol2 in your plugins folder?

[ZMT123 13]

Do you copy the plugins folder too?

Have you updated you game to atleast version 1.1.638?

Do you have bldgprop_vol1 & bldgprop_vol2 in your plugins folder?

I didn't have those two files in my folder, but I downloaded them. The problem still persists though. I also downloaded the patch already. I didn't copy the plugins folder, but I don't think that's the cause of the problem because cities with no add on buildings have the glitch. I also noticed that buildings and props appear pixelated in the lowest zoom level: 

[Cyclone Boom 17,016]

Thanks for the screenshots. Have you checked the graphic options that "City Detail" is set to medium or high? This is usually reset by installing the game patches, causing props to appear missing.

[ZMT123 13]

Thanks for the screenshots. Have you checked the graphic options that "City Detail" is set to medium or high? This is usually reset by installing the game patches, causing props to appear missing.

Yes, all those options are on either medium or high. 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you are missing any models you will get brown boxes.  However, missing props may just show up as blank areas.  You might have to review all your most recent plugin insertions to check this out.  Try using the windows explorer to sort your plugins by date created, then go from there.

 

There are literally millions of possible combinations and conflicts seem to be occurring more often lately.

[Lost Realist 762]

I'm pretty sure you're probably missing props because you didn't bring your plugin folder over. It's hard to know what buildings grew and whether they were custom content or standard maxis.

[ZMT123 13]

I'm pretty sure you're probably missing props because you didn't bring your plugin folder over. It's hard to know what buildings grew and whether they were custom content or standard maxis

I don't think that's the problem. For many of my cities, including the one pictured, the last time I played them was without any custom buildings downloaded on my game. They're from way back. 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Uh, oh.  Better run dxdiag on your system to see how your multimedia gear is working.  This is beginning to sound like hardware trouble.

[ZMT123 13]

Uh, oh.  Better run dxdiag on your system to see how your multimedia gear is working.  This is beginning to sound like hardware trouble.

Its says no problems were found. Do you want me to post the results? Also, new buildings that grow don't have the missing building glitch. It's only my old cities. 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

No, if it says its OK, that's that.  Now, what version of the game do you have?  If you are not up to at least 1,1,638 build level you may be having problems with bugs.  However there is a thread you should review,

[SimCoug 5,973]

If your buildings are growing normally now, I think you have solved your plugin problem.  Unfortunately the buildings in your 'older' cities will continue to remain as they are until you bulldoze them (AFAIK).  The reason being, when lots grow without the necessary 'prop' files in your plugin folder, they will show up empty on the lots.  Once the lot is grown, it will not retrieve the prop info after the fact - they need to be in your plugin folder when it is built.  You should be able to re-grow the empty lots without any issues though by bulldozing the problem lots.   

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

That's true.  Adding missing props after the fact won't update existing lots.