Reasons for game problems with windows 8.1

[NCGAIO 562]

As this would lead to a long post are cited  the various links to the threads of forums that provide an exposition of what is happening so to understand the subject better just read the given links or go to final suggestion to try a solution 
 
Are numerous complaints about the malfunctioning of games on Win 8.1 as can be seen here 
 
- http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/search/search?SearchTerm=GAME%20PERFORMANCE&CurrentScope.ForumName=Windows&CurrentScope.Filter=windows8_1-gaming&page=1 
 
To SC4 is important  two aspects which are the changes of the new WDDM 1.3 regarding DirectD 9 and their effects on the new graphics drivers as well as the question of the integrated Intel graphic drivers.
 
- http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn449221
 
The question of the hardware drivers is a matter of some controversy but it seems really comes from both partners involved in the case.
 
This topic shows the development of  complaints about leaking memory on Win 8.1 to play on Full screen mode using different screen resolutions for the desktop and  game and also points to different solutions
 
- https://communities.intel.com/thread/49139?start=0&tstart=0 -
 
This situation seems now recognized in part on forum MIcrosoft according to this link
 
- http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-gaming/error-when-running-games-your-computer-is-low-on/eb9ea944-bc56-435a-b89f-f7752d11a091
 
As seems that  situation  does not happen in windowed mode with same resolution  read this solution has already been mentioned on this forum 
 
- 
 
In Intel foruns the responsability about problems seems pushed to Windows 8.1
 
- https://communities.intel.com/message/236827#236827
note : worth reading from start
 
Although under this analize most problems are really with drivers intel graphic 
 
- https://communities.intel.com/docs/DOC-22579#comment-13477
 
Remember that even users that have discrete graphics card in portable equipment are subject to problem with integrated Intel graphic drivers and  here there is a discussion about this
 
- 
note: worth reading from start 
 
So to try the most suitable solution while not exist any official position
would be useful a update the Win 8.1 (if the automatic update have not already done) by following this link 
 
- http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/install-latest-update-windows-8-1
 
After  the update of windows install SC4 using the  XP compatible mode  as described in this link 
 
- http://windows.microsoft.com/pt-br/windows-8/older-programs-compatible-version-windows 
 
The intel 4000 family users can try use  old drivers as cited in previous post about the discussion of the problem or mentioned in this post 
 
- https://communities.intel.com/message/233896 # 233896 

 

Remember that a automatic Win8.1 update  can try install again the current drivers

 

- https://communities.intel.com/message/235799#235799 

note: worth reading from start 
 
Others can use to run the game in windowed mode as mentioned above until there is a solution to the problem ... when both would be  speaking  the same thing , of course!

[Compdude787 916]

Oh, I didn't even consider that maybe I should try running SC4 in Windowed mode to see if that fixes the graphics problems. I'm going to try that and see if it works.

 

EDIT: Running it in Windowed mode didn't fix my problem.

[NCGAIO 562]

Use windowed mode as indicated in the post and If your machine uses Intel integrated graphics recommend reading the indicated links.

 

What is your specific problem?

[Compdude787 916]

I've described my problem in other threads. Take a look at in particular; the graphics problems I'm having are similar to the ones that the OP is having. (although he said he was running Windows 7, most of the problems are happening with Windows 8.1. I think he was having the problem because he updated his graphics drivers)

 

From looking at the second link you posted, I've come to the conclusion that the updated version of WDDM that's included in Win8.1 made some changes to rendering in Direct3D 9, and that may be messing things up in SC4. Solution: reformat the hard drive and install Windows 7, the best version of Windows ever made.

[NCGAIO 562]

Clearly this is a good solution but unfortunately is not available to everyone. 

 

In some places like here in Brazil some companies may not cover equipment warranty if the OS is changed and this is not an adequate solution for those who have simple knowledge about the use of your hardware. 

 

Also might not be a good idea to replace the OS just to play games if the equipment is new and does not have this as their main purpose. 

 

Anyway I think you can try some of the solutions discussed in the post before leaving win8.1 seen that has worked for some though only soften the problems and does not eliminate them.

[Compdude787 916]

Just quoting one post, but I split it up to respond to certain points raised.
 

Clearly this is a good solution but unfortunately is not available to everyone. 
 
In some places like here in Brazil some companies may not cover equipment warranty if the OS is changed and this is not an adequate solution for those who have simple knowledge about the use of your hardware.

Why is this even a concern? A manufacturer's warranty (or equipment warranty, whatever you want to call it) does not cover the OS (or any software, for that matter) anyway because PC manufacturers do not make the OS; they only install it on there for you. Therefore it's not their problem. The point of the manufacturer's warranty is to guarantee that if the hardware stops working within a certain amount of time after the date of purchase, (usually one year) they will repair or replace the defective part free of charge. Changing the OS is a software change that will NOT damage your hardware under any circumstance. Changing OS's usually requires doing a clean install (reformatting your hard drive) and that requires a moderate level of computer knowledge and an external hard drive to back up all your data.
 

Also might not be a good idea to replace the OS just to play games if the equipment is new and does not have this as their main purpose.

Can you please elaborate on why you think it's a bad idea to change the OS just to play games? Why does it matter what OS I use on my computer? Oftentimes, older versions of Windows would have better performance on a computer because MS always adds more bloat to Windows with each new version. Just compare the requirements for available hard drive space for XP and Vista if you don't believe me.
 

Anyway I think you can try some of the solutions discussed in the post before leaving win8.1 seen that has worked for some though only soften the problems and does not eliminate them.

I actually have tried reverting to an older graphics driver but that didn't help either. Believe me, I've tried quite a few things to fix this, short of changing the OS. I wouldn't have upgraded to Windows 8.1 if I'd known that SC4's graphics would be messed up. There's nothing I would miss about Windows 8 or 8.1 if I went back to Win7. Windows 7 is still the best.

[NCGAIO 562]

Ok! but the intention here is to inform about problems and workarounds for Windows 8.1.

All points mentioned are clearly explained in the post and more specifically the fact that there are vendors who refuse to cover warranty if the OS is changed and this happens regardless of your opinion of this fact

Returning to the problem ... try install the driver quoted in the last link with the upgraded system and the game installed in compatibility mode.

[Compdude787 916]

Ok! but the intention here is to inform about problems and workarounds for Windows 8.1.

All points mentioned are clearly explained in the post and more specifically the fact that there are vendors who refuse to cover collateral if the OS is changed and this happens regardless of your opinion of this fact

Returning to the problem ... try install the driver quoted in the last link with the upgraded system and the game installed in compatibility mode.

Alright, I get what you mean about this thread being about trying to get SC4 to work in Win8.1. I would also prefer sticking with 8.1 unless there's no other way to fix it. So far the only thing that can solve this graphics issue is to switch from hardware rendering to software rendering, but that prevents you from using any custom content with HD props/textures. BTW I had updated my driver to the latest version previously, (which is what was suggested in the forum post that you linked to) and that didn't work at all either. It was only today that I decided to try and go back to an earlier version of the graphics driver, to see if that would work, which it didn't.

[NCGAIO 562]

So let's see ... this is a complex situation because it refers to a multitude of variables with respect to the type of hardware and drivers used and precisely why I posted the links to not summarize it to a single " saving option " since it does not exist. .. at least for now. 

 

And until a short time ago seems that was more easier to refer a problems incompatibility of old software or specific drivers provided by the equipment manufacturer. 

 

- 8.1 dont like old games graphic issues with many people ?

 

Well... what was suggested is not just changing the driver to then check if the problem was solved but a sequence of steps to assist the solution then would be useful to follow them as well as try the tips given in the other links. 

 

Here are tips for who want  to try a solution and are having trouble to swap drivers.

 

- https://communities.intel.com/docs/DOC-22542

- http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/CS-022355.htm

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Good luck with this. 

 

Everyone knows that the time is coming when 32-bit support will be effectively dropped (Windows 9? 10?) and that will put paid to SimCity 4 Deluxe unless EA recompiles it for 64-bit (probably a big task if it is to include the published patches).  No bug fixing, just a recompile with the patches to a new, diskless version say 1,1,642.  This would give new life to this ancient bit of very good code.

 

Considering that there are still millions of SC4 deluxe players around the world, and the recent failure and retreat of many from SC2013 this might turn out to be a real revenue maker for EA.  It would carry the franchise forward with little effort compared to creating a new game, and many (me, for instance) would happily pay for a working 64-bit version.  I'd even pay a premium if it were ported to native Linux format.

[Forsma7 1,325]

I've read em mostly but dunno if it would appliable with my laptop since I've tried similar stuff and got no luck :\ :

 

Intel Core i5 3230m 2.6ghz

Intel HD 4000m + AMD Radeon 7670m 1gb  (most problem I see is with Intel+Nvidia card)

DDR3 4gb

Windows 8.1 64bit

 

here's the problem I got http://puu.sh/98YiM.jpg

as you see the graphic got corrupted (not only in sc4 but also with LE) and very laggy (Sc4 not using the AMD card) while I can got 30-40 fps in TS3 with high settings.

I've tried to render in software, windowed mode, reinstalling graphic driver (both AMD and Intel) etc but no luck...

 

any help will be appreciated

 

edit: some other pictures:

http://puu.sh/8Dx8b

http://puu.sh/98Yfw

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Well the "ride off in all directions" problem is a pathfinding problem that tends to settle down after some Sim-time has passed on my system.  I don't get it very often. 

 

I have an AMD780 chip set supported only by X-org's default driver - Gallium 0.4.  Come to think of it, I haven't had that in a while.  I am running Ubuntu 14.04 with wine-1.7.19 in Windows 7 decor.

 

You might find a remedy by using the custom installation option for the NAM and not loading the things you don't use.  Will result in a smaller, faster controller especially if you drop RHW (if you are not using it).  With version 32 of the NAM the controller is customized.

[cristenyoon79 1]

I had a terrible time trying to get SC4 to work on windows 8.1, but I finally managed to get it work. I am not saying this is THE solution, I am just offering what finally worked for me. I am still really new at this game, so bear with me. I downloaded the SC4 launcher, set it to: 

 

autosave-enabled

graphics-direct x

audio-all disabled

game-skip intro

cpu-1 core, high

 

Now I am not sure which is the one that finally made it run, but since I found out that I do not have an onboard sound card and disabled the audio, I am betting that one did it.(it was thing i did different right before it started working.)

 

Anyway, I spent several days trying EVERYTHING (getting more and more angry!), and I thought I would share the simple solution that nobody has mentioned yet in all the pages of possible solutions I read.

 

Hope this helps somebody!

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you had to turn off the audio, I'd suspect something awry there.  I don't think 8.1 can load DirectX 9.0c which is needed for SC4.  Try running with the audio on and see if you crash on loading.

 

Also, you should run dxdiag to check your audio hook up.  The game won't run normally without accelerated audio connected to output devices.

[CapTon 592]

Please attempt to do the following if you are having Windows 8 or 8.1 SC4 problems:

 

1. Go to your SC4 properties (can be found by right-clicking on your SC4 desktop icon and selecting Properties)

2. Click on "Compatibility" (can be found in the navigation bar at the top)

3. There will be a dropdown menu. It will say Windows 8. Click on the small dropdown button and select Windows 7 from the list.

4. Click the "Apply" button at the bottom. Then click "OK".

 

You may still have a graphic problem or two, but the game should work just fine after that.

[cristenyoon79 1]

Well, ok, so i tried running it with the sound enabled, and it did not crash this time. So I really don't know how i got it to work! Also ran dxdiag, all it says is "no sound was found". I have another problem now, though-the graphics are "glitchy"(?), they are terrible, Fine at first but after a little times goes by menu starts disappearing, or custom content becomes  black and/or fades in and out. Any suggestions? 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Try an earlier version of your graphics drivers.