SimCity 4 Deluxe won't run

[The Looking Glass 0]

Hello. I have recently installed SimCity 4 Deluxe on my new Asus laptop (came with Windows 8.1 pre-installed), but it won't start. I was actually having trouble just trying to start the installation a few days ago, as nothing would happen when I inserted Disc 1. The PC would recognize it and it would show up in the drive folder, but clicking it resulted in nothing - setup, autoplay, nothing worked. Run as administrator and compatibility modes did nothing either. I simply restarted the computer later, and then it worked and began installing immediately. I had no problems after that, inserted Disc 2 when needed, and it finished installing and the game even started on its own.

 

But now, when I insert Disc 2 and try to run the game - nothing happens, again. The PC recognizes the disc and knows it's there, but autoplay won't work, run as administrator won't work, compatibility mode doesn't work, and the rungame.exe file does absolutely nothing. After attempting to start the game, I checked the Task Manager to see what processes it showed - nothing related to SimCity 4 shows up at all. So I restarted the computer several times, since that worked with the installation, but it doesn't do anything this time. Occasionally, when I try to start the game using compatibility mode, this message instantly pops up:

 

 

Troubleshooting does nothing. I've searched all over online for solutions, but none have worked. This game started up a few days ago immediately following the installation (although there was some odd graphics glitch, but looking around I see this problem is common when running SC4 on newer computers and is fixable), so I know it is capable of running on this computer. What should I do?

[Prophet42 1,501]

What directory did the game install in?  I am not familiar with Windows 8.1, but did the game install in the Program Files (x86) directory.  If it did try installing it a different directory that you create - like Program Files-Games.

 

Also, I am assuming you are trying to start the game with either the shortcut the game created or by SimCity 4.exe.  SimCity 4.exe will be found in the App folder under the SimCity 4 Deluxe file.  If the shortcut is not working, check the target and make sure it is pointing to the appropriate location for the SimCity 4.exe file.

[The Looking Glass 0]

The game installed in the Downloads folder. Clicking the SimCity4.exe file doesn't do anything either.

 

I've found a solution for now - I downloaded and installed the SC4 Launcher, found in the STEX and it works perfectly. I played SC4 just earlier, but there is still the graphical glitch so I will need to find out how to fix that.

[NCGAIO 562]

Always worth remembering that the original CD versions of SC4 suffer from problems at launch due to some systems that randomly does not allow the execution of the file "~ e5d141.tmp" to check (SafeDisk).

 

So it is always recommendable to include simcity 4.exe as not to be checked in any system of protection.

 

Try running the file with the process manager on top and make sure that after the simcity 4.exe also starts running the ~ e5d141.tmp.

 

If it appears, then the two are finished you may need to avoid Any checks of the executable.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you loaded from disk you also need the two bug fix patches found here.  This is a safe, moderated site.

 

Open the link, and run down the left side to the EA support button, and click it.  Accept the agreement and follow the links to the EP1 fix first and the update for night lights second.  Both are executables and must be run.

 

Your game should move from 1,1,610 to 1,1,638 then to 1,1,640.

 

These fixes are needed to allow you to properly use custom content.

 

All this could have been avoided by purchasing the digital download version from an authorized vendor.  You would than have version 1,1,641 which runs without a disk in the drive and is fully patched.

[The Looking Glass 0]

 

Always worth remembering that the original CD versions of SC4 suffer from problems at launch due to some systems that randomly does not allow the execution of the file "~ e5d141.tmp" to check (SafeDisk).

 

So it is always recommendable to include simcity 4.exe as not to be checked in any system of protection.

 

Try running the file with the process manager on top and make sure that after the simcity 4.exe also starts running the ~ e5d141.tmp.

 

If it appears, then the two are finished you may need to avoid Any checks of the executable.

 

 

Nothing shows up in processes when I attempt to run the game.

 

If you loaded from disk you also need the two bug fix patches found here.  This is a safe, moderated site.

 

Open the link, and run down the left side to the EA support button, and click it.  Accept the agreement and follow the links to the EP1 fix first and the update for night lights second.  Both are executables and must be run.

 

Your game should move from 1,1,610 to 1,1,638 then to 1,1,640.

 

These fixes are needed to allow you to properly use custom content.

 

All this could have been avoided by purchasing the digital download version from an authorized vendor.  You would than have version 1,1,641 which runs without a disk in the drive and is fully patched.

 

I did as you posted, however it still won't start. And it says that it failed to update Graphics Rules.sgr because it could not be found, even though it's right there in the Maxis folder with the rest of the files that updated/patched successfully. I'm relying on SC4 Launcher to start the game now.

 

So my problem now is the graphics glitch, everything is jacked-up-looking when I play a city or region. I didn't have this problem on Windows 7. I've had the SC4 Deluxe disc for years, so I don't really see the point in purchasing online.

[The Looking Glass 0]

Running SC4 Launcher with the "Software rendering" option checked eliminates the graphics problem. For now I'm going to mark this as fixed. Thank you all for your comments.

[NCGAIO 562]

Good to know you solved your problems.

 

However here are some points just for record aiming at any visualizations of people interested.

 

 

Based on what has been said your game is on CDs and already has many years then  I can ensure that the file  mentioned before must be present in order for the game to run.

 

 

 

Original old copies of the game sold regularly on CD

are protected by SafeDisk and not run if this process is not active.

 

The file Graphics Rules.sgr is by default  read-only ( copies of the CD file - old problem known )   possible reason for their problems depending of privileges

 

"Software Rendering" option checked Eliminates the graphics problem. "-

 

Unfortunately can not be taken as absolute truth because it just makes the 3d rendering be performed by the processor with consequent loss and some restrictions when in fact the problem is the compatibility of some drivers.

 

Maybe be more consistent putting that use rendering software option allows play without the graphics problems caused by faults in the drivers of graphics hardware.

 

So although you're satisfied for now is good stay attentive to  new solutions.

[DLMansfield88 0]

how do I turn off SafeDisk?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

You don't.  If the library is not present, you can't run from the CD.  You have some choices:

1.  Run from XP.

2.  Run from any edition after XP (Vista to 8.1) by removing update KB3086255

3.  Obtain a digital copy of the game (you should be able to get a free copy from Origin on proof of ownership).  This version does not use Safedisk.

4.  Run the game under Linux using wine.

This issue has been around for some time.  I suggest you look at the relevant pinned threads in this forum (above) for various other discussions.

[Ro-Bo 183]

 

 

Read the 1st post of this thread:Windows Update KB3086255 blocks SC4 from starting

[satria sandman 30]

On 11/11/2014 at 5:25 AM, NCGAIO said:

Good to know you solved your problems.

 

However here are some points just for record aiming at any visualizations of people interested.

 

 

Based on what has been said your game is on CDs and already has many years then  I can ensure that the file  mentioned before must be present in order for the game to run.

 

 

 

Original old copies of the game sold regularly on CD

are protected by SafeDisk and not run if this process is not active.

 

The file Graphics Rules.sgr is by default  read-only ( copies of the CD file - old problem known )   possible reason for their problems depending of privileges

 

"Software Rendering" option checked Eliminates the graphics problem. "-

 

Unfortunately can not be taken as absolute truth because it just makes the 3d rendering be performed by the processor with consequent loss and some restrictions when in fact the problem is the compatibility of some drivers.

 

Maybe be more consistent putting that use rendering software option allows play without the graphics problems caused by faults in the drivers of graphics hardware.

 

So although you're satisfied for now is good stay attentive to  new solutions.

Hai can someone help me when i start simcity4.exe "i look at my task manager" those 2 program will automatically close

Simcity4.exe and ~e5d141.tmp

Can anyone help me please :'(

[rsc204 21,808]

All windows versions from Vista, including 7, 8.x, will have received an update that disables the driver required by the SC4 (and many other) game disks, which validates the on-disk DRM. In short, you will be able to run the disks to install SC4, but attempting to run the game will make the screen go black briefly before returning to the desktop, without any error message.

If you are using Windows 10, there is no easy method to restore this functionality, but for older versions of Windows, there are a number of solutions you can use to work-around it:

Note also that the digital editions are unaffected by this problem, buying such a version is the recommended solution for those using Windows 10.

[jeffryfisher 2,176]

14 hours ago, rsc204 said:

digital editions are unaffected by this problem, buying such a version is the recommended solution for those using Windows 10

Simtropolis gets a kickback if you use its link to buy from GoG, but I don't know where it is. Maybe @CorinaMarie can repost it.

[CorinaMarie 29,605]

3 hours ago, jeffryfisher said:

Maybe @CorinaMarie can repost it.

She can.

GoG Digital Version of SimCity 4

[TheTimvh1 873]

Yeah, my own physical copy suddenly stopped working last night.  At first I thought maybe it was some issues with new files being incompatible with my older system, but replacing them with older versions of the same files did nothing to resolve the issue.  Then I thought perhaps it was due to my computer being at near-max memory capacity, but even after deleting a ton of files it didn't work.  So I decided to uninstall it and see if maybe restarting the computer and reinstalling it might do the trick, but once I got past the 20 digit code input the installation errored out and now I'm stuck with an unplayable copy of my game, not even able to reinstall it to my hard drive.

Of course, the issue could also have something to do with my computer being a stone age piece of junk, still on XP in order to ensure continued usage of my game, and it's very possible that wear and tear over decades has lead to memory leakage issues among other things that only ever happen when your computer is reaching (and probably well beyond at this point) the end of it's projected useable lifespan.

And for the record, I do have a second, newer computer that's on Windows 10, but as everyone knows, Windows 10 seems to really hate old physical copies of games like SimCity 4, and unfortunately, I currently cannot afford my own internet (currently using a library computer, and occasionally my android), and so obtaining a new digital copy via Steam or some other online store is currently out of the question for me.

Anyways, any feedback, clues or ideas on what might be going on, as well as any mention of a fix, if such a thing is even possible without having to completely abandon ship in regards to my ancient fossil of a computer, would be greatly appreciated.

[rsc204 21,808]

Most likely causes are either damaged disks, they don’t last forever, perhaps an  old disc drive struggling to read them, made worse if the disks too are degraded. A new DVD drive is like $20-$30 and will have an easier time in any case.

Its possible too the Hard Drive is going bad, leading to disk errors and an inability to write data.

Since you have a newer computer, see if it can install from the disks. Sure that won’t then run, but the install should work. That way you know if the discs are good. Then if you can maybe scrounge an external USB Disc drive from someone, you could use that with your old PC just to install the game.

I’ll add, most serious hardware problems result in a computer that won’t turn on or boot or that is extremely unstable. Sure an XP machine is old, but computer stuff is generally very well made and even if some part did break, you can probably source a cheap replacement because no one wants bits from this era.