Graphics "Blades" and missing intersections

[princeonacastle 2]

Hi guys,

 

Need your help here. I just installed my old copy of Sim City 4 + Rush Hour and tried it on my Windows 8.1. It opened full screen and everything was going fine from the regions down to the landscaping, until I started with the cities:

 

 

It seems there are blades coming from what looks like the direction of shadows. Also, intersections between roads, especially between roads and streets, aren't rendering properly. The worst is when entire buildings like the Coal power plant just disappear (but continue to function). 

 

Please let me know if there's any solution for this. Here's some computer stats:

 

- Windows 8.1

- Intel i3

- 4GB RAM

- 500 GB drive

- 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

- standard video card, nothing special

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

It's a problem with Windows 8.1 and the Intel HD graphics chipset.  Right now the only known solution is to set the game to "Software" rendering mode in the graphics options panel.

 

Note that if you ever install mods, software rendering will not work with any plugins that use HD textures.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

You didn't say, but did you install the known patches (2) after the CD install?

[princeonacastle 2]

You didn't say, but did you install the known patches (2) after the CD install?

 

I haven't yet, sorry  Where do I find them?

 

 

It's a problem with Windows 8.1 and the Intel HD graphics chipset.  Right now the only known solution is to set the game to "Software" rendering mode in the graphics options panel.

 

Note that if you ever install mods, software rendering will not work with any plugins that use HD textures.

 

Thanks! If I install the patches, can I still use Software mode?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Yes. 

 

To access the patches go to SC4Devotion and scroll down to the EA support button in the left frame.  Click it, accept the agreement and follow the links.  You need EP1 for openers.  Then, if you want nightlights for custom content, open the BAT page and take only the patch.  If you don't have them, the Bldgprops_Vol1, _Vol2 are on the Lot Editor page.

 

Be smart, and put these files on your machine in some permanent place, back them up, and you'll have them forever.

 

When you can afford to repurchase the game, go to a vendor site and purchase the digital download, which is all patched and runs without a disk in the drive.  I got mine from GamersGate.  It came complete with instructions on how to capture the install for future use.  If you watch the various sites, you will often find a sale and can pick up the game for about $5.

[NCGAIO 562]

Hi guys, .............

 

.............Please let me know if there's any solution for this. Here's some computer stats:

 

- Windows 8.1

- Intel i3

- 4GB RAM

- 500 GB drive

- 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

- standard video card, nothing special

 

If you want to collaborate with the solution then make a search on the game installation folder for the file ".... config-log.txt" Make a zip and attach in post that containing the following.

Equipment - make / model - (Desktop - Portable)

If OEM. then describe.

Operating System - Version

Virtual Memory - Size enabled

Mother Board - make / model

Processor - make / model

Installed memory - Size / type / Nº sticks

Graphics devices - make / model - Integrated / graphical board

thanks

[princeonacastle 2]

Yes. 

 

To access the patches go to SC4Devotion and scroll down to the EA support button in the left frame.  Click it, accept the agreement and follow the links.  You need EP1 for openers.  Then, if you want nightlights for custom content, open the BAT page and take only the patch.  If you don't have them, the Bldgprops_Vol1, _Vol2 are on the Lot Editor page.

 

Be smart, and put these files on your machine in some permanent place, back them up, and you'll have them forever.

 

When you can afford to repurchase the game, go to a vendor site and purchase the digital download, which is all patched and runs without a disk in the drive.  I got mine from GamersGate.  It came complete with instructions on how to capture the install for future use.  If you watch the various sites, you will often find a sale and can pick up the game for about $5.

 

Thank you Sir   I did a scan of the EP1 for China and it turned out to be a virus, good thing I hadn't installed it. The rest were okay.

 

 

 

Hi guys, .............

 

.............Please let me know if there's any solution for this. Here's some computer stats:

 

- Windows 8.1

- Intel i3

- 4GB RAM

- 500 GB drive

- 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

- standard video card, nothing special

 

If you want to collaborate with the solution then make a search on the game installation folder for the file ".... config-log.txt" Make a zip and attach in post that containing the following.

Equipment - make / model - (Desktop - Portable)

If OEM. then describe.

Operating System - Version

Virtual Memory - Size enabled

Mother Board - make / model

Processor - make / model

Installed memory - Size / type / Nº sticks

Graphics devices - make / model - Integrated / graphical board

thanks

 

 

I'm not seeing this file, sorry...

[NCGAIO 562]

Hi guys,

 

Need your help here. I just installed my old copy of Sim City 4 + Rush Hour and tried it on my Windows 8.1. It opened full screen and everything was going fine from the regions down to the landscaping, until I started with the cities:

The desire to help to who asks is always directly proportional to attention it will provide the help offered.

Has no simple tip in this case so if you resolve that really needs help is good to strive a little more to get it ok!

[Prophet42 1,503]

It seems there are blades coming from what looks like the direction of shadows. Also, intersections between roads, especially between roads and streets, aren't rendering properly. The worst is when entire buildings like the Coal power plant just disappear (but continue to function). 

 

Please let me know if there's any solution for this. Here's some computer stats:

 

 

 

I had the same issue with my new laptop because of the integrated Intel graphics card.  For me adding the -d:OpenGL command switch in the shortcut solved the issue for me. I can run in hardware render mode and can  use BATs and MMPs with HD graphics.

 

My full command line is -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32 -d:OpenGL

 

The CPUCount switch makes sure SC4 only uses 1 CPU.  A game this old doesn't do well with multiple CPU's.  Custom Resolution allows you to change the screen resolution if you need to.  The -rWxHx32 sets the desired resolution.  The -d sets the graphic mode.

 

To set the command line, right click on the shortcut and choose properties.  On the shortcut tab add the command switches at the end of the target line.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

The file in question is in the ...\Maxis\SimCity 4 ...\Apps folder.

 

There are only two EP1 files: One for North America and one for International.  Where did you get one for China?  In any case, an alternate location is on the STEX, here.  I find it hard to believe you found a virus in any file on SC4Devotion.  That site is heavily monitored.

 

The other possibility is that, since the patches are executable files, you virus scanner could be giving you false positives.

[NCGAIO 562]

I had the same issue with my new laptop because of the integrated Intel graphics card.  For me adding the -d:OpenGL command switch in the shortcut solved the issue for me. I can run in hardware render mode and can  use BATs and MMPs with HD graphics.

Unfortunately this option does not work for everyone and depends on what is the machine configuration as well as the version of OGL library installed.

In addition also it's necessary the upgrade game to use of many current options because as has been said the game is on CDs.

However if you want to collaborate a little could do the same procedure suggested above to assess in which cases the OGL solution is working

In this case, thanks in advance.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Quite right.  On my system HD textures are not properly displayed by the OGL option.  Fortunately they work fine in DX.  I do not crash with HD textures in software rendering, but they show the same as with OGL.  I suspect this is because the underlying base of my graphics system is OGL, but the wine interpreter works better (if in mysterious ways).

[princeonacastle 2]

 

Hi guys,

 

Need your help here. I just installed my old copy of Sim City 4 + Rush Hour and tried it on my Windows 8.1. It opened full screen and everything was going fine from the regions down to the landscaping, until I started with the cities:

The desire to help to who asks is always directly proportional to attention it will provide the help offered.

Has no simple tip in this case so if you resolve that really needs help is good to strive a little more to get it ok!

 

 

Putting the graphics under Software rendering mode removed the errors  I hope my request wasn't too demanding, I just didn't know where to find that file...

 

 

The file in question is in the ...\Maxis\SimCity 4 ...\Apps folder.

 

There are only two EP1 files: One for North America and one for International.  Where did you get one for China?  In any case, an alternate location is on the STEX, here.  I find it hard to believe you found a virus in any file on SC4Devotion.  That site is heavily monitored.

 

The other possibility is that, since the patches are executable files, you virus scanner could be giving you false positives.

 

I do suspect that, hehehe. I'm using Norton, which they say is one of the top 3 in terms of pickiness. I definitely don't mind though.

 

The blades and graphics problems are gone but I noticed as I installed the North America one, I got this message:

 

 

What shall I do now? Seems like it's not necessary to do this anymore.

 

It seems there are blades coming from what looks like the direction of shadows. Also, intersections between roads, especially between roads and streets, aren't rendering properly. The worst is when entire buildings like the Coal power plant just disappear (but continue to function). 

 

Please let me know if there's any solution for this. Here's some computer stats:

 

 

 

I had the same issue with my new laptop because of the integrated Intel graphics card.  For me adding the -d:OpenGL command switch in the shortcut solved the issue for me. I can run in hardware render mode and can  use BATs and MMPs with HD graphics.

 

My full command line is -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32 -d:OpenGL

 

The CPUCount switch makes sure SC4 only uses 1 CPU.  A game this old doesn't do well with multiple CPU's.  Custom Resolution allows you to change the screen resolution if you need to.  The -rWxHx32 sets the desired resolution.  The -d sets the graphic mode.

 

To set the command line, right click on the shortcut and choose properties.  On the shortcut tab add the command switches at the end of the target line.

 

 

I haven't tried this one yet, hmm. I'm using only one monitor and my resolution's pretty standard. Will see if the problem persists in the future, thanks!

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

The fact that the game wouldn't update means it's either already updated or something's wrong.  If you got it as a digital download then it is likely already up-to-date.  It won't be updated if you're using CDs; make sure they are authentic, original, and you haven't done anything such as apply a no-CD patch to the game.

[NCGAIO 562]

The fact that the game wouldn't update means it's either already updated or something's wrong.  If you got it as a digital download then it is likely already up-to-date.  It won't be updated if you're using CDs; make sure they are authentic, original, and you haven't done anything such as apply a no-CD patch to the game.

A little more careful reading of the problem reported is sometimes necessary not to be filling the forum with the same often repeated answers that are not magic solution to the problems.

 

I just installed my old copy of Sim City 4 + Rush Hour and tried it on my Windows 8.1. It opened full screen and everything was going fine from the regions down to the landscaping, until I started with the cities:

You are referring to what game installation?

 

SimCity 4 Vanilla plus adjustment Rush Hour or the full version SimCity 4 Deluxe?

 

 

Putting the graphics under Software rendering mode removed the errors  I hope my request wasn't too demanding, I just didn't know where to find that file...

 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps\<name-machine>-config-log.txt

 

 

 

The blades and graphics problems are gone but I noticed as I installed the North America one, I got this message:

What shall I do now? Seems like it's not necessary to do this anymore.

 

 

100% safe

 

investigate the directory where the executable of this game

 

  default above

 

see which version of the file simcity 4.exe and if different from 1.1.638.0 then update EP1 was not installed

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you load the game from CD the two patches are necessary.  To be best of our knowledge there are no disk versions of 1,1,641.  The disk version AFAIK has never been updated since 2003.  However, there are two versions and you must choose the correct version of EP1.  The versions are:

 

1,1,610,0 - North America

1,1,613,0 - International

 

Find the file SimCity 4.exe on the CDs, right click and open the properties panel.  Check the version number to see which one you have.

 

@NCGAIO - It is often necessary to repeat old, tried solutions for new members who haven't read the contents of the site.  Thinking that people read this stuff is rather naive.  As a teacher, I never regret having to repeat something, especially for a new student.

[NCGAIO 562]

@NCGAIO - It is often necessary to repeat old, tried solutions for new members who haven't read the contents of the site.  Thinking that people read this stuff is rather naive.  As a teacher, I never regret having to repeat something, especially for a new student.

 

this is not the point of the question and you know it therefore unnecessary to repeat.

 

@Note: When citing moderation is preferable to do so by the usual method to trigger the notification Ok!

[princeonacastle 2]

If you load the game from CD the two patches are necessary.  To be best of our knowledge there are no disk versions of 1,1,641.  The disk version AFAIK has never been updated since 2003.  However, there are two versions and you must choose the correct version of EP1.  The versions are:

 

1,1,610,0 - North America

1,1,613,0 - International

 

Find the file SimCity 4.exe on the CDs, right click and open the properties panel.  Check the version number to see which one you have.

 

@NCGAIO - It is often necessary to repeat old, tried solutions for new members who haven't read the contents of the site.  Thinking that people read this stuff is rather naive.  As a teacher, I never regret having to repeat something, especially for a new student.

 

Thanks, you've been very helpful Sir 

 

I've checked and it's 1,1,610,0 - North America. Used EP1 and it finally made the update, but NAM for some reason is not recognizing the update. Yes, one roadblock after another, really frustrating. I'm upset   Thanks for being nice because it wasn't like this with the CD I have before, which I bought in the Philippines. The second CD I bought (this time from Hong Kong) after I lost the first one is the one giving these errors, starting to suspect the CD is pirated... sigh. 

 

I'd rather buy SimCity 2013 if I'm gonna buy a new SimCity CD, but I'll need to be familiar with how to make buildings there. 

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Thanks, you've been very helpful Sir 

 

I've checked and it's 1,1,610,0 - North America. Used EP1 and it finally made the update, but NAM for some reason is not recognizing the update. Yes, one roadblock after another, really frustrating. I'm upset   Thanks for being nice because it wasn't like this with the CD I have before, which I bought in the Philippines. The second CD I bought (this time from Hong Kong) after I lost the first one is the one giving these errors, starting to suspect the CD is pirated... sigh. 

 

I'd rather buy SimCity 2013 if I'm gonna buy a new SimCity CD, but I'll need to be familiar with how to make buildings there. 

 

It gets a little more complicated if you're outside of North America.  Make sure you're selecting the correct version of the EP1 Update.  There's 5 versions that correspond to different versions of the game, sold in different regions of the world.  Make sure you're matching the game version and patch version.

 

It also gets complicated, of course, when you have a high risk of buying illegitimate software.  To avoid problems with games in the future I would only order online through major services if I were you; or buy from major retail stores if you have to.  Definitely don't buy second-hand.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

The best answer for you if you are going to repurchase the game is to forget CDs altogether and get a copy of the game by digital download.  It can be had from various vendors like GOG.com.  Unfortunately you can also get it from let's pretend its DRM vendors like Steam and Origin.

 

The version you get should be 1,1,641 which is fully patched and runs without a CD in a drive.

 

If you watch the vendor sites, you may pick this up for as little as $5 U.S.

[Compdude787 916]

I'd rather buy SimCity 2013 if I'm gonna buy a new SimCity CD, but I'll need to be familiar with how to make buildings there. 

 

BTW SC '13 is completely different from SimCity 4. Maxis considered it to be a "reboot" or a "refresh" of the SimCity series, rather than an update to SC4. That explains why they didn't call it SimCity 5, but just "SimCity."