SC4 installation on Win Vista Business help please?

[Pete4350 9]

Whoops, hang on. It starts for a moment then shuts down.

My dogs are on my case to take them to the park. I'll be off for around 90 minutes. It must be late there in Indiana anyway. It's 3:20pm, Thursday here.

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

One thing to remember is that as your cities get larger there is a bit of a glitch such that Save and Exit to Region and Save and Exit Game can cause the city file to become corrupted. So, while in a city tile, click the Save by itself then click whichever exit you like but select the No Save option.

Also, now you are an expert with that target command line, I like to also add -gp to mine. That makes the Game Pause if you tab out of it. Speaking of which, never, ever tab out of the game while it is saving. That too can corrupt your city files.

1 hour ago, Pete4350 said:

Whoops, hang on. It starts for a moment then shuts down.

My dogs are on my case to take them to the park. I'll be off for around 90 minutes. It must be late there in Indiana anyway. It's 3:20pm, Thursday here.

Yeah, it's 1:30 AM Thursday here.

And I'm not sure what that shutting down thing might be. Hopefully the real experts will have an idea for that.

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

Let's try something. Add -d:DirectX into the target line. I'm not sure that'll help cause it should be defaulting to that anyways. If that doesn't help, you might need to do the other tweaks in the link from @Mister Giggles which is where you edit two more files to tell the game more about your video card and that it is fast.

[Mister Giggles 310]

Could also force the software renderer if that does not work...

-d:Software instead of -d:DirectX.

[Pete4350 9]

Tried both -d:Software & -d:DirectX with the same result. The game now starts but crashes after about 10 to 15 seconds

[rsc204 21,866]

It would perhaps help diagnose the problem if I could see the configuration log SC4 generates. Check in the installation folder, by default C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps, here there should be a file starting YOURCOMPUTERNAME-config-log.txt. Open that and paste here the contents of the first three sections, "Flags, Strings and Numbers", please don't paste the entire file .

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

1 hour ago, rsc204 said:

Open that and paste here the contents of the first three sections, "Flags, Strings and Numbers"

Copy it from your game comp to your internet comp via flash drive.

And you are in good hands now. @rsc204 is one of our experts with the really techy stuff.

[Pete4350 9]

Okay RSC204, here goes:

PETE-071478C544-config-log

 

Log generated on 6/30/2016, 14:21

 

Flags

-----

hardwareDriver = true

DXT = true

fullscreen = true

MMX = true

FPU = true

backingStore = true

forcedFSAA = false

 

trings

-------

userName = Pete

appName = SimCity 4

version = 1.1.610.0

osVersion = Windows NT 5.1

computerName = PETE-071478C544

CPU = GenuineIntel

sglDriverName = DirectX

sglDriverVersion = 2.0

driverName = nv4_disp.dll

driverVersion = 6.14.13.681, GUID: D7B71E3E-4742-11CF-6E73-05250EC2CD35

cardName = NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT 

cardVersion = Vendor: 10de, Device: 0402, Board: 50510de, Chipset: 00a1

cardIdentity = NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT 

soundDriverName = 

soundCardName = Primary Sound Driver

buildType = Release

 

Numbers

-------

cpuSpeed = 2394

memory = 2048

freeMemory = 2048

screenWidth = 1024

screenHeight = 768

screenBPP = 16

videoMemory = 248

textureMemory = 248

textureStages = 8

bogoFPS = 0

bogoMPPS = 0

[Mister Giggles 310]

You're using version 1.1.610.0 (...? I thought you had a digital version). You need to install the patches.

Go here. Accept the agreement. On the next page, you'll want to click on the "SC4 Update( Rush Hour / Deluxe Version)" link. Then you'll want to download and install the SKU 1 update, as that is likely the correct one.

[rsc204 21,866]

So a few observations.

It's unlikely the problem is the videocard. When you set software rendering, the GPU does not function as it usually would. Instead the CPU takes on the task of the GPU. So if the problem persists when using software rendering, you can be sure it's probably not the videocard. Disregard anyone who thinks your hardware is faulty. If your GPU was broken, you'd know, because you wouldn't get CTDs (Crash to Desktop), you'd get BSODs (Blue Screen of Death). That's because any sort of overheating will cause the computer to shut down to protect itself from damage. The other common fault with GPUs is that the memory chips can fail, once more the symptoms are easy to spot. Constant and random garbage pixels showing up here and there.

Whilst I would recommend everyone to install the SC4 Patches, again I seriously doubt this is the cause of continual CTDs. There are plenty of issues with SC4 that were patched, but it's unlikely installing them will make any change.

That's the easy part out of the way, the hard part is tracking down the source of your problems. Just a hunch, but before getting knee-deep into that, I think it's worth checking something. SC4 has been known to have real problems with certain on-board soundcards/drivers. Sometimes it just wants something to be plugged into your Speaker port, but you should try disabling the audio entirely. To do that, simply add -audio:off to the shortcut as an extra command switch. As before make sure each command is separated by a space.

If this doesn't change things, the possibilities get quite large, as such, the more data I have, the better I can target any advice. Just to be absolutely clear on a couple points:

• When EXACTLY does the game crash? If you leave the main screen (Region View) open, does it still crash?
• If you open a city tile and do nothing, does it crash?
• Is there any pattern to the crashing, such as when zooming in/out?
• How is your computer? Are you using it for other tasks or games? Does it have problems like being slow or unstable?

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

6 hours ago, rsc204 said:

How is your computer? Are you using it for other tasks or games? Does it have problems like being slow or unstable?

I'm pretty sure it's a fresh install of XP Pro. This started as an issue trying to get SC4 to run on Vista on the same machine. Pete then formatted the hard drive and went to XP so I'm guessing it's not that in and of itself.

The audio drivers could very well be the culprit since just yesterday Pete updated the video card drivers and we were able to progress much farther. I vote for testing the -audio:off as you suggest as the quick way to test that. If the game then runs fine then go to Dell's Vostro 400 Drivers section and get the audio files (and remove the -audio:off option).

Once the game is runable I do recommend the first game patch previously mentioned for better game play. Also, take out the -d:Software option if that's still in the command line from the other test.

[NCGAIO 562]

Same advice ever ...

For OS after XP is better run SC4 in windowed mode allowing the same resolution also used for desktop well as disable intro and audio

significant changes as the video memory virtualization and implementation of new audio model are repetitive chapters to the game's problems.

For those who want to know more about what the Microsoft was concerned about the release of Vista in addition to getting rid of the problems with the instability of the third-party driver.

 -   A cost analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection Vista

Result:  never simplifying anything but always complicating everything ... exactly - Microsoft!

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

1 hour ago, NCGAIO said:

For OS after XP ...

Fortunately Pete ditched Vista (an OS after XP) and is now running XP Pro so audio should be fine once he gets the driver updates from Dell's site.

[NCGAIO 562]

18 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

Fortunately Pete ditched Vista (an OS after XP) and is now running XP Pro so audio should be fine once he gets the driver updates from Dell's site.

Well ... advice was for all and related to title of the topic and unfortunately not everyone will want to return to XP.

As for changes to the audio implemented from DX9 which is included XP and without extending very SC4 is implemented at DirectSound (audio compatible driver) and thus would be fine if

soundDriverName = XXXXXXX.sys
soundCardName = device identification

does not seem to be the case for this audio driver therefore sound disabled is still good advice if not used CPUCount.

Anyway if works for him is very good.

[Pete4350 9]

G'day people,

Off for the weekend because my wife gave me a "list" or jobs to do, grrrr.

Now, did the "-daudio:off" and away she went. Worked a treat. And because I was sucking down a couple of Corona's, I went bankrupt very quickly.

I remember years ago when a mate of mine and I would play SC2000 (I think it was) for 7 days, and nights, straight. 

Back then we could download a cheat that gave us $1,000,000 to start with. Are there any budget cheats for SC4 like that?

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

1 hour ago, Pete4350 said:

Are there any budget cheats for SC4 like that?

Yes. In game do Crtl-X and then type weaknesspays in the little cyan box that comes up. That gets you $1000. You can do it as many times as you want.

There's also: SimCity 4 Extra Cheats Plugin that has a way to set your total bank account balance in one fell swoop.

Or here's some parks you can place in your city to earn money every month: Money Park

 

 

[Pete4350 9]

Okay, would you believe that after all this mucking around, the game still will not start?

It did start after I did the audio off thing, but now it's a no show.

I click on the desktop icon and nothing happens. I click on "run" and the "play" screen pops up but it still will not start. 

I'm thinking I might buy a mac and try that.

any ideas people? This is a drag......

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

1 hour ago, Pete4350 said:

I'm thinking I might buy a mac and try that.

This would pose limitations if you intend to use custom content or want to load .dlls like the extra cheats or the SC4Fix patch.

Did you update all the other drivers from the Dell website?

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

Hiya. It's me again. One other thing just occurred to me. That being a Dell (which I know my old Dells have this issue) and your model being made in 2007, it could be affected by the Capacitor plague. That can cause all kinds of goofy, unexplainable things to occur.

On my particular model there is the visible symptom when they go bad which is the bulging at the top and gooey stuff oozing out. For me there is a single 1500 μF  electrolytic capacitor that goes bad first. I de-solder it and solder in a new one and then I get about 3 to 4 years of non-problematic use before a whole slew of little ones go bad. At that point I pull the motherboard and drop in another one on which I've fixed the big cap. I have like 20 more of these comps on hand, so I'm good for a long, long while.

Anyhow, it wouldn't hurt to pop open your comp and look for bloated capacitors both on the motherboard and on the video card if it's an add in card in a slot. However, there is a certain type that can go bad from the same problem with no visible signs.

And I firmly believe Windows is still your best choice for SimCity 4. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Pete4350 9]

There was a glimmer of hope a week ago when SC4 started and ran until I shut it down. It ran for about an hour.

i use other games on the computer too such as MS Flight Simulator 2002 and MS FX-X.

They work okay, but getting SC4 to work is a trial.

I've done all you've asked, but it's still a no-goer.

The motherboard was replaced 4 months ago as was the graphics card so if a capacitor has blown, the other games wouldn't work at all I think.

Anyway, I'm going to uninstall SC4 and reinstall it, including the extra info on the "Target" box, and see if that works.

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

1 hour ago, Pete4350 said:

The motherboard was replaced 4 months ago as was the graphics card so if a capacitor has blown, the other games wouldn't work at all I think.

Yeah, I agree those other game wouldn't run well if it were the plague thing causing sc4 troubles.

Were the replacements an exact match of those boards or an upgrade to something else? I ask cause if it was an upgrade the drivers on the Dell site I linked to before prolly are not the ones you'd want.

[Pete4350 9]

Well, I uninstalled and reinstalled SC4 and guess what? It's a goer. All good, but it doesn't fill the entire screen, but working so excellent!!

[rsc204 21,866]

You know where you put the commands for running on a single core etc. Check if you added an -w (windowed mode), in there somewhere. If so, change it to -f, otherwise simply add the command, then it will run in full screen mode once more.

[CorinaMarie 29,894]

1 hour ago, Pete4350 said:

... working so excellent!!

Woot! I'm glad to hear this. It was getting so frustrating since it should've worked before. So, here's my guess: The sequence we went thru with installing video card drivers after the fact might have been the cause. Like when you reinstalled they were in place and the game installation made the correct choices this 2nd time around.

Tweaking the screen size of the game should now be child's play in comparison.

[rsc204 21,866]

2 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

Like when you reinstalled they were in place and the game installation made the correct choices this 2nd time around.

The game auto-detects your GPU every time you launch it, so re-installation would not have been required to correctly identify it.