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[Lamude 16]

Hi all,only just joined as I've just got back to playing SC4 after years.Didn't use mods before,always never enough room especially as I like to terraform.But now I've spent the last week with mod fever and found out how to make a large customain region with all big square,at last,and the NAM is brilliant,what used to take me months I can do in a week and all cities profitable (although I've deleted all the first lot ready to start on a large canvas with 100 large grids,lol,think I've got most of the snags sorted now and hope my pc doesn't crash

[Toby Ferrian 875]

3 hours ago, Lamude said:

Hi all,only just joined as I've just got back to playing SC4 after years.Didn't use mods before,always never enough room especially as I like to terraform.But now I've spent the last week with mod fever and found out how to make a large customain region with all big square,at last,and the NAM is brilliant,what used to take me months I can do in a week and all cities profitable (although I've deleted all the first lot ready to start on a large canvas with 100 large grids,lol,think I've got most of the snags sorted now and hope my pc doesn't crash

I think you might be looking for this thread:

In any case, welcome to Simtropolis 

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

@Lamude

Welcome to Simtropolis!

I've split your post off into its own topic as it really didn't fit as a reply to the MySim's one. (No worries about that. It can be confuzzling at first what goes where and we staff can fix those up with a few mouse clicks.)

 

3 hours ago, Lamude said:

Didn't use mods before,always never enough room especially as I like to terraform.

Maps and terraforming have been a passion of mine since I started playing the game about 3 years ago so I fully understand the joy of this part. I, too, held off on getting very many mods until I found good reasons to have them.

Anyhow, we're glad to have you here and if you have questions, feel free to ask.

[Cyclone Boom 17,032]

Hi @Lamude and welcome back to the game, and now as a new member to the site.

 

4 hours ago, Lamude said:

I've got most of the snags sorted now and hope my pc doesn't crash

To help with game stability on modern systems, there is one useful tip by using the -CPUcount:1 command line parameter. This sets the game to use a single processor core, and seeing as SC4 was originally designed for older CPUs, this can prevent needless crashes from occurring.

This can be done by opening your shortcut properties, and adding it at the end of the "Target" line.

As follows:

 

Then just remember to start SC4 each time using this, and it'll ensure the command is applied. There's also a range of other possible options as this list documents. If using a digital based game such as from GOG or Steam, look for a "Launch Options" field to add and commands, separating each with a space and starting using a hyphen.

For instance my full "Target" field contains:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32 -f -intro:off -CPUcount:1

Describing from left to right as highlighted (the order doesn't matter):

1. Enables a custom resolution to be set.
2. Defines the width, height and colour depth of my custom resolution.
3. Runs the game in full screen mode.
4. Disables the game's intro loading sequence.
5. Forces a single core to be used at all times.

 

It sounds like you've made a great start already with custom content, and we hope you enjoy it here at Simtropolis.

[tfcjohn 4]

Ok so late yesterday night the game kept crashing like every 25-35 secs so I did some "soul searching" and started to get rid of possible plugins that might be the cause mostly (plops) since I don't see them in my drop downs in game for some odd reason :/.... so one by one i got rid of them and then it was effecting rodas/signs/SOME light poles?? yada yada yada... then my rail way system was "cloaked" drop boxes were back but the game would last about 1min before crash..... I tryed the -d and cpu count on my desk top before the plug in purge and after the plug in purge but the game would not open and even on Origin doing the same it would not open... it would only open if I did not put the commands in? 

 

I tryed to nuked the game off my comp re-install but when loading into main page I still see my old city with the same issues? I tryed cleaning orign cache but I guess not? Version of game was 1.16 or summtin like that but I know there was a "6" in it.

 

I dont mind paying for the other platform of the game for $26 if that version gives much better results! 

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

40 minutes ago, tfcjohn said:

Version of game was 1.16 or summtin like that but I know there was a "6" in it.

Typical version numbers if I'm remembering correctly:

• 1.1.610.0 - Original disc version with Rush Hour or Deluxe (and Origin digital if the borked version)
• 1.1.638.0 - Disc version with EP1 patch installed
• 1.1.640.0 - Disc version with EP1 and Nightlights patches installed
• 1.1.641.0 - Fully patched digital versions

[rsc204 21,868]

1 hour ago, tfcjohn said:

I dont mind paying for the other platform of the game for $26 if that version gives much better results! 

Don't waste money on another copy if you think it will solve the crashes, it won't. Although if you don't have at least v1.1.638.0, then you've a broken game without the official patch.

[tfcjohn 4]

@CorinaMarie

1.1.610.0

 

 

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

7 minutes ago, tfcjohn said:

1.1.610.0

That means almost no mod or bat or lot or the NAM will work with it.

Try the game with your Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins folder totally empty and that should eliminate the crashes. This is just an interim test to show that your graphics card is playing nice with the game. Check that you have hardware rendering enabled and set all the details to high. And you'll still want to use the -CPUCount:1 for this.

Once we know if that runs fine without crashing that indicates your comp and the game will play nice with each other. At that point I would then suggest getting the Gog version of the game. (Waiting for the next sale if the amount of money is a concern.)

[tfcjohn 4]

Ok so everything in plugins is empty... Launch game after a re-install but my old city is still there? If you delete the game off the system why would my old city still be there? 

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

When uninstalling the game I believe there will be an option to either keep your created cities or not. Those reside in the Documents\SimCity 4\Regions folder. Or, if that's not an option then it apparently just leaves your regions and cities intact. (I've never uninstalled the game myself.)

For the test just create a new region and play there for a while.

[tfcjohn 4]

Ok so far so good..... One thing I notice is that when I alt tab out and re tab in the game doesn't glitch with jumping screen.... New region is so far working.... A few plugins are still in menu which is odd since i cleared that folder..... But so far no crash... going to work it a few more hours and see what happens.

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

43 minutes ago, tfcjohn said:

A few plugins are still in menu which is odd since i cleared that folder.....

That does seem odd. Keep in mind there are actually two Plugins folders. One in Documents\SimCity 4 and one in the installation folder. Almost always you want to use the one in Documents.

[tfcjohn 4]

22 minutes ago, CorinaMarie said:

That does seem odd. Keep in mind there are actually two Plugins folders. One in Documents\SimCity 4 and one in the installation folder. Almost always you want to use the one in Documents.

Ok Doc is where they were lol... cleared them so that means all should be at stock!

 

Now the NAM file wont load since i am using the "older" version" BUT before all this mumbo jumbo it was working... So I am running a stock version with the extra cash mod plugin in so i can build the city up and see what happens with any crashes. If all goes well I think the gog version will be the option best for me.

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

Sounds good. And just to satisfy my curiosity, do you have the -CPUCount:1 in your start up line?

[tfcjohn 4]

Yes all works for now lol

 

Cross fingers!!

 

 

[rsc204 21,868]

9 hours ago, tfcjohn said:

Now the NAM file wont load since i am using the "older" version" BUT before all this mumbo jumbo it was working

As stated, Origin/EA have a curious way of handling the sale of SC4. At some point you would have had the patched version, but then an update took the patches away. This was then fixed when the community managed to get some press to take notice and shame EA to act. Then they reverted again to distributing the unpatched version, it's a real joke.

The worst part is that rather than engage with customers, their support teams will just deny the problem. In some cases confusing official patches with third party mods, which they are anything but. In fact, some customers will get the patched version, others will not. That two different versions exist, should be enough to tell someone there is a problem.

As a customer, getting hold of the patched version is probably not a realistic proposition, but if you bother them (Origin support) enough, they will refund the purchase. But, you have to be seriously tenacious and refuse to give in, citing that the game they sold you is inferior to the one others are selling. And broken because patches released officially 15 years ago are neither included or able to be installed.

The NAM will refuse to install if you don't have the EP1 patch, simply because without it, we were getting inundated with support issues caused simply be the lack of having a properly updated game.

[Lamude 16]

Thanks for the advice cyclone,but after spending a few hours carefully terrace forming,which worked fine,I save and go to regional view and all that can be seen are the zones and roads,no buildings showing on regional view but are there when I go to city view.Maybe ille haveto just start all again and reinstal everything,don't think industrial revolutions is working properly but not sure.Is this a known bug I've never had it before ?

[Cyclone Boom 17,032]

26 minutes ago, Lamude said:

I save and go to regional view and all that can be seen are the zones and roads,no buildings showing on regional view but are there when I go to city view.

To me that sounds like you may have inadvertently toggled the Transportation Map view.

As follows:

Try changing this back to Satellite View and it'll show the city tile previews as normal.

These get updated upon saving a city, and they're snapshot PNG images embedded within each saved file.

Speaking of saving, a recommended way to do so is via a 2-step process. First Save (Ctrl+S), and only once the success dialog pops up after a few seconds, then exit to Region or Quit the game. This helps to ensure the process can complete, and sometimes if exiting and saving it can cause city tile corruption because the data doesn't get written properly. Saving and exiting is potentially more problematic on large cities with lots of custom content installed (since there's more data to write). The tile is likely unrecoverable should this happen, and so it's well worth taking the extra precaution. Also while a save is ongoing, it's best not to switch focus to another program as that can also cause similar issues due to interruption.

I've been meaning to release a little mod which renames the save dialog and prevents the 1-step options from being used.

Like so:

(That way preventing the top option from being used.)

[Lamude 16]

Damn didn't think of that,will check when I get back from work ,I never use the transportation map lolcertainly,sounds like that might be it,still rusty as only just got back to playing,must be about 12 or so years since I last played.Thanks again

[Lamude 16]

And no I didn't not have my CPU count to 1,but will do when I restart tonight,so thanks for the good advice Corina Marie and cyclone boom,lucky I've only just started back and ille appreciate any other helpful tips too ...many thanks

[Lamude 16]

It's official ime a proper numpty,had the transportation map on was all it was.I spent hours yesterday wiping cities starting again,then tried creating new regions and built on those,took our the most recently installed mods,was on the verge of uninstaling/reinstalling lol as I was so sure I had done somethinges wrong...

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

I'm glad to hear things are working out. Anytime you have a weird situation like this just let us know. We've all gotten confuzzled over one thing or another and then there's someone who knows an answer.

[Lamude 16]

7 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

I'm glad to hear things are working out. Anytime you have a weird situation like this just let us know. We've all gotten confuzzled over one thing or another and then there's someone who knows an answer.

Thanks for feedback,could not find the tab shortcut to take my CPU count to 1.When I click properties on the shortcut icon,I only get General,Web documents,security and details showing as options in the box,am running Windows 8 maybe that has something to do with it

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

6 hours ago, Lamude said:

Thanks for feedback,could not find the tab shortcut to take my CPU count to 1.When I click properties on the shortcut icon,I only get General,Web documents,security and details showing as options in the box,am running Windows 8 maybe that has something to do with it

I'm not familiar with Win 8, but I'd guess it would be similar. Can you post a screenshot of what you are seeing? Maybe we can figure it out from there.

[Lamude 16]

HI CorinaMarie, Iletc send a screens hot as soon as I can,cannot at the moment as ime at work,thanks for response

[Lamude 16]

Just checked out the problem on Google, it advises if you have issues with the desktop shortcut and recommends SC4 launcher,I've not got that,so maybe that will help?

[Duco 546]

On 18-2-2019 at 1:49 PM, Cyclone Boom said:

First Save (Ctrl+S),

Sorry for the interruption, but do you think that saving with the save button in the menu and then leaving the game without saving, or CTRL+s and then leaving without saving, makes a different? Do you prefer CRTL+s or is there no difference?

[CorinaMarie 29,917]

3 hours ago, Lamude said:

Just checked out the problem on Google, it advises if you have issues with the desktop shortcut and recommends SC4 launcher,I've not got that,so maybe that will help?

I know some peeps like the SC4 Launcher program, but I've never used it myself. I've seen it discussed here and there and my understanding is it easier for changing the startup parameters if one isn't comfortable editing the target line in a normal shortcut icon. However, one should read all the instructions to first learn where things are that can be adjusted. On the other hand, I believe there are certain versions of the game where it does not work right off and requires more tweaking beforehand.

Are you familiar with using File Explorer? The one where you can search for files and folders. If so, find SimCity 4.exe, right click on it, select Send to Desktop as Shortcut, and then see if that creates an icon on your desktop. If so, then it's easy to walk you thru adding the parameters that way.

 

1 hour ago, Duco said:

Sorry for the interruption, but do you think that saving with the save button in the menu and then leaving the game without saving, or CTRL+s and then leaving without saving, makes a different? Do you prefer CRTL+s or is there no difference?

As far as I know the Ctrl+s is the exact same as clicking the Save only in the popup menu. The ones to stay away from are the and Exit. (There is also the Alt+Ctrl+s keyboard command that does a quick save of the city, but does not update the region thumbnail image.)

[Lamude 16]

Never used file Explorer, I just blunder through things until they work or I blow up another pc...lol,