Stardock is in league with the Sparrow People

Very interesting crash

from GalCiv2 Forums
I have a funny story for you all. I was making a ship as the Altarians to counter the Dregin scum and I couldn't think of a good name. So I gave the ship the first name that came to mind which was Sparrow. Upon completing the design and trying to save it, the game crashed. I thought that it was a bit unusual so I went back in and tried to do the exact same thing again, and it crashed once more. Initially I thought it was something to do with the ship jewellery so I changed that but still it crashed. I consulted the various stickies and whatnot, looked at the debug.err file and couldn't find any answer. Eventually I found it, and I wasn't expecting that.

The cause of the crash was the name of the ship. Whenever I name any ship design Sparrow, it will crash the game back to desktop. Try it yourself, I want to know if it happens to anyone else. Very funny I think.

And Stardock, I'm less than impressed. Your obvious bargains with the Sparrow People do not go unnoticed by astute observers such as myself. I'm watching you.

Here's the debug.err file

Debug Message: Version v1.1 last updated on: Mon Apr 24 19:03:49 2006
Debug Message: Could not find a TGN Serial No.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/3/2006, 20:57:54
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: ALPHA4198
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: GBT___
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2500+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 344MB used, 1952MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 6600 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00F1&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A2
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (85Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8198
Driver Date: 12/10/2005 02:06:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB Audigy 2 ZS Audio [D400]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0004&SUBSYS_20021102&REV_04
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.1162
Driver Date: 8/29/2005 18:46:14
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0



Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1024 x 768
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 85
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: No string tables in C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods/*.str
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Event Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for PirateShip. ***
Debug Message: Found existing ship type with class name: Ranger
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for Starbase. ***
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Invasion\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Mods\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Balthazar\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Loading Custom Map
Debug Message: Loading Data Defs
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Loading TechDefs
Debug Message: Max num techs: 248
Debug Message: Loading ImprovementDB
Debug Message: Loading Component Defs
Debug Message: Loading ShipTypes
Debug Message: Loading ShipConfigs
Debug Message: Loading AnomalyTypes
Debug Message: Loading RandomEvents
Debug Message: Loading UPIssues
Debug Message: Loading ResourceTypes
Debug Message: Loading InvasionTactics
Debug Message: Loading SBmodules
Debug Message: Loading PoliticalParties
Debug Message: Loading Planet Types
Debug Message: Loading Star Types
Debug Message: Loading Game
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Loading FOW Map
Debug Message: Loading ZOC Map
Debug Message: Loading Planets
Debug Message: Loading Stars
Debug Message: Loading Anomalies
Debug Message: Loading Resources
Debug Message: Loading Civs
Debug Message: Loading Colonies
Debug Message: Loading RallyPoints
Debug Message: Loading Ships
Debug Message: Loading Fleets
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Can't find ship type Fleet in definitions
Debug Message: Loading ENDGALAXYDATA
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 2
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Metaverse Game Started
Debug Message: Thalan Empire (8): Researching: Kanvium
Debug Message: StackedShipsWnd: Cannot find OBJID Stacked_Logistics_Value
Debug Message: StackedShipsWnd: Cannot find OBJID stacked_Fleet_More_Button
Debug Message: Destroying ship Thalan Scout Ship M0-9 203. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Thala
Debug Message: Destroying ship 3-Heavy Fighter M2-1X 2. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Fleet 5. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Destroying ship Korx Defender M0-6 160. Orbiting: 1
Debug Message: Was Orbiting: Korx II
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog 3
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog 3g
Debug Message: Year: 2227. Akilians traded Titanium Armor II to the Drengin Empire in exchange for Impulse Drive Mark II
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Constructor M0-10 164. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Election
Debug Message: Thalan Empire senate and their party in control is 2
Debug Message: War Party running for re-election...
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Mass Drivers III
Debug Message: Arcean Empire (3): Researching: Plasma Weapons II
Debug Message: Dominion of Korx (6): Researching: Impulse Drive
Debug Message: Destroying ship Arcean Constructor M0-10 174. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: Native Culture
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Year: 2227. Arcean Empire traded Extended Life Support to the Thalan Empire in exchange for Duranthium III
Debug Message: Thalan Empire (8): Researching: Warp Drive
Debug Message: Year: 2227. Akilians traded Impulse Drive Mark II to the Arcean Empire in exchange for Interstellar Governments
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 11-Freighter M2-4 at Akilians V - No open slots
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: Singularity Driver
Debug Message: Thalan Empire (8): Researching: Planetary Defense
Debug Message: Akilians (11): Researching: Shield Defense Theory
Debug Message: BuildShip: Cannot build ship type 11-Freighter M2-4 at Akilians V - No open slots
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
15,452 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Theres a weapon called sparrow isnt there? the first missile weapon or something?
Have you tried naming a ship after any other weapons to see if this somehow causes the crash, or is just coincidence?

Mark
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
In one game I named a large-sized ship "Star Raider", not realising that there was a pirate ship with the same name. Every time I built one I got a pirate ship instead. I haven't tried it again since then though.
ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
That happens whenever you try to give a custom ship the same name as a core ship, regardless of size, jewelry, or loadout. It's a real pain in the arse when you don't know what all the core ship names are.

I'm not sure if this only happens when the ship is available to you, or if it happens all the time. I don't leave my core ships viewable, so I'm not positive (and I've never bothered to test it more).
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Evil Muppet,
The problem you mentioned should be working with version 1.1. You may need to start a fresh new game. If you still notice this, please let us know.

Citizen contingency40,
I am unable to reproduce your crash. I am able to design a ship named "Sparrow" I noticed your game was a metaverse game so I tried it in both metaverse and regular games, but it worked both ways.

Please download and install SmartException in "Free Stuff" in Stardock Central. Run this and then run galciv2. Name your ship "sparrow" and when the game crashes SmartException will generate a report you can then email to gc2bugs@stardock.com. This will tell us where it crashed. For more info on SmartException, please see this link: https://www.stardock.com/products/smartexception/

After catching the crash, please look in your /My Documents/My Games/Galciv2/ships folder and /My Documents/My Games/Galciv2/Metaverse/ships and delete any files with "sparrow" in the name. This may fix the problem.

And I assure you, we at Stardock have no "official" ties to the Sparrow people.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I sent the SmartException log thingie to you guys, should be there now.

And CodeCritter, I want to believe you, I really do. But every company that goes bad is because of those people. Why do you think Enron went under? Yep, it was them. You can't tell me this isn't the face of evil.



Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Ahh yes, that Sparrow is the epitome of evil!

I was unable to find any 'official' ties with Stardock to the evil Sparrow People. But I started doing Espionage Operations on Stardock and by spending enough money I finally got to the point where my spies now know more about their organization than their own leaders do. They have reported back to me that someone within the Stardock Systems Corporation has been starting to do some covert dealings with the evil Sparrows.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Frogboy is a cover name. Who would suspect a frog of being a sparrow?
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
haha.

Thanks, contingency40 for sending the files in. Did deleting the "sparrow" named files help?
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'm going to try and replicate this right now; I know it's happened to me in the past (though I can't remember what version it was on). Maybe I'll get lucky and run into the random CTD that's been plaguing me too.

Edit: No crashing; game just tells me I can't upgrade a core design or some such error message. Must have been an earlier version that it happened on, in my case.
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
GreySpire,
Please get SmartException and have that running before you try. Then, if you do get a crash, or the random one you get, then it will make a report for us.

Thanks.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I just found something even more curious. It seems the Sparrow crash only happens in that one particular saved game. If I start a new game using the Altarian ship style or any others, it's absolutely fine.

Here's the saved game if you want to check it out yourself and see if it crashes. And yes I know I didn't build up my homeworld very well, I was feeling lazy.

Link

EDIT: Seems that file hosting thing is a bit dodgy, but don't worry it works.
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The saved game you provided has reproduced the crash. Thanks for sending it in.
I'm working on a solution now.
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Found the problem. The problem is that there is a missile component called "Sparrow." This causes a conflict when you name the ship the same name. It's not the same problem as naming a ship the same name of another ship (That has been fixed)

At this time, we are going to have to not allow players to name ships the same name as components in the next update.

Your saved game will continue to have this problem after the update, but new fresh games will be fine.