Game keep freezing after 5-8 min game play

from GalCiv2 Forums
I have purchased and installed the game first from online and later from the CD and then patch it with 1.40X. The game run okay for about 5 to 8 min. After that, the screen graphics will distort slightly and then the game will freeze. The game can freeze at any screen, typically in the research screen, GNN news screen, plantet screen or I have to reboot the PC to get out of the freeze.

I have two graphics cards Geforce 9750GT in SLI mode and I have the latest drivers. I am having an Intel Core 2, 2GB RAM and more than 2GB for my page file. I have make sure my game resolution is lower than my screen resolution, etc but nothing help.

I really love this game even though I can only play it for a few minutes each time before it freeze and I want to solve this problem. I see so many people having crash or freeze problem in the forum and yet Stardock keep saying the game shouldn't crash. Really disappointing but I am not giving up.
15,682 views 28 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Ehm... do you have freezing problems with any other games?
The screen corruption right before the crash gives me the idea that you might have a overheating problem. Do you have an idea at what temps your graphics card run after a few minutes of full load?

Galciv2 is a deceptivly graphics heavy game and it could be that it causes your system to overheat.

Have you download the smart exception program from the galciv website. It's a handy little prog that monitors the game an generates a crash log, when galciv goes belly up.

Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You might also try setting the game resolution to match the desktop resolution. Some configs work better that way.

And as Just~~~ said, you could be overheating. It is not a normal thing for this game to lock up a computer. CTD's are much more common than a total lockup. Lockups usually indicate a hardware problem of some sort.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
At first I thought it was overheating too. So, I tried to play Company of Heroes, Fear and DOW at max setting without any problem. I have not (yet) overclock my graphics card or my motherboard and I have checked the temperature of my cards. It is normally at 45 deg and reach about 58 deg with COH after playing for 2 hrs. My motherboard temp is around 35 to 40 deg. I used water-cooling system and fans to maximise the cooling. With all the fans, it is abit noisy but I am sure my system is running cool.

I am using a Dell 20 wide screen monitor and it is set to 1680x1050 by default. My game setting is at lower resolution. I will try to match the desktop resolution today and see if it works.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Oh..I have the smart exception running too but after the freeze, I have to reboot my PC and when I am back inside Windows (XP Pro SP2), there is nothing in the smart exception log.
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
Hmmm odd, those temps seem fine. I don’t think desktop resolutions will make that big of a difference. I’ve played this game at non desktop resolutions for months.
You might try playing this game at the lowest possible settings and see what happens. If it still crashes after 5 to 10 minutes it’s definitely not temp related.

I personally don’t use sli but I don’t think that’s the problem. You might try Nhancer or a similar program to see if you can tweak the settings.

Also I’m assuming all your drivers are up to date, not just your vidcard. I.e. direct x, mainboard, sound, etc?

Have you tried different display drivers?
Have you tried using only on cpu? You shouldn’t have to but you never know.

I’ve had a number of crashes in galciv but they where all related to a SATA error. One of my hdd’s was causing problems. By changing the SATA cables around. I prevented further crashes. You could try to disconnect unused devices and see what happens.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Please post the contents of your debug.err file.
It is located in the main program folder - usually C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2.

You can open it with Notepad, then select everything, copy and paste into the reply.

It may give some indication as to the problem.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Also another thing I forgot to ask how large is your pagefile? You indicated the pagefile was more than 2gig. But how much more? It might seem absurd but have you tried increasing the pagefile to 3 or even 4 gig? It’s not that much space and it could solve a lot of problems.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Debug Message: Version v1.4x last updated on: Mon Oct 23 17:43:56 2006
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 12/20/2006, 12:29:46
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: TEST
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: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 399MB used, 3541MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7950 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0295&SUBSYS_2A68107D&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell 2007WFP (Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1680,1050
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9371
Driver Date: 10/22/2006 12:22:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX HD Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: ADIHdAud.sys
Provider: AnalogDevices
Driver Version: 5.10.0001.4530
Driver Date: 5/2/2006 17:12:06
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_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
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 9ef5d130
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
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: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\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: Clearing Turn Event Log
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: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Sectors across: 18 x 18
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: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Loading ENDGALAXYDATA
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 10
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Cloud.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: Saving: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Cloud.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: Saving: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: Destroying ship Thalan Empire Colony. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog
Debug Message: Yearly Status Dialog 0a
Debug Message: Drengin Empire (1): Researching: New Propulsion Techniques
Debug Message: Akilians (11): Researching: Starship Defenses
Debug Message: Andians (16): Researching: Starship Defenses
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Cloud.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 18
Debug Message: Saving: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: setting size 16 x 0
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Torian Confederation (4): Researching: Xeno Research
Debug Message: Dominion of Korx (6): Researching: Planetary Improvements
Debug Message: Thalan Empire (8): Researching: Galactic Warfare
Debug Message: Jessuins (14): Researching: Starship Defenses
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Oh..SATA harddisk..hmmm..ok, I will try switching the cable around. I have a WD Raptor 74GB HDD and you can see my setting above with the debug.err.
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Cloud5 did say the ram was 2GB and the pf more than 2GB; that really should be enough. I don't think I have ever seen the game go beyond around 2.6GB (and I do keep track). I don't play with abundant everything, though. But I have never heard it reported that the game has ever gone beyond around 3.5GB by those that do.

And generally, that should cause a popup stating that memory is low (which I have gotten from time to time under specific circumstances). It should not cause graphic corruption or lockups as in this case (I would think).

A bad 'bit' of memory - in either system or video RAM - could do it though; as could an overheating issue (which seems to be ruled out in this case).

Even a fault in the BIOS, which could be perhaps checked by updating the mb BIOS if there is one available.

I have 3GB of RAM and a 3GB pagefile. But I have played with as little as 768MB pf with little or no difference in performance or reliability. I only upped it because of that 'specific circumstance' that I mentioned earlier. And it did not make a bit of difference.

I await the debug.err info, to see if it shows anything usefull. Hopefully cloud5 will use the file that is present just after the crash.

Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Cloud5, I would suggest that you edit the Prefs.ini file - located in My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2 - to adjust your game resolution to match your desktop resolution.

This, in that file, should read:

[Video]
DisplayWidth=1680
DisplayHeight=1050
ColorDepth=32
Fullscreen=1


If it still crashes, you should try other things.
Like: updating the mb BIOS (if one is available), reseating the RAM and/or video card, removing a bank of RAM and swapping it if it still crashes (to check for a possibly bad RAM chip).

And some users (not me, because my monitor does not seem to like windowed mode with this game) find it better to set 'Fullscreen' to '0'.
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The debugg.err is above. It is the one just after the game freeze last night. I have not play the game since then. My mb BIOS is the latest. My mb BIOS setting is default and I have not overclock any thing. The audio is onboard (driver is latest of course)

Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
OK, so try setting the game resolution as I suggested, and see if it makes a difference.
Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I have set the game resolution as suggested but still no good. I have disabled the DVD Writer, disconnect the 2nd HDD, reseat the RAM and graphics card. Frustrated, I went back to play COH just to confirm that my system hardwares are okay and I was able to play it smoothly for the past half an hour.

I heard others have less problem with 1.31 patch..maybe I should try it.

Here's the latest debug.err

Debug Message: Version v1.4x last updated on: Mon Oct 23 17:43:56 2006
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 12/20/2006, 21:59:40
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: TEST
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: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 385MB used, 3555MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7950 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0295&SUBSYS_2A68107D&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell 2007WFP (Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1680,1050
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9371
Driver Date: 10/22/2006 12:22:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX HD Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_11D4&DEV_198B&SUBSYS_104381F6&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: ADIHdAud.sys
Provider: AnalogDevices
Driver Version: 5.10.0001.4530
Driver Date: 5/2/2006 17:12:06
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: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Debug Message: Running in windowed mode.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_IMMEDIATE
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 0
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: Border size reported as 6 by 32
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now windowed.
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 9ef5d130
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
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: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Cloud\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: Clearing Turn Event Log
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: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message: Loading Galaxy
Debug Message: Sectors across: 18 x 18
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: Loading Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Loading ENDGALAXYDATA
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 10
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Try enabling the hardware cursor.  Also, make sure that the video drivers that you are using are the latest (non-beta) available. 

Reply #16 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Yep.  Welcome to Brad country. Population++.  I have the same card, same problem. It's a video driver issue with the 7950.

I have the Quad-SLI going here.  I have the same problem with other games with custom cursors too unfortunately. Not sure what the deal is.

Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Enabling the hardware cursor is the way to resolve it.
Reply #18 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yea, definately a hardware issue triggered by the game. You can be pretty sure that anything forcing a computer reboot is not gonna be the software you use... it is just the key that happens to unlock an existing weakness in your system.
Reply #19 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The Nvidia Geforce driver is definitely the latest at 93.71 now. It's not the beta (beta is 93.81). Hardware cursor = Hardware mouse cursor? I think I have enabled it before but still have the same problem. Will try it again tonight.

I don't believe it's hardware because I have no issue with all other games. I have all the hardware demanding 3D games and so far, none has given me any problem.

When the game graphics distort, the audio is still playing, my keyboard and mouse still function. If I leave it alone, my screen will go blank. If I click the mouse a few more time or press CTRL+ALT+DEL or ALT+TAB, my system will reboot (or sometime it will hang and I have to do a hard reboot).

So, I believe it's some coding/bug in the game that is not address the video signal/information well enough.

I sincerely hope to get this resolve before xmas so it won't spoil my mood for the festive. Otherwsie, if I still can't play the game...next month, I'll buy the 150Mb WD Raptor HDD and the latest Asus P5N32E-SLI or Striker Extreme mb (always wanted to get them) to try again from fresh.
Reply #20 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I don't believe it's hardware because I have no issue with all other games. I have all the hardware demanding 3D games and so far, none has given me any problem.




i have never heard of software of any kind (except the OS of course) doing those kinds of things you describe to a system on their own without 'some' kind of hidden system problem.
Reply #21 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Me too except for GC II (and OS of course). Since I have not encounter any problem with my other applications or games, I can only conclude some coding in GC II is not doing it right, thus causing the system to hang.

The best I can offer is to go back to my older Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe mb, Geforce 6600 cards and old HDD (my secondary HDD now) and install the OS and game from fresh to see if it has any problem.

If no problem, then I will format my HDD on my current mb, use the Geforce 6600 and install the OS and game from fresh.

If still no problem, I will replace the graphic cards with the Geforce 7950GT

It will be lots of work just for this game and if it still fail with the older mb and card, I am going to trash the game and hate/curse stardock alot.  
Reply #22 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You should try adjusting your graphics accelleration first. Using the options in 'my computer' directory not graphics software, turn it down a notch and see what happens? If it works, then it is simple enough to turn it back up for other games.
Reply #23 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Tried enabling the hardware cursor. Game last longer now. Still freeze at particular moments like

1. when a research completion announcement is made at the next turn.
2. when I was designing my ship (turning the ship up, down, left and right)

I already have the latest video drivers for 7950GT..guess it's like what Frogboy said...incompatibility issue with the card. Will try with my Geforce 6600 tonight to see if the problem persists.

Hope Stardock can resolve this with Nvidia.
Reply #24 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I have resolved my issue with an older nVidia drivers. I use the drivers that came with my Leadtek PX7950GT TH card. Didn't check the version but I believe it is older than the 91.47 drivers.

I am still playing in Windows mode with hardware mouse cursor enabled and my game resolution is the same as my desktop's.
Reply #25 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Got quite the same problem, but the game dosn't freeze it insteads just crash after 3-5 turns, esp during research upgrades. Tried solving it by the pinned solutions and activated hardware cursor, changed resolutions but didn't have much luck with that

System spec is GF 6600GT 256mb, 1gb ram, amd64 3700+ with windows xp sp2.

Any sugguestions on a fix?

Oh and btw I just reformated this weekend and updated all my drivers then.