Dread Lords: Lockups and mouse control

Have three problems I've encountered, including two lockups.

1) When I'm setting up for a new game and check the "Allow AI to use CPU-Intensive Algorithms" option, the game locks up immediately after going through all the setup stuff.

2) Without the above option checked, I've gone through a game, maybe around 200-300 turns, when it locks up (Windows Task Manager doesn't identify the application as "Stopped responding", but the screen is black and there is no game response to anything I do). I had the quicksave set to every two turns, and on loading the last quicksave, the game locks up almost as soon as I go to the main map view. I've tried reloading from the last quicksave several times and the lockup happens without fail.

3) Occasionally, the mouse gets "weird" in that it acts like it is positioned somewhere off to the side (so that the map scrolls), but no matter where I move the mouse, it continues scrolling, until I position at the extreme edge opposite the scroll movement, where it'll stop the scrolling. But as soon as I move it off of that position, it'll start scrolling again. Only thing that seems to correct it is to quit the game and reload from the last save point.

Running a Dell XPS M1710 laptop, 2GB RAM, 1910x1200 32-bit resolution. I have the latest video drivers available, and the beta drivers mentioned elsewhere for nvidia video chipsets aren't not for the nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GS chipset apparently (in case the video drivers is the reason).

Debug.err info from after bug #2 happened:


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: 4/9/2007, 20:56:20
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: SERENGETTI2
Operating System: Windows Vistaâ„¢ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_rtm.061101-2205)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: MXG061
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A05
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU T7200 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Physical Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1418MB used, 4642MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GS
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0298&SUBSYS_019B1028&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256 MB
Current Display Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.9746
Driver Date: 12/13/2006 18:16:38
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7690&SUBSYS_102801CE&REV_1022
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: stwrt.sys
Provider: SigmaTel
Driver Version: 6.10.5290.0000
Driver Date: 12/1/2006 16:40:46
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0

Sound device 1:
Description: Digital Output Device (SPDIF) (SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7690&SUBSYS_102801CE&REV_1022
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: stwrt.sys
Provider: SigmaTel
Driver Version: 6.10.5290.0000
Driver Date: 12/1/2006 16:40:46
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
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: 1920 x 1200
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS
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 da7a64
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: * Collectors Edition *
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:\Users\Lyle\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Lyle\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Lyle\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Lyle\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Lyle\Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Users\Lyle\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: 5 x 5
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 = 0
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Debug Message: Destroying ship Thalan Constructor M2-5 276. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: n/a
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Debug Message: Random Event: Begin
Debug Message: Random Event: End
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: n/a
6,840 views 8 replies
Reply #1 Top
I have the latest video drivers available, and the beta drivers mentioned elsewhere for nvidia video chipsets aren't not for the nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GS chipset apparently (in case the video drivers is the reason).


That is indeed the reason for (at least most of) your hang/crash issues. Some other users have commented that you can get directions for forcing the 101.41 beta drivers onto your laptop at laptopvideo2go.com; that should tide you over until proper drivers are released.
Reply #2 Top
I have a similar issue to your #2. Playing DL, the game screen sometimes goes black and appears to lock up. Moving the mouse around doesn't help. Task Manager shows the game to be running, but it's all black. I've noticed this every time AVG Anti-Virus updates, but it also seems to happen at other times. (Perhaps when another program takes the video's attention? Just a wild guess.)

I found that clicking the left mouse button will sometimes bring the game back, but in my first game, all of the stats in the history for all races went to zero from that point on, until I rebooted and then later restarted the game. All stats, such as population, tech, military, etc. I didn't know about the stats thing until after I won the game and the stats were displayed.

I haven't played another game to its end since that one yet, but have found that so far, if I click the left mouse button, do a quick save, exit the game and then restart it, the stats are ok. (The loss of stats was during the time that I continued to play the game after the screen went black and then I eventually clicked the left mouse button in the game to get it back.)

(Could it be related to my running my desktop at 1024 x 768 and the game at 1280 x 1024? If so, what's up with the game stats?)

System:
P4 940 Dual Core 3.2 GHZ, No overclocking
WXP Pro SP2
2 GB RAM, Dual Chan Tiled Mode
ATI X1950 Pro 256MB
Reply #3 Top
Well, after trying the beta drivers (thanks for providing the link to laptopvideo2go.com - their modded .inf allowed me to actually install the beta drivers), I have to say the first 2 problems are solved. Only the occasional mouse problem remains, but I've found if I go to one of the other screens (like planet edit), that seems to fix it (for a while). Still, it's very much playable now. Thanks!
Reply #4 Top
I have a similar issue to your #2. Playing DL, the game screen sometimes goes black and appears to lock up. Moving the mouse around doesn't help. Task Manager shows the game to be running, but it's all black.


I believe some others have reported similar issues with various ATI cards. Can you post your debug?
Reply #5 Top
Still, it's very much playable now. Thanks!


Good to hear.
Reply #7 Top
Looks like there is no help available for this guy?


For who? The original poster tried what I suggested and it resolved the bulk of his issues.
Reply #8 Top

I believe some others have reported similar issues with various ATI cards. Can you post your debug?


I'll try to do that tonight if I get a chance to play. It hasn't happened lately, since I'm not awake when AVG updates any more. It might be just related to that. I'm on 12 hour days through the weekends for a little while and my wife isn't feeling well. Kinda cuts into the play time.

A question in the meantime. Do I need to save the debug file when it happens, or just copy and paste whatever is there?

Thanks kryo. I'll get back with it as soon as is practical.

[edit] Here's a debug.err from tonight. The game is working ok right now. Thanks. [/edit]


Debug Message: Version v1.5 last updated on: Thu Jan 11 13:39:19 2007
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 4/15/2007, 20:01:15
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: JUNIOR
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Rev 1.00
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.20GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 383MB used, 5605MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: Radeon X1950 Pro
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x7280)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_7280&SUBSYS_28701545&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6677
Driver Date: 3/2/2007 15:53:36
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D5&SUBSYS_82271043&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.5410
Driver Date: 3/28/2005 09:19:38
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: 1280 x 1024
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): Radeon X1950 Pro
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 bebf0630
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: * Collectors Edition *
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: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: MetaverseWnd: Cannot find OBJID Metaverse_Character_Race_Title
Debug Message: MetaverseWnd: Cannot find OBJID Metaverse_Character_Name_Value
Debug Message: MetaverseWnd: Cannot find OBJID Metaverse_Character_Race_Value
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Creating Galaxy
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: Galaxy Size Set: 8 x 8
Debug Message: Creating Random Map
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message: Number of Unplaced Stars: 46.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message: Num Anomalies: 118
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Done
*DEBUG ERROR: ***generateHeightField: Failed to find RAW height map file: ./Data/HeightMaps/earth.raw (Height field will be randomly generated) ***
Debug Message: Setting Game Options
Debug Message: Creating Civs
Debug Message: Terran Alliance: Intellence -> 95
*DEBUG ERROR: ***generateHeightField: Failed to find RAW height map file: ./Data/HeightMaps/earth.raw (Height field will be randomly generated) ***
Debug Message: Drengin Empire: Intellence -> 95
Debug Message: Arcean Empire: Intellence -> 95
Debug Message: Torian Confederation: Intellence -> 95
Debug Message: Yor Collective: Intellence -> 95
Debug Message: Dominion of Korx: Intellence -> 95
Debug Message: Iconian Refuge: Intellence -> 95
Debug Message: Creating Civs... Done
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Updating ZOC.
Debug Message: Galaxy Create... Done
Debug Message: UIBeginGame called with g_ulLocalPlayerID = 0
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: New Metaverse Game Started
Debug Message: UIBeginGameHelper: Mods are Disabled
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Dread Lords Campaign\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Logos\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Portraits\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.sav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\temp\*.sav
Debug Message: Save Game: About to save
Debug Message: Saving game C:\Documents and Settings\Tom\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\Start.sav
Debug Message: Num Sectors Across: 8
Debug Message: Saving: game mode is metaverse.
Debug Message: Save game finished.
Debug Message: OptionsWnd: Quit Btn
Debug Message: Posting WM_CLOSE message.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy
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: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy: Completed
Debug Message: Shutting down sound system.
Debug Message: Clearing sound and music handles.
Debug Message: WorkAreaBack.png not cleared 1 counts left.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize end
Debug Message: Destroying Window.
Debug Message: Main Shell terminating normally