Very non-tech savy gamer needs help

from Stardock Forums

When I try to install Political Machine 2008 I get an error message saying that I don't have 512 MB of Physical Memory available so setup cannot continue. I know for a fact that I do have 512 MB, any idea why I would get this message.

I'd like to apologize for my lack of tech savy in advance.  If you tell me to "update my drivers" I will have no idea what that means or how to do it.

Mock me if you will but please help. I paid $20 for this game and would hopefully like to play it.

10,780 views 20 replies
Reply #1 from PolMach Forums Top

What are the specs for your system? And by that I mean what do you know about your system.

Operating System, XP? ?

Laptop or Desktop? Make?

Memory?

Video Memory? or Video Card?

Processor?

If you can answer a few of these questions it should be enough to get you pointed in the right direction.

PS. We want you to be able to play the game as well, ;)

 

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
I have a desk top with Windows xp.

Dell Dimension DM051

Intel Pentium 4 CPU 3.00 GHz
2.99 Ghz, and 504 MB of RAM

Ah, I had no idea this computer only had 504 MB of RAM. Dammit. As you can probably tell I know nothing about computers and rarely buy games. I had a lot of fun with Galactic Civ II and Political Machine I and probaly just assumed this game had similar requirements. As for videa card or memory, I have no idea where to look to find that out.

Sorry. I guess this probably means I'm out of luck.
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
I have 514124 total Physical Memory if that means anything.
Reply #4 from PolMach Forums Top
Since you have Windows XP, click on Start->Run, and then type dxdiag where it says "Open:" and press enter. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. There, you can click on the "Display" tab to get info about your video card (Chip type, memory, etc...)
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Chip Type: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
DAC Type: Internal
Approx. Total Memory 224.0 MB
Current Display: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Well the memory is a problem.

I looked up your computer, Dell Dimension DM051, and from what I can tell it is a tower. (Not a laptop). If that is so and you want to boost your overall performace, as well as make it so you can play PM2008, you might want to pick up some more rame for your system

Its pritty cheep at the moment, it looks like your system uses PC3200,

http://www.google.com/search?q=Dell+Dimension+DM051&rls=com.microsoft:*&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

Ram is very simple to install, and like I said, it will make a big differance in over all performance, even just going up to 1 gig, would make your life easier in general.

Sorry I could not have better news.

Reply #7 from PolMach Forums Top
Are you using the retail disc to install the game? Or are you using Impulse?

If you are not using Impulse, try it and see if you can get the game to install. You can get Impulse at this site.

After you get Impulse and can install the game, stop over to this thread and let us know your PC stats and whether the game is working or not.

Thanks,
C
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi,

I'm having the same problem.

Here are my Computer Stats:

System:
Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2
Computer:
Intel(R) Premium(R) 4 CPU 2.80 GHz
2.79 GHz, 512 MB of RAM
I have a Premium 4 (I think that's the processor)
Here are the video card stats:

Name: Intel® 8285G Graphics Controller

Manufacturer: Intel Corporation

Chip Type: Intel® 82865G Graphics Controller

DAC Type: Internal

Aprox. Total Memory: 96.0 MB

I also tried installing it on another computer that says it has 512 MB of RAM, but the same error came up. Is it that I need more Aprox. Total Memory? Can I buy more memory for this type of computer? Is that what I need to do?

THANKS!
-Marty

 

Reply #9 from PolMach Forums Top

Chip Type: Intel® 82865G Graphics Controller
End of quote

hey Marty,

The game requires a video card capable of pixel shader 2.0.  According to intel's site (http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/cs-014257.htm), your card does not meet that minimum requirement.  You should look into getting a newer video card, if you can.  If you're interested in getting a refund instead, check out this thread (https://forums.politicalmachine.com/316509)

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

OK, I guess that makes sense,

but if that's the issue, why doesn't it give me that error instead of the physical memory one? and why isn't that included on the requirements page? I checked the requirements and I meet all of the standards, except for when it says 512 MB Free System RAM. I think that maybe I need 512 MB of FREE RAM space, not total RAM space. Does that make sense? Maybe it's possible that you don't need the pixel shading?

Reply #11 from PolMach Forums Top

why isn't that included on the requirements page? I checked the requirements and I meet all of the standards
End of quote

The game requires a DirectX 9.0c compatible card.  It does say that on the back of the box.  Pixel shader 2.0 was introduced when DirectX 9.0 came out.  As I've already pointed out, your card is older than that.  By not having a card that supports pixel shader 2.0, you also don't have a DirectX 9.0c compatible card, as indicated here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_Shader_2.0#Programming_shaders).

But putting in a new card isn't hard.  And you don't have to buy the most expensive one out there in order to get pixel shader 2.0 abilities.  Since they've been available for serveral years, you can probably find one for $20-30.

The ram problem you are having is also easy to solve.  Purchasing more ram is cheap and it's also very easy to put in your computer.

I hope I've been helpful,

~C

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

alright thanks for all your help,

and i don't mean to sound like i'm arguing with you (i'll probably end up getting a new video card) but I was able to install DirectX 9.0 and it's on my computer, so,

Reply #13 from PolMach Forums Top

yeah, that's the confusing part for most users.  You can install any version of DirectX you like, it's just a matter of whether or not your video card is capable of using all of it's features.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

So stardock finally responded to the email i sent them a long time ago, and they gave me the game to download and I installed it and it worked and there was no error. Now, the problem is I don't know what my 'Product Serial Number' is and where to find out. I have an actual case and CD and did not buy it from impulse. thanks.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Hey, hope I'm not being a pest hijacking this thread too, but it has been one that's already given me help (Just missing a piece to the puzzle). I'm quite sure I'm suffering the same problems.

http://www.gpureview.com/radeon-x300-se-card-85.html

That's my crap Video Card. Done the job up till now. I'm wondering if anyone could reccomend a Suitable video card. Preferably one not costing more than $NZ100 (Around $60-$70US), or point me in the right direction which would be just as helpful. I've Gathered it's gotta be PCI-E, but that's about it :\ .

 

Any help appreciated.

 

Cheers,

Saz

Reply #16 from PolMach Forums Top

'm wondering if anyone could reccomend a Suitable video card. Preferably one not costing more than $NZ100 (Around $60-$70US), or point me in the right direction which would be just as helpful. I've Gathered it's gotta be PCI-E, but that's about it
End of quote

I usually check out newEgg for buying computer parts.   They are normally pretty inexpensive.  Check 'em out at newEgg.com and then go to Computer Hardware->Video Cards & Video Devices.  You should be able to sort from there looking for only PCI Express, and further sort those by lowest price first.

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

I am able to install the game and even "play" the game, howver, I have absolutely no video.  I can see the outline of some text and can click on things.  On the main map screen, I can see the outline of the US in a grey shade, but nothing else.  I can't see the "folders" that should be at the bottom of the screen.

This is the info I have:

 

Inspiron 600m
Service Tag  
Express Service Code -
Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.60GHz
Processor Speed 1.56 GHz
Memory (RAM) 1024 MB
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Operating System Version 5.1.2600

 

(admin edit: removed unneed and lengthy dx caps data)

 

So I suppose my processor is not the right one? 

 My debug says:

 

Debug Message:  Version 1.00 last updated on: Fri May 30 14:12:06 2008

Debug Message:  sig.bin file located at: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\The Political Machine 2008\sig.bin

Debug Message:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********

System Info

Time: 9/24/2008, 20:26:04

DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

Machine Name: JANELL

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)

Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)

System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation

System Model: Inspiron 600m                  

BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A17

Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.60GHz

Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM

Page File: 264MB used, 2198MB available

Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

 

 

Display Info

Display device 1:

Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1

Card Name: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000

Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.

Chip Type: MOBILITY RADEON 9000 AGP (0x4C66)

DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)

Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4C66&SUBSYS_01BE1028&REV_02

Display Memory: 64.0 MB

Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)

Monitor Name: Default Monitor

Monitor Max Resolution:

Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll

Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6476

Driver Date: 1/31/2005 14:43:44

DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes 

 

Sound info

Sound device 1:

Description: SigmaTel Audio

Default Sound Playback: Yes

Default Voice Playback: Yes

Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_01BE1028&REV_01

Manufacturer ID: 1

Product ID: 100

Driver Name: stac97.sys

Provider: SigmaTel

Driver Version: 5.10.3952.0000

Driver Date: 1/31/2005 14:29:12

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:  Using 0 samples for multisampling.

Debug Message:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (windowed mode)

Debug Message:  HAL (software vertex processing)ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000

Debug Message:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.

Debug Message:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.

Debug Message:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.

Debug Message:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************

Debug Message:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.

Debug Message:  Bump mapping is supported.

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:  Shell initialization complete

Debug Message:  ***** Initializing Game *****

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask fonts\*.otf

Debug Message:  Timer Frequency is 0 369e99

Debug Message:  Initializing sound card.

Debug Message:  initailizing bink

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\The Political Machine 2008\Data\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Campaign\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Candidates\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Gfx\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Maps\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Candidates/Configs\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Gfx/Candidates\*xml

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008/Maps\*.PM2MapListXML

Debug Message:  Map list file loaded successfully!

Debug Message:  Create setup screens.

Debug Message:  Create setup screens.

Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Janell Wood\My Documents\My Games\PolMachine2008\Candidates\Configs\*.candidatecfgxml

Debug Message:  WARNING: Model Batch detected Shader 3.0, but the hardware technique failed to validate.

Debug Message:  WARNING: Model Batch failed to validate shader technique. Attempting to find a valid technque.

Debug Message:  Set mouse.

Debug Message:  Set update timer.

Debug Message:  Popup Manager Update: Unhiding FullScreenBink

 

 

 

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting CrazyC0330, reply 16

'm wondering if anyone could reccomend a Suitable video card. Preferably one not costing more than $NZ100 (Around $60-$70US), or point me in the right direction which would be just as helpful. I've Gathered it's gotta be PCI-E, but that's about it
I usually check out newEgg for buying computer parts.   They are normally pretty inexpensive.  Check 'em out at newEgg.com and then go to Computer Hardware->Video Cards & Video Devices.  You should be able to sort from there looking for only PCI Express, and further sort those by lowest price first.
End of CrazyC0330's quote

That's a lot dude, very helpful. 

Reply #19 from PolMach Forums Top

Just make sure your computer actually has a PCI-E slot.  There are a few regular PCI cards that will work as well.

Reply #20 from PolMach Forums Top

Display Info
Card Name: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Driver Date: 1/31/2005 14:43:44
End of quote

jwihs2000,

A minimum requirement of this game is a "64 MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card."  Although your video card meets the minimum for display memory (64 MB), it is not a DirectX 9.0c compatible card.  This can be confusing, since you are still allowed to install DirectX 9.0c even though your card is not capable of all of it's features. 

The reason we need your card to support DirectX 9.0c is so that we can use technology called "pixel shader 2.0".  If you look at this chart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_shader#Hardware) you'll see that your card (a Radeon 9000 which is part of the R200 series) is only compatible with up to pixel shader 1.4, and only up to DirectX 8.1.

Debug Message: Version 1.00 last updated on: Fri May 30 14:12:06 2008
End of quote

You're also not running the latest version of the game, but that's not going to help, because your video card will still not be able to render the game correctly.  I would suggest getting a newer video card, but you have a laptop, so you're pretty much stuck with the internals it came with.

It sucks and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but hopefully you have another PC at home capable of running the game.  If not, check out this thread (https://forums.politicalmachine.com/316509) about our refund policy.

-C
Stardock Game Team