Crash

Is that the entire debug? Because that is not after a few turns.

This was the last debug after my most recent crash. This one happened as I was paging through the options to look over a few things. I have learned in the past to spend as little time setting the options as posible because invariably the game crashes (forcing a computer restart) whenevefr this happens. If you like, I can play a few turns on a recent saved game that crashes after a few turns.

Here is the latest debug. The game crashed as I was playing the first turn in a previous game.

Debug Message:  Version v1.96 Twilight of the Arnor last updated on: Tue Jun 24 17:37:47 2008
Debug Message:  Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ComponentManager\Drengin.net value named Serial No
Debug Message:  Checking DX Version.
Debug Message:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 10/26/2008, 16:02:57
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: RUSSWINXP
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.
System Model: MacBookPro2,1
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU         T7600  @ 2.33GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 3056MB RAM
Page File: 360MB used, 4576MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: Radeon X1600
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x71C5)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_71C5&SUBSYS_0080106B&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6764
Driver Date: 4/15/2008 15:29:18
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SigmaTel Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7680&SUBSYS_106B1A00&REV_1034
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: sthda.sys
Provider: SigmaTel
Driver Version: 5.10.5185.0000
Driver Date: 10/8/2007 20:59:30
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:  Could not query reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\Drengin.net\GalCiv2 value named Language
Debug Message:  Going Fullscreen
Debug Message:  Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message:  Using hardware vertex processing
Debug Message:  Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message:  Attempting to create D3DDevice at resolution 1680 x 1050, Windowed: 0, Multisample: 4
Debug Message:  Game Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Debug Message:  Running fullscreen.
Debug Message:  HAL (hw vp): Radeon X1600
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:  GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message:  ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message:  Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\shiptemplates\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  Could not open reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE\Stardock\ObjectDesktop\DesktopX
Debug Message:  Initializing sound card.
Debug Message:  initailizing bink
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask Gfx\Tutorials\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Gfx\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\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:  No files found matching mask ./Data/*.xml
Debug Message:  Clear data definitions.
Debug Message:  Killing ship styles:
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ships\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\shiptemplates\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2./Data/English/\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ShipStyles\*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/\FleetFormations\*.fleet
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar\Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask Gfx\Planets\C0*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/1SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/2SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/3SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideN*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideE*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideS*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\DarkAvatar/gfx/Terrain/4SideW*.png
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\GalCiv2\./Data/ShipTemplates/\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\shiptemplates\*.shipcfg
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names
Debug Message:  Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask ./Data/English/Tutorials/*.xml
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Backup\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\CustomMaps\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Dark Avatar\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Gfx\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\Metaverse\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\SandboxGames\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ships\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\ShipStyles\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\shiptemplates\*.sav
Debug Message:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Russ\My Documents\My Games\GC2TwilightArnor\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 asteroid fields.
Debug Message:  Killing asteroid field mining bases.
Debug Message:  Killing space resources.
Debug Message:  Killing ascension crystals.
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:  Killing ship styles:
Debug Message:  Loading TechDefs
Debug Message:  Max num techs: 523
Debug Message:  Loading ImprovementDB
Debug Message:  Loading Component Defs
Debug Message:  Loading ShipTypes
Debug Message:  Loading ShipTemplates
Debug Message:  Loading ParsedHardpoints
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 AFMBModules
Debug Message:  Loading ShipStyles
Debug Message:  Loading TechTrees
Debug Message:  Loading TechTreeDefs
Debug Message:  Loading Game
Debug Message:  Loading: Game mode is normal.
Debug Message:  Loading Galaxy
Debug Message:  Game started in version v1.96 Twilight of the Arnor
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 AscensionCrystals
Debug Message:  Loading AsteroidFields
Debug Message:  Loading AFMiningBases
Debug Message:  Loading Civs
Debug Message:  Loading player civ Terran Alliance
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Dominion of Korx who has intelligence 40
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Altarian Resistance who has intelligence 40
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Drath Legion who has intelligence 40
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Yor Collective who has intelligence 40
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Iconian Refuge who has intelligence 40
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Akilians who has intelligence 50
Debug Message:  Loaded Civ Pirates who has intelligence 1
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 Treaties
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 Iconian Troop Transport M5 v4 1501. Orbiting: 0
Debug Message:  Random Event: Begin
Debug Message:  Random Event: End
Debug Message:  Eval
Debug Message:  Year: 2232. Yor Collective traded Deflectors to the Altarian Resistance in exchange for Xeno Communications
Debug Message:  Akilians (13): Researching: Point Defense III

There is nothing that is obvious from the debugs.

Perhaps it is not the game, but something due to your system - either conflicting software running in the background, faulty hardware or something overheating.

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping that I could get enough information to stop the crashes, but I guess not. I may just have to give up on playing Gal Civ 2. At one point I was told that my computer was overheating, but I really don't think that this is the problem. I play Civ IV and the fan goes nuts on this game as well as with Gal Civ 2. However, I can play for hours with Civ and only a relatively short time with Gal Civ. I also have no idea what could be conflicting with the game. I only use my Win XP (boot camp on my Mac Book Pro) to play games. I do not run any other software and have just a couple of utilities (Kaspersky Internet Protection and Shadow Protect). Other than that, the system is standard.

I would appreciate any additional advice you have.

Maybe you have the necessary info, but simply refuse to accept it.

Just because your machine runs one game without overheating, does not mean it will run another without overheating.

GalCiv2 puts a far greater strain on the CPU (and GPU if you are zoomed in) than most other games. And that generates more heat.

You are running an Intel based game on a Mac on Boot Camp, besides. (which is sort of inside outside in)

So if you won't consider both those factors, then yes, give up on running GalCiv2.

But, if you do consider them, then take the steps to verify it.

Do you have a program that can show CPU and GPU temps during game play? Because that might just show if overheating is really an issue.

But, if you just say - this can not be, because a different game runs fine...

well, figure it out for yourself - with your more than limted information base.

I am willing to accept that my computer overheating is a possibility. The reason I have discounted it in the past is that if overheating was the root cause, why would it crash on the first turn or when I just modifying the options? Of course, perhaps the computer was hot to being with, but this can happen even after it has been off for a few hours and there isn't any heating. Other times it takes 45 to 60 minutes of play before the game crashes. Whiel I understand that Gal Civ 2 can stress the graphics card, it is not the only the game to do so.

I would be very willing to verify this with data, however, I am relatively ignorant when it comes to these types of utilities. Can you recommend one that could log and monitor CPU and GPU temperature? I would prefer something to log the info so that in teh even tof a crash I can see what the temperature was when it crashed.

Also, the troubleshooting section of the forms recommended throttlin ghte GPU. How does one do this?

The CPU is usually throttled down when running on battery power.