Possible Fixes for "Failed to Initialize Renderer" Startup Error

[Philotas]

Originally posted by vorlon61
I have a 9600xt 128 mb dx 9.0c with the latest ati drivers. and it works fine for me so there is hope.

Did it work right out of the box or did you have to "fiddle" with drivers and directx?

[vorlon61]

I removed and reinstalled the Ati drivers before I ever installed the game. and it worked without a problem

[jeff_vandenberg]

Originally posted by vorlon61
I have a 9600xt 128 mb dx 9.0c with the latest ati drivers. and it works fine for me so there is hope.

tease! *grumbles* *resolves to try a couple more combos when he gets home*

[Atmosphear]

Originally posted by kimmygibler


Yes it is possible to get your money back. I was thinking of what to do because I have already paid for the game, can't get my money back from the store, and I have a dell notebook that many have had problems with. I'll give it a shot, wait for a fix, and if none is forthcoming I'll just send the game back to Firaxis or whoever and demand my money back. I am a lawyer so pursuing this wouldn't cost me anything and it might be fun! If someone sells you something that doesn't work, you have the right to your money back. But you also have to give a reasonable time to fix the problem. So don't panic yet.

Okay, thanks for the info. I will most certainly complain to them and demand my money back. And I will also most certainly be patient and wait for their official fix before I take action.

[57%]

vorlon61 and jeff_vandenberg,

Did you guys have DirectX 9.0c installed before installing Civ4, or did you have a previous version?

[vorlon61]

I had 9.0c installed before installing Civ4.

[EdwinAhe]

Originally posted by vorlon61
I had 9.0c installed before installing Civ4.

same thing

[kverdon]

I also had Dx 9.0c installed before Civ IV.

ATI 800 XL and Render problem

[jeff_vandenberg]

Originally posted by 57%
vorlon61 and jeff_vandenberg,

Did you guys have DirectX 9.0c installed before installing Civ4, or did you have a previous version?

I had 9.0b, if memory serves me correct.

[PBN]

found this post interesting...
http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...postid=4090547

In case it doesn't show right - basically, he used 9.0b's isntaller with 9.0c to insure a good install.

apparently there was an issue with the 9.0c installer on SP /shrug

[Novish]

Success!

Tried the updated driver package from ATI first (the one with Control Panel); didn't work. What it did give me was an upgrade from the game not loading past the splash screen to the famed "Failed to Initialize Renderer" message. Heck--thanks!

Went back, downloaded the Uninstaller from ATI, ran it, didn't reboot when I was prompted to because I knew I'd be reinstalling the drivers again anyway. MISTAKE. When I tried to go directly to installing the drivers, I got the VGA error message someone mentioned above.

So, I rebooted, then reinstalled the driver package, rebooted again, changed my screen resolution to 1024 x 768 (someone suggested this above or on another forum; can't remember which), and THEN tried to load Civ IV again...and it worked!

This is for my kid, not me--I don't even play Civilization (love Pirates, though). He's ten, and contributed $10 to help buy C4 yesterday because he was so excited to play it. Imagine how disappointed he's been for the past 24 hours, until we finally got the game running.

Here's hoping it keeps working!

[didz]

Here is what happends right before the Error message.

......Double-click on the shortcut
......Init things status windows appears
......Fullscreen engages
......Yellow round circle picture (like 1cmX1cm) appears centered on screen for 1 to 2 seconds, background is black
......Then it disapears, like the screen is cleaning top to bottom, background is black
......Then wait 5-6 seconds
......Yellow round circle picture re-appears for 1-2 seconds
......Then it disappears, background is black
......Fullscreen mode is leaving
......Error message Failed Rendered thing...

I have followed the instructions to the letter.
......Full cleanup of drivers using the utily
......Installed 5.10 drivers
......Installed DX9 from cd


RADEON X800 XL AGP
Windows XP PRO SP2
OnBoard RealTek AC'97 Audio

Windows Display Advanced Properties tab
Adapter tab
...Bios Info: 113-A49001-101
Options tab
Catalyst: 0.5.10
2D Vers: 6.14.10.6575
Packaging/Display Vers: 8.18-05091a...

------------------
System Information
------------------
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.06GHz (2 CPUs) HYPERTHREADING
Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 168MB used, 2293MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode



---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: RADEON X800 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI RADEON X800 XL AGP (0x554D)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_554D&SUBSYS_03021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Dell 2005FPW (Digital)
Monitor Max Res: 1680,1050
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6575 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 9/14/2005 22:58:47, 241664 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 9/14/2005 22:58:28, 1339392 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-160D-11CF-1D6A-0823A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x554D
SubSys ID: 0x03021002
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV8_B ModeWMV8_A ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{3C5323C1-6FB7-44F5-9081-056BF2EE449D}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run


WDM Streaming Rendering Devices:
Realtek AC97 Audio,0x00000000,0,0,,


GAME LOGS

app.log
[169.828] CvApp::OnActivate

init.log
[167.640] DBG: Engine Init
[168.250] ERR: Initialize Renderer failed - parameters:
- width = 1200
- height = 1200
- flags = 0x8
- hwnd = 0x40206
- adaptrid = 0
- deviceid = 1
[168.250] DBG: Failed to Initialize Renderer - Check DirectX Version


Python.log
load_module CvAdvisorUtils
PY:OnInit
load_module CvAppInterface
load_module CvTranslator

PythonErr2.log
load_module CvCameraControls
load_module CvAdvisorUtils
PY:OnInit
load_module CvAppInterface


Xml.log
[167.625] Loading XML file XML\Interface/CIV4WorldPickerInfos.xml
[167.640] Load XML file XML\Interface/CIV4WorldPickerInfos.xml SUCCEEDED
[167.640] SetGlobalClassInfo (Civ4WorldPickerInfos/WorldPickerInfos/WorldPickerInfo)

[PBN]

did some more reading...

For the Firaxis team... consider this SP2 auto-installs 9.0c which may (or may not) be interfering with some necessary .dlls from your 9.0c install

-- trying to be helpful

[PBN]

and yet, some more....

confirmed that for at least one other game (Sims 2) running on a system with XP Pro - SP2, the "working solution" around a DX problem was (as posted in the above link) to use 9.0b's installer with 9.0c's CABS - problem solved (in that case)

As the exception proves the rule, has anyone still having this problem tried this and failed?

[Kloever]

I tried everyting written above...no use...still same error...And again, my Card. A Radeon 9600XT-VIO 256mb with latest drivers installed

[Salatir]

For those that ordered from Gamestop, there might be good news, though it might be on an individual basis. My store representative was more than understanding about my frustration and refunded my money without a problem, despite a general "no refund if opened" policy. Suffice it to say, now that I have taken this source of bother out of my hands, I no longer have to worry about it. For those folks that, like me, lack the patience to wait for this fix and would rather try again later, I encourage you to talk to your store's reps, explain the unique situation to them (including weblinks, just to give them an indicator that you're not making things up) and state that no new copy of the game is going to work for you until/if the problem is fixed. I'd wager that there's some discretion allowed these folks that could be exercised for their consumers.

Now, I no longer have to worry about this.

Problem solved, at least for me.

[McKeu]

Well now...
I got a Sapphire radeon 9600 XT, game works with me, BUT... the ingame videos (like wonders and other leaders in diplomatic screen) only show correctly in about 10% of all cases. Most of the time the video window stays black. I can continue the Game without probs though. Have Cata 5.10, card drivers 8.18 and the civ4 directx installed. Still ingame videos mess up completely without crashing the game.

[Solver]

And you post about having returned a copy just after there's an apparently working fix out .

[codechino]

Originally posted by Solver
And you post about having returned a copy just after there's an apparently working fix out .

edit: woah, missed that link

[JimmyTango]

Originally posted by Salatir
For those that ordered from Gamestop, there might be good news, though it might be on an individual basis. My store representative was more than understanding about my frustration and refunded my money without a problem, despite a general "no refund if opened" policy. Suffice it to say, now that I have taken this source of bother out of my hands, I no longer have to worry about it. For those folks that, like me, lack the patience to wait for this fix and would rather try again later, I encourage you to talk to your store's reps, explain the unique situation to them (including weblinks, just to give them an indicator that you're not making things up) and state that no new copy of the game is going to work for you until/if the problem is fixed. I'd wager that there's some discretion allowed these folks that could be exercised for their consumers.

Now, I no longer have to worry about this.

Problem solved, at least for me.

Yes, the problem is solved. For those patient enough to WAIT A DAY.

[Gallant]

Yeah, does anybody have a link for that fix?

I'll give them all 8 empty coke cans that I managed to produce in the last 48 hours, which they may take in for recycling refunds.

[Gallant]

Sorry, found it.. and for everyone else...

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=140859

[didz]

FIX FOUND

The problem has NOTHING to do with the drivers

refer to this thread: http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=140859

[Simpleton]

Originally posted by ZanThrax


Which one? They were both rude when I was there. You must have had a preorder in for it. I was told that the preorder I placed was for the regular edition, not the CE & that they only had 9 copies for the 10 CE preorders anyhow. Entire conversation was with a "get bent and die, it's not our problem that we screwed you over" attitude. Now it seems that no one has the regular edition in Edmonton anywhere until "maybe" Friday. So not only no good manual & tech tree, but I can't even get the regular manual either.

Both grumpy? How can that be??? The girl I bought the game from must have sucked all the cheer and life out of the other one. That girl is absolutely horrid!!! I wish EB had secret shoppers. Would I ever like to write a report on her!


She basically told me the same thing about the CE. I didn't preorder but I had reserved a copy a few days before it came out. I got that final (ninth) copy. Of course, it's all for naught as I can't play the bloody thing due to that friggin rendering error!!!!!

[PLATO]

Originally posted by Trip
1. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall the listing titled ‘ATI Graphics Driver’

I do not show a graphics driver in "add/remove" I show a "Display driver" version 8.04-040717a-017646C-ATI

Same thing?

[Jon Shafer]

Yes, that appears to be correct.

[Traelin]

Originally posted by ERLoft
Hmm, as no one seems to be having issues with X850 XT PE cards, maybe it's time to consider the upgrades. BF2 has been crying out for that upgrade for a while now...

BTW, problem #1 on the Support Line was the tech tree en francais.

Actually I did have a problem with the X850 XT PE, but I fixed it.

[OutFlanked]

Originally posted by JimmyTango
Yes, the problem is solved. For those patient enough to WAIT A DAY.

Yeah, good for you that the fix worked.

Bad for me that it didn't.

Nice Hubris

[tezster]

I only picked up the game yesterday, and having read of all the problems here just about expected the game not to run on my first try. But fortunately I didn't run into any problems at all. I have an ATI 9500 Pro video card. No rendering errors or small graphical glitches or lock-ups or reboots.

In fact, had I not read any messages in this forum, I would've assumed that there were absolutely no problems with the game whatsoever.

This is only after about 4 hours of gameplay; hopefully the next 40+ hours I'll play over the weekend will go just as smoothly

[Targonis]

Here is an idea to help isolate the source of the problems. For myself, I am running an ATI Radeon 9800 pro 128 meg(built by ATI) card, with 1 gig of system memory, and using the sound built into my motherboard.

First, in your system(s), do you have one DIMM module for your memory, or do you have two or more? I've seen problems in the past with some games(EverQuest had this problem for a while) where people would crash to desktop, but removing one memory module would work fine.

How large is your AGP apature? For those with PCI Express, there should be a similar setting to tell the BIOS how much real system memory is available to the video card. For many AGP motherboards, setting this value to the lowest setting will turn off the feature which will help diagnose the problem.

Check if there are motherboard or chipset driver updates available. Make sure you have the latest AGP and/or PCI Express drivers installed since this CAN make a difference in games.

For drivers, I have the latest Catalyst drivers installed with Catalyst Control Center, NOT the control panel set. This means I have the .NET framework 1.1 installed with all the idiotic little patches needed(because Microsoft can't just replace the older 1.1 package with an updated one that has the fixes included).

I know this won't help those with laptops, but for those with desktop computers, the PCI slot that is on the end as far from the AGP slot as possible tends to share an IRQ with the video card, and this can cause MINOR conflicts with the video card. As a result, if you have a PCI modem card or sound card in that slot, it might be a part of the problem.

For those with a Creative Labs sound card and also have the display problems, try removing the sound card from your system to help diagnose if it's a part of the problem. Creative Labs is KNOWN for having drivers that cause problems. It took them over a year after Windows XP came out to provide support for the SB Live cards which they COMPLETELY stopped supporting for that one year.

Back to the video side of things, check your settings. Make sure your desktop resolution matches your game settings for video. If you run the game at 1024x768 with 32 bit color, make sure your desktop is set to that same resolution. Also, in the drivers, make sure EVERYTHING is set to application preference. Do NOT try to force anti aliasing. To verify that the listed settings are the real ones, change the setting, apply the change, then change the setting back to application preference. I always go max quality, but customize to application preference.

It's possible that the people who are having problems are running into the drivers trying to force a setting that just doesn't work with the game.

I hope these ideas help some of you. I'll check back later...