Can't even get Civ 4 to start!

[SoulBlazer05]

Okay, bought the game, installed it, hit play, I see the box with the loading info, and then....nothing. Game is not even running.

I've updated both my video card and Direct X to the newest version.

I have a Athalon 2.09 computer with over a Gig of RAM and a new ATI Raedon X800 series video card.

And of COURSE it's the weekend, so I can't even call for help!

Help!

[Nailfoot]

Try uninstalling and reinstalling. Seems simple, but quite often it works. And, did you get a prompt to install DX off of the CD? You must use the version that comes with the game as I understand it.

[SoulBlazer05]

Tried that also.

I'm reading here about people having problems with the Raedon X800 series until they applied a 'fix'. What is this 'fix' they are talking about, where do I get it, and how do I use it?

[alva]

Have you used the directX version that came with the game (you need to!!!).

I'll get a link for the fix, one minute.(didn't read that part until now).

[SoulBlazer05]

Yes, I used DirectX from the CD.

Thanks for being willing to post the fix info!

[alva]

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=140859

For the fix, hope it works for you (if it does, be sure to post it in that forum )

And of COURSE it's the weekend, so I can't even call for help!

In all honesty, you're more likely to find help here (for most problems) than with calling some hotline.
And this is open 24/7.

[Aganerral]

I'm having the same problem (lock up at loading screen) but have a nvidia 7800GT based card, so don't think the ATI fix will help me. Any other possible causes/fixes? I'm trying the uninstall/reinstall next.

[frskniam]

I also can't get it to load. it always gets to Check XML and then just shuts down. Doesn't give an error message or anything. Really frustrating.

[alva]

Try this:

Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temp\

To see it in Windows Explorer you'll probably need to change your folder view settings.

Tools->Folder Options->View->Show hidden files and folders

Also clear the mydocuments\myGames\CivilizationIV

Delete the CivilizationIV folder

Start up, if that doesn't work, repeat and try a reinstall

[alva]

Here another one that might help:

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=140792

[alva]

Here is another one:

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141137

[Aganerral]

I went to try to turn on logging, and it looks like Civ didn't creat a 'My Games/Cv 4' folder or an ini file. Just try another reinstall?

[Aganerral]

For the record, this seems like its related to the copy protection. I ran a program called 'DIAG' on the PLAY CD, hoping it might point out what was wrong. The program is described as 'Safedisc SRV Tool APP'. When this ran, the Civ 4 loading screen appeared and locked up just like when trying to run teh game itself. I have a Rosewill DVD/CDRW combo drive.

[SoulBlazer05]

Okay, I uninstalled and reinstalled both Civ 4 and the newest ATI video file and tried the fix....and it WORKED!

Many thanks!

Side note, that homage when you start a new game to the original Civ -- same pictures, same pictures -- and narrated by Lenoard Nimoy is a REAL TREAT!

[Aganerral]

I got it to work by installing an older non-writeable CD drive (Just CDROM, nor combo like my standard drive). Used that drive to install and run and works fine now. Seems like my issue was related to the safedisc copy protection not liking my other drive.