Game won't run under Windows XP Pro...

[MoNoLitH]

I had no problems installing AC Planetary Pack but every time I try to run it, I get an error that my video card isn't recognized.

I run a new system:

3.0 GhZ P4 Gateway
512 MB DDR RAM
Geforce FX 5200

I've tried using compatability mode and the problem persists. Anyone heard of this before?

Thanks.

[BlackCat]

Are you sure that it's your videocard and not the cpu ?

If it is the cpu, then try add

[PREFERENCES]
ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1

in Alpha Centauri.ini and just click ok when the warning pops up.

[MoNoLitH]

Oh wait you're right it was the cpu, not the video card.

I tried it and it didn't work. Any other advice?

[BlackCat]

What message do you get ?

What happens ? does it crash or what ?

[Petek]

MoNoLiTh,

Perhaps your Alpha Centauri.ini file also has a line such as this:

ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=0

in addition to (and preceding) the line

ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1

that you added. If so, delete the line with the 0 (zero).

(My tests show that only the first ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm command is executed.)

HTH

Petek

[MoNoLitH]

No Petek there is only one line which says:

ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1

If I choose Alpha Centauri at the startup screen, it loads for a bit and then the game simply returns to the desktop with no warning whatsoever. The ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1 line did make that cpu not supported error go away, however.

If I try to run Alien Crossfire the game starts loading and then crashes and displays a generic error message with the option to send an error report.

Perhaps one more tweak might do the trick, I believe I am close to getting this classic running again.

Thanks for the help everyone - please keep it coming.

[BlackCat]

A wild shot - I guess that you are at newest directx, but what about video card driver ? Do you have virus check enabled, and was that active during your last VC update ? If it was, it can have prevented installation of the driver.

[Petek]

Make sure you've applied all appropriate patches/updates, especially the one for Win 2000/XP. See

http://www.firaxis.com/games/game_detail.php?gameid=7

If still no luck, consult the FAQ thread in this forum for other troubleshooting suggestions. Also see this thread

http://www.civgaming.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5217

on CGN.

[MoNoLitH]

My video card does have the latest drivers installed fine.

I'll have to try that 2000/XP patch, I'll let you know how it works.

[MoNoLitH]

Ok so I tried the above, and now, out of the Planetary Pack, the original SMAC works.

When I try to start Alien Crossfire, I get one of those 'exe has caused an error' and the opportunity to send an error report. Any ideas?

Thanks again.

[Haoleboy]

I get the same thing. I got the Planetary Pack, and can get SMAC to work just fine, but not SMACX. Would also like to be enlightened as well.

[MoNoLitH]

Anyone?

[Petek]

Look at these threads for advice:

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128481

and

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=125086

[Urban Ranger]

What patch level is your XP Pro? Mine is at Service Pack 1 and Alien Crossfire works just fine.

It starts with the "CPU not supported" message (I have an Athlon 64), but ignoring it gets the game started fine. I have just added ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1 to the ini file.

[MoNoLitH]

I use service Pack 1. I also have the voxel 1 line, and I get the cpu not supported message only with the original SMAC. Crossfire just crashes without warning.