Game crashes, Help

from PolMach Forums
Sorry, i think I posted this in the wrong forum first

Whenever I run the game I get the short intro movie and then the game crashes to the desktop. I just updated my directx to 9.0C, Windows XP SP1 and a 9600XT AIW. I have tried using both the 4.5 and newest catalyst drivers and nothing seems to work. I can post my dxdiag later, but does anyone have any suggestions?
35,407 views 63 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
If you run the game from the command line with the "w" switch does that help?
Start->Run then type cmd
now press enter

This will bring you to the c:\Documents and Settings\username> prompt
assuming that you have installed political machine to the default folder on the c: drive type the following:
cd \program files\ubisoft\stardock\polmachine
this will change your director to the polmachine directory.
now type:
polmachine w
That will skip the video and run it in windowed mode.
See if that helps you.
If not then please send the debug.err file to support@stardock.com along with the dxdiag report.
Reply #2 from PolMach Forums Top
tried it, still crashes - i am posting the debug.err file and the dxdaig - bear with me its long. Please help, i cannot play the game and the suspense is killing me.

Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Could not open reg key.
Debug Message: Could not find a Drengin.net Serial No.
Debug Message: Could not open reg key.
Debug Message: Could not find political machine serial in registry subdirectory PM1.
Debug Message: Could not open reg key.
Debug Message: Can't find political machine serial in registry subdirectory PM.
Debug Message: Can't find any serial numbers.
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: Device type: D3DDEVTYPE_HAL. Hardware rasterization. Shading is done with software, hardware, or mixed transform and lighting.
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: Border size reported as 6 by 32
Debug Message: Now windowed.
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: LoadAllModelsInDirectory: No files matching mask *.mdl.
Debug Message: LoadAllModelsInDirectory: No files matching mask Gfx\*.mdl.
Debug Message: LoadAllModelsInDirectory: No files matching mask Setup\*.mdl.
Debug Message: Added fonts: font2 font1 Arial13B Arial16B2 Arial10
Debug Message: Added fonts: Arial12 Arial12B Arial14 Arial14B Arial16
Debug Message: Added fonts: Arial16B Arial18 Arial18B
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: No data definition files at path Data\*.PORTRAITS
Debug Message: No data definition files at path Data\*.ADIMAGE
Debug Message: Issues Loaded
Debug Message: Issues Tweaked
Debug Message: Loading 15 questions from Data\60SecQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Loading 14 questions from Data\HardHitterQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Loading 15 questions from Data\JoeUserQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Loading 9 questions from Data\KingQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Loading 22 questions from Data\NightTimeQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Loading 19 questions from Data\OMaleyQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Loading 15 questions from Data\SawyerQuestions.questions.
Debug Message: Question Files Loaded
Debug Message: Special Interest Loaded
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: MemMan: Unable to find pointer in GetBlockInfo. Memory system: EditFields
ASSERT ERROR in file \Projects\pear\Source\memman.cpp at line 581.
Debug Message: Initialize Tilemaps
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Unhide opening menu.

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/17/2004, 22:04:10
Machine name: AJSOFER
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp2.030422-1633)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2500+, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 262MB used, 1947MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0904 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Sound Tab 3: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: RADEON 9600 XT AGP (0x4152)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4152&SUBSYS_47721002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6444 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 4/21/2004 23:11:38, 205824 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 4/21/2004 23:11:06, 729088 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-0212-11CF-9E6A-7867A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x4152
SubSys ID: 0x47721002
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
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
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{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

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: SB Live! Audio [C000]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0002&SUBSYS_80661102&REV_0A
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0296 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 9/18/2003 21:47:22, 496800 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Creative
HW Accel Level: Standard
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 4000, 191999
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 32, 30
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 32, 30
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

Description: Modem #5 Line Playback (emulated)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID:
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 81
Type: Emulated
Driver Name:
Driver Version:
Driver Attributes:
WHQL Logo'd:
Date and Size:
Other Files:
Driver Provider:
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

Description: Modem #6 Line Playback (emulated)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID:
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 81
Type: Emulated
Driver Name:
Driver Version:
Driver Attributes:
WHQL Logo'd:
Date and Size:
Other Files:
Driver Provider:
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: SB Live! Audio [C000]
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0296 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 9/18/2003 21:47:22, 496800 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xFFF

Description: Modem #5 Line Record (emulated)
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name:
Driver Version:
Driver Attributes:
Date and Size:
Cap Flags: 0x20
Format Flags: 0x0

Description: Modem #6 Line Record (emulated)
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name:
Driver Version:
Driver Attributes:
Date and Size:
Cap Flags: 0x20
Format Flags: 0x0

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: Enabled
Ports: SB Live! DirectMusic Synthesizer [C000], Hardware (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
SB Live! Audio [C000], Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
SB Live! Synth A [C000] [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
SB Live! Sw Synth [C000] [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
SB Live! Synth B [C000] [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
SB Live! MIDI Port [C000] [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
SB Live! MIDI Port [C000] [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External
Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: 6 axis 10 button device with hat switch
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x1
Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x0289
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Logitech Dual Action USB
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC216
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x10DE, 0x0067
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 7/3/2003 17:52:58, 53120 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/23/2001 08:00:00, 4736 bytes
|
+-+ Logitech Dual Action USB
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC216
| | Location: Logitech Dual Action
| | Matching Device ID: usb\vid_046d&pid_c216
| | Service: HidUsb
| | OEMData: 03 00 08 10 0C 00 00 00
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 8/17/2001 14:02:20, 9600 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 8/17/2001 14:02:08, 23680 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 8/23/2001 08:00:00, 22528 bytes
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 8/29/2002 01:32:42, 34560 bytes
| |
| +-+ Logitech Dual Action (HID)
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC216
| | | Matching Device ID: hid\vid_046d&pid_c216
| | | Service: WmFilter
| | | OEMData: 03 00 08 10 0C 00 00 00
| | | Driver: WmFilter.sys, 5/14/2003 13:42:56, 21216 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
+ PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
| Location: PCI bus 0, device 8, function 0
| Matching Device ID: pci\cc_0604
| Service: pci
| Driver: pci.sys, 8/29/2002 02:09:12, 62976 bytes
|
+-+ Creative Game Port
| | Location: PCI bus 1, device 6, function 1
| | Matching Device ID: pci\ven_1102&dev_7002&subsys_00201102
| | Service: gameenum
| | Driver: gameenum.sys, 8/29/2002 01:32:44, 9856 bytes

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Easy Internet Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Upper Filters: itchfltr
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 8/29/2002 02:06:38, 51072 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 8/29/2002 01:27:02, 23424 bytes
| Driver: itchfltr.sys, 3/10/2004 13:42:24, 12953 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 8/29/2002 04:46:42, 38024 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 8/29/2002 01:27:02, 23424 bytes
|
+ Logitech-compatible Mouse PS/2
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0f13
| Upper Filters: L8042pr2, LMouFlt2
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 8/29/2002 02:06:38, 51072 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 8/29/2002 01:27:02, 22016 bytes
| Driver: L8042pr2.Sys, 11/7/2003 05:50:00, 51486 bytes
| Driver: LMouFlt2.Sys, 11/7/2003 05:50:00, 70798 bytes
| Driver: Logi_MwX.Exe, 11/7/2003 05:50:00, 19968 bytes
| Driver: LCoInst.Dll, 11/7/2003 05:50:00, 23372 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 8/29/2002 04:46:42, 38024 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 8/29/2002 01:27:02, 22016 bytes

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.0001.0904)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.0001.0904)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.0000.0900)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.0000.0900)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider: AOpen FM56-USB2 Modem
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM3
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: {2CAE20EB-BEAD-4E4C-A1C4-C5B458CF325F} - IPv4 -

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s

-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------
High Heat Baseball 2003 (DX7) - Registry: OK, ExeFile: HH2003.EXE (
Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from PolMach Forums Top
did you get this game in a retail store?

if so, then box it up, take it back, and demand a refund. even if it didn't crash, it wouldn't work right.

get away from this cockroach-fest of a program.
Reply #4 from PolMach Forums Top
i ordered it online from a retail store, electronics boutique. I am more interested in getting it to work right though.
Reply #5 from PolMach Forums Top
then you'll have to wait until stardock decides to allow us *weird* folks that went to a *gasp* real store to get the update. currently only those that bought directly from stardock can get the update.

you can probably get it to work, but it has some serious flaws that flat make the game frustrating and unplayable.
Reply #7 from PolMach Forums Top
it did at first, but went away. once i finally got in, i disabled the movie.

i wonder if there is a string you can add to the shortcut to disable the movie...maybe -nointro?
Reply #8 from PolMach Forums Top
could we maybe talk on aim - my aim is the same as my nickname
Reply #9 from PolMach Forums Top
Same thing is happening to me what a rip. I run about 50 different games on my computer each without a problem. Who the hell programed this trash of a game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM UNINSTALLING THIS ONE NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply #10 from PolMach Forums Top
im losing faith in this company fast. i tried to run it with the command nointro, (thanks fragged one) and the command worked but only decreased the time it takes to crash. I have also ran it in windowed mode with similar results. Please help us stardock.
Reply #11 from PolMach Forums Top
I have a similar problem. I have a GeForce FX card and I think that might be an issue.

I sent my dxdiag and debug.err files to support@stardock.com. I suggest all those experiencing this type of crash do the same.

Hopefully there will be a patch available soon.
Reply #12 from PolMach Forums Top

A little civility wouldn't kill some of you. 

First, the game isn't buggy. There's ONE problem where in campaign mode if you save a game in the middle of a given game and come back it won't take you on to the next one. Defiitely a bug. It's one we've fixed and we're just waiting on Ubi Soft to give us the okay on putting up the patch.   If you bought it at the store note the big Ubi Soft logo. On that retail version we have to wait for their approval to put it up. We're pushing at hard as we can to let them let us put the update up that e-distribution users already have.  If we had our way, we'd let all TPM users (no matter where they bought it) be able to get onto Stardock Central and download interim updates (that's what we did on GalCiv) but we have to abide by the wishes of our publisher. But that said, let's not overstate the "bugginess". That's a pretty easily workarondable issue on one game mode. Hopefully the update will be out in the next day or so.

The problem on some video card configs we're not sure about. We of course tested the game on all kinds of configs and so did Ubi Soft and we didn't run into problems.  We will do our best to try to find out what the issue is.

As usual, make sure you have the latest/greatest drivers.  I have the same config here as Maverick and am not having a problem. Maybe one of our other video tweaks will address this. 

I am asking for permission to put up a interim patch so that you guys can have what the other users have.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Reply #13 from PolMach Forums Top
If one of you wants to drop me an email at bwardell@stardock.com I can see about sending you a link to try out the patch if you want. Retail CD version users.
Reply #14 from PolMach Forums Top
The game may or may not be buggy. I wouldnt know, as I have not been able to play it yet. But I have spoken to two other people and numerous posts from people who have the same problem as I do, the crash at the beginning. I wrote to tech support, who replied a day later asking for more info which I gladly sent. I recieved no response, no confirmation, and no "we are aware of this problem and are working on it". I understand the Stardock is hamstrung in dealing with ubi soft, but it seems they are not holding them back when it comes to dealing with our problem, as they have no solution. I understand that it is a difficult situation, and I work in IT support, and I know it is difficult. But what stardock needs to understand is, is that I am not dealing with buggy software. I do not have anything to show for my money except for the time i spent on this website, learning that you are no closer to solving my problem than before. Please help accomodate your customers.
Reply #15 from PolMach Forums Top

Maverick: Since you're at a "not working" scenario if this patch doesn't work it's not going to change the situation so go ahead and try it:

http://storage.stardock.com/files/PoliticalMachine101_update_for_retailcd_only.exe

It hasn't been tested yet outside Ubi Soft / Stardock but since you can't even get past the intro, it can't possibly do harm.

But yea, since you and I have the same setup basically (I have a 9800 Pro, 4.5 cats and the new expierimental ones for DOOM 3) I don't know why it would bomb on you but not me. Let us know if this patch works.

 

Reply #16 from PolMach Forums Top
Im actually upgrading to 9800pro AIW in a day or two, but i dont know whether that is going to change things. Ill let you if this patch and/or the video card change does anything
Reply #17 from PolMach Forums Top
Ok.  I'll be around. Curious to hear if it helps.  I have a 9600 AIW downstairs that the game works on as well but I mainly use it with Snapstream for recording shows.
Reply #18 from PolMach Forums Top
no good, frogboy. tried it and the game now skips the video at the beginning and then crashes. I also ran it from the cmd prompt windowed with no intro and it still didnt work. Anything we can do about this?
Reply #19 from PolMach Forums Top

Hmm. Let me find out a bit more about your setup.  You're running XP, SP1 is on, good drivers, good video card.

What kind of PC is it? Running at 1600x1200.  I'm really stumped. You're running windowed mode and you're skipping the video so that removes two things. You've got DirectX 9c.

Okay, next idea is Smart Exception.

https://www.stardock.com/products/smartexception/

If you run this program and email me the .cra file it creates when it crashes, we'll know what line of code it's crashing on. I'd see about getting a custom build for you to see if that resolves it.

Reply #20 from PolMach Forums Top
installed smart exception. I ran political machine and I dont get an exception or error log. I figuered, maybe the update had something to do with it. I uninstalled the program and intsalled it again to 1.0 and still no error log.
Reply #21 from PolMach Forums Top
No, it should, on any crash, pick up the exception. This is how our external testers submit bug reports to us.  I'm sending an SOS to other people as we speak to see what's the deal.
Reply #22 from PolMach Forums Top
I have the same issue Maverick. I went the Ubisoft technical support route - here's what I've found out. First, Ubisoft's answer to every technical support question, UPDATE YOUR DRIVERS. They had me update my video drivers (Catalyst 4.8 for AIW 7500), and audio drivers (SB Live! drivers). When that didn't work, they had me update the firmware on my cd drive, because they say that the program is crashing at the copy protection detection stage. That didn't work. The last thing they told me was to remove any virtual drive programs that I had. I had Nero imagedrive on my machine, and took it off. Still doesn't work. I'm in the same boat as you, I am excited about this game, but am not very happy with all the fuss I'm going through to get it working. Well, if you have any virtual drive programs, remove 'em and try again, but it did not work for me (Maybe it's an All-In-Wonder thing?). Keep posting, we'll get the problem fixed eventually.
Reply #23 from PolMach Forums Top
That's an interesting thing, that it's crashing at the point where it's checking for the CD.  Drop me an email at bwardell@stardock.com and I'll try some things.
Reply #24 from PolMach Forums Top
technomatt: we have some very interesting similarities

i also have the sb live 5.1
i also have a virtual drive on my computer
and of course the AIW

i updated my drivers first to the most recent update, and then ubi soft told me to go down to 4.5 because the new ones have bugs
Reply #25 from PolMach Forums Top
Maverick142aj: What virtual drive software are you running? I want to give it a shot here.

Technomatt, when you removed the virtualDrive software, how did you do it? Did you uninstall the software, or simply disable it? The reason I ask is that in Maverick's DXDiag, it is not showing a CDRom Drive installed. I did notice that the HardDisks are SCSI drives, and I'm assuming that the CDROM drive is as well. So Technomatt, what type of drives are you running, especially the CDROM, and does yours get listed in the DXDiag Report? (It should be listed in the "Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives" section)

I'm wondering if the VirtualDrive drivers are messing things up, even after you uninstall the software.