Cannot launch: "Failed to initialize display"

from Elemental Forums

New laptop, Windows 8, up-to-date drivers.  Any attempt to launch FE:LH gives "Failed to initialize display".  Nothing in Event Viewer.  Lappy has both integrated Intel & Nvidia gfx cards, so far as I'm able I think I've made it try with both.

 

Any ideas/hints/suggestions, please?

14,371 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

Umm update your drivers, make sure directx is updated to the newest version and don't alt tab the moment you launch the game. I've seen this when I'm trying to multi task like crazy. Havent seen it for this game specifically. 

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Try setting your system to use only the nVidia chipset. The laptops with both integrated and dedicated graphics sometimes have issues with switching between the two.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

Thanks for suggestions.  I wouldn't ask this question if all my drivers were not up-to-date.

It inspired me to do some more playing.  The only thing which worked was: force it to use the integrated Intel gfx, switch Windows screen resolution down from the native 1920x1080 down to 1600x900.  Then I could get into game.  I could then set its resolution off default "desktop" to explicit 1600x900; which allowed me to restore desktop to full!  It would then run OK in a 1600x900 window.

So it looks like, for me, 1920x1080 crashed it.  The NVidia was a no-go at any resolution.  Not the end of the world, but a bit disappointing --- I expected both of those to work?

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

What NVidia card do you have? I have dual gfx cards on my laptop and it runs just fine. I have Nvidia 630m and some sort of intel card NX4000 (or whatever)

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

I have:

NVidia GeForce GT 740M (2GB)

Intel HD Graphics 4600

bang up-to-date, and running under stinky Windows 8 (.1, Pro)