Crashing...help

[Tony]

Please help...crashing to desktop running v2.09 on pII 450, 128 ram, riva tnt, voodoo2, soundblaster, win98...also having slow framerate issue...error follows:

DOS/4GW Professional error (2001): exception 0Dh (general protection fault) at 1

27:0000080F

TSF32: prev_tsf32 6B18

SS 203 DS 0 ES 0 FS 127 GS 0

EAX 83AD42C0 EBX 217 ECX 84132430 EDX 0

ESI 14F EDI 127 EBP 0 ESP F9C

CS:IP 127:0000080F ID 0D COD 0 FLG 10006

CS= 127, USE16, byte granular, limit 5F8F, base 82EA3C90, acc FB

SS= 203, USE32, byte granular, limit FFF, base 82EA3C90, acc 40F3

DS= 0, USE16, byte granular, limit 0, base 82EA3C90, acc 0

ES= 0, USE16, byte granular, limit 0, base 82EA3C90, acc 0

FS= 127, USE16, byte granular, limit 5F8F, base 82EA3C90, acc FB

GS= 0, USE16, byte granular, limit 0, base 82EA3C90, acc 0

CR0: unavailable

Crash address (unrelocated) = 5:0000080F

Here's a little more info...I'm playing ACM mode and here's what happens leading up to the error:

1. I run the game and load the only saved game I have in ACM. I have escorted the diplomats to Majoris and am waiting for next assignment.

2. I try to save the game and am kicked back to the desktop with the above-mentioned error.

3. I run the game again, and this time it opens to a black screen and I have to CTL-ALT-DEL and end task.

4. I run the game yet again, but this time I don't even get the black screen, it just pops me right back to the desktop.

I don't have this problem running Free-Flight mode, but I REALLY want to play the ACM missions. I've read all the docs and manuals.

Here are the results of the "MEM" command in DOS....PLEASE HELP ME

C:>mem

Memory Type Total Used Free

---------------- -------- -------- --------

Conventional 636K 60K 576K

Upper 0K 0K 0K

Reserved 0K 0K 0K

Extended (XMS) 65,468K ? 129,776K

---------------- -------- -------- --------

Total memory 66,104K ? 130,352K

Total under 1 MB 636K 60K 576K

Total Expanded (EMS) 64M (67,108,864 bytes)

Free Expanded (EMS) 16M (16,777,216 bytes)

Largest executable program size 576K (590,304 bytes)

Largest free upper memory block 0K (0 bytes)

MS-DOS is resident in the high memory area.

C:>

[This message has been edited by Tony (edited 12-17-2000).]

[Charles Lindsey]

576k free is a bit low. You should try to bump it up to 600k free.

The other advice is to have no extra programs running. Reboot then turn off (exit) every program that is running in the system tray. Then start the game.

Read the faq and make sure you have followed the instructions. Install it, patch it, THEN run sound setup. Then play it. In that order. As in another thread it's been a while but that always worked for me.

Edit in: Almost missed you are running a saved ACM. That saved game may be corrupt due to a system hiccup. Would start again and see what happens.

------------------

Vice Admiral Chavik

ICV Phoenix, Sygan Starstation (Sygan)

Fleet Leader - Balor Fleet

Official BC3K Tester

[This message has been edited by Charles Lindsey (edited 12-18-2000).]

[Tony]

OK, here's an update on my error. I have made 612k available in conventional memory and I have nothing running in the background or system tray. I start from a fresh cold reboot and run the game. I start a new ACM game. During the first mission, I save the game once in slot 1 when Diplomat1 is docked at Majoris. Then I wait a while until the mission is successful and I am given 250ep for completing the mission. Then I try to save again, and I'm kicked back to the desktop with the same error mentioned above. It seems as if the error has something to with a memory issue, but it's not indicated in the error as such. The reason I say that, is because the error only happens when I try to save the game, and a lot of AI activity has happened between saves. This I really don't understand because I have over 600k of free conventional memory, 128mb RAM, and 8gb free on a 10gb h/d

The only other thing I haven't tried is uninstalling and reinstalling in the order mentioned by Charles, because the order I installed was v2.00, set up sound, patch to v2.08, patch to v2.09. Now I'll install v2.00, patch to v2.08, patch to v2.09, then set up sound, but I really don't see how this can help because the error seems somehow memory related when there's more than enough of all types of memory to play with no problems. The problem doesn't seem related to sound, as I'm not having any sound-related issues or errors, but I'll do it anyway.

[Supreme Cmdr]

IIRC, someone said something about not being able to save slot 0 games. Try starting a new game using profile 1 (the second slot) and see if that helps.

And if you don't know how to stop the program so that you can see the error message, then you probably haven't read the FAQ or the site resources on this subject.

[Tony]

SC, I will try what you said about starting saves from slot 2. Yes, I HAVE read ALL the faq's and documentation over and over again. That's how I got the error to post in my initial message in this thread. I configured the program not to close on exit so the error remains visible in the dos box after program termination. The most recent thing I have done is completely uninstalled, then reinstalled in the order Charles suggested (v2.00, patch to v2.08, patch to v2.09, then set up sound last). I rebooted and the same error happens as before.

SC, have you seen this error before? What is going on????? I can't play the game at all if I can't save what I've done. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let me reiterate....I have read ALL documentation in the game and even all faq's and info from ALL websites available on the internet. The only way I can get this resolved is right here in this message board. I used to be an IS manager at Coca-Cola, so I'm not computer illiterate and I have taken all available avenues to resolve this issue myself BEFORE seeking assistance. I know everyone has better things to do than babysit people who haven't given any effort of their own accord to resolve their own problems. There's just not anything else I can do. I'm sure this is something simple. Please help me get it resolved so I can play the game. This is the game I've been waiting for. It's without a doubt the best space sim out there. It would be nice to be able to play it. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

[Supreme Cmdr]

Sorry, can't help. Everything that I'm aware of is in the FAQ on the forum. This is probably a hardware of operator failure issue.

Did you try the memory config tips in the FAQ?

[This message has been edited by Supreme Cmdr (edited 12-19-2000).]

[Steve Schacher]

Crashes on save are also related to your mouse driver. Try updating your mouse driver to the most recent version.

[Charles Lindsey]

Hmmm, two vid cards. Which one is BC3K detecting? Are you using the /v? where ? forces BC3K to that vid card? There was something about two vid cards in a system a while back.

Are you trying 2d or 3d?

------------------

Vice Admiral Chavik

ICV Phoenix, Sygan Starstation (Sygan)

Fleet Leader - Balor Fleet

Official BC3K Tester

[Tony]

OK, here's the latest. I have installed the newest mouse drivers, started a new acm game and made the first save in slot 2. When I try to save to slot 3 as soon as mission 1 ends, I get the same error. I'm running the 3dfx shortcut, which I have configured as per the docs and faq's. The game detects the RivaTNT chipset on start and indicates no "out of environment space" or any other errors on startup. I have not forced any particular video card to be used as the docs and faq's say that if you have a RivaTNT and a Voodoo2 (which I do), the game will use the TNT for 2d graphics and use the Voodoo2 as needed for 3d graphics. There is no problem with sound or video during gameplay, just that persistent error (see beginning of thread for error) when I try to make my second save and the game does not save. Note that this error does not occur every single time, just 9 out of 10 times. I sure hope we can get this issue resolved soon. Thanks for helping me

[Papi]

You should have tried to save to PROFILE slot 2 when you START your new game. It used to have some similar problems as yours when starting in slot 1, but it was fixed some time before the final patch. But you never know what's lurking around the next corner....

------------------

Cmdr Jason Cloud

GCV Silver Lining, GENESIS (Moon)

26 Squadron Commander, 2nd squadron

Prime fleet, Gamma Wing

[Tony]

I cleared all saved games and player profiles and started a new acm game...this time starting in profile slot 2....waited until the 15 minute waiting period after completing mission 2 and attemted the first save of the game...crashed to desktop with the same error....BAH!!!!!!!

[Guest Novice]

I've noticed that your system is almost exactly the same setup as mine. I'm very new to the game but haven't had any save problems. Could you run 'mem/c/p' and show which drivers are listed (and where if possible). I'll compare it with mine on the off chance that something stands out. Do this in a DOS window from desktop. (Sorry if I'm stating the obvious).

[Tony]

Here you go....also I've just upgraded to dx7.0a...can you give me the driver info on your video and sound cards as well? thanks...

c:mem /c /p

Modules using memory below 1 MB:

Name Total Conventional Upper Memory

-------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------

SYSTEM 17,248 (17K) 9,568 (9K) 7,680 (8K)

HIMEM 1,168 (1K) 1,168 (1K) 0 (0K)

EMM386 4,320 (4K) 4,320 (4K) 0 (0K)

DBLBUFF 2,976 (3K) 2,976 (3K) 0 (0K)

WIN 3,696 (4K) 3,696 (4K) 0 (0K)

vmm32 130,064 (127K) 2,896 (3K) 127,168 (124K)

IFSHLP 2,864 (3K) 0 (0K) 2,864 (3K)

Free 626,400 (612K) 626,400 (612K) 0 (0K)

Memory Summary:

Type of Memory Total Used Free

---------------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Conventional 651,264 24,864 626,400

Upper 137,712 137,712 0

Reserved 0 0 0

Extended (XMS) 66,901,520 ? 132,866,048

---------------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Total memory 67,690,496 ? 133,492,448

Total under 1 MB 788,976 162,576 626,400

Largest executable program size 626,384 (612K)

Largest free upper memory block 0 (0K)

MS-DOS is resident in the high memory area.

[Guest Novice]

Off to bed (morning shift) so can't check everything now. Quick note though, Dos4gw which caused your main error is a file related to the soundblaster. Has this problem been resolved at cause or have you used the work arounds to force it. I'm running the SB128 as you may see from a post I put on forum the other day. My driver for SB is dated 11-10-1998 in my computer system box. Same for Dos legacy drivers which BC3000 will use. Voodoo2 driver's dated 1-27-2000. According to FAQ directX has no impact on BC, concentrate possible solutions to this problem on manufacturer drivers in Windows. Will get back when have more info. (And sleep).

[Tony]

Thanks for the reply. Something interesting I've discovered since you brought up sound cards. In CONTROL PANEL | SYSTEM | DEVICE MANAGER | SOUND, VIDEO AND GAME CONTROLLERS, it says I have a "Creative Sound Blaster AudioPCI 64D" using driver dated 9-2-1998; and a "SB AudioPCI 64D Legacy Device" using driver dated 9-2-1998; and it shows these same devices when I run the System Info utility, BUT when I run the DxDiag utility, it says I have a "Sound Blaster PCI64 Direct Sound Driver" dated 8-24-1998. The AudioPCI is not the same as a SB PCI64, but can be upgraded to a SB PCI64 with a download from Ensoniq's site. Maybe I'm not doing something right when I configure the sound for the game in the Sound Setup utility?...even though I hear the sounds during testing and when playing the game? I've done an exhaustive check on my system for anything out of place using a myriad of utilities (Dr.Watson, MS System Tools, etc.). There are no conflicts or missing or corrupt files. Everything else runs great on my system. BC3K even runs great, except when I try to save my game. This game was my one and only Christmas present this year...I hope I can get it working right before Christmas Day :/

Here are the results of the DxDiag info:

------------------

System Information

------------------

Time of this report: 12/22/2000, 13:51:43

Machine name: R4Q9O6

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98 (4.10, Build 1998)

Language: English (Regional Setting: English)

Processor: Intel Pentium II, MMX, 450MHz

Memory: 128MB RAM

Page File: 27MB used, 1892MB available

DirectX Version: DirectX 7.0 (4.07.00.0716)

DX Setup Parameters: /PackageInstall

DxDiag Version: 4.07.00.0700

------------------

DirectX Components

------------------

ddraw.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 352528 bytes

ddraw16.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 28496 bytes

ddrawex.dll: 4.87.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 24336 bytes

ddraw.vxd: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 30469 bytes

ddhelp.exe: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 39184 bytes

dxapi.sys: 4.87.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 2416 bytes

d3dim.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 625936 bytes

d3dim700.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 673552 bytes

d3dref.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 141584 bytes

d3dramp.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 590096 bytes

d3drm.dll: 4.06.02.0436 English Final Retail 1/8/1999 18:10:00 437008 bytes

d3dxof.dll: 4.06.02.0436 English Final Retail 1/8/1999 18:10:00 107792 bytes

d3dpmesh.dll: 4.06.02.0436 English Final Retail 1/8/1999 18:10:00 87312 bytes

dplayx.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 218384 bytes

dpmodemx.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 76560 bytes

dpwsockx.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 65808 bytes

dplaysvr.exe: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 29968 bytes

dsound.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 399120 bytes

dsound3d.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 1320208 bytes

dsound.vxd: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 56259 bytes

dinput.dll: 4.07.00.0716 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 633616 bytes

dinput.vxd: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 10874 bytes

joyhid.vxd: 4.87.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 12107 bytes

joy.cpl: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 374032 bytes

gcdef.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 525072 bytes

pid.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 26384 bytes

gameenum.sys: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 10512 bytes

hidgame.sys: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 12/8/1999 07:00:02 8880 bytes

dmusic.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 69392 bytes

dmusic16.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 11456 bytes

dmusic32.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 13584 bytes

dmband.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 26896 bytes

dmcompos.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 49936 bytes

dmime.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 82192 bytes

dmloader.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 21264 bytes

dmstyle.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 78096 bytes

dmsynth.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 52496 bytes

dx7vb.dll: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 9/9/1999 07:00:00 605456 bytes

-------------------

DirectX Media Files

-------------------

actmovie.exe: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 53248 bytes

amstream.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 81920 bytes

danim.dll: 5.01.15.1106 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 1482752 bytes

devenum.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 61440 bytes

lmrt.dll: 5.01.15.1106 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 151552 bytes

mciqtz.drv: 4.00.96.0729 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 11776 bytes

mciqtz32.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 53248 bytes

qcap.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 159744 bytes

qcut.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 200704 bytes

qdv.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 151552 bytes

qdvd.dll: 5.01.70.0408 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 274432 bytes

quartz.dll: 5.01.70.0327 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 745472 bytes

quartz.vxd: 4.00.00.0501 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 5672 bytes

vidx16.dll: 0.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 10240 bytes

iac25_32.ax: 2.00.05.0050 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 198656 bytes

ir41_32.ax: 4.31.16.0002 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 857600 bytes

ir41_qc.dll: 0.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 135168 bytes

ir41_qcx.dll: 0.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 352256 bytes

ir50_32.dll: 5.1026.15.0041 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 753664 bytes

ir50_qc.dll: 5.00.63.0038 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 212992 bytes

ir50_qcx.dll: 5.00.64.0038 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 196608 bytes

ivfsrc.ax: 5.03.02.0038 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 139264 bytes

tm20dec.ax: 1.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 175616 bytes

atl.dll: 3.00.8168.0000 English Final Retail 6/17/1998 17:31:10 69632 bytes

comcat.dll: 5.00.1600.0001 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 16384 bytes

msvcrt.dll: 6.00.8397.0000 English Final Retail 7/29/1998 18:00:06 266293 bytes

oleaut32.dll: 2.20.4122.0001 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 503808 bytes

olepro32.dll: 5.00.4122.0001 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 126976 bytes

urlmon.dll: 4.72.3110.0006 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 487424 bytes

wininet.dll: 4.72.3110.0000 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 380928 bytes

---------------

DirectX Drivers

---------------

framebuf.dll: 4.10.00.1998 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 28672 bytes Certified

framebuf.drv: 4.10.00.1998 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 22192 bytes Certified

msanalog.vxd: 4.05.01.1998 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 12101 bytes Certified

msjstick.drv: 4.05.01.1998 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 2336 bytes Certified

supervga.drv: 4.00.00.0950 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 52320 bytes Certified

tsd32.dll: 1.03.03.0007 Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 32768 bytes Certified

vga.drv: 4.10.00.1998 English Final Retail 5/11/1998 20:01:00 52080 bytes Certified

vjoyd.vxd: 4.07.00.0716 English Final Retail 12/8/1999 07:00:02 33764 bytes

---------------

Display Devices

---------------

Card name: STB Velocity 4400

Manufacturer: STB Systems, Inc.

Chip type:

DAC type:

Device ID: EnumPCIVEN_10DE&DEV_0020&SUBSYS_274D10B4&REV_04000800

Display Memory: 16.0 MB

Current Mode: 800 x 600 (16 bit) (optimal refresh rate)

Monitor: VX700

Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200

Driver Name: v128iid.drv

Driver Version: 4.10.01.7131 (English)

DDI Version: 6

Driver Attributes: Final Retail

Driver Date/Size: 9/24/1998 17:58:02, 575652 bytes

Driver Certified: Yes

VDD: *vdd

Mini VDD: v128iid.vxd

Registry: OK

DDraw Test Result:

D3D Test Result:

Card name: Voodoo2 DirectX 7 Driver

Manufacturer:

Chip type:

DAC type:

Device ID:

Display Memory: 12.0 MB

Current Mode:

Monitor:

Monitor Max Res:

Driver Name: 3dfxV2.drv

Driver Version: 4.11.01.1151 (English)

DDI Version: 7 (or higher)

Driver Attributes: Final Retail

Driver Date/Size: 1/17/2000 14:27:58, 39996 bytes

Driver Certified: No

VDD:

Mini VDD:

Registry: OK

DDraw Test Result:

D3D Test Result:

-------------

Sound Devices

-------------

Description: Sound Blaster PCI64 Direct Sound Driver

Device ID: PCIVEN_1274&DEV_1371&SUBSYS_57538086&REV_04BUS_00&DEV_0C&FUNC_00

Manufacturer ID: 125

Product ID: 81

Type: VXD

Driver Name: ES1371.VXD

Driver Version: 4.05.00.1127 (English)

Driver Attributes: Beta Retail

Driver Certified: No

Date and Size: 8/24/1998 16:25:02, 390803 bytes

Other Files: es1371.vxd

Driver Provider: ENSONIQ

HW Accel Level: Full

Registry: OK

Sound Test Result:

-----------

DirectMusic

-----------

DLS Path: C:WINDOWSsystem32driversgm.dls

Version: 1.00.16.0002

Ports:

Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port

MIDI Mapper, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal

SB AudioPCI 64D MIDI Synth, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal

SB AudioPCI 64D MIDI Out, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External

SB AudioPCI 64D MIDI In, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External

Registry: OK

Music Test Result:

-------------

Input Devices

-------------

Device Name: Two axis, four button

Driver Name: Default

Driver Version: ()

Driver Attributes: Final Retail

Date and Size: , 0 bytes

Registry: OK

-------------

Input Drivers

-------------

Registry Key: msjstick.drv<0004>

Active: Yes

DeviceID: VIRTUAL*PNPB02FPCI&VEN_1274&DEV_1371&SUBSYS_57538086&REV_04&BUS_00&DEV_0C&FUNC_00

Matching DevID: *PNPB02F

16-bit Driver: msjstick.drv

32-bit Driver: vjoyd.vxd

----------------------------

DirectPlay Service Providers

----------------------------

Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (4.07.00.0700)

Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (4.07.00.0700)

Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (4.07.00.0700)

IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (4.07.00.0700)

DirectPlay Test Result:

-------------------------

DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps

-------------------------

Motocross Madness - Registry: OK, File: mcm.exe (1.98.07.2001)

------------------------------------

Inactive Display Entries in Registry

------------------------------------

None

----------------------------------

Inactive Sound Entries in Registry

----------------------------------

None

[Guest Novice]

OK I've had a look at the details on your system. I've just Downloaded DX 8.0 (11 meg, phew) but haven't got round to installing it yet. I've check your version 7.0a against my 7.0. No point printing the details as we have the same DX Drivers loaded and a lot of yours are more current than mine, and the trouble shooter says:

'Q. DOES BC3K v2.0x USE DIRECTX AT ALL?

A. No. However, the next titles in the series, starting from Battlecruiser Millennium, will support DirectX and OpenGL.'

Our systems and set-ups are the same with two exceptions, I have the SB 128 (minor difference) my graphics card is Matrox G200 AGP (major difference, yours is bigger and better so should run the game easy). With the voodoo2 we're running the same drivers, same set-up. With the graphics card and SB our drivers are different of course but I noticed neither of your MANUFACTURER drivers are as recent. Seeing the lengths you've gone to trying to get the game running I think you will already have downloaded the most recent drivers from Creative Labs and 'STB systems'. One thing to watch there is Matrox had a new driver certified for DX tucked away from their main driver downloads. STB may be more sensible though.;-). Enough of DX, it was useful at telling me I'm running out of ideas.

I mentioned a post on my SB problems in this forum and how I solved them so you may have looked at it. Before I solved that problem all my Windows settings seemed fine, passed every test I could throw at them, no conflicts shown, all drivers downloaded fresh that day. However, DOS window still didn't like them and BC3000AD didn't run properly. (I also got a crash when trying a third save in ACM). This takes me to your BIOS and PCI configuration, you may already have looked at this so I apologise in advance.

BIOS: Installing a Voodoo3 on my mates computer there was a section in the manual requiring certain areas in the BIOS to be changed away from the default. I can't find my Voodoo2 manual at the mo, so if yours is handy check it out.

PCI Slots: Using APTEST in DOS window brought up a problem that has not bothered me in the two years plus that I've had this computer. When booting up I get a table of the cards my bios detected and the IRQ's it has assigned them. My SB was sharing IRQ 10 with 2 other detected devices, can't remember which, Windows didn't mind this one bit. DOS prompt did. Your SB may work fine but maybe other cards are causing your problem. After moving the SB to a new slot my BIOS detects the following;

IDE Controller =IRQ 14

Serial Bus =IRQ 10

Simple COMM =IRQ 11

Multimedia Device(SB) =IRQ 5

Multimedia Device(Voodoo2) =IRQ N/A

Display Cont. =IRQ 11

BC3000AD now works. I may even get round to sorting my shared IRQ 11 just in case. You can't always get rid of all shared IRQ's but I always try to keep similar devices away from each other. Your motherboard manual/website may have a recommended list of which card types to put in which PCI slots.

The only other thing that I know is important to DOS window is the VMM32 file which loads all your DOS drivers in one lump. You can view which files it loads in Regedit.exe. I don't know anything about this but on searching I've noticed there is a lot of web sites dedicated to slagging it off. See if any mention problems with any of your hardware as they often have patches or advice.

I'm sorry if I've covered old ground here but I can't think of anything else for now. Let me kow how you get on and I'll have another head scratch.

If hell has a form, there'll be a Microsoft logo on it somewhere. Mark my words.

Keep smiling

[Tony]

OK, I have upgraded to DirectX 7.0a (not that it has anything to do with it, but everyone else seems to be using it), upgraded Voodoo2 driver (1/17/2000), upgraded Creative SBPCI Direct Sound Driver (6/29/2000), upgraded to Creative Sound Blaster AudioPCI 128D with new driver (12/23/2000). I reconfigured sound using autodetect on digital (Soundblaster 16/AWE32) and selected "No MIDI Device" for midi. I deleted all saved games and profiles and started a new acm game in profile slot 2. I was able to save my game a record 4 times and thought my problems were resolved. Since I had failed all the missions during this test, I again deleted the profiles and saved games and began a new acm game in profile slot 2 to be played in a more serious manner. This time I had escorted the Diplomat1 ship to Majoris until he docked and then decided to go to the debris field for a cargosweep while I waited for the mission timer to end. The shuttles did a great job collecting all the pods. Since I knew that the next mission would entail escorting more diplomats to Majoris for their meeting, I decided to launch a long range probe toward Tau Ceti so I could monitor enemy activity. Well, as soon as I launched the probe and it took off, I crashed back to the desktop with the same damn error I've been having. What is interesting this time though, is that in this game I HAD MADE NO SAVES WHATSOEVER UP TO WHEN IT CRASHED!!!

I know that SC reads these posts. Since he is the developer of this game and has seen the time and effort I have put into resolving this problem, I wish he would analyze the error I'm getting and give me some better advice as to what to do to resolve it, other than accusing me of not reading the documentation and faq's (which I have over and over again). There is nothing wrong with my system, sound card, video cards, drivers, etc. There IS something wrong with this game. I really appreciate the great advice from the gamers here who have really put a lot of hard thought into helping me with my problem, but it's starting to seem like the only one who really knows what's happening is unwilling to put forth the same effort, or just plain don't care. I've spent hours every single day for the past few weeks trying to get this resolved and I've had enough. Now I'm putting this game in the bottom drawer of my computer desk to collect dust with the rest of the games we don't play any more. So much for my only Christmas present.

Here is the error message again (if anyone cares):

DOS/4GW Professional error (2001): exception 0Dh (general protection fault) at 1

27:0000080F

TSF32: prev_tsf32 6B18

SS 23B DS 0 ES 0 FS 127 GS 0

EAX DCC68180 EBX 0 ECX 3 EDX 8422DEDC

ESI 14F EDI 127 EBP 0 ESP F70

CS:IP 127:0000080F ID 0D COD 0 FLG 10212

CS= 127, USE16, byte granular, limit 5F8F, base 83B9EC90, acc FB

SS= 23B, USE32, byte granular, limit FFF, base 83B9EC90, acc 40F3

DS= 0, USE16, byte granular, limit 0, base 83B9EC90, acc 0

ES= 0, USE16, byte granular, limit 0, base 83B9EC90, acc 0

FS= 127, USE16, byte granular, limit 5F8F, base 83B9EC90, acc FB

GS= 0, USE16, byte granular, limit 0, base 83B9EC90, acc 0

CR0: unavailable

Crash address (unrelocated) = 5:0000080F

[Supreme Cmdr]

I can't help you. The game has been out since 1998 and every known issue is covered in the FAQ. There is nothing that I can add.

quote:

---

Now I'm putting this game in the bottom drawer of my computer desk to collect dust with the rest of the games we don't play any more. So much for my only Christmas present.

---

Well, the person who gave you a 1998 title for Christmas, must not like you very much am afraid.

Computers progress and a myriad of things happen over the years. So, am not in the position to keep trying to figure out how to make a 2+ year old game work on current day machines. If we [all developers] wanted to do that, we won't be doing other products.

All I know is that 2.09 was the last patch. This saving problem you are having seems to be a video or memory related program. I checked my logs and problem with saving in any slot but zero, was fixed awhile back and has NOTHING to do with the problem you are currently having.

If you disable sound/midi completely in Config and you have the same problem, then its not a sound problem. That should be obvious.

If you are having the same problem with running the software or 3Dfx mode, then video is probably not the problem. That should be obvious.

The game does not use DirectX - which is why I've been watching in amusement as you waste your time on that venture. Apart from that, the rest of the world is already running DX8.

And I noticed that, through all this, you have not bothered to post your config.sys or autoexec.bat contents.

All I can tell you is that is if you can save ok in free flight but not in ACM, then its a memory problem. I don't even know what memory settings you have in the shortcut - whether they are the defaults or tweaked according to the FAQ etc.

I misplaced my crystal ball awhile back, so I can't find some of the critical info you should be providing. Instead of doing that, you're embarking on time wasting ventures such as checking your DX version - which, in itself, is not even current. Go figure.

And one more thing. Just because I read the forums, doesn't mean I have to respond to everything. I'm not on call for anyone - and most especially not for a 1998 game.

[Tony]

Thank you for your quick response, SC. I've done further investigating, but before I post what I've discovered, I'd like to address some issues you've brought up....

"Well, the person who gave you a 1998 title for Christmas, must not like you very much am afraid."

---The person who gave me this 1998 title for Christmas is my wife. We've been together for 13 years and we love each other very much. She gave it to me because we thought it would be the best game I ever played. You're a very brave man to make such a statement as that.

"I checked my logs and problem with saving in any slot but zero, was fixed awhile back and has NOTHING to do with the problem you are currently having."

---I'm not saving to slot zero. You're right, this isn't the problem.

"If you disable sound/midi completely in Config and you have the same problem, then its not a sound problem. That should be obvious."

---It's obviously not a sound problem, as this is exactly what I've done.

"If you are having the same problem with running the software or 3Dfx mode, then video is probably not the problem. That should be obvious."

---It's obviously not a video problem, as the same error occurs no matter what I do.

"The game does not use DirectX - which is why I've been watching in amusement as you waste your time on that venture. Apart from that, the rest of the world is already running DX8."

---Can you say c-o-n-c-e-i-t-e-d? p-a-t-r-o-n-i-z-i-n-g? If you've been watching me struggle all this time to try to resolve this problem and laughed at me instead of trying to help me, then that speaks for itself. Maybe you deserved all the hardship you had since the beginning. My wife and I read the entire history all over the internet with pity and empathy for you and what you had to go through. Maybe someone just like you was "watching you in amusement as you wasted your time" trying to resolve your problems.

"And I noticed that, through all this, you have not bothered to post your config.sys or autoexec.bat contents."

---Why did you not bother to bring this to my attention?

"All I can tell you is that is if you can save ok in free flight but not in ACM, then its a memory problem."

---Since you've ascertained that it's a memory problem, then, by all means, let's address the memory problem.

"I misplaced my crystal ball awhile back, so I can't find some of the critical info you should be providing. Instead of doing that, you're embarking on time wasting ventures such as checking your DX version - which, in itself, is not even current. Go figure."

---I've been posting everything I'm doing to try to correct this problem, which you have read, so if I've left out any critical info, you should bring this to my attention. Instead of doing that, you're embarking on time wasting ventures such as watching in amusement as I waste my time trying to resolve a problem with YOUR game, criticizing my intelligence and attacking my personal relationships. Go figure.

"And one more thing. Just because I read the forums, doesn't mean I have to respond to everything. I'm not on call for anyone - and most especially not for a 1998 game."

---You're right, you don't have to respond to everything, but at least when you do respond, it could be with something constructive. And this is not just "a 1998 game"...this is YOUR 1998 game.

Now if we could get past this childishness, I'll tell you what I've discovered and post the critical info you said I left out.

Creative Labs said that sound cards DOS emulation should be set to IRQ5, with LPT sharing disabled. Mine is set to IRQ7 with LPT sharing enabled. Before I make such a drastic change as this, would you please tell me what you think?

Here is the info you requested:

CONFIG.SYS

DEVICE=C:WINDOWSHIMEM.SYS

DEVICE=C:WINDOWSEMM386.EXE NOEMS I=B000-B7FF

DOS=HIGH,UMB

AUTOEXEC.BAT

SET SNDSCAPE=C:WINDOWS

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6

SET SBPCI=C:SBPCI

C:PROGRA~1NETWOR~1MCAFEE~1SCANPM.EXE C:

@IF ERRORLEVEL 1 PAUSE

The only things I have changed in the shortcut are...unchecked "close on exit" and changed "Initial environment" to 4096. Everything else is default. Also, I close everything else that's running, including what's in the taskbar.

Now please help me to finally get this resolved. I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I'm willing to forget about it if you are. I'm just frustrated after having to make a hundred changes to my computer and go play mission 1 a hundred times only to get the same error no matter what I try. Maybe after we get this straightened out, we can go have tea and crumpets and laugh about all of it!

[Supreme Cmdr]

[Tony]

OK, thanks SC. I'll not do the IRQ thing...I'll match the config.sys to the FAQ. The reason I didn't do it exactly that way to begin with is because I saw some discrepencies specific to my system that could make some of those settings detrimental to my system. Thanks for not booting me. I'm just frustrated, as you could imagine, since I've tried everything short of flashing my bios (yuk!). You seem to be about as persistent and stubborn as I am, so I know you got a smile or two through our exchange, I know I did! So, take nothing personal and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I still think it's a great game and you did a fantastic job on it.

Take care, until we meet again

[Supreme Cmdr]

no worries. I'm immune to pointless personal jabs, after taking them for so long.

Anyway, I don't think you should touch the IRQ settings (I didn't tell you to!). Here is what I want you to do.

Plan A:

1. Backup your config.sys (or just put a REM in front of the older lines you are replacing) and create one which matches the on the FAQ. Then reboot.

2. Uninstall the game

3. Delete the folder

4. Re-install and accept all defaults

5. Go to Control Panel and get the DOS settings for your sound card. You will need the DMA, IRQ, IO. If you do not have your sound card setup for DOS sound, you need to do so. I think I covered this in the FAQ.

6. Run the Sound Setup program. Do NOT auto-detect your sound card. Manually enter the values you obtained from Control Panel. Then test both digital and MIDI sounds. If the test program does not work, then sounds won't work in BC3K either.

7. Edit the BC3K (3DFX) shortcut and increase the environment. Don't mess with the memory settings. Leave them to auto, since you seem to have a lot of memory. If that doesn't work, check the relevant section in the FAQ.

8. Run the software mode and see if you can save OK.

9. Then run the 3Dfx mode and see if you can do the same. If you can, problem solved. If you can't, then am stumped. We'll have to go to plan B (see below)

Plan B: Register in the BCM Beta Test program. You'll have to fork out $15 for the CD-ROM, but you can always hit your wife for a New Year's present.

[Kush]

I want to know if Tony got his Christmas wish!

(I can't believe sc was answering support questions christmas day. I would have taken the day off!)

[Guest Roknor]

I was wondering if Tony got his game to work. Because I am having a similar problem during the first ACM mission (haven't got further than that)

And is this a 2.09 problem or did it exist in earlier version?

[Steve Schacher]

If you are crashing as soon as you press the SAVE button, this problem has been known to be caused by out-of-date mouse drivers. Try updating your mouse driver and see if the crash goes away.