Windows Error just before initial play

[Lee54]

just before the game is to start I get the windows must close game error. Have un and then reinstalled game , upgraded direct x, removed opening videos as was suggested on another post and also cleaned cache. Have tried 1.1 patch and 1.4 patch and no patch.

can access options and make option changes but when I try to begin school or any other portion of the game I get a please wait message then the arrow alone on a potential opening screen then the error message.

[dgrayson]

Are you using DirectX 9?
What is the error message?
Did you install the codex?
What are your computer specs?

[Lee54]

P4 2.6 gig
1 gig memory
dx9
downloaded game with no errors in install
have un and reinstalled

Error message is SH4 has encountered error and needs to shut down
no specific files mentioned as missing.
seems to be a lag or freeze just before entering sub school, etc.

codex?

thanks so much!

Lee

[CapnScurvy]

Lee 54, I have had this problem before with the solution being as simple as Defraging the hard disk after installation. I'm an old school computer user and I have seen the advantage to compressing and defragmenting files, either before and/or after a large mega installation. SH4 is huge, and having it install itself by bits and pieces everywhere on your hardisk is just asking for trouble. Try defraging now since you have it installed and patched to 1.4. Defrag a couple of times, if this doesn't do the trick uninstall SH4. Use Windows "scandisk" to check/fix your hard drive for errors, then defrag the Silent Hunter free HD. Once the HD passes the tests and the files have been compressed and defraged, install SH4 again.

The codex question appeares during the SH4 installation. There is a point during installation that SH4 asks, do you want the Codex 9 (I believe it's 9) to be installed, answer yes. This is when the installation asks for your install approval for several other things as well. Codex's have to do with the music and sound files.

Once installed, defrag the HD again, and load the game. As long as your computer meets the required specifications, you should be good to go.

[Lee54]

I tried your good suggestions and ruled out problems. I picked up a new graphics card and that made it work. I also got the game in the box and loaded that up.

now...even though I am running a fairly new Dell, (Celeron, forgive me) I have a jumpy, mouse dissapearing, dog slow time of it. I have other pc's so I'm going to load up the game on a Pentium or AMD rig.

Thanks for helping me out, appreciate it!

[Lee54]

Well...I played the game. Jumpy and slow, but it was cool...all I needed was a video card that was up to the job.

BUT...now, I have a AMD 64X2 Dual Core with 4 gig of ram and 350 gig HD and XP Pro.

Game won't run. Error message is - Cannot initialize 3D Engine.

I did the Direct x, reinstall game and changed screen rez to everything but Twilight Zone.

Should I get a mainframe?

[Lee54]

its fixed. was the video driver!