HHHHEEELLLPPP!!!!!!

[def_tank]

Someone help me! I just bought a copy of Emperor, and it installs fine. However, it wont load whenever i try to start the game. I have all the system requirements, and the cd's dont seem to be messed up, so can someone help me?  :'(

[ken124578]

that happenes to me AFTER i had played the game but haven't closed it properly.

shut down programs: game, emperor and dune should work now.

[crazy]

something with the soundcard.

that was my prob.

reinstal data of ur soundcard.

just a hint  ;)

[Vladimir_Harkonnen]

I downloaded that cacheman thingy and thats all needed...

[def_tank]

i remember it said something about not being able to utilize the 3D system or something like that, and that there was an error with C++. I'm confused though, because my video card should be adequate for playing Emperor. Hope that info's enough

[nemafakei]

Search the 'net for the newest drivers for your cards. Make sure they're DX8 compatible. Then try reinstalling Emp, to be sure.

[Nyarlathotep]

As suggested by Nema, try to update your drivers. Also, press [ctrl] - [alt] - [delete] once. Close all background programs you see running, except for "Systray" & "Explorer".

If the problem remains, go to start => run and type there dxdiag. Run all tests and post the output here. We'll take it from there.

[def_tank]

here's the output:

Direct3D tests results: all tests were succesful

DirectDraw results: all tests succesful

DirectSound results: all test succesful

DirectMusic: same thing

actually, every test went fine.

here's some more detailed info on my comp, mayb i shoulda added this in the beginning:

AMD Athlon 633mhz w/ mmx and 3dnow

128 mb

DirectX 8.0

Microsoft 98 second edition

3Dfx Voodoo 3 3500 TV w/ total appr. memory 15mb

if there's anything else of relevance missing here, please tell me. thanx for the help so far guys.

[Nyarlathotep]

With dxdiag output, I meant the following: if you run dxdiag, on the first screen you'll see 4 buttons below:

Help, Next page, Save all information and exit. You need the button labled "Save all information". Save the information in the default location. That way it'll be saved on your desktop in a text file. Copy the ouput of that file in here :)

Looking at your specs, I think the problem is with your video card. Go to www.xs4all.nl/~sascho. Look under the "General" section at point 4. You'll find several download sites for drivers for your video card. The difference with whats been suggested before is to try and find an older driver.

With the other drivers, try also the following options behind the games shortcut if you still continue to have problems: -c and/or +w

Keep me updated !

[def_tank]

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

System Information

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

  Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98 (4.10, Build 2222)  A

          Language: English (Regional Setting: English)

System Manufacturer:

      System Model:

              BIOS:

         Processor: AMD Athlon Processor,  MMX,  3DNow, ~650MHz

            Memory: 128MB RAM

         Page File: 149MB used, 1770MB available

   DirectX Version: DirectX 8.0 (4.08.00.0400)

DX Setup Parameters: Not found

    DxDiag Version: 4.08.00.0400

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

DxDiag Notes

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

 DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.

     Display Tab 1: The file 3dfx16v3.drv is uncertified, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs.  You may be able to get a certified driver from the manufacturer of the hardware device.

       Sound Tab 1: The file EMU10K1.VXD is uncertified, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs.  You may be able to get a certified driver from the manufacturer of the hardware device.

         Music Tab: No problems found.

         Input Tab: No input devices detected.

                    No problems found.

       Network Tab: The registry information for the DirectPlay application 'Shogo' is missing or damaged.  You should reinstall that application.

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

DirectX Components

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

  ddraw.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 369664 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: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 41984 bytes

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

   d3d8.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 1082368 bytes

d3dref8.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 236544 bytes

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

d3dim700.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 872960 bytes

 d3dref.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 140800 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: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 245760 bytes

dpmodemx.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 90112 bytes

dpwsockx.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 98304 bytes

dplaysvr.exe: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 45056 bytes

 dpnsvr.exe: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 86016 bytes

  dpnet.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 237568 bytes

dpnlobby.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 98304 bytes

dpnwsock.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 143360 bytes

dpnaddr.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 90112 bytes

dpnmodem.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 159744 bytes

dpvoice.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 442368 bytes

dpvsetup.exe: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 122880 bytes

 dpvvox.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 184320 bytes

 dpvacm.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 90112 bytes

 dinput.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 671744 bytes

dinput8.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 704512 bytes

 dinput.vxd: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 10874 bytes

  dimap.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 102400 bytes

diactfrm.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 425984 bytes

  vjoyd.vxd: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 33361 bytes

 joyhid.vxd: 4.88.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 13055 bytes

    joy.cpl: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 405504 bytes

  gcdef.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 528384 bytes

 gchand.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 6144 bytes

    pid.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 40960 bytes

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

here u go, thanx for clearing that up.

anyways, this is part 1

[def_tank]

part 2hidgame.sys: 4.07.00.0700 English Final Retail 11/27/1999 07:00:00 8880 bytes

 dsound.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 474112 bytes

dsound3d.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 1339392 bytes

 dsound.vxd: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 48171 bytes

 dswave.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 15360 bytes

  dsdmo.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 176128 bytes

dsdmoprp.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 478720 bytes

 dmusic.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 110592 bytes

dmusic16.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 11008 bytes

dmusic32.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 28672 bytes

 dmband.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 25600 bytes

dmcompos.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 59392 bytes

  dmime.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 168960 bytes

dmloader.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 30720 bytes

dmstyle.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 110080 bytes

dmsynth.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 130048 bytes

dmscript.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 78336 bytes

  dx7vb.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 600576 bytes

  dx8vb.dll: 4.08.00.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 1069056 bytes

amstream.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 63488 bytes

devenum.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 131584 bytes

 dxmasf.dll: 6.01.05.0130 English Final Retail 4/23/1999 22:22:00 438272 bytes

 mciqtz.drv: 4.00.96.0729 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 11776 bytes

mciqtz32.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 33792 bytes

mpg2splt.ax: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 141312 bytes

   qcap.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 248320 bytes

    qdv.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 272896 bytes

   qdvd.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 455168 bytes

 quartz.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 1658368 bytes

 quartz.vxd: 4.00.00.0501 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 5672 bytes

strmdll.dll: 4.00.00.3845 English Final Retail 8/9/1999 14:34:06 248096 bytes

 vidx16.dll: 0.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 10240 bytes

iac25_32.ax: 2.00.05.0052 English Final Retail 5/8/1998 02:56:06 199680 bytes

 ir41_32.ax: 4.41.16.0002 English Final Retail 2/26/1998 03:24:22 848384 bytes

ir41_qc.dll: 0.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 3/22/1998 13:34:14 120320 bytes

ir41_qcx.dll: 0.00.00.0000 English Final Retail 3/22/1998 13:34:14 338432 bytes

ir50_32.dll: 5.1538.15.0044 English Final Retail 8/8/1998 06:39:32 739328 bytes

ir50_qc.dll: 5.00.63.0038 English Final Retail 3/22/1998

[def_tank]

part 3

ir50_qcx.dll: 5.00.64.0038 English Final Retail 3/22/1998 13:34:16 181760 bytes

  ivfsrc.ax: 5.03.02.0038 English Final Retail 3/22/1998 13:34:16 139264 bytes

mswebdvd.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 375296 bytes

     ks.sys: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 117056 bytes

 ksproxy.ax: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 116224 bytes

 ksuser.dll: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 4096 bytes

 stream.sys: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 41920 bytes

mspclock.sys: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 4800 bytes

mskssrv.sys: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 6368 bytes

 swenum.sys: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 3456 bytes

  mstee.sys: 4.90.3000.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 4896 bytes

bdaplgin.ax: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:38 13824 bytes

 bdasup.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:16 4992 bytes

 msdvbnp.ax: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:16 50688 bytes

psisdecd.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:26 366080 bytes

psisrndr.ax: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:24 35840 bytes

  ipsink.ax: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:40 14336 bytes

 ndisip.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:18 7424 bytes

    mpe.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:18 13984 bytes

streamip.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:18 13664 bytes

mpg2splt.ax: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 11/7/2000 15:16:46 141312 bytes

msvidctl.dll: 6.03.01.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:22:20 465920 bytes

   slip.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:20 10016 bytes

nabtsfec.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:46 86016 bytes

ccdecode.sys: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:46 15264 bytes

 vbisurf.ax: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:52 29696 bytes

  msyuv.dll: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:52 14336 bytes

kstvtune.ax: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:50 52736 bytes

  ksxbar.ax: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:48 38400 bytes

kswdmcap.ax: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:21:56 82432 bytes

vfwwdm32.dll: 4.10.00.2222 English Final Retail 4/23/1999 22:22:00 73728 bytes

wstdecod.dll: 5.01.2258.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:30:46 45568 bytes

   msdv.sys: 4.10.2226.0400 English Final Retail 10/21/2000 02:26:06 55936 bytes

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

Display Devices

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

       Card name: 3dfx Voodoo3 3500 TV

    Manufacturer: 3dfx Interactive, Inc.

       Chip type:

        DAC type:

       Device ID: EnumPCIVEN_121A&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_0060121A&REV_01000800

  Display Memory: 15.0 MB

    Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit)(optimal refresh rate)

         Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor

 Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200

     Driver Name: 3dfx16v3.drv

  Driver Version: 4.11.01.0201 (English)

     DDI Version: 6

Driver Attributes: Final Retail

Driver Date/Size: 7/21/1999 19:11:32, 379156 bytes

Driver Certified: No

 WHQL Date Stamp: n/a

             VDD: *vdd

        Mini VDD: 3dfxv3.vxd

   Mini VDD Date: , 0 bytes

Device Identifier: {D7B71CFA-4345-11CF-6371-6120A5C2C935}

       Vendor ID: 0x121A

       Device ID: 0x0005

       SubSys ID: 0x0060121A

     Revision ID: 0x0001

        Registry: OK

    DDraw Status: Enabled

      D3D Status: Enabled

      AGP Status: Not Available

DDraw Test Result:

 D3D Test Result:

 AGP Test Result:

[def_tank]

part 4

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

Sound Devices

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

     Description: DirectSound (SB Live! Wave Out [C800])

       Device ID: PCIVEN_1102&DEV_0002&SUBSYS_80401102&REV_05BUS_00&DEV_0F&FUNC_00

 Manufacturer ID: 2

      Product ID: 104

            Type: VXD

     Driver Name: EMU10K1.VXD

  Driver Version: 4.06.00.0711 (English)

Driver Attributes: Final Retail

Driver Certified: No

   Date and Size: 11/4/1999 01:08:00, 265285 bytes

     Other Files: emu10k1.vxd

 Driver Provider: Creative

  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

          Creative S/W Synth, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal

          A: SB Live! MIDI Synth, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal

          B: SB Live! MIDI Synth, Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal

          SB Live! MIDI Out [C800], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External

          SB Live! MIDI In [C800], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External

Registry: OK

Music Test Result:

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

Input Devices

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

Poll w/ Interrupt: Yes

        Registry: OK

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

Input Drivers

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

 Registry Key: msjstick.drv<0002>

       Active: Yes

     DeviceID: VIRTUAL*CTL7010PCI&VEN_1102&DEV_7002&SUBSYS_00201102&REV_05&BUS_00&DEV_0F&FUNC_01

Matching DevID: VBIDEC

16-bit Driver: msjstick.drv

32-bit Driver:

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

DirectPlay Service Providers

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

Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (4.08.00.0400)

Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (4.08.00.0400)

Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (4.08.00.0400)

IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (4.08.00.0400)

DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnwsock.dll (4.08.00.0400)

DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnwsock.dll (4.08.00.0400)

DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnmodem.dll (4.08.00.0400)

DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnmodem.dll (4.08.00.0400)

DirectPlay Test Result:

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

DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps

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

Age of Empires II (DX7) - Registry: OK, ExeFile: Empires2.ICD (0.14.14.0914)

Kingdoms (DX7) - Registry: OK, ExeFile: Kingdoms.exe (1.00.00.0001)

Shogo (DX7) - Registry: Error, ExeFile:  ()

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (DX7) - Registry: OK, ExeFile: terran.exe ()

Age of Wonders (DX7) - Registry: OK, ExeFile: aow.exe ()

worms2 (DX7) - Registry: OK, ExeFile: worms2.exe ()

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

Inactive Display Entries in Registry

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

None

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

Inactive Sound Entries in Registry

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

Card name: Voice Modem Serial Wave Device

   Driver: serwvdrv.drv

Card name: Voice Modem Serial Wave Device

   Driver: serwvdrv.drv

[def_tank]

o yeah, one last thing.

outta curiosity, how's getting an older driver gonna help?

i dont think ur advice is useless by anymeans, just wondering, that's all.

[Nyarlathotep]

I don't have an explanation as of why an older driver works. We came across this solution by comparing the systems of two people in the lockup thread. Both had a Voodoo 3 card and one of them could play, while the other couldn't. The one that could play had an older driver. The other person downloaded that older driver and from that moment on he could play.

About your situation, I checked the output and want to suggest the following:

1) Make sure you've updated your soundcard driver (you still have an older driver). Go to www.creative.com and point at the support button. An extra list will show with locations. Select yours and take it from there.

2) try different drivers with the options -c and/or +w behind the games shortcut

When you've updated your drivers, re-install directx (no need to uninstall).

3) Lower your desktop resolution to 800x600 16bits.

[def_tank]

thanx for the suggestions, ill try em out soon.

[def_tank]

hey, the comp wont let me ad a -c to the target line on the shortcut properties. what do i do to get it to work?

[Nyarlathotep]

That's weird. It should work. If you right click on the icon on your desktop, select proporties, you should be able to add the options behind the target line..

Let me know if you tried it like above..

[def_tank]

i did...

[Gobalopper]

Why won't it let you add it? You can't type at all in the box or some other reason?

[Gobalopper]

Like this, see attachment.

[Nyarlathotep]

I'm quiet lost then. Considering the fact you run Win 98, there's no need for any admin rights..

[def_tank]

nevermind, i managed to type it in, but it didnt work though. well, im gonna install the old drivers for my vid card soon (after the AP tests, actually). thanx for the help guys.

[Nyarlathotep]

Be sure to keep us updated !

[def_tank]

i give up, i just cant figure out what's wrong.  :'( crap why cant the damn game work?