Game will not initialize, no error log.

kingkobalt

Hi,

I bought this game a number of months ago and it worked without issue but after the last few updates I have been unable to play at all. When I try to start the game a black window appears for a fraction of a second and I see the NS 2 logo on the taskbar but then nothing happens.

Looking at the log in App Data reveals nothing, it seems to show no errors.

Date: 08/02/13
Time: 15:40:09

---

Build 251
Steam initialized
Render Device: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti (9.18.13.2049)


I have tried just about every possible fix from redownloading and verifying game cache to disabling all background applications and turning off anti-virus. Any clue how I could fix this?

My only clue is that when I try the render test in the NS 2 folder it comes up saying I am missing Spark_Engine.dll

kingkobalt

bump

GhoulofGSG9

Try to Verify the Integrity of Game Cache under Local Files in the properties of the game at steam. with deleting all Gamefiles before (dont forget also to delete the Roaming/NS2 folder and also Steam/userdata/yourid/4920 ). If you've done this get the newest graphic driver. And which security software are you using?

_shadow

Seem to have the same problem, except I have only recently bought the game, and the crash kills steam as well. This happens with no other game, so I do not think that it is a steam problem.

I have tried launching in windowed mode, updating my graphics drivers, am using Norton 360 as an antivirus, and have tried disabling it, have reinstalled the game, and meet minimum (almost recommended) specs. Is there anything else I can do?

GhoulofGSG9

@_shadow post a techreport

_shadow

Attached

GhoulofGSG9

@_shadow: please update your graphic driver (13.8) and try the here given steps first: It seems like some files are missing

Edit: sry driver was only for destop, fixed the link now (you need the mobility one for laptops). And generally you should look up graphic drivers at amd unless you have some modified mobile graphic card (used e.g in some alienware laptops (m2-m3))

_shadow

I think the problem is the graphics driver, but when I try to install the latest version from the ati site you directed me to, the install wizard says my graphics adapter is not supported, however Sony (I have a vaio) does not offer graphics updates for my model after version 8.723.8.2. I realize this is my problem, so thank you for the help, I'll try to fix it

GhoulofGSG9

-deleted-

GhoulofGSG9

- see above-

kingkobalt

Sorry for such a late reply, I have a tech report here if that gives any insight at all.

GhoulofGSG9

I'm sry but im unable to get anything out of your tech report, it seems like NS2 is fully installed but somehow shuts itself down after intializing your graphic card. There is not even any error to help us determing the problem.

Only things i know you could try: Update your graphic driver (but shouldnt be the problem), update your sound driver , nuke NS2 and do a completly fresh install also try to run ns2 as administrator or wait for someone else who maybe has some kind of idea what could have caused this like Ironhorse or Obraxis. In fact I can't promise that this steps could fix your problem. With this words i wish you best luck that your problem gets solved.

kingkobalt

I'm about to update my audio drivers so I'll report back if I have any luck.

trinity.ns

Having the same problem:
Geforce 520MX, Windows 7 64bit, nvidia 320.49

DC_Darkling

Are you using any overlays? ns2 plays very bad with overlays

trinity.ns

DC_Darkling wrote: »

Are you using any overlays? ns2 plays very bad with overlays

No, not using any overlays (don't even know what that is).

I have a 2nd screen that I'm using with an external usb grafic card though. But I already unplugged it, restarted and tried again. Same issue.

IronHorse

External...USB...Graphics card... You just blew my mind.
What does the log.txt say in your techsupport.exe for Render Device: ?

Have you ensured your monitor is set to primary and all dual monitor options are disabled, just in case? (i have no idea if they are shutting off automatically just by unplugging it)

trinity.ns

Here is the log entry:

Date: 08/19/13
Time: 10:30:09

---

Build 251
Steam initialized
Render Device: NVIDIA GeForce GT 520MX (9.18.13.2049)
Error: IDirect3DDevice9::Reset to 1366x768 failed (An invalid parameter was passed to the returning function)
Error: Attempted to load remote options from a file that does not exist.

Yes, all other monitors are disabled.

trinity.ns

I was hoping this would fix it:
http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/130843/crashes-on-launch

But the same issue continues to happen. Even deleted the file (and all external monitors are disabled ofc). Same/similar error appears in the log file.

JCD

Try setting it to another resolution, perhaps that works.

trinity.ns

So this seems to be the issue:
http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/comment/2016081/#Comment_2016081

Unfortunately I can't uninstall that driver. Any suggestions for a fix?

IronHorse

Why can't you uninstall that driver exactly? did you try through device manager?

trinity.ns

Sorry, I didn't express myself correctly. I could uninstall the driver, but I do need the screen. And I don't really feel like reinstalling the driver and reconfiguring my system every time I want to play NS. Anyway, thanks for the help.

trinity.ns

Found this:

"7.2 M0 does not solve the existing problem where full-screen DirectX 11 games will not run in the presence of DisplayLink drivers (on any screen). Games must be run windowed (if they have that option), or DisplayLink drivers must be uninstalled and re-installed after."

(ref http://plugable.com/2013/04/04/displaylink-releases-new-windows-driver-version-7-2-m0)

So I guess I'll wait for OpenGL!

IronHorse

You can just run NS2 in windowed mode.. but i sure hope you have something better than that 520mx, because its not meant for playing modern FPS games..
Also, the game isn't currently running in Directx11 yet... so i doubt that information applies, really.

trinity.ns

It's not only DirectX 11, but all DirectX (I read some other forum posts in the meantime).

And 520MX is ok for playing. I'm very casual anyway