SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

SimCity 4 General Discussion and Tutorials => SimCity 4 General Discussion => Topic started by: jeronij on January 13, 2009, 09:39:23 AM

Title: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: jeronij on January 13, 2009, 09:39:23 AM
Hello SC4 Devoted Player  ;D

Is your game suddenly dissapearing and bringing you back to your desktop?.

Do your cities no longer load, or the game crashes as soon as you load your cities?.


Do not Panic  $%Grinno$% ¡¡¡ This is know as a CTD (Crash To Desktop) and we have the solution for yours  :thumbsup:




First thing to do when your game starts to CTD:


If you do not recall what was the last installed plugin, or you removed but the game is still CTD'ing, well, you are in trouble....  $%#Ninj2 ..... nah ¡... not really, only some more work to fix the issue  ::)



Now that your game is "clean" and you have one or more conflicting plugins located, make sure that:




"But.... I could Not find any conflicting plugin... the game crashes when I scroll or zoom in or out...."



Finally, once you have your game running again, change your mind about plugins, and do not install hundreds of them at once  $%Grinno$% . Choose them carefully and test them inmediately after installing every one of them. Test them in empty and in existing cities. Test them ¡¡¡  :D  :D Also be wise and install only those plugins that you will use. Do not clutter your menus with hundreds of icons if you wont use them regularily.



I do really hope that this list will help you to solve your CTD's and make your gaming experience much more enjoyable  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: MandelSoft on January 13, 2009, 10:15:06 AM
One other cause of a CTD: Hovering a Transit Enabled Lot over a puzzle piece will crash the game.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: dedgren on January 13, 2009, 10:20:57 AM
That's great info, jeronij.  I'll throw in a few tips of my own, for good measure.



Oh, and did I say save your game often?  Well, I did, but there is nothing like creating that amazing neighborhood or perfect pastoral scene and then having your screen freeze or the desktop suddenly appear.  You like SC4?- give it the old "two-finger salute" fairly often: [Ctrl] and [ S ].  If you areally in a hurry, use [Ctrl] and [ Alt ] and [ S ] for a fast save (the region thumbnail is not updated).

Have fun, play safe and Good Luck!


David
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: callagrafx on January 13, 2009, 11:09:09 AM
But also remember that sometimes it's not always the game's fault...If you keep your operating system in good order then some unexplicable CTDs can also be reduced.  Device drivers, updated hardware etc all play their part too.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: spa on July 05, 2009, 08:56:42 AM
Well I have found another CTD source (with help from the BSC crew!). I recently updated all my plugins. I went through and deleted some that didn't fit what I was building and adjusted the lots to use the setbacks, textures and props I like. It was a big undertaking. When I tried to use my new plugins folder, however, I wasn't able to access any of my cities that had any development in them, but the new and improved plugins worked fine if I started from scratch on a blank tile. The crashes occurred in my big cities, my farm cities, in one that only had garbage incinerators on it and one that only had roads. It puzzled me because all I had changed were lots. Missing Co, Cs and R lots shouldn't cause crashes. They should just appear as blank and they definitely shouldn't effect cities that they never even grew or were plopped in. Using the method that Jeronji described in 3 (restored the plugins and started taking out files one by one until I found the one causing the crash) I was able to trace the problem back to a single custom lot I had downloaded and deleted, Glenni's Steinsaas Taarnet. When the Taarnet was in my plugins folder, I can access my cities, but when it's not, I can't, no matter how many of the other custom content buildings I deleted! This one file has become a crucial dependency to every city I built with it in my plugins folder. Not being a technical wizard, I sent the file to the BSC crew to look under the hood and the source of the problem is the second lot file, CO$$8_4x3_Steinsaas_b23c08a6.SC4Lot. The problem is that the exempler was set to RCI instead of Lot configurations! Below is the problem as seen in the SC4tool:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg210%2F1203%2Fsteinsaastaarnetunderth.jpg%2F&hash=6dfe2f6f328453ae38044ea0c8e60904c543bf1d)
Because the lot is an RCI, it is integrated into every city I built with it and I have to keep the file to access those cities. Having restored the lot, everything works perfectly again. So on the mistakes made in modding front, if you're having crashes to desktop, it would be worth checking to see if any lots that were recently deleted were set to RCI since cities that were saved with them will only be accessible if they're kept in your plugins folder. I note the Taarnet was downloaded over 4,000 times so if you've used this lot and can't access cities, redownload it and you'll be able to again. Just keep it out of your plugins folder for any new cities unless you want to keep it forever. I have pmed Glenni and I'm hoping we can get the old simtropolis upload locked and have the Taarnet fixed and reuploaed. That way it would be accessible for anyone who's used it and now needs it to access old cities, but it will stop creating new victims. This isn't meant to slag Glenni. I understand he wasn't doing his own modding at the time (someone in Blam was) and for a novice who doesn't know what they're doing, I can see how you might think that the property has to be set to RCI.

So to recap, another source of crash to desktops:
Lots that were mistakenly set as RCI's, were in the plugins folder when a city was saved and were then deleted.
Solution:
Reinstall the broken lots.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Pat on July 05, 2009, 01:23:20 PM
Spa thank you for adding to this great new find to how a lot is set to RCI can cause some havock on your cities... Setting at RCI if I am understanding right is what causes the bug or is it removing it from your plugin folder what triggers it?

Also another great add would be talking about Vista crashing and how to fix it, also included in this another helpful fix even for XP too... With the help of many great folks here and around the community at large I was able to get my vista machine to work grand without any more CTD's...

This is a simple step by step guide put together by Peter; Handson aka docrolach HERE [linkie] (http://docrorlach.webng.com/downloads/sc4%20repacking%20tutorial.pdf)... He didn't find this fix but simply put it down to a step by step for everyone else to do... From what I understand the credit for this is to go to Shoreman aka Dave?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BarbyW on July 05, 2009, 01:43:09 PM
The Exemplar Type in the LotConfig Exemplar should NEVER be set to RCI and has been done manually in this case as LE would never do that.
The CTD is caused when having had this in your plugins you remove it. It must be kept in plugins at all time although the model and the other lot for this can be removed. This flawed lot will never grow and does not appear in LE or in PIM_X but it has made changes to the game files so cannot be deleted.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Pat on July 05, 2009, 01:58:29 PM
Ahh OK thank you Barby for better clarifying that...  So more or less this lot was deliberately set to cause harm then or was it an accidental whoopsie when modding?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: RippleJet on July 05, 2009, 02:26:14 PM
Most people wouldn't even know what RCI exemplars are...
There are 38 types of exemplar files (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5656.msg179614#msg179614), and they are distinguished by the value in the property Exemplar Type:


Only some of these can be created in PIM and LE, e.g. 0x02, 0x10, 0x1E.
For most others there are no tools to create them, other than using Reader.

Quote from: Pat on July 05, 2009, 01:58:29 PM
So more or less this lot was deliberately set to cause harm then or was it an accidental whoopsie when modding?

When Glenni's above mentioned exemplar was created, someone has definitely deliberately edited the LotConfiguration's Exemplar Type in Reader, changing it from 0x10 to 0x03. It is however equally obvious that this someone did not know what an exemplar type of RCI actually is...

There are a total of 173 RCI exemplars in the game, all defined by Maxis within SimCity_1.dat.
They deal with things like capacity and demand, how they are created, satisfied and capped.

Some of what they control is explained in the following tutorials:

Several of these RCI exemplars have been modded in CAM.
Some attempts have also been made to add new RCI exemplars.

The RCI exemplar that Glenni has added does not contain any RCI properties though.
Thus, there is no risk of upsetting the demand simulator with this.

However, common for all RCI exemplars is, that once you have had it loaded when playing,
that particular exemplar must be available forever thereafter.
Otherwise you will face a CTD, as is so well explained above.

Thank you Samuel! :)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: ecoba on August 14, 2009, 06:33:20 PM
One More Thing Is: If You Have A CP Terrain Modd Installed You Have To Have CP Vol03 and Vol04 Terrain Textures Or It Will Cause A CTD.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Terring7 on December 28, 2009, 08:57:42 AM
And update the game to 1.1.638.0 by downloading and installing the official patch. After the update, thank God no C.T.D. anymore!!! Finally i can play a whole day without problems &dance &dance
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: fafalone on February 15, 2010, 08:11:43 PM
If none of the above works, like in my case, and you have a dual-core CPU, the following solved all my problems:

Add the flag -CPUCount:2
Restrict the game to a single core using imagecfg to fix it permanently, or Process Explorer to adjust it while running each time.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: justinrpg on September 11, 2010, 06:21:40 AM
does this crash tutorial include PC shutting off automatically during play?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SC4BOY on September 11, 2010, 07:00:33 AM
Quote from: justinrpg on September 11, 2010, 06:21:40 AM
does this crash tutorial include PC shutting off automatically during play?

if by "shutting off" you mean powering down and rebooting, NO.. that will be some hardware problem on your system.. most likely memory failures, but maybe other components
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: TigerofRobare on February 05, 2011, 07:22:59 AM
What if the game is crashing and one doesn't have any plugins?

I have a laptop from 2007 running Vista and the Deluxe Edition. So far in all my time of playing it's only crashed twice: once was a straight CTD and the other time it froze while I was saving it. Both times I was playing a city with approx 80,000 sims on a large tile.

I've read that it's not too uncommon for the game to crash like this and I was wondering if there are any fixes or anything.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Aliktren on February 05, 2011, 10:05:46 AM
try running some of the command lines options like the one that reduces processor count  - this completely fixed my CTDs (touch wood) in Windows 7

http://simcityforum.com/showthread.php?t=848 (http://simcityforum.com/showthread.php?t=848)

Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: twist2172 on August 29, 2011, 06:27:09 PM
Just wondering if this scenario has happened to anybody, because this is currently going on in my game and I would like to fix the problem...

I have a city with close to 80,000 population in a large city tile.  Only one section of my city makes it CTD.  It is a pretty undeveloped area in the northern section of my city.  Every time I build a regular road or try to zone property in this specific area, game crashes.  I have tested the game to where I play the game for hours in all the other sections of my cities, then as soon as I go to that one section, instantly it CTD.  Any ideas as to why this happens would be greatly appreciated.  I have not downloaded any new content in months and it just started having these problems recently.  Thanks. 
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: twist2172 on August 31, 2011, 07:58:42 AM
Well I ended up figuring out the problem.  It was a Sheraton Hotel that had built right next to the location I was talking about.  I was lucky that since it only CTD in that specific area, all I did was bulldozed one building at a time until I found the problem.  Luckily for me, the Sheraton Hotel was second on my bulldoze list, so it didn't end up taking too long to find.  Now I just need to find the hotel in my plug-ins folder (It is a mess).
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: AusBoy94 on June 22, 2012, 05:16:47 PM
This fixed my problem:

When the game starts, open task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
Right click the SimCity 4 PROCESS, and select "Set Affinity"
When that window appears choose one processor, instead of multiple.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: lacyk on September 06, 2012, 04:08:08 AM
Hi all,

I think I've got it!

forget afinity, forget CPU count, forget custom resolution or plugin investigation.

First thing you have to try is to change rendering mode to "Software"

Before it was crashing even if I simply watched (one specific) city for a minute doing nothing (even no scrolling)
No CTD since then on win7, i5 quad-core, nvidia.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: wallasey on October 31, 2012, 03:19:16 PM
Not sure if this happens to anyone else, but it may be worth considering if you have reoccurring issues.

If have found on Windows 7 that running SC4 and playing a tune on Soundcloud (or similar) can cause the game to crash. Not after any resolutions to this but I thought this experience may be of help??
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 06, 2013, 09:22:29 AM
 Another issue from the old codger...me!  Just the other day, I was into SimCity and building a beautiful addition if I say so myself!  I went to save the work I did, and lo and behold the game must have frozen.  Forty minutes later, it was still saving, with the hour glass still hovering...however I knew that it frozen, but I thought give it another twenty minutes...no change.  I had to force the computer off...and think I may have corrupted something because now when I try and go into Simcity it will load to what I refer to as the second stage.  It'll load fine and go to the loading city stage and then that is when it will crash to desktop.  Now, the behaviour of loading on my computer is such:  On the second stage, loading city...it comes up with a sub-message right below 'loading city'....this is normal, then after about ten minutes that sub-messgae changes to another one and then the city comes up.  Now that is when I have the crash...any thoughts on this, or am I hooped!!
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 07, 2013, 10:54:41 AM
...further to my first submission:  I have done the following...found the last item I put in my plugin folder, took it out-no change, still crashes.  Defraged the drive, and no change...all Anti-virus programs are off and also Windows Firewall and still crashes.  All crashes are at what I described as the second stage of loading the game.  I even tried with a different region, as well as the city I was saving at the beginning of my problems was taken out and still the game crashed.
  Would it be beneficial to post the Exception Report, would that tell anyone any useful information?
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: wouanagaine on March 07, 2013, 02:37:36 PM
Have you tried SC4Savegame Explorer on that city ? and even ilive Reader on it and try to scroll thru all entries
As for the exception report, without the source code it is likely unusable :(

My feelings is that your savefile is corrupted :( and you might have to  obliterate it unfortunatly
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 07, 2013, 03:35:21 PM
 Thanks Mr. W...haven't heard from you for awhile!.....thanks for this, I'm not familiar with SaveGame Explorer, I have used Illives but can't see anything untoward.  One more update...I just renamed my Plugins folder found in My Documents and the game loaded....so went back to my recent downloads and took out some Avenue circles I got from a japanese site, but they were not the problem, the only other thing I recently downloaded was the new NAM....so I have just taken that out to see if it is causing the problems.
   Will post the results shortly...
and thanks again
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 07, 2013, 03:51:46 PM
  Well, it seems to be the new NAM...everything loaded properly with the Network Add On folder out of my plugins...so I do have an older version still and I'll put that folder in, and see what happens.  The older folder is in my back-up plugins folder.
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 07, 2013, 04:38:41 PM
 All has loaded fine, with the old Network Addon folder put back in.  I'll have to keep an eye on the new version, and see if someone else had a similar issue.  It's a shame, as all the visuals I've seen of the new version are fantastic!
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Swordmaster on March 07, 2013, 04:46:57 PM
Bruce, what processor do you have exactly? There have been reports of crashes with NAM 31 and they may be linked to multi-threading processors like the i7.


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 07, 2013, 05:22:01 PM
...Thanks Willy, however I'm actualy playing this version of the game on an older Dell Optiplex modified computer...single core, which is dedicated to SimCity and nothing else...and running Windows XP Professional as the operating system.  Processor: Intel Celeron CPU 2.66GHz Intel 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family and 3GB RAM
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Tarkus on March 07, 2013, 07:31:00 PM
What exact Celeron model are you running?  Some of them have HyperThreading, which, based on the prevailing research, may be responsible for the crashing.

-Alex
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 07, 2013, 09:40:41 PM
  Not sure if this is what you want, Alex:
   Model 4 Stepping 9  Clock Speed is 2659  and Voltage is 1.4
  External Clock is 533Mhz....so it is an older one, I don't think it incorporates hyperthreading.
My video Memory is 128MB
   Cheers
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 10:56:46 AM
...So today I tried re-installing the new NAM, after two days of playing and building in my SimCity.....re-installed the Custom method, thinking that possibly I missed something in the previous attempt.  Unfortunately it resorted back to the crash....so I have re-installed the older version of NAM and all is fine.  So I have something that conflicts with the new version...don't know what it is, but I'll find out :) I hope...
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on March 11, 2013, 11:03:05 AM
Ive got the same problem creeping up on me. I've tore apart my plugins 3 times and built from scratch, even re downloaded all new lots bats props and everything to double check I had proper plugins. To no avail, but I just can't bring myself to stop using the new NAM, I'm hooked!, draggable curves have ensnared me : ) hehe
But maybe together we can help figure it out thanks I really like this new NAM, I appreciate all the detail and attention to blending
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 11:13:37 AM
Yeah, I'll keep plugging away!  However I'm using the older version of NAM, as I have too many things in my plugins folder...besides, I cannot even start to enjoy the new version, as the game crashes before I can get a foothold in to it!  I do have the game installed on my business computer as well...so when I have time, I'll introduce the new NAM on it and see if the same thing occurs.  I did notice one thing, though, the Network Addon folder is twice as big in the new version than the older version...so with the older computer, maybe that's the issue...who knows!
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on March 11, 2013, 11:21:34 AM
Well I've got a decent Alienware with 8GB of RAM but it's running in I7 processor and that might be part of my problem I haven't seen a solution to it yet and I definitely haven't come up with one if my own yet. Hehe
But I've been starting regions from scratch with a very basic plugins but still is almost 2GB, I do run SPAM and CAM but I've datpacked the IHT fix and CAM mods into the simcity1.day file and load SPAM after CAM. I'm pretty sure I have it running smooth, my demand levels are very close to normal and I've been running them together for a long while on version 30, at least a year.
Now I'm trying to see if I'm causing a corrupt save file error with repeated CTD's during a save and exit to region...
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 11:42:35 AM
...found something interesting, but I must say for today, I have to get back to work!  Anyway, I renamed my plugins folder just so it wouldn't load, and put the new NAM in the newly created plugins folder...and only the new NAM.  The game loaded fine, and of course much faster because there was virtually nothing in the plugins folder except for NAM (that is the plugins folder in My Documents/SimCity 4...)
  So what this confirms for me is that I have something in my real plugins folder that is causing a conflict.  It has got me thinking, that it may be a texture.  I did notice with just a cursory look that my z-whatever folders have some NAM elements, in the old version, whereas these folders are within the new Network Addon folder.  So, thinking out loud...maybe if I take out those z-folders, it may work....and speaking of work, I've got to get back to it...so I'll try the above later on today to see if that works.
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 12:10:09 PM
Well...something just occured to me as I was getting ready to see a client.  I have been installing the new NAM over an older one...and when the game loaded in the lastest try, explanation in last post...I did notice that most of my bustops, rail stations, etc. were missing from my game...which makes sense due to the amount I have.  So to the point.  Maybe I should un-install the older version of NAM, and then install the new one.  The reason I'm thinking that is in my original plugins folder, I have so many 'after market' transportation items, that they may be the source of my issue....
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on March 11, 2013, 05:29:44 PM
I feared having the same problem, so in preparation for the NAM 31 release I reinstalled my entire game, re datpacked a few things, and installed the new NAM fresh. So far I'm still having CTD's when I exit to region without saving.(I'm saving prior to exiting) but I've managed to avoid CTD's while saving, and that has noticeably improved the stability, so far at least. I'm still having a blast with the new features, I just have to reload the game when I change tiles. Not really a problem, just adding more info about game handling.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 06:55:28 PM
 Although we haven't come up with the solution, when one has an issue, one learns so much about the game, and even computers!  None of this could be accomplished without this very community of devoted SimCity gamers!  I know, eventually we will solve it, and maybe solve some other issues in the process.  So, for now I'll keep digging, but keep playing the game with the older version of NAM.
  I also know I'm running a risk with the amount of plugins I have...I'm teteering at around 10GB!!...can't help myself, there is so much good being created for the game!  However, it may be time for me to reduce the mega file!....not ready to give it up just yet, though! :)
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on March 11, 2013, 08:46:04 PM
I hear ya brutha! I usually run at about 5 GB, but I was starting to get a bunch of stuff that I just wasn't using. I'm still running the NAM 31, and I just had my first crash during a ctrl+s save. While a few parts of the simulation may be a little slower, the speed with with I can crank out roads networks, I'm building nearly twice as fast. Not having to prep, then lay, then cut out then lay curves, plus the draggable road curves confirm to sidewalk mods, I don't have to place filler pieces everywhere. NAM team is best pony!! : ))
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 10:30:52 PM
 He..He...we all know now, that with the size of my plugin folder...I'm not using everything either!  I really can't justify it but let's just say that I am equpped with options!  Just think of how unique I can build a city!  All kidding aside, I'm not convinced that the size of the plugin folder does any harm, it just takes forever to load...but if the computer can handle it, then there you go.
  Something interestin g I found in my exceptions report...now I'm running version 638, whereas way back in 2005 I was running version 640.  I thought I had all the updates, but it seems that I have downloaded something that is masking that last update from EA that would show version 640.  Since I have most of my Exception Reports, I'm going to look at them and see when it changed back to 638....possibly an exercise in futility, but I may learn something from it....
  and I do not think this makes any difference in using the new version of NAM...but what do I know?
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 11, 2013, 10:57:45 PM
 Sorry if I sounded smug or smart alec like....did not mean to sound that way.  I love this game, and most likely too much...it is my way of escaping the harsh realities of the world! 
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on March 12, 2013, 05:13:04 AM
Bah! You weren't pretentious at all Holmes, hehe. I don't think the missing update would effect anything but your night lights. Nonny Moose would know though. Yeah I usually get well over 5 GB but now I'm getting really selective, starting to edit lots and been tooling around with the BAT tool. This is definitely a great way to loose track of time, lol Well, I've for projects on the books today, time to get out and act like I know what I'm doing : )
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 15, 2013, 12:41:30 PM
...I still haven't resolved this issue of mine, however since I have SimCity on two computers, this weekend I will install the new version of NAM onto my second computer...and see if it will hold.  Like Mr. silver, I'm hooked on the new version...as I have been looking at all the pictures of what one can do with the draggable streets and curves!
  BEJA
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on March 20, 2013, 06:30:06 PM
...just an interesting observation:  No, I havn't loaded the new NAM in my other computer like I said in the previous post...I haven't had the time, but since I have been able to load the game in my old computer by using the older version of NAM, I have found some interesting things.  New textures in the Avenues and new Textures of the Real highway System...so I'm thinking that even though I swapped folders from the new NAM to the older version, that I actually have a hybrid NAM, which functions okay.  This, of course, was inadvertent...but at least I can play the game, develop cities until I find a solution to my issue.
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: packersfan on April 09, 2013, 11:59:57 PM
I recently changed my terrain mod to a very detailed texture terrain...Lowkee's Appalaccian.  I'm trying to work on an old partially developed large tile, but the game seems to max out on memory very quickly and eventually crashes.  Is this where the issue is?  Is this because of the high detail?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on April 10, 2013, 04:41:41 AM
I'm having similar problems once I pass 100,000 residents on a single tile. I think it's the normal CTD issue that's always present in the game. A bug causes the RAM to be ate up for no good reason. I think the new NAM is aggravating this bug, and once RAM runs out ,CTD... 
Saving often allows the computer to dump the memory, but its only a stop gap now, I get maybe 10 saves and it'll either CTD or lock up and no longer respond
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: packersfan on April 10, 2013, 07:21:06 AM
Maybe the new NAM and this terrain mod is exasperating the problem...I'll try to play the tile without the terrain mod to see how it works, if it lasts a little longer.  Another problem I found though, is that even if I save and exit the city, the game will crash if I try to load back into that city.  I didn't have this problem TOO much before the new NAM and terrain, so maybe the terrain is causing the most trouble...I know for sure that I am going to be downsizing other undeveloped large tiles to medium tiles just to avoid this problem and the myriad of other processing problems with big tiles.  Hopefully I can still get some work done on my big tiles that have large developments.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on April 10, 2013, 08:35:56 AM
I am so in the same boat! I've been trying to utilize medium tiles but find it so confining for creating my metro centers. I'm getting exclusive crashes only when I save or exit to region. Large tiles is an almost guarantee CTD when exiting to region unless I've only had it open for 15-20 minutes, I've rebuilt my plugins from scratch three times since NAM 31 came out, but that's mostly my refusal to give up the new NAM and wanted to make sure it wasn't a plugin-conflict.
Reading your post and how it's crashing soon as you load the tile sounds like a plugin conflict, usually pointing straight at the terrian and water mods. Are you p
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: SilverCyric on April 10, 2013, 08:38:09 AM
Are you positive you removed your old terrain mod completely? Sorry for the double post, accidentally hit post and I can't modify from my phone
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: packersfan on April 10, 2013, 07:51:28 PM
I didn't have a terrain mod previously and I've switched tree controllers, though I removed all existing flora from my city before doing this swap.  I'll have to check on the water and cliffs, maybe there is a conflict somewhere in there.  Hopefully that is the case and not something darker and more sinister.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: APSMS on April 10, 2013, 08:13:43 PM
Not sure if this is the cause of the problem, as I'm unable to actually try NAM 31 out with a HD terrain mod right now, but it might help if the problems are RAM related.

See this post http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=12523.msg428154#msg428154 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=12523.msg428154#msg428154)

Again, I have no idea if it actually works, but it couldn't hurt (I hope).
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: packersfan on April 10, 2013, 11:17:22 PM
http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php ... yeah, try this out, I removed my terrain mod and it didn't really help the situation.  I added this patch and no more crashes so far.  Now I will try with the terrain mod back in.  Hopefully this works long term.  I don't really want to downsize so many large tiles with great work on them.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: blackdolphin on November 16, 2013, 12:41:11 PM
I have something called an exception report:
Exception time: 11/16/2013, at 15:33:47.
Exception code: 0xC0000005 (-1073741819) ACCESS_VIOLATION.
Current thread ID: 5760 (0x00001680).
Version information:
Application/module path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe
Application/module version name: SimCity 4
Application/module version: 1.1.641.0
System version: Windows NT 5.1
System memory: 1024 Megabytes total, 1024 Megabytes free.

Exception module:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe.
Exception address: 0x006a5bfa. Section:Offset: 0x01:0x0029ebfa.

Registers
   EAX: 00000000
   EBX: 0000006f
   ECX: 13dea754
   EDX: 16570c34
   ESI: 13ee0128
   EDI: 13d66814
   CS:EIP: 0023:006a5bfa
   SS:ESP: 002b:0018fc30  EBP:000000ce
   DS:002b  ES:002b  FS:0053  GS:002b
   Flags: 00210246

Loaded Modules
   Address          Size Module             Path
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   0x00400000    8159232 SimCity 4.exe      C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe
   0x77250000    1572864 ntdll.dll          C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ntdll.dll
   0x768f0000    1114112 kernel32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\kernel32.dll
   0x74df0000     290816 KERNELBASE.dll     C:\Windows\syswow64\KERNELBASE.dll
   0x76a10000     655360 ADVAPI32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\ADVAPI32.dll
   0x76840000     704512 msvcrt.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\msvcrt.dll
   0x76ab0000     102400 sechost.dll        C:\Windows\SysWOW64\sechost.dll
   0x752f0000     983040 RPCRT4.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\RPCRT4.dll
   0x74cb0000     393216 SspiCli.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\SspiCli.dll
   0x74ca0000      49152 CRYPTBASE.dll      C:\Windows\syswow64\CRYPTBASE.dll
   0x728d0000      28672 WSOCK32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\WSOCK32.dll
   0x75220000     217088 WS2_32.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\WS2_32.dll
   0x76a00000      24576 NSI.dll            C:\Windows\syswow64\NSI.dll
   0x76640000    1802240 WININET.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\WININET.dll
   0x76270000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-user32-l1-1-0.dll
   0x76510000    1048576 user32.DLL         C:\Windows\syswow64\user32.DLL
   0x76030000     589824 GDI32.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\GDI32.dll
   0x76830000      40960 LPK.dll            C:\Windows\syswow64\LPK.dll
   0x76db0000     643072 USP10.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\USP10.dll
   0x76c80000      20480 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-advapi32-l1-1-0.dll
   0x76ad0000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-shlwapi-l1-1-0.dll
   0x74d90000     356352 shlwapi.DLL        C:\Windows\syswow64\shlwapi.DLL
   0x74d80000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-version-l1-1-0.dll
   0x74860000      36864 version.DLL        C:\Windows\system32\version.DLL
   0x75110000      12288 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-normaliz-l1-1-0.dll
   0x74d70000      12288 normaliz.DLL       C:\Windows\syswow64\normaliz.DLL
   0x74ef0000    2064384 iertutil.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\iertutil.dll
   0x753e0000   12886016 SHELL32.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\SHELL32.dll
   0x74520000     466944 DSOUND.dll         C:\Windows\system32\DSOUND.dll
   0x760c0000    1425408 ole32.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\ole32.dll
   0x72860000     204800 WINMM.dll          C:\Windows\system32\WINMM.dll
   0x746f0000     151552 POWRPROF.dll       C:\Windows\system32\POWRPROF.dll
   0x76ae0000    1691648 SETUPAPI.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\SETUPAPI.dll
   0x76610000     159744 CFGMGR32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\CFGMGR32.dll
   0x75190000     585728 OLEAUT32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\OLEAUT32.dll
   0x750f0000      73728 DEVOBJ.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\DEVOBJ.dll
   0x74450000     819200 OPENGL32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\OPENGL32.dll
   0x74af0000     139264 GLU32.dll          C:\Windows\system32\GLU32.dll
   0x74360000     946176 DDRAW.dll          C:\Windows\system32\DDRAW.dll
   0x74650000      24576 DCIMAN32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\DCIMAN32.dll
   0x70720000      77824 dwmapi.dll         C:\Windows\system32\dwmapi.dll
   0x74620000     135168 MSVFW32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\MSVFW32.dll
   0x71a10000     540672 COMCTL32.dll       C:\Windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_5.82.7601.18201_none_ec80f00e8593ece5\COMCTL32.dll
   0x75120000     393216 IMM32.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\IMM32.dll
   0x76320000     835584 MSCTF.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\MSCTF.dll
   0x71d50000     311296 apphelp.dll        C:\Windows\system32\apphelp.dll
   0x74140000    2195456 AcGenral.DLL       C:\Windows\AppPatch\AcGenral.DLL
   0x71c00000     524288 UxTheme.dll        C:\Windows\system32\UxTheme.dll
   0x71ce0000      61440 samcli.dll         C:\Windows\system32\samcli.dll
   0x74600000      81920 MSACM32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\MSACM32.dll
   0x745f0000      12288 sfc.dll            C:\Windows\system32\sfc.dll
   0x745e0000      53248 sfc_os.DLL         C:\Windows\system32\sfc_os.DLL
   0x72da0000      94208 USERENV.dll        C:\Windows\system32\USERENV.dll
   0x73160000      45056 profapi.dll        C:\Windows\system32\profapi.dll
   0x76c90000    1179648 urlmon.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\urlmon.dll
   0x77220000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-ole32-l1-1-0.dll
   0x71370000      73728 MPR.dll            C:\Windows\system32\MPR.dll
   0x70740000     577536 AcLayers.dll       C:\Windows\AppPatch\AcLayers.dll
   0x71aa0000     331776 WINSPOOL.DRV       C:\Windows\system32\WINSPOOL.DRV
   0x73ac0000    2461696 AcXtrnal.DLL       C:\Windows\AppPatch\AcXtrnal.DLL
   0x745d0000      24576 SHUNIMPL.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\SHUNIMPL.DLL
   0x745c0000      53248 SortServer2003Comp C:\Windows\system32\SortServer2003Compat.dll
   0x75180000      20480 psapi.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\psapi.dll
   0x71340000      28672 saHook.dll         c:\PROGRA~2\mcafee\SITEAD~1\saHook.dll
   0x711a0000    1695744 comctl32.dll       C:\Windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.7601.17514_none_41e6975e2bd6f2b2\comctl32.dll
   0x76280000     536576 CLBCatQ.DLL        C:\Windows\syswow64\CLBCatQ.DLL
   0x71b00000    1003520 propsys.dll        C:\Windows\system32\propsys.dll
   0x72580000     135168 ntmarta.dll        C:\Windows\system32\ntmarta.dll
   0x76220000     282624 WLDAP32.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\WLDAP32.dll
   0x74890000     335872 rasapi32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\rasapi32.dll
   0x74870000      86016 rasman.dll         C:\Windows\system32\rasman.dll
   0x763f0000    1179648 CRYPT32.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\CRYPT32.dll
   0x76310000      49152 MSASN1.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\MSASN1.dll
   0x731b0000      90112 CRYPTSP.dll        C:\Windows\system32\CRYPTSP.dll
   0x73170000     241664 rsaenh.dll         C:\Windows\system32\rsaenh.dll
   0x719b0000      94208 bcrypt.dll         C:\Windows\system32\bcrypt.dll
   0x71970000     249856 bcryptprimitives.d C:\Windows\SysWOW64\bcryptprimitives.dll
   0x719d0000     229376 ncrypt.dll         C:\Windows\system32\ncrypt.dll
   0x718b0000      90112 GPAPI.dll          C:\Windows\system32\GPAPI.dll
   0x71890000     114688 cryptnet.dll       C:\Windows\system32\cryptnet.dll
   0x71960000      24576 SensApi.dll        C:\Windows\system32\SensApi.dll
   0x6ad40000    7745536 nvd3dum.dll        C:\Windows\system32\nvd3dum.dll
   0x74100000     233472 MMDevApi.dll       C:\Windows\System32\MMDevApi.dll
   0x740c0000     221184 AUDIOSES.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\AUDIOSES.DLL
   0x71cd0000      32768 Secur32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\Secur32.dll
   0x71cc0000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\system32\api-ms-win-downlevel-advapi32-l2-1-0.dll
   0x731e0000     245760 mswsock.dll        C:\Windows\system32\mswsock.dll
   0x72f90000      24576 wship6.dll         C:\Windows\System32\wship6.dll
   0x72fb0000     114688 IPHLPAPI.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\IPHLPAPI.DLL
   0x72fa0000      28672 WINNSI.DLL         C:\Windows\system32\WINNSI.DLL
   0x745b0000      28672 avrt.dll           C:\Windows\system32\avrt.dll
   0x6d510000     507904 DbgHelp.dll        C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\DbgHelp.dll

Call stack:
(Debug information (.pdb files) appears to be absent).
0x0001:0x0029ebfa C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe.

Stack data: (ESP is 0x0018fc30)
0x0018fab0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fad0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018faf0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fb10   00000000 7b57161f c6d8073e bf0989f3 e899fb3d 00000000 00404540 00000000
0x0018fb30   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fb50   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fb70   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fb90   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fbb0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fbd0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fbf0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fc10   00000000 34fdffff e4020000 34fdffff cc020000 19000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fc30   1468d613 003cbf01 00040000 01000000 01000000 6666a640 cccccc3e b0746a00
0x0018fc50   00000000 a40d3108 1868d613 54cf5a1a 53d12500 05000000 03000000 304d1225
0x0018fc70   7e0b9300 a0124b03 4c842101 327c19f7 181d0000 003cbf01 00040000 0068d613
0x0018fc90   2490b400 04000000 01000000 7407e775 08000000 00000000 00000000 33956a00
0x0018fcb0   05000000 1868d613 54cf5a1a 53d12500 05000000 1868d613 7028b600 53d12500
0x0018fcd0   23257000 54cf5a1a 00000000 1450d713 05000000 e52e7000 64220f1a 1a689566
0x0018fcf0   53d12500 00000000 05000000 1450d713 3cfd1800 ac51d713 1c50d713 0f000000
0x0018fd10   05000000 143ce113 533f7000 482fee2d 14002201 502fee2d 1c50d713 1cfd1800
0x0018fd30   04fe1800 70f0a600 ffffffff 68fd1800 cfa78700 33010000 745f5376 14002201
0x0018fd50   00000000 142fee2d 502fee2d 542fee2d 18c62101 64154403 90fd1800 33a88700
0x0018fd70   33010000 745f5376 14002201 c0fd1800 05968700 a4fd1800 00000000 00000000
0x0018fd90   c0fd1800 18968700 14002401 14002201 00e0fdff 6c060600 00020000 00000000

Instruction data: (EIP is 0x006a5bfa)
0x006a5b7a   00 8b 74 24 10 8d 8e 10 02 00 00 c1 e1 04 03 c8 8d 54 24 20 89 4c 24 20 83 c7 1c 52 8b cf e8 d3
0x006a5b9a   d5 ff ff d9 44 24 14 d8 00 c1 e6 04 81 c6 01 10 00 00 8b cf d9 18 8d 44 24 20 50 89 74 24 24 e8
0x006a5bba   b2 d5 ff ff d9 44 24 24 d8 00 5f 5e 5d d9 18 5b 83 c4 0c c2 08 00 8b 16 8b ce ff 92 a4 00 00 00
0x006a5bda   8b 4f 3c 8b 11 50 8b 44 24 28 8b 00 50 ff 52 78 8b 4f 3c 8b 11 50 89 44 24 24 ff 92 80 00 00 00
0x006a5bfa   8b 10 8b c8 ff 52 34 8b 10 53 55 8b c8 ff 52 1c 0f bf c0 89 44 24 24 db 44 24 24 d8 0d a4 23 a8
0x006a5c1a   00 d9 54 24 24 d8 1d 54 10 a8 00 df e0 f6 c4 05 7a 0a c7 44 24 24 00 00 00 00 eb 19 d9 44 24 24
0x006a5c3a   d8 1d 28 12 a8 00 df e0 f6 c4 41 75 08 c7 44 24 24 00 00 80 3f 8b 5c 24 20 8b 16 6a 00 53 8b ce
0x006a5c5a   ff 92 c8 00 00 00 0f b7 c0 89 44 24 20 8d 4c 24 24 db 44 24 20 43 51 8d 4f 1c d8 4c 24 28 89 5c
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Enaud47 on October 26, 2014, 03:11:02 PM
Were you guys ever able to solve this problem? I've been having the issue (and getting worse) for almost a year now. I've re-downloaded and installed the game twice. Scrapped half of my plugins folder, tried saving after doing anything.
A year ago the ctd would happen when my city hit 100,000 now it's about 22,000.
Almost every thing that is described on this page happens to me. At loss and almost ready to drop the game that has been my almost constant companion for the last nine years.
I have copied my SimCity4 config file if anybody would know how to interpret it  "$Deal"$
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: kiwram on December 18, 2015, 03:12:37 AM
I've seen a pattern in my CTD's now days it always crashes while bulldozing. And just now crashed by itself after 5min not touching anything.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Ernestmaxis on December 19, 2015, 09:16:02 AM
Try playing it with a empty plugin folder...
Then you know it is a plugin conflict
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 23, 2015, 04:53:47 PM
Hey guys...

I got teh amazon digital download for simcities deluxe

but the install stalls on teh G-driver... what is it where can I find a 'fix'... also

where do I find all drivers and updates needed for the game...

it seems to me everything was located in spot... now I can't seem to fiind it

THX for any help on this matter
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on December 23, 2015, 10:36:04 PM
The Amazon version, like all the digital versions, should come pre-patched, so there shouldn't be any updates for the main game. Don't forget to install the I-HT fix once more though.

When you say the install stalls on the graphics driver, what exactly do you mean? I've never seen the SC4 installer configure this, did the installation finish at all? I guess the best advice I can offer if the installer isn't completing is to do the following:

- Remove any previous installs
- Reboot the computer
- Disable any anti-virus or other software that may interfere with the install
- Run the installer once more

Let us know if that gets the installer to complete or not.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 24, 2015, 11:18:22 AM
its a window... Gdriver directx... the load ing and teh install stop when this window pops up... I did something quit some time ago to get around it... but now I forgot what I did... as for the Iht-fix... where isthat found?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mlylem on December 24, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Jack see this post by Twalsh102 it will help you find all the info you need for the Iht-fix

http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=17205.msg501747#msg501747 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=17205.msg501747#msg501747)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on December 25, 2015, 02:49:02 AM
The I-HT fix won't stop the problem, but it's an important update.

Since the issue seems to relate to Direct X, my best guess is that your system won't support Direct X rendering of SC4. Because you can't launch the game, it's necessary to add a switch to the startup of your game to switch to the more compatible software rendering mode.

To do this, right click on the SC4 icon on the desktop, select properties. From here, click the shortcut tab and find the target line. Here you should have something like this:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe"

You can add commands or switches to this line, to enable software rendering, add "-d:soft" to the end. There are other commands you might also want to add here too, for example here is a typical set for many players:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:soft -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32

This sets software rendering mode, disables the intro video, sets SC4 to use only 1 core (for multicore systems this prevents CTDs), set full-screen mode, use a custom resolution of 1920x1080.

You might not need/want all of these, and some thing like the resolution need to match your system, but hopefully for now, simply setting software rendering will get you going.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 26, 2015, 07:20:44 PM
my sc4 is functioning... but I did not do anythig to the I=ht fix... for one thing I cannot find it...

and then, I remember sometime ago that jeronji had everything maxis for SC4, SC4deluxe, ect add=ons [bat, plug-in manager, LE, etc] with instructions and links, and additional useful windows drivers, dll's, or other tweaks to aid in better functions... all in one place...

again, i remember it, but not where to find it... I lost my major folder where I had all these programs and drivers and dlls... now back to locating everything again...

thx for any further aid on this matter...
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Girafe on December 27, 2015, 12:21:09 PM
I am sorry but I don t get the place you add the command line

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19293845/Capture%20d%27%C3%A9cran%202015-12-27%2023.19.09.png)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: samerton on December 27, 2015, 12:40:47 PM
Quote from: Girafe on December 27, 2015, 12:21:09 PM
I am sorry but I don t get the place you add the command line

*image snip*
Judging by the path you're using Steam, you'll need to right click on SimCity 4 within the Steam library, click Properties and then "Set Launch Options". Paste the target line arguments directly into there.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Girafe on December 27, 2015, 12:54:20 PM
Quote from: samerton on December 27, 2015, 12:40:47 PM
Quote from: Girafe on December 27, 2015, 12:21:09 PM
I am sorry but I don t get the place you add the command line

*image snip*
Judging by the path you're using Steam, you'll need to right click on SimCity 4 within the Steam library, click Properties and then "Set Launch Options". Paste the target line arguments directly into there.

Yes I am using Steam version unfortunately, this Set Launch option does not work  %wrd
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on December 27, 2015, 01:13:26 PM
What is it exactly you want to add here? When you say it doesn't work, did it allow you to enter the switches?

Steam messed with the code of SC4, so as a result you need to use the function Samerton mentioned. Make sure you only include the switches for the Steam version (e.g. -d:soft -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32), I'm pretty certain including the game path here would cause problems.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Girafe on December 28, 2015, 02:55:26 AM
I can put whatever in the launch opetion of sc4 in steam panel however

- intro scene is not off
- resolution is not changed

The main purpose is that I want to force the game to run only 1 CPU to avoid to many crashes, rest of commad I don t mind too much
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: art128 on December 28, 2015, 03:30:49 AM
Here's how it looks for me. The resolution settings is done ingame since I'm using 1280*1024. If it still doesn't work, you can try using the SC4 Launcher.  http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/28544-sc4-launcher/

(https://i.imgur.com/tBz0dTj.png)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on December 28, 2015, 03:38:17 AM
It occurs to me, it might be better if you paste here what you input into the launch options window. Then we'll know for sure if there is any error in the syntax.

Otherwise, perhaps this (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=279736936) guide on Steam is helpful. It also mentions using a launcher to run the game, it will allow you to set these commands in a user-friendly interface.

@art128 - 6,436 hours of SC4  :o, that's impressive  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Girafe on December 28, 2015, 11:38:04 AM
I tried SC4 Launcher, it seems it s working  ;)

Thanks guys

What a pity to have 8 cores and use only 1  &mmm
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on December 28, 2015, 11:46:42 AM
Quote from: Girafe on December 28, 2015, 11:38:04 AM
What a pity to have 8 cores and use only 1  &mmm

You should save them for rendering all your fantastic BATs... That's about the only time (outside of playing Skylines) my PC gets a proper work-out.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: kiwram on January 04, 2016, 01:08:15 AM
Found a solution. Search the plugin folder for zipfiles and delate em. Also change the cpu count to cpu0. This fixed my game. From that day zero crashes!
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: p.williams on February 20, 2018, 03:29:55 PM
one more thing to try- make sure your soundcard is turned on- took this idiot a week to find I'd mistakenly disabled it in the BIOS settings and wondering why it kept crashing ! :angrymore:
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: eagle74 on June 19, 2018, 05:21:37 PM
I am getting a CTD when closing the building query for a particular lot, & have not been able to solve it.  The model is the Wedge Tower by Zero7 from the LEX.  Originally it was a CO$$$, but I relotted it to a CS$$$ Camelot with PIMX.  The query will open & display normally, but if it is clicked on to close it. . .game over.  The query exemplar is the standard one added by PIMX for this lot type.  In fact, I don't see anything unusual in the building exemplar.  I would appreciate some help on what else to check.  &hlp
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: luvs2draw on June 28, 2018, 04:35:45 PM
Hello everyone,

Had a problem with SC4 Deluxe crashing to Desktop when I scrolled the view using the wheel on my mouse or used the + and - . Tried all of the step's the Lex and STEX to no avail. I decided to uninstall the game and redownload it from GOG.
When I first got SC4 from GOG I downloaded the game under GOG Galaxy, this time I downloaded just the game (2nd option).
When I had GOG Galaxy installed, the game installed to C:|\Program Files (x86)\GOG Gaxaly\games\SimCity 4 Deluxe, on the redownload it located the game to C:\GOG Games\SinCity 4 Deluxe. I checked the properties in the shortcut and in the Shortcut in the target it put ":\GOG Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps\SimCity 4 .exe" –CPUCount: 1 –f. When I had the game From Galaxy it never showed this set-up it was all about the resolution. Also with the Galaxy version installed, I could never get the resolution set in the game. When I started the game after the reload the resolution was already set to 600x800 I have since changed the resolution. I am Running Windows 10 64 bit on a HP Pavillion Norebook Laptop. So if anyone is having the same problem hopefully the information I have provided will help you with your problems with the game crashing to the desktop.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 14, 2018, 11:47:08 AM
Hello to all!
   Again I am having some issues...all of a sudden I cannot even load up my SimCity4 Rush Hour...and it isn't the regular CTD...I am using an Acer Aspire laptop with Windows 7 Professional....plus SC4 Quick Launcher.  I have taken the liberty of including the latest Exception Report...hopefully someone can help:
Exception time: 09/14/2018, at 10:38:10.
Exception code: 0xC0000005 (-1073741819) ACCESS_VIOLATION.
Current thread ID: 8232 (0x00002028).
Version information:
Application/module path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Apps\SimCity 4.exe
Application/module version name: SimCity 4
Application/module version: 1.1.640.0
System version: Windows NT 6.1
System memory: 4096 Megabytes total, 1880 Megabytes free.

Exception module:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Apps\SimCity 4.exe.
Exception address: 0x005f4029. Section:Offset: 0x01:0x001ed029.

Registers
   EAX: 00000000
   EBX: 03930e54
   ECX: 00000000
   EDX: 00000000
   ESI: 00000000
   EDI: ffffffff
   CS:EIP: 0023:005f4029
   SS:ESP: 002b:0018fd50  EBP:00000000
   DS:002b  ES:002b  FS:0053  GS:002b
   Flags: 00210286

Loaded Modules
   Address          Size Module             Path
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   0x00400000    8187904 SimCity 4.exe      C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Apps\SimCity 4.exe
   0x76f90000    1572864 ntdll.dll          C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ntdll.dll
   0x760f0000    1114112 kernel32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\kernel32.dll
   0x76910000     290816 KERNELBASE.dll     C:\Windows\syswow64\KERNELBASE.dll
   0x75840000    1048576 USER32.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\USER32.dll
   0x75dd0000     589824 GDI32.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\GDI32.dll
   0x76230000      40960 LPK.dll            C:\Windows\syswow64\LPK.dll
   0x749d0000     643072 USP10.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\USP10.dll
   0x75e60000     704512 msvcrt.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\msvcrt.dll
   0x75fe0000     659456 ADVAPI32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\ADVAPI32.dll
   0x75cd0000     102400 sechost.dll        C:\Windows\SysWOW64\sechost.dll
   0x75be0000     983040 RPCRT4.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\RPCRT4.dll
   0x74900000     393216 SspiCli.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\SspiCli.dll
   0x748f0000      49152 CRYPTBASE.dll      C:\Windows\syswow64\CRYPTBASE.dll
   0x74800000      28672 WSOCK32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\WSOCK32.dll
   0x75d80000     217088 WS2_32.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\WS2_32.dll
   0x76670000      24576 NSI.dll            C:\Windows\syswow64\NSI.dll
   0x76480000    1982464 WININET.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\WININET.dll
   0x75cf0000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-user32-l1-1-0.dll
   0x76f60000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-shlwapi-l1-1-0.dll
   0x75d00000     356352 shlwapi.DLL        C:\Windows\syswow64\shlwapi.DLL
   0x760e0000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-version-l1-1-0.dll
   0x74810000      36864 version.DLL        C:\Windows\system32\version.DLL
   0x75950000      12288 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-normaliz-l1-1-0.dll
   0x749c0000      12288 normaliz.DLL       C:\Windows\syswow64\normaliz.DLL
   0x76240000    2301952 iertutil.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\iertutil.dll
   0x75bd0000      20480 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-advapi32-l1-1-0.dll
   0x76680000      94208 USERENV.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\USERENV.dll
   0x75dc0000      45056 profapi.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\profapi.dll
   0x74aa0000   12890112 SHELL32.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\SHELL32.dll
   0x72080000     466944 DSOUND.dll         C:\Windows\system32\DSOUND.dll
   0x759f0000    1425408 ole32.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\ole32.dll
   0x74610000     204800 WINMM.dll          C:\Windows\system32\WINMM.dll
   0x73160000     151552 POWRPROF.dll       C:\Windows\system32\POWRPROF.dll
   0x76960000    1691648 SETUPAPI.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\SETUPAPI.dll
   0x75f10000     159744 CFGMGR32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\CFGMGR32.dll
   0x76b00000     585728 OLEAUT32.dll       C:\Windows\syswow64\OLEAUT32.dll
   0x75d60000      73728 DEVOBJ.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\DEVOBJ.dll
   0x68050000     819200 OPENGL32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\OPENGL32.dll
   0x71670000     139264 GLU32.dll          C:\Windows\system32\GLU32.dll
   0x67c00000     946176 DDRAW.dll          C:\Windows\system32\DDRAW.dll
   0x722a0000      24576 DCIMAN32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\DCIMAN32.dll
   0x73640000      77824 dwmapi.dll         C:\Windows\system32\dwmapi.dll
   0x73040000     135168 MSVFW32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\MSVFW32.dll
   0x74010000     540672 COMCTL32.dll       C:\Windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_5.82.7601.18837_none_ec86b8d6858ec0bc\COMCTL32.dll
   0x76780000     393216 IMM32.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\IMM32.dll
   0x766b0000     835584 MSCTF.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\MSCTF.dll
   0x74380000     311296 apphelp.dll        C:\Windows\system32\apphelp.dll
   0x6f280000    2199552 AcGenral.DLL       C:\Windows\AppPatch\AcGenral.DLL
   0x730e0000     524288 UxTheme.dll        C:\Windows\system32\UxTheme.dll
   0x74290000      61440 samcli.dll         C:\Windows\system32\samcli.dll
   0x731a0000      81920 MSACM32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\MSACM32.dll
   0x736d0000      12288 sfc.dll            C:\Windows\system32\sfc.dll
   0x745c0000      53248 sfc_os.DLL         C:\Windows\system32\sfc_os.DLL
   0x756f0000    1351680 urlmon.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\urlmon.dll
   0x75940000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\syswow64\api-ms-win-downlevel-ole32-l1-1-0.dll
   0x73ed0000      73728 MPR.dll            C:\Windows\system32\MPR.dll
   0x72f70000     577536 AcLayers.DLL       C:\Windows\AppPatch\AcLayers.DLL
   0x74300000     331776 WINSPOOL.DRV       C:\Windows\system32\WINSPOOL.DRV
   0x6c6a0000    2461696 AcXtrnal.DLL       C:\Windows\AppPatch\AcXtrnal.DLL
   0x73230000      24576 SHUNIMPL.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\SHUNIMPL.DLL
   0x73190000      53248 SortServer2003Comp C:\Windows\system32\SortServer2003Compat.dll
   0x10000000     638976 ~df394b.tmp        C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Temp\~efabac\~df394b.tmp
   0x766a0000      20480 psapi.dll          C:\Windows\syswow64\psapi.dll
   0x74660000    1695744 comctl32.dll       C:\Windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.7601.18837_none_41e855142bd5705d\comctl32.dll
   0x75960000     536576 CLBCatQ.DLL        C:\Windows\syswow64\CLBCatQ.DLL
   0x743d0000    1003520 propsys.dll        C:\Windows\system32\propsys.dll
   0x74510000     135168 ntmarta.dll        C:\Windows\system32\ntmarta.dll
   0x76090000     282624 WLDAP32.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\WLDAP32.dll
   0x72a30000     335872 rasapi32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\rasapi32.dll
   0x72a10000      86016 rasman.dll         C:\Windows\system32\rasman.dll
   0x767e0000    1183744 CRYPT32.dll        C:\Windows\syswow64\CRYPT32.dll
   0x75fd0000      49152 MSASN1.dll         C:\Windows\syswow64\MSASN1.dll
   0x73ac0000      94208 CRYPTSP.dll        C:\Windows\system32\CRYPTSP.dll
   0x73930000     241664 rsaenh.dll         C:\Windows\system32\rsaenh.dll
   0x73e50000      94208 bcrypt.dll         C:\Windows\system32\bcrypt.dll
   0x73880000     249856 bcryptprimitives.d C:\Windows\SysWOW64\bcryptprimitives.dll
   0x73840000     233472 ncrypt.dll         C:\Windows\system32\ncrypt.dll
   0x73820000      90112 GPAPI.dll          C:\Windows\system32\GPAPI.dll
   0x73800000     118784 cryptnet.dll       C:\Windows\system32\cryptnet.dll
   0x73dd0000      24576 SensApi.dll        C:\Windows\system32\SensApi.dll
   0x6fb80000    1204224 aticfx32.dll       C:\Windows\system32\aticfx32.dll
   0x729d0000     114688 atiu9pag.dll       C:\Windows\system32\atiu9pag.dll
   0x6a4f0000    7389184 atiumdag.dll       C:\Windows\system32\atiumdag.dll
   0x6bf00000    7966720 atiumdva.dll       C:\Windows\system32\atiumdva.dll
   0x70520000     835584 D3DIM700.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\D3DIM700.DLL
   0x71b70000     233472 MMDevApi.dll       C:\Windows\System32\MMDevApi.dll
   0x71b00000     221184 AUDIOSES.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\AUDIOSES.DLL
   0x73920000      32768 Secur32.dll        C:\Windows\system32\Secur32.dll
   0x73910000      16384 api-ms-win-downlev C:\Windows\system32\api-ms-win-downlevel-advapi32-l2-1-0.dll
   0x73ef0000     245760 mswsock.dll        C:\Windows\system32\mswsock.dll
   0x73f40000      24576 wship6.dll         C:\Windows\System32\wship6.dll
   0x73df0000     114688 IPHLPAPI.DLL       C:\Windows\system32\IPHLPAPI.DLL
   0x73de0000      28672 WINNSI.DLL         C:\Windows\system32\WINNSI.DLL
   0x71d50000      36864 LINKINFO.dll       C:\Windows\system32\LINKINFO.dll
   0x733e0000      28672 avrt.dll           C:\Windows\system32\avrt.dll
   0x6d510000     507904 DbgHelp.dll        C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Apps\DbgHelp.dll

Call stack:

Stack data: (ESP is 0x0018fd50)
0x0018fbd0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fbf0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fc10   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fc30   00000000 00200053 0069006d 0075006c 00610074 006f0072 00200043 006f006e
0x0018fc50   00660069 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fc70   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fc90   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fcb0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fcd0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fcf0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fd10   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018fd30   00000000 34fdffff e4020000 34fdffff cc020000 19000000 00000000 f8010000
0x0018fd50   140e9303 480e9303 200e9303 540e9303 0e194e00 0000803f 9b284e00 200e9303
0x0018fd70   c4b6c009 a8fd1800 74b4c009 f4009300 14009303 346bbf03 a8fd1800 a6a28700
0x0018fd90   99a28700 14009503 1c009303 00000000 74b4c009 14009303 bcfd1800 52b28700
0x0018fdb0   14009303 00e0fd7e 00000000 14fe1800 93b28700 28fe1800 00000000 b6c14400
0x0018fdd0   28fe1800 00000000 40009503 14009303 45121076 00000000 00e0fd7e 9e2de602
0x0018fdf0   d02de602 00000000 14009503 e0fd1800 24f91800 78ff1800 d8fc9e00 c86ca800
0x0018fe10   00000000 88ff1800 6fc24400 28fe1800 00000000 00000000 202aa800 00000000
0x0018fe30   1406e702 c806e702 5407e702 1008a800 1483e602 b983e602 ba83e602 00000000
0x0018fe50   1008a800 c414bb03 c414bb03 cc14bb03 00000000 601b9f00 00004000 00000000
0x0018fe70   cc332c00 0a000000 94000000 06000000 01000000 b11d0000 02000000 53657276
0x0018fe90   69636520 5061636b 20310000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
0x0018feb0   00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000

Instruction data: (EIP is 0x005f4029)
0x005f3fa9   ca 8b 44 24 0c 74 34 53 56 57 85 c0 74 20 8b f1 8b 1e 8b f8 89 1f 8b 5e 04 89 5f 04 8b 5e 08 89
0x005f3fc9   5f 08 8b 5e 0c 89 5f 0c 8b 76 10 89 77 10 83 c1 14 83 c0 14 3b ca 75 d2 5f 5e 5b c3 aa b0 00 89
0x005f3fe9   08 a3 3c aa b0 00 c3 53 55 8b 69 0c 56 57 8d 7d ff 33 f6 85 ff 7e 27 8b 19 d9 44 24 14 8d 14 37
0x005f4009   d1 fa 8d 04 92 d8 1c 83 df e0 f6 c4 05 7a 04 8b fa eb 03 8d 72 01 3b fe 7f df 85 f6 7f 0c 8b 09
0x005f4029   d9 41 04 5f 5e 5d 5b c2 04 00 8d 45 ff 3b f0 7c 20 d9 44 24 14 8d 54 ad 00 d8 5c 93 ec 8d 0c 93
0x005f4049   df e0 f6 c4 01 75 0a d9 41 f0 5f 5e 5d 5b c2 04 00 d9 44 24 14 8d 04 b6 d8 64 83 08 8d 04 83 5f
0x005f4069   5e d8 48 10 5d 5b d8 40 0c c2 04 00 cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc 8b 41 04 39 01 75 05 32 c0
0x005f4089   c2 04 00 8b 40 ec 8b 4c 24 04 89 01 b0 01 c2 04 00 75 e9 45 ff ff ff 51 8b 44 24 08 57 8b f9 3b
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 14, 2018, 03:37:23 PM
Quote from: BruceAtkinson on September 14, 2018, 11:47:08 AM
Hello to all!
   Again I am having some issues...all of a sudden I cannot even load up my SimCity4 Rush Hour...and it isn't the regular CTD...I am using an Acer Aspire laptop with Windows 7 Professional....plus SC4 Quick Launcher.  I have taken the liberty of including the latest Exception Report...hopefully someone can help:

The exception report really doesn't provide anything mortals without access to the source code are able to read. As such, what we really need to know is simply what is happening. If you can explain what steps you are taking and when it crashes, that will be more help in diagnosing the problem.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 14, 2018, 05:53:41 PM
Thanks for the reply...so this is what is happening:  As mentioned in my previous post I am using SC4 Quick Launcher, and it usually works as follows...activate the Quick Launch and press play and the SimCity exe. window comes up and I press ok, then it starts to load and after a brief SimCity logo appears then the screen goes black with the exception of the cursor in the middle.  Now it takes any where from twenty to thirty minutes to load, most likely because of the size of my Plugins folder.  When it does finally loads the SimCity logo appears briefly and then one of my Regions appears, and off I go into the magical world of SimCity!  Now, and this just began to happen while I was on vacation--the last week of August:  Upon beginning the process it acts in the same fashion, but just as it would bring up the SimCity logo screen-the whole program crashes back to the desktop.  I have tried the usual trouble shooting, renaming my Plugins folder, launching from the game disk itself-etc.  Nothing seems to work.  I have double checked my exe file and my command line--and those haven't changed.  I also have my Windows 7 in compatibility in Service Pack 3--as I had issue before, and had great help from this community.
  In addition, I use Cleanitol regularly and follow all instructions when downloading new plugins from SimDevotion...
  Thanks in advance for any help on this...
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 15, 2018, 04:53:30 AM
I'd have to ask what size your plugins folder was, because I note from before you've only 4GB RAM and of that, only 1.8 is available. That may go a long way to explaining why the loading times are so long. SC4 needs to index the entire Plugins contents, which is thankfully much smaller than their actual size. Even so, if during that process, your system runs out of physical memory (RAM), it will need to start using Virtual Memory (VM / page file). This basically means such data is being processed on your hard disk, not in RAM. This is a big deal, because RAM is many, many times faster than hard drives, so it comes with a huge performance penalty. However, some tasks simply need to be in RAM, use of VM may indeed be what's causing SC4 to CTD, but it's certainly not the only possibility here.

You say you've tried "renaming" your plugins folder... so does it still crash when there are effectively no plugins to load? I assume the games starts much quicker? It's very important too that during such a test, you do not attempt to load an existing city/region made with lots of custom content. If the save file/city relies on certain types of mods, a CTD may occur precisely because those files are missing.

I recommend you re-name the Plugins folder, start the game and load a new, blank city. If doing that still results in a CTD, we can effectively rule out your Plugins folder as the culprit.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 15, 2018, 11:16:57 AM
So, I will start off with a confession:  I know I am pushing the limits, as my main Plugin folder is over 10GB in size, and my Regions folder is just over 2GB.  I know I should reduce the size of my Plugins, however with a few tweeks to my operating system, I have been able to enjoy this game for many a year!  You have noted that at one time my RAM was 4GB, at present--the computer I am using-in which the game was reinstalled to-is at 6GB of DDR3 RAM.  I just upped my Virtual  Memory to 40000MB.  Now, basically this laptop is mainly for SimCity, so I can go higher on the indexing/Virtual Memory.  In fact I haven't tried launching the game at this higher parameter yet, I will do so after this reply....
  In regards to renaming my Plugins folder...when I did this, I did it properly and even then the whole game would not launch, so I couldn't attempt to load any of my custom regions and/or cities.  So in regards to your last statement, I am quite sure we can rule out my Plugins folder...as during the actual initial load, the game doesn't even get to that point--
  Hope this shreds some light on the issue!
And again, thanks ever so much for all of your help
-Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Andreas on September 15, 2018, 11:30:44 AM
I wonder if the latest Windows update that came in a few days ago might cause the issue. A year or two ago, Microsoft basically broke the game by removing the copy protection driver from Windows, rendering it useless, and people were either forced to remove the update manually, or get a digital copy of the game. I can't remember what the effect was, IIRC, the game wasn't crashing, but simply not loading, but who knows what might have happened this time. In any case, try to find out when the latest updates were installed, and remove them for another test.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 15, 2018, 12:05:04 PM
Andreas...thanks so much for this tip...I have been aware of the issues with certain updates from Windows, and even though this issue started suddenly in the last week of August, I will take a look at the most recent updates and do what you suggest.
  This is how it all began, and I will not burden you with all the details, but in a nutshell...whilst on vacation, I launched SimCity and played for about two hours in a city and all was normal, than a couple days later I went to launch again, and my current issue developed. 
  Now, since I have upped my VM as late as today, unfortunately it hasn't helped, I have the same issue.  What I am thinking now is that I should re-name my Plugins and Regions folders--to safeguard them- and re-install my game--and then re-activate my Plugins and Regions.
  Not sure if I should do that or not...see, when one is semi-retired, such as me--sometimes I have too much time on my hands :)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Wiimeiser on September 15, 2018, 06:16:08 PM
What's the update code? Mine's KB4457128, and the game ran just fine for me just now. Though my plugins folder is just shy of 4GB...
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 21, 2018, 01:19:42 PM
Hello once again, something further to my issue...an interesting observation...when attempting to start the game, and going in to task manager--when using SC4 Launcher, only the Launcher is running and not the actual game...now when just launching the game with the standard shortcut, and looking in to Task Manager you can see that the SC execute is running and then after a time--just disappears.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 22, 2018, 02:33:36 PM
If when you run the game, it starts briefly and then closes without error, then that suggests the issue is this one (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=17091.msg498260#msg498260). Note this is only an issue for those using the Disk-Based versions of SC4, you can use a work-around on Windows 7 to resolve it.

You mentioned before that you could get to the Region View screen, it would only crash loading a city. If you can get this far, then it's probably a very different issue. But everything you've just described sounds like the SecDrv.dll removal update.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 23, 2018, 09:48:21 AM
Thanks for the reply...however I got rid of that update a couple of years ago, and I checked my laptop again to see if it was added again, and I have no trace of it.  I am wondering if it is the disk itself...as one could imagine it is old, ( like me!), but it is weird, as I have mentioned--the game loaded fine one evening whilst on vacation and then a couple days later--it started this issue.
  Just to repeat the behavior:  Due to the largeness of my Plugins folder--the game usually takes 25 to 35 minutes to completely load.  It loads in two stages, at least that is what I call it.  So using Quick Launcher, when initializing it will come up with the SimCity icon and ask permission--which I have it programmed to do, then you can hear the disk starting up, and then the screen goes black with only the cursor visible...and you can actually see by the indicating light that the computer is loading.  Then after 25 to 35 minutes the logo appears and then it goes to an empty region, (my choice), and then I would tell it to go to a region of my choice--it loads and then I go to a desired city and can play for hours.  Now...it doesn't get to the first stage.  This is what it does:  It will begin the loading process, and after say 20 minutes it will just reject everything--with the screen still black and then go straight back to the full desktop.  Or it will, on occasion, just stay on the black screen until I go to task manager and end task.
   Very strange--so I am looking at the interface of the commands, but can't find anything that has changed...also I have checked twice in regards to my Plugins folder, both of them...and nothing indicates there is a conflict.  I am using the latest NAM version plus I have used for years the Cam mod as well...
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: twalsh102 on September 24, 2018, 07:26:32 AM
There is something I'm missing here, so I want to verify what you have already tried.

It sounds like you tried getting the game to run by renaming your Plugins folder (which effectively gets you an empty Plugins folder).  Is this correct?

If so, I couldn't find what the result was when you tried to start the game with an empty Plugins folder.  This is important.  If you can't get the game to start with no custom content, it's no use placing all your custom content back your Plugins folder.

Can you please post what switches you have appended after the executable?

Have you tried starting your game from the shortcut created when the game installed, rather than through Quick Launcher?  What is the result?  Until you have succeeded in getting the game to start correctly in a vanilla state, without any other programs (i.e. Quick Launcher), and with NO custom content, then nothing can be ruled out.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 10:38:45 AM
Thanks so much for the reply and your questions.  To answer your first questions...correct.  Regarding second question--no change in the attempt of loading the game...it does not load.  I have tried to start the game without using SC4Launcher and using only the shortcut from the initial game and it is the same result.
  You have asked about the switches that are appended after the executable...not sure what you mean:  Are you referring to the command line?
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: fantozzi on September 24, 2018, 10:49:03 AM
Quote from: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 10:38:45 AM
Thanks so much for the reply and your questions.  To answer your first questions...correct.  Regarding second question--no change in the attempt of loading the game...it does not load.  I have tried to start the game without using SC4Launcher and using only the shortcut from the initial game and it is the same result.
  You have asked about the switches that are appended after the executable...not sure what you mean:  Are you referring to the command line?
Bruce

Yes, the command should be executed - so what is written in the command line after the command to execute the "exe" (the executable) is the "how" to execute the executable and therefore is the appendix to the executable.

At least I think so  &Thk/(
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 10:59:07 AM
  Ok here you go:  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\SC4Launcher.exe"   and of course the original without the SC4launcher:  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Apps\SimCity 4.exe"
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: fantozzi on September 24, 2018, 11:14:18 AM
You may want to read this in the meantime

http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Shortcut_Parameters (http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Shortcut_Parameters)

and play around with the commands given there and see if they give some effect.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 11:53:21 AM
Fantozzi...thanks!  No I know what you mean by switches!!  So, I have employed some of what has been suggested on the link you provided, however I have done so when I use SC4Launcher, and have done for a couple of years...so I don't think it would be productive to modify the original target as they still display the same malfunction when loading...however I have changed some of the "switches" just now through the Launcher and as I write, the laptop is trying to load the game, (I am replying on a different computer at this time).  So I'll have to wait and see if what I have just done corrects the problem.  I do have another question:  The way I have the game configured is that I have the original SimCity4 with the addon Rush Hour, and not SimCity4 Deluxe...does that make a difference--I know it shouldn't--but one never knows.
  Another question:  Since there are two Regions folders and two Plugins folders situated in C: and the other two in Users/My Documents...should I employ the 'Custom Content' command in the SC4Launcher?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: fantozzi on September 24, 2018, 12:20:24 PM
You are right, to my knowledge SC4Launcher doesn't make much else than those appendixes on the command line do. So you use this or that.
I don't use SC4Launcher and I use Deluxe, so I'm afraid, I can't help much on your questions.

But I guess, the important thing is if you can update your game to the latest version. If this works in my opinion it shouldn't make a difference. So version number should show 1.1.640.0.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 12:29:18 PM
Thanks again Fantozzi...with your replies and those of others, I think we are getting closer to solving this!
  It seems to me though that my version is 640 or 641...does that make any sense?
  Anyway, I still have some time today, so I am going to play around with it for a little bit more--not saying what I have in mind, as if it doesn't work I am not wasting anyone's time :)
  However if you can think of anything else please don't hesitate to let me know!
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: fantozzi on September 24, 2018, 12:36:14 PM
Yes, me I was wrong. So version is okay you shouldn't worry about. So does the game launch with an empty plugin folder?
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 12:46:34 PM
Short answer is no....however I just found something odd...when I went in to the users/mydocuments section and looked in the SimCity4 folder I did see another Plugins folder that read Plugins-disabled...now there was nothing in that folder, it was empty and I did not create it...so I deleted it as it was never there before.  Strange
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: fantozzi on September 24, 2018, 12:52:55 PM
Okay, don't think to much about this folder maybe some software created it.
But remember there 2 (two) plugin folders. One is in your "My Documents" directory. But the other one is in the programs directory, something like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins" ... don't know. Both folders have to be completely empty for a proper testing.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 24, 2018, 01:00:56 PM
Quote from: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 12:29:18 PMIt seems to me though that my version is 640 or 641...does that make any sense?

You have 640, which is fully patched (it's noted in the exception report you posted). 641 is identical to 640, the only difference is that 641 denotes a digital re-release, but effectively they are the same in practise.

Quote from: BruceAtkinson on September 23, 2018, 09:48:21 AM
Thanks for the reply...however I got rid of that update a couple of years ago, and I checked my laptop again to see if it was added again, and I have no trace of it.  I am wondering if it is the disk itself...as one could imagine it is old, ( like me!), but it is weird, as I have mentioned--the game loaded fine one evening whilst on vacation and then a couple days later--it started this issue.

People use this logic all the time, but the fact remains it's not working now. Just like when a car breaks down, most likely it was working previously. So you shouldn't be too keen to rule out things, especially when the behaviour described exactly matches the problem. A lot of IT support issues come down to a checklist of things that need to be verified, as we tick things off, it narrows down the problem. Failure to tick an item from the list may mean running round in circles missing something more obvious.

We know the game doesn't load, Plugins or otherwise, so it's reasonable to rule out your Plugins as the problem.

MS will often re-package updates, for example, did you know the Monthly Roll Up's which have been the norm for a while now, contain all previous MS updates. However, the specific KB# of an update included in the monthly patches will not necessarily show as installed. Since it will take seconds to test if this is the issue, I'd recommend doing the following:


All this does is briefly re-enable the driver MS disabled. Theoretically it's a security risk to keep it running, but a brief check like this is safe. Assuming your computer isn't already compromised, if you are the paranoid type, disconnect from the Internet whilst running with it on and you'll be perfectly safe.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 01:26:42 PM
Hello mgb204...funny that you posted exactly what I was thinking...that possibly I got that update again...so I went in to my update history and it didn't show it installed, however it did show it as a pending one to install...and thank-you for the tip on the Monthy Roll-ups, and some of those I have allowed to update...so I will do as you suggest in this post, however I will have to wait until Tuesday to do so...and let you know how things worked out!
  Thanks again:
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 02:08:34 PM
So I have done what you have suggested and this is what I get:Failed 1056:
  An instance of the service is already running
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: McDuell on September 24, 2018, 03:37:11 PM
This message means that the securom driver is working fine and we can probably rule out secdrv as the culprit.

As the next step, I would recommend a disk check. Mind that this might take a while (usually about 10-30 minutes), depending on your hardware and the amount of data on the hard drive.

Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 24, 2018, 04:29:37 PM
Wow! one cannot ask for this much support!!  Thank-you all...so I have done the check disk and stage 1 went fine, but Stage 2 had an unexpected error and then a number--but went so fast I could not catch the error code
B
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Andreas on September 25, 2018, 01:02:36 AM
CHKDSK will go through up to five stages, and you should get a report at the very end. If it showed some error, it will try to fix it. Quite often, it's just some lost files, broken journal entries and such, but you should pay attention to damaged sectors on the hard drive and other things that cannot be recovered.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: huzman on September 25, 2018, 08:19:47 AM
Does the CHKDSK works on an SSD disk?
Thanks in advance...  :)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 25, 2018, 08:46:33 AM
As usual, I didn't explain myself properly...when starting Check Disk, it only went to Stage 2 and then just proceeded to load up Windows 7.  I tried twice and the same thing happened.  It was in Stage 2 that the error message came up, but I was able to see that no files were corrupted--and saw a message that said '0 EA files processed'.
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 25, 2018, 09:36:17 AM
Just had a thought...in my attempt to describe how the game loads and the time it takes, in the last three attempts I have observed the activity of the computer, and with watching the hard disk indicator light, it seems to be going through the proper behavior until the moment the SimCity 'splash screen' comes up--at that time it goes back to the Desktop...so I'm thinking, is there a timed sequence in the load protocol and it actually times itself out?
  Another point, I have mentioned that when looking in task manager while the game is loading that the SimCity process disappears--well it doesn't, it says that it is not responding, SC4Launcher is still running but SimCity is not responding--not sure if that indicates something specific that has gone wrong or not...
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: Andreas on September 25, 2018, 10:39:24 AM
@huzman: Yes, it works the same way on an SSD.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 25, 2018, 11:04:26 AM
The next step I would look at involves checking the rendering modes for SC4. Using SC4Launcher, try each of the following rendering modes:


Does running any of these (especially Software) enable the game to load?

If you've updated the GPU drivers, perhaps it no longer works with your previous setting. Software should be most likely to work, but you ideally don't want to run the game forever in this mode, which was only included for compatibility when all else fails. If DirectX has stopped working, usually it can be fixed.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 25, 2018, 02:55:03 PM
Fantastic Support!! How many years have I been a member of this grand community!!--I feel so guilty that I only input upon the forums when I have an issue...in future that won't be the case...I'll contribute in other areas from here on in...However Alas: tried all three settings, and the same thing happens--so I am about to uninstall and then re-install SimCity4 Rush Hour--but not quite yet as I am thinking of other things to try!  I miss my Regions and Cities/Villages and Farming Communities :)
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 25, 2018, 03:32:28 PM
Really at this point, a re-install is probably the next logical step.

After that, I'd look to use System Restore to restore your computer to a previous date. Because if a re-install doesn't solve the issue, rolling-back the O/S to a time when it was last working may.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 25, 2018, 05:15:25 PM
 It is almost to that point Mgb204....however one of the first things I tried was the Restore method...and of course that didn't work, but I have a couple of other ideas before I do a complete reinstall--which I am trying to avoid, since I think I may have to re-install all of my mods as well--I know how to save my plugins and regions, but can't remember if I have to re-install my NAM and CAM mods...
  Anyway--I am so grateful for everyone's help with this...and if I go ahead with some of my other ideas and they work--then I will let everyone know...if they don't then I'll just re-install the game...
  Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on September 25, 2018, 08:16:53 PM
Bear in mind, a System Restore should recover a snapshot of your system, with the exception of personal files/folders. So if you've done this successfully, that does sort-of rule out any software/driver changes.

When using the SC4 uninstaller, it will ask if you want to keep your Regions/Plugins. Assuming you've used the correct location, (Plugins inside Documents\SimCity 4\ and not the one in the Install Dir), when re-installing, everything will be where you left it. If you are worried, or just for safety's sake, Copy the aforementioned SimCity 4 folder somewhere safe, then you can restore it if anything goes wrong.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on September 26, 2018, 03:07:20 PM
So, before I re-install on my laptop...I installed the game and Rush Hour on my business computer...similar set-up with Windows 7 Professional and it is working there...so nothing wrong with the disks.  Throughout today and tomorrow I will transfer my Regions and Plugins to the working game and see if it still works...wish me luck!
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on October 04, 2018, 12:45:23 PM
Back again!....and again I thank everyone that has responded to my issue regarding my laptop and SimCity 4.  To bring everyone up to date...I have not completely transferred my Plugins to my other computer, but if we remember I did install the whole game on my primary business computer and it works...and I have been trying to solve the original problem with the laptop.  So what I have found now is this:  On the laptop, I have used the check disk command prompt...and in Stage 1 include in the message I see "0 EA records processed"...now in my business computer, where SimCity 4 works,  when I have used the Check Disk command prompt the message reads in Stage 1, thus: "2 EA records processed"
  Bruce
   
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: mgb204 on October 04, 2018, 01:28:31 PM
EA records does not stand for Electronic Arts, but instead Extended Attributes. This doesn't necessarily indicate a problem though, one machine may simply not have such files or none that needed to be processed.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on October 04, 2018, 02:03:48 PM
Thank-you mgb204....so now I will proceed to transfer all my Plugins in to my business computer...and get back to developing my cities and regions....
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on October 10, 2018, 09:55:47 AM
Again I want to convey my thankfulness to all whom responded to my latest issue with SimCity 4 Rush Hour.  I have it back running on my laptop...and I am running it on my business computer as well--but just as a back up.
   Still not sure what happened, however I decided to re-install on the laptop and now everything is back to normal.  Although it still takes time to load and such, but that is due to the size of my Plugins folder...so knowing I'm pushing the envelope on that, I have patience!
  Thanks every so much to everyone...
Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on October 20, 2018, 02:15:08 PM
Well, most likely to those that have responded to my concerns and issues of late, I am experiencing another! 
  The game loads, and two things will happen...I can get to the regions screen and then when I click on a city I want to get in to, I will experience a CTD...secondly, I can get to the regions screen, and when I click on a city it will load up and then CTD.  In addition if I do this two or three times, it will then complete the "load" and I can be in the city-fully functional-for a half hour to two hours.
  And just one more item:  if I load up the game and go into an empty city tile...the CTD does not occur and I can begin developing the city...
  Any thoughts?
-Bruce
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: matias93 on October 21, 2018, 06:28:19 AM
Sounds a lot like an issue with a tree controller, ¿did you change your tree controller recently?
Your solution is to install again your old tree controller, enter to ALL city tiles with trees and demolish them all, save those tiles, install your new tree controller, and plant the trees all once again with it.
Sounds horribly tedious because it is, but luckily you can take a shortcut of sorts using Buggi Extra Cheats and the flora on/off cheat: while flora off demolishes all trees (god mode and MMP alike) and blocks the planting and growing of them, flora on re-enables the planting and growing, but without planting the trees back.

So, you will only need to open the city tiles with the old controller, open the cheatbox with Ctrl + X and type flora off and then flora on, then save the tile.
Title: Re: SOLVED: My game crashes to Desktop ¡¡¡
Post by: BruceAtkinson on October 23, 2018, 10:16:26 AM
Wow! would not have thought about that!  Thanks matias93...will try this
-Bruce