[FIX] SH4 crash-to-desktop fix (memory issue)

[bifutake]

CapnScurvy recommended i should start another thread so here it goes. i just recently started playing this game and almost immediately installed several mods. after a number of them, but specifically the "3000 meter bearing plotter tool", ctd's began plaguing me. you can read the entire troubleshoot if you follow the next link (posts 31-38):

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=2008605#post2008605


well, one of the main tools in solving this problem was a tiny application called the process monitor:

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1732756

it helped me realize that the ctd was occurring when sh4.exe tried exceeding about 1.65 gb of ram. adding another 4 gig module (8 in total) didn't prove to be the solution i was looking for (i don't regret the purchase though because i was considering it for a while now). it still crashed at the exact same spot (~ 1.65 gb). just a quick note here, my os is win7 x64 so it was pretty obvious that the memory was available but somehow unreachable by the sh4.exe single process.

although CapnScurvy's link to the large address aware patch didn't help me per se (perhaps it's not win7 compatible but vista-only, i don't know), it did point me in the right direction. so after a long search with various keywords i finally ran into this excellent guide ("give silent hunter 4 a memory boost"):

http://www.subsowespac.org/the-patrol-zone/give-silent-hunter-4-a-memory-boost.shtml

it gives a very thorough but extremely lucid walkthrough in the use of ntcore's explorer suite:

http://www.ntcore.com/exsuite.php

the first sentence is a bit misleading though because after the guide for 64-bit win7 users, there's another one for 32-bit win7, vista and xp users. i should emphasize the author's warning that the only minimum requirement, before you attempt applying this fix, is that you have at least 4 gb ram for 64-bit or 3 gb ram for 32-bit systems. otherwise, try disabling some of the mods and monitor your system's performance until you get it in acceptable working order.


hope it helps. :03:

[Webster]

its been a long time since i fooled with things but there is a default setting for windows for telling it how much ram is allocated for things and this could be your issue.

im not talking about the 4gb ram fix (at least i dont think so) but you need to set up windows so it uses the correct amount of ram your system has

[bifutake]

i have no issues anymore. this is a fix/guide thread for users trying to find a solution. i was one of these users until yesterday.

edit: i've added "[FIX]" in the beginning of the title. hope it's not a breach of forum policy?

edit2: it doesn't show on the board though...

[John Channing]

It does now. :D

JCC

[Onkel Neal]

And it has been added to the Master Thread: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=155786

:salute:

[bifutake]

much obliged. :yep:

[jldjs]

"although CapnScurvy's link to the large address aware patch didn't help me per se (perhaps it's not win7 compatible but vista-only, i don't know), it did point me in the right direction."

My reply is to your statement as quoted as I am no expert on Windows, but, LAA when I ran it on Windows XP, Win 7 as provided by Bootcamp on Mac, results in the same thing as manually doing it using CFF Explorer. The 4gb patch executable does the same as well. Also, if on a 32 bit system I believe you do have to edit the Boot.ini as you describe, but I don't think you need to do that on a 64bit system (not sure). As you have discovered, the bottom line is that SH4 runs much better, with fewer CTDs (maybe even none) when you edit the SH4.exe to use 3gb memory. I wish this was a solution to "bad saves" as well, but I still get them, though less frequently. I applaud your diligence in bringing this to the forum.

[bifutake]

until i stumbled upon cff (explorer suite), i tried both the laa app (http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112556) and the 4gb patch (http://ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php). laa app seemed fine but didn't produce any results (ctd's continued) and 4gb patch said:

couldn't open executable!

only after i googled that walkthrough i realized that the cff was made by the same person/people who made the 4gb patch. i really don't understand why the first two didn't work for me but it appears that cff was my "third time lucky" moment.

[AVGWarhawk]

Good deal. Thanks for posting. Will give it a go!

[jldjs]

until i stumbled upon cff (explorer suite), i tried both the laa app (http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112556) and the 4gb patch (http://ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php). laa app seemed fine but didn't produce any results (ctd's continued) and 4gb patch said:


Probably u forgot to change the SH4.exe properties from read only.

[bifutake]

crap! that's probably it. :doh: there was no tutorial so i had no idea what i was doing.

[Brenjen]

CFF is saying I can't save without renaming the file.....I hope to get this figured out because I love SH4 with mods but the CTD's have got me where I don't play it at all.

I noticed the read only tab was already unchecked in the SH4 properties tab as well when I opened it. I don't know if that's a problem as I stumbled upon this a few minutes ago & haven't been able to research at all, it's just an observation. And I'm using Windows7 64bit.

Edit: I figured out how to edit the properties by cutting/dragging the SH4 app file from the program files folder to my desktop, editing it there & saving it, then putting it back into the SH4 program files folder. The other problem I was having with Windows 7 still exists & that is that the SH4 app crashes after the intro movie. I've tried compatibility mode & running as administrator & still no dice.

Edit#2 - I have now fixed the blank screen freeze after the intro movies; it was a simple matter of unchecking the tab in the Nvidia control panel for the 3D manager from "use my emphasis on quality" to "let the 3D application decide" I can now use everything but the U-Boat missions add-on I bought in 2008 through Ubi & D2D.....since they changed the Ubi store & D2D was bought out by Gamefly there's no end to the headaches. Basically I have the original 1.5 patch/U-Boat add on file saved but my activation key no longer works. The only help I've gotten so far is "Is your firewall configured to let it through?.....It's turned off so I hope so lol

I'll never buy another game D/L; it's a disc or nothing from now on.

[Front Runner]

Edit#2 - I have now fixed the blank screen freeze after the intro movies; it was a simple matter of unchecking the tab in the Nvidia control panel for the 3D manager from "use my emphasis on quality" to "let the 3D application decide" I can now use everything but the U-Boat missions add-on I bought in 2008 through Ubi & D2D.....since they changed the Ubi store & D2D was bought out by Gamefly there's no end to the headaches. Basically I have the original 1.5 patch/U-Boat add on file saved but my activation key no longer works. The only help I've gotten so far is "Is your firewall configured to let it through?.....It's turned off so I hope so lol

I'll never buy another game D/L; it's a disc or nothing from now on.

I had this same problem with getting the v1.5 U-Boat missions activated. It turns out that I had exceeded the activations limit. I posted a question describing my problem in the UBISOFT support section and after about 5 or 6 days I received an email from UBISOFT support stating that they had re-set my activations for v1.5 U-Boat missions. I attempted the activation again and this time I was successful in getting the v1.5 patch to activate.
UBISOFT support moves slow, but they do respond to your questions and in this case I did get a positive result with nothing more than a bit of patience.

I exceeded the activations over time by re-installing my OS several times after OS failures and/or hard drive crashes and then re-installing SH4 and v1.5 U-Boat missions multiple times on the same machine.

Don't give up on UBISOFT support, they will come through for you.
It may help to also post your problem on the UBISOFT support Facebook page.

Good luck.

[Caelistis]

As a random aside, this is not problem in Win8 x64.

Currently, SH4 is eating 3.3GB of 30GB free without so much as a blink.

[SilentPrey]

Thanks for posting this. As a steam user, I couldn't apply the 4 gig patch. This should correct my CTDs on returning to base.

[Rambler]

I can confirm that this fixed my CTD issue in port. I am using Steam version with latest version of RFB on Win7 x64.

Thanks for the tip!:up:

[Anvart]

Back in April 2005, was released SH3_Bearing_Overlay_3.0 mod... author Pato - quotation "Reworked numbers lines and added range circles up to 3000mts". In the mod author used TGA image 6330x6330x32bit with RLE compression... disk size ~ 7.2 MB, memory size ~ more 110...150 МБ, IIRC. This mod have not worked with ATI video cards because of problems RLE compression/decompression of these cards (big image). I do not remember already how the problem was manifested... CTD or somehow different...

[drakkhen20]

this is a nifty little mod. :up:

thanks,
drakkhen:salute:

[Genferret]

I want to give a big thanks for this find. I just came back to playing SHIV after not playing in a while. When I last played I was still on XP and didn't have these issues -- now with Win7 its been CTDing but this has fixed that.

Thanks

--Genferret

[merc4ulfate]

My thoughts are why some have an issue with it and others do not.

Many who play the game do not need to change anything at all.

[SilentPrey]

My theory is that it's a combination of mods used and graphics/sound settings. I didn't really run into issues until I maxed everything out and started running TMO, RSRDC, OTC, and Trav's at 1600x900 60hz. I do that by enabling the OTC 16:9 last, btw. Seems to be working fine now but it would CTD every time I went to the bridge or looked through the scope outside the harbor at Pearl until I remembered to apply this.

I'm running Win 7 64 w/ 8 gb RAM. I got the game through Steam and the 4 gig patch wouldn't even try to work. Stumbling across this thread saved me a lot of trouble.

[GlobalExplorer]

Don't forget to remove write protection from SH4.exe or the fix will not work.
It took me three years to find out about this :)

Also with my ATI card, the patch did not work per se. The graphics driver runs out of memory because it expects 2 Gb ram for kernel and drivers. So I had to manually configure it with the /PAE /2900 switch in boot.ini. Only now it seems to work.

[steve1]

CFF is saying I can't save without renaming the file.....I hope to get this figured out because I love SH4 with mods but the CTD's have got me where I don't play it at all.

I noticed the read only tab was already unchecked in the SH4 properties tab as well when I opened it. I don't know if that's a problem as I stumbled upon this a few minutes ago & haven't been able to research at all, it's just an observation. And I'm using Windows7 64bit.

Edit: I figured out how to edit the properties by cutting/dragging the SH4 app file from the program files folder to my desktop, editing it there & saving it, then putting it back into the SH4 program files folder. The other problem I was having with Windows 7 still exists & that is that the SH4 app crashes after the intro movie. I've tried compatibility mode & running as administrator & still no dice.

Edit#2 - I have now fixed the blank screen freeze after the intro movies; it was a simple matter of unchecking the tab in the Nvidia control panel for the 3D manager from "use my emphasis on quality" to "let the 3D application decide" I can now use everything but the U-Boat missions add-on I bought in 2008 through Ubi & D2D.....since they changed the Ubi store & D2D was bought out by Gamefly there's no end to the headaches. Basically I have the original 1.5 patch/U-Boat add on file saved but my activation key no longer works. The only help I've gotten so far is "Is your firewall configured to let it through?.....It's turned off so I hope so lol

I'll never buy another game D/L; it's a disc or nothing from now on.
Thanks for the Nvidia Control panel tip- you're a gentleman & a scholar.

[Marka Ragnos]

I recently purchased a new computer and when i was done playing those shiny new games i always end up back playing silent hunter 4.
I had really strange graphic glitches to the point i was giving up :(

But this 4 gig patch fixed that, so i thank you all because of you i can still enjoy my all-time favorite game ;):up::up:

[littelmaster]

Thank you guys J
The 4gb patch fix my CTD problem also.
System Intel i7, Windows 7 64bit, 8gb Ram

[CapnScurvy]

Something that's been talked about within this thread several times, yet a picture is worth a thousand words. When using LAA, or another "4gb patch", you need to make sure the "Properties" within the "SH4.exe" file is NOT set to READ ONLY.

The SH4.exe file is in your main game folder.....usually defaulted to being named "Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific". Look for the black sub icon. There are two icons like it, but only one is the SH4.exe file:


https://s25.postimg.org/wh6jpnsov/sh4exe1_zpsedc76cbd.jpg


As above, right click the "SH4.exe" file to show its "Properties" menu. Under the "General" tab make sure the "Attributes......Read-only" box is unchecked. If it is check marked, uncheck it as the above image shows; then strike the "Apply" key, saving your settings. I'm pretty sure the game has this "Attribute" set as default to "Read-Only" (the fix will not work as long as it's Read-Only).

This will set up the games .exe file to accept the changes LAA or any other 4gb patch will make when you add it to your game.

[fitzcarraldo]

Something that's been talked about within this thread several times, yet a picture is worth a thousand words. When using LAA, or another "4gb patch", you need to make sure the "Properties" within the "SH4.exe" file is NOT set to READ ONLY.

The SH4.exe file is in your main game folder.....usually defaulted to being named "Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific". Look for the black sub icon. There are two icons like it, but only one is the SH4.exe file:


As above, right click the SH4.exe file to show the files "Properties" menus. Under the "General" tab make sure the "Attributes......Read-only" box is unchecked. If it was, uncheck it as the above image shows, then strike the "Apply" key, saving your settings.

This will set up the games .exe file to accept the changes LAA or any other 4gb patch will make when you add it to your game.

True. Ever I reinstalled SH4 the sh4.exe file is write protected.

Also help to FPS and lags is the d3d9 Antilag, use it with 4 Gb Patch.

Best regards.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[CapnScurvy]

Fitzcarraldo, so you use the "d3d9 Antilag" app, and it works as defined (found HERE) (http://www.kegetys.fi/d3d-antilag-v1-01/) ?

Here's an older thread (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=173605) regarding the app.

[KaleunMarco]

SH4 was crashing when i exited through the sh4 menu system which seems odd. and it is not consistent...sometimes it happens and sometimes not. so i gave this fix a try and i still have the problem.

my config: dell i7 quad core 8 gig ram video is Nvidia Gforce gt720
running FOTRS plus some minor game play mods.

any ideas are welcome.

[CapnScurvy]

@ mark bonamer, you'll need to give us more info regarding your system.

What's your OS version?

What bit....32 or 64?

What version of the game are you using? How did you install the game.....From a download? From where? From a DVD disk? Which one? Which disk drive/folder is it installed on your computer?

Is your "main game" files free from corruption? You've run the "Check Snapshot" feature found in the JSGME app (provided you took a "Snapshot" just after installing a fresh copy of the game AND adding the JSGME app)?

You state you're using "FOTRS plus some minor game play mods"........What are they? Is FOTRS compatible with the SH4 game version that you have? Are the other mods compatible with the game version that you have? Are they all compatible with each other? Have you tried removing each one (one at a time) to see if the omission makes a difference? Are you replaying a particular saved point that's causing the problem? Tried to use just the stock game.....still having an issue?

What are you using for the "4 gig patch"?.....Large Address Aware, or something else?

Is it installed properly? I can give you an image of what the LAA will report IF its installed correctly.

Lot's to know before giving advice.

[SwissSubCommander]

When I try to save the changes in the sh4.exe in the editor it tells me "can not overwrite original file"

[SilentPrey]

When I try to save the changes in the sh4.exe in the editor it tells me "can not overwrite original file"

It's read-only right now. You need to clear the check mark next to 'Read-only' in the file properties. (Right click on the file, click properties in the pop-up menu. It should open in the General tab; Attributes are the bottom row.) That should allow you to overwrite it.

[SwissSubCommander]

I did everything in the correct order. But the game still crashes after the loading screen if I have any mod installed

[aanker]

Does the game crash with no mods enabled?

Are you running SH4 v1.5?

Does the SH4 game shortcut point to sh4.exe or gu.exe? With DVD installs (the best IMO) the gu.exe will always check for updates and gets confused if the game is modded. It is best to have the shortcut point directly to sh4.exe.

I don't know about Steam other than it is initially v1.3 and needs to be updated to at least v1.4, however most mods are for v1.5 the 'U-boat' expansion.

Need more info about your install and answers to questions above.

[Rockin Robbins]

In Steam, make sure the game installs outside the /program files (x86) directory, as it is guarded against change by the Microsoft pitbulls. I have mine installed in a root directory called /ubisoft/wolves of the pacific.

Well, that's a lie right now. It's installed in home/.wine/program files (x86) because WINE under Linux doesn't do the stupid operating system tricks that Windows does and the game runs just peachy right from there.

Then make sure your desktop shortcut points to SH4.exe, not gu.exe, and write enable sh4.exe. NOW run Large Address Aware and tell it that sh4.exe needs access to more than 4 GB (actually it's 3.2, but what's .8 GB among friends?) You can write protect SH4.exe again if you want but I haven't seen any bad effects from just leaving the fool thing alone.

[Crash Dive]

Thank you for the info

[CapnScurvy]

Having this thread "reappear", showed me I needed to fix the one image that shows the games "sh4.exe" file "Properties" page.....where you uncheck the "Read-only" value so the file can be changed to accept additional memory during gameplay. Without unchecking this default game parameter, you will not get any of the possible memory access applications to work! Here's the reply (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2333974&postcount=26).

Since this thread was started in 2013 there has been some changes to Operating Systems (Windows 10 has been released) so it's important to keep up with what's new/different. One being, the newer OS uses a different .netFramework version which is critical to having the Large Address Aware function as intended. On the LAA site you'll find two versions of the LAA app for download. One for the older .netFramework versions, one for the newer version packaged with Windows 10. You'll need to know how to check which .netFramework version your System has.

To keep from repeating myself, please follow this thread: "Windows10; Large Address Aware; SH4 Install (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=228888)" to understand the steps to take installing the game; setting it up correctly; adding the correct version of LAA; following steps after the game is installed to prevent problems in the future.

[dlsa]

Having memory problems. Tried the LAA on the executable (yes I removed the redonly check box from it before), but the game gets corrupted during time compression or even when paused for some hours.

The map station only displays the ocean and ports, the land disappears, and a lot of graphical artifacts appear in almost every station. The UI stops working.

I tried acessing : http://www.subsowespac.org/the-patro...ry-boost.shtml but I am getting a 404.
Anyone knows if there is an alternative site where I can read this workaround ?

Thanks,
Regards

[KaleunMarco]

Having memory problems. Tried the LAA on the executable (yes I removed the redonly check box from it before), but the game gets corrupted during time compression or even when paused for some hours.

The map station only displays the ocean and ports, the land disappears, and a lot of graphical artifacts appear in almost every station. The UI stops working.

I tried acessing : http://www.subsowespac.org/the-patro...ry-boost.shtml but I am getting a 404.
Anyone knows if there is an alternative site where I can read this workaround ?

Thanks,
Regards

well....a few questions for you before we can recommend a fix:


in what folder have you installed SH4?
which version of SH4 are you trying to play, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.5 with Uboat Missions?
if you are playing SH4 with some mods, can you post your config? using JSGME, click Tasks, Copy to Clipboard, then paste here in a reply (ctrl+v).


:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:

[propbeanie]

subsowespac is no longer active, unfortunately. If you are running mods, run JSGME and click on the "Tasks..." link in the middle, and choose "Export activated mod list to --->" and choose "Clipboard" and psste that into your next post, or choose "Text file" and then copy and paste that into your next post. Also, what folder do you have SH4 installed in? What is the source of your SH4 (Steam, Ubisoft downloads or disk)? Also, depending upon your computer, you might have to adjust the SH4.exe Properties. Navigate into your game folder, select the SH4.exe again, and click on the "Compatibility" tab. Some experimentation is required here. You might only need to change one thing, or you mgith need to do them all. Refer to this:

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1070&pictureid=12763

The Win10 and 11 screens are very similar. The Win7 screen is slightly different, and does not have the same "Change high DPI settings" button.


KM posted faster!!! lol

[dlsa]

I installed the game on a win 7 64 bit box.
The Processor is a Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q6700 at 2.66 GHz with 8 GB of memory.

I am running SH v1.5 modded.
The directory where I installed the game was on drive F:\games\SH4.
I then copied this directory to the F:\games folder, and added JSGME.
I then installed the Berbsters mod collection on to this copy of the game.

JSGME config :
Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[F:\games\SH4TheBerbsters\MODS]

1 Game Fixes Only Mod v1.1
10 Eye Patch for Stock
11 Pacific Sound Mod
9 Webster's New sonar view for v1.5
8 Webster's Upgraded Deck Gun v2
8 Webster's Upgraded Deck Gun v1
7 Extra Allied naval bases for Stock SH4 + UBM v3.0
6 Bigger Better Protractors
5 Webster's No Crew Fatigue
4 GFO Patch for Real Env
3 Real Environment mod install
2 MaxOptics IV for GFO 1.1
17 Remove grain effect
16 Webster's Eliminate Floating Plankton
15 Magnified Hud Dials for v1.5_Large
14 3000 Yard Bearing Tool (1920x)
13 sobers compass mod_version color
12 Stop The Shouting

I installed the game from the DVDs. Both base game and Uboat missions

Thanks

[KaleunMarco]

I installed the game on a win 7 64 bit box.
The Processor is a Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q6700 at 2.66 GHz with 8 GB of memory.

I am running SH v1.5 modded.
The directory where I installed the game was on drive F:\games\SH4.
I then copied this directory to the F:\games folder, and added JSGME.
I then installed the Berbsters mod collection on to this copy of the game.

JSGME config :
Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[F:\games\SH4TheBerbsters\MODS]

I installed the game from the DVDs. Both base game and Uboat missions

Thanks

ok, that's quite a list. some of the mods i have not heard of and have not used. here is what i can say.

***
i strongly suggest that you use Large Address Aware (LAA). Even though you system has 8gb memory SH4 in its natural state uses 1-2 gb. LAA will allow it to use up to 4 gb. you will find it in the MODS forum. ignore the 32-bit thing. i have using it in two 64-bit OS with SH4.

1 Game Fixes Only Mod v1.1 - load first

these conflict with each other, especially the first two. Not sure about the remainders. i'd drop the second one and test the working order of the remainder.
15 Magnified Hud Dials for v1.5_Large-Menu(Gui, Skins, menu.ini)
13 sobers compass mod_version color-changes the compass on the HUD. may conflict
6 Bigger Better Protractors-changes HUD tools on Nav map
2 MaxOptics IV for GFO 1.1 (CFG, Library, Menu (menu.ini), Movies, Texture)

The first one is was developed in 2009 so it may not work with 1.5. the last two seems to be overlapping although they change different files. i suggest dropping the first and test with the remaining.
3 Real Environment mod install-some had CTD others ok.
4 GFO Patch for Real Env
17 Remove grain effect-changes Noise.dds 2009
16 Webster's Eliminate Floating Plankton - changes impurity-load last directions

these two are mutually exclusive. load one only
8 Webster's Upgraded Deck Gun v2-
8 Webster's Upgraded Deck Gun v1

These two are changing the same files, for the most part. choose one.
12 Stop The Shouting
11 Pacific Sound Mod

This will change GFO's campaign file. It should not casue a problem but it may.
7 Extra Allied naval bases for Stock SH4 + UBM v3.0-changes US Naval Bases campaign file

10 Eye Patch for Stock - should not conflict
5 Webster's No Crew Fatigue - should not conflict

9 Webster's New sonar view for v1.5-changes the Interior files for 3 boats-load last directions

14 3000 Yard Bearing Tool (1920x)-load last directions

****

whew. had to do a bit of research because some of these mods are not familiar to me.
i am sure that others will comment on my comments.

Good Luck!
:Kaleun_Salute:

[propbeanie]

In reality dlsa, the idea behind THEBERBSTER's mix of Webster's GFO mod was to help in having a compatible mix. It is best to use only the mods THEBERBSTER included. The Real Environment is nice, but you install the GFO patch for it after the environment mod. You would install MaxOptics after that. MaxOptics changes the view perspectives from the bridge, TBT & periscopes. As KM mentions, only use ONE deck gun mod. You do not need the Eye Patch mod for v1.5 of the game. Stop the Shouting is also not necessary, but is nice when your boat takes damage. It copies the "normal" voices into the "shouting" voices folders.

When you activate some of the other mods after your initial first few, you do have to look for the ones that alter the menu_1024_768.ini file, which is what controls what you "see" with all of the 2D environments in the boat. So once you load Webster's New Sonar View, you will most likely encounter warnings of that file being overwritten by some of the mods that follow. When that happens, you basically over-write the preceding mod, and lose its benefit - hence the idea of only using the mods that THEBERBSTER included, other than the sound and environment mods. You can use other mods, you just have to be careful of what they overwrite, as KM said. You will want to determine what is more important to keep. Slightly re-ordered:
1 Game Fixes Only Mod v1.1
3 Real Environment mod install
4 GFO Patch for Real Env
2 MaxOptics IV for GFO 1.1
8 Webster's Upgraded Deck Gun v2
11 Pacific Sound Mod
9 Webster's New sonar view for v1.5
... blah blah blah ...