SOS! Fustration mounting!

[DvlHownd]

I did the dreaded “upgrade” to Windows 7 Pro 64Bit after years of running SH4 1.4 with various mods with Windows XP.

Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit
New 1TB hard drive
16GB of RAM
AMD Phenon II X3 710 2.6-GHz Processor (retread from last motherboard)
GeForce 520
MSI 970A-G46/970S-G46 motherboard
LG Monitor 1920 x 1080 60HZ (recommended)

I am getting nowhere.I have done the default install C:\Program Files (x86), install the 1.4 patch and get about five minutes into a game and *BLACK SCREEN*- BRRRRRRRRRRRR- crash to black screen – reset- prompt to reboot to safe mode.OK, so I read some forums and folks say to install into C:\UBISoft and bypass the default. So I uninstall, delete the directory, clean the registry of all ubisoft/sh4 /JSGME entries and try that. Same results: *BLACK SCREEN*- BRRRRRRRRRRRR- crash to black screen – reset- prompt to reboot to safe mode. Now I go through the process again: uninstall-delete any directories-registry clean-reboot-reinstall.No shortcut has ever appeared on the desktop after installation so I make one. After reading more forums, I try the suggestion of changing the shortcut icon properties to run in Windows XP (SP3) mode. Nope. Five minutes into the game; *BLACK SCREEN*- BRRRRRRRRRRRR- crash to black screen – reset- prompt to reboot to safe mode. So once again uninstall, clean registry, reboot, install. This time I try the suggestion of disable display scaling on high DPI settings. Five or so minutes into game and *BLACK SCREEN*- BRRRRRRRRRRRR- crash to black screen – reset- prompt to reboot to safe mode. So now thinking I could try to take advantage of more RAM, I try the CCF explorer program to let the SHE.exe file handle >2GB address space. Change the settings and nope, five minutes later; *BLACK SCREEN*- BRRRRRRRRRRRR- crash to black screen – reset- prompt to reboot to safe mode. I know it can be installed and ran as we knew it in Windows XP. Many folks are out there saying “runs fine”, “installed with no problems”, “smooth sailing”, “no hiccups”. Well I’m in a friggin typhoon and I’m getting seasick! I defer to the more knowledgeable sailors in this forum to provide me with a compass course to get me out of this maelstrom. :-?

[fastbikkel]

I am feeling sorry for you man.
Now i do not have a fixed solution for you, but it would not hurt to check this :
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=166943

I have severe trouble with SC and it could be that some options might work for you.
In my case SC is still not working, but there could be a chance that some suggestions work for you.
(Emulation, selecting a single core, just to name 2 things)

I have even read somewhere a suggestion to check some graphics settings. Try and mingle all your graphic card options, turn everything off.

[Aktungbby]

DvlHownd!:Kaleun_Salute:on your first post since joining-a long lurk indeed!

[ETR3(SS)]

When it goes to the black screen what are you doing in-game? Is it always the same thing?

[raymond6751]

I'm running SH4 on Win 7 but I had to download the gold version from Ubisoft again. My disk version would not work.

I even downloaded (bought again) a version of SH3 from steam and it runs.

Have heart. Save your save games & campaigns found in your My Docs and restore them later.

At least they are cheap to buy again. It is frustrating I know. I had purchased extra copies of the disk games so I would have back ups!! Useless now.

Good luck.:yeah:

[Fizwalker]

I really can't help you with the crashes... But I bought SH4 off of Amazon and downloaded it a few days ago for $10. To verify that it works, I run Win 7 Ultimate 64 with 16GB of RAM and a FX9530 chip and an ATI HD 7800 video card--I could be remembering my vid card wrong as I am not in front of my computer right now.

[Akotalaya]

im on windows 7 and have never had that problem, hang in there im sure there's something for you out there!i wish you luck!

[merc4ulfate]

Is the graphic card set to run all GPU's? Sometimes by default the setting is using the Main Boards GPU instead of the Graphics card. Make sure the setting is GPU only and that it's resolution is compatible with game.

This should not be a single core dual core issue. I have ran into that but only in modern games having to be turned down to single core. Silent hunter works fine as a dual core processed game.

Have you thought about partitioning your Terabyte drive and allowing it to have a smaller partition for the OS and use another for program installations? Having the OS on a separate drive or partition is always best practice especially the separate drive version. I never load programs onto a drive that contains an OS unless it application was specifically coded to run on no other drive than a system drive.

Recheck your RAM voltage settings. Check your bios to see if the XMP settings are correct and that the frequency matches your RAMs. Turn it "off" auto and set it according to the Ram Manufactures frequency setting.

I would also check your default settings for the graphics cards against these known good settings for Nividia. After you rebuilt this everything most likely went back to zero on the default side.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=128517

[THEBERBSTER]

I would suggest that having spent a lot of money updating windows you would do well to upgrade to the dvd 'Wolves of the Pacific' which also comes with extras and will upgrade you from v1.4 to v1.5.

The dvd is quite cheap these days from Amazon.

You will also benefit from a bigger variety of mods available.

You should not install in the 'Program x86 Folder.'

it would be better to install simply in C:\SH4 and let the installation do the rest as it will also install a 'SH4 Folder' in your 'Documents Folder.'

[ReallyDedPoet]

Welcome to SUBSIM DvlHownd :up:

I hope you get it sorted. I have Windows 8.1 so I cannot really help you. Hang in there and folks who have 7 will help you get this done :yep:

SUBSIM is a great community with very helpful members.

[DvlHownd]

I am feeling sorry for you man.
Now i do not have a fixed solution for you, but it would not hurt to check this :
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=166943

I have severe trouble with SC and it could be that some options might work for you.
In my case SC is still not working, but there could be a chance that some suggestions work for you.
(Emulation, selecting a single core, just to name 2 things)

I have even read somewhere a suggestion to check some graphics settings. Try and mingle all your graphic card options, turn everything off.

Tried it again tonight with everything very "vanilla"... Still crashes. The search continues.

[DvlHownd]

DvlHownd!:Kaleun_Salute:on your first post since joining-a long lurk indeed!

Yes sir it was. But anytime I ever needed information, the answer was already posted here by the wealth of knowledge that resides here. I chose the Mark Twain school of thought that it is better to remain silent and be thought of as a fool that to open your mouth and remove all doubt.:03:

[DvlHownd]

When it goes to the black screen what are you doing in-game? Is it always the same thing?

I thought I saw a pattern in crashing when hitting F4 to watch a torpedo hit but then thought about your question and stayed in the tactical screen but it still crashed.:/\\!!

[DvlHownd]

Is the graphic card set to run all GPU's? Sometimes by default the setting is using the Main Boards GPU instead of the Graphics card. Make sure the setting is GPU only and that it's resolution is compatible with game. Was set to run on GPU - set to run as Nvidia to try that

This should not be a single core dual core issue. I have ran into that but only in modern games having to be turned down to single core. Silent hunter works fine as a dual core processed game. No option to change (that my ineptness can find)

Have you thought about partitioning your Terabyte drive and allowing it to have a smaller partition for the OS and use another for program installations? Having the OS on a separate drive or partition is always best practice especially the separate drive version. I never load programs onto a drive that contains an OS unless it application was specifically coded to run on no other drive than a system drive. The idea/plan/goal/pipe dream is, that once everything gets running with stability, I'll be putting all games and extraneous programs on the original 650GB hard drive after formatting it and turning it into the "D:\" drive. Hey, a man can dream can't he?

Recheck your RAM voltage settings. Check your bios to see if the XMP settings are correct and that the frequency matches your RAMs. Turn it "off" auto and set it according to the Ram Manufactures frequency setting.
Good call! I found that the settings for the DDR3 RAM to be much lower than what they were rated for. I reset to match the capabilities that I paid for. We'll see what that did in a few moments. Thank you!
I would also check your default settings for the graphics cards against these known good settings for Nividia. After you rebuilt this everything most likely went back to zero on the default side. You are correct. Everything went to the "computer side of things" so I changed to NVidia settings but alas, it didn't solve the issue. grrrrrrrrr

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=128517

I'll keep trying. There's an answer out there somewhere. I just have to find it.

[DvlHownd]

I would suggest that having spent a lot of money updating windows you would do well to upgrade to the dvd 'Wolves of the Pacific' which also comes with extras and will upgrade you from v1.4 to v1.5. It's a question of having the desire to "upgrade". At this time, I'm happy with the "vanilla" 1.4. Maybe in time, but not now.

The dvd is quite cheap these days from Amazon.

You will also benefit from a bigger variety of mods available. Have you looked at the downloads section lately? There's a heck of a lot of variety out there available. (at least for my level of play):03:

You should not install in the 'Program x86 Folder.'

it would be better to install simply in C:\SH4 and let the installation do the rest as it will also install a 'SH4 Folder' in your 'Documents Folder.' Been there, done that. Doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. Still crashes. grrrrrrrrr:/\\!!

[Hjalfnar]

Did you try the suggestion with the extra gold version patch? I'm running the amazon Gold Edition of SH4 on a Win7 64bit with 8GB RAM just fine...BUT only with this patch, in every other case it crashed on start.

[magic452]

Just guessing here but did you load the direct x that came with the game? There are some files that are require that version.

Magic

[merc4ulfate]

If your not getting an echo in your sound then the dual core issue is not a problem but if you did wish to uncheck a core to see if it makes a difference you have to:

Run the application
Control+Alt+Delete
Task Manager
Processes
Right Click the name of the Game Process (SH4.exe)
Set Affinity
UNCHECK CPU 1

Reestablish the game.

This could give you the O2 bug but you can play with it to see if it helps or not and at least eliminate one possibility.

[DvlHownd]

Did you try the suggestion with the extra gold version patch? I'm running the amazon Gold Edition of SH4 on a Win7 64bit with 8GB RAM just fine...BUT only with this patch, in every other case it crashed on start.

I don't have the Gold edition. Looks like I may have to seek one out.

[DvlHownd]

Just guessing here but did you load the direct x that came with the game? There are some files that are require that version.

Magic

Yes. I made sure that was included in the install.

[relfin]

When you say that it "crashed to a black screen" do you mean that the pc turned itself off/rebooted? If so, it could be an overheating of the processor that is turning off the pc. Download a free CPU temp check program.

You could try opening up your case and blowing a fan on your parts.

Good Luck

I also see that you reused the cpu from your old motherboard. You want to make sure that you use some new thermal compound between your CPU and heatsink. Make sure you blow all the dust out of all of your fans and off of the heatsink fins.

I have personally had an overheating problem myself which resulted in my pc shutting down. I was able to fix the problem with the suggestions above.

[Warren Peace]

Two things I would suggest trying, which are unrelated to Windows but could be the cause:

1) Update your bios, MSI 970 series boards are notoriously unreliable.
2) If possible, go into your bios and turn off the Overclock Genie. It's entirely possible that your MOBO is attempting to OC your processor and RAM, failing miserably, and causing too much power drain, resulting in the VRM overheating and locking up the system.

[DvlHownd]

When you say that it "crashed to a black screen" do you mean that the pc turned itself off/rebooted? If so, it could be an overheating of the processor that is turning off the pc. Download a free CPU temp check program. It did crash to a black screen but didn't turn itself completely off. I still had a power light but had to reboot to get computer to function.

You could try opening up your case and blowing a fan on your parts.
The side panel is already off and four fans are moving air.

Good Luck

I also see that you reused the cpu from your old motherboard. You want to make sure that you use some new thermal compound between your CPU and heatsink. Make sure you blow all the dust out of all of your fans and off of the heatsink fins. That's the first thing I did was to ensure a new layer of thermal compound went down before I put on the heat sink and then blew compressed air everywhere to get rid of all dust.

I have personally had an overheating problem myself which resulted in my pc shutting down. I was able to fix the problem with the suggestions above.

I got it to work (sort of) but after about five minutes the frame rate takes a crash dive and the video just starts stuttering. I have since reinstalled Win7 and the game (including patch) again and are going to give it another go in a bit. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[Aktungbby]

Relfin!:Kaleun_Salute:

[Sinkmore]

Maybe try running it on the inboard graphics? (Sacrilege!)

If that works, a) you can play, and b) it'll narrow down the problem.

I am without a video card at the moment, and SH4 looks and runs great in Intel HD4400 graphics. {edit - HD4600 i think?}

[Jimbuna]

Welcome to SubSim relfin :sunny:

[relfin]

Hi DvlHownd (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=252458)

Have you been able to run any other resource intense games on your pc? First you need to figure out if you can duplicate the problem without running SH4.

Do you have any errors in your event logs?

Could it be a power supply problem? Did you install a new power supply with enough wattage?

Test pc with onboard video only.

Do you have a RAM problem? Test RAM with memtest86.
---------------

What parts did you use from your old pc?


===========================

Hi Everyone,

Happy to be a new Bilge Rat.

[THEBERBSTER]

A warm welcome “relfin“ to the Subsim family.:subsim:

You will always find someone here to help you.:)

Link to my SH5 post:

STEP BY STEP TUTORIALS & HOW TO DO IT

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=211804 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=211804)

[DvlHownd]

Maybe try running it on the inboard graphics? (Sacrilege!)

If that works, a) you can play, and b) it'll narrow down the problem.

I am without a video card at the moment, and SH4 looks and runs great in Intel HD4400 graphics. {edit - HD4600 i think?}

There is no on-board video with this board. Running a PCIe card w/GeForce 520 which worked fine with old board.

[DvlHownd]

Hi DvlHownd (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=252458)

Have you been able to run any other resource intense games on your pc? First you need to figure out if you can duplicate the problem without running SH4. Runs CFS2 and Call of Duty fine.

Do you have any errors in your event logs? I found WMI and NvStreamSvc errors.

Could it be a power supply problem? Did you install a new power supply with enough wattage? Used same power supply of 500 watts.

Test pc with onboard video only. Can't - no on-board video with this motherboard. Stuck with PCIe GeForce 520.

Do you have a RAM problem? Test RAM with memtest86. I'll give that a try but shouldn't be an issue. 2 Brand new PNY 8GB DDR3 16MHz sticks.
---------------

What parts did you use from your old pc? Chassis, 500W Power supply, CPU, and Fan(s). New 1TD HD for clean Win7 install, MB, and CD/DVD.


===========================

Hi Everyone,

Happy to be a new Bilge Rat.

I sure appreciate all the help everybody is sending my way. Unfortunately, it is all to no avail at this time. I'm still getting the same symptoms. Maybe it's a good excuse to get a new video card just for grins.

[relfin]

You said that you ran SH4 for years on your old pc. Was your current graphics card installed on your old XP pc? :hmm2:

***Ignore question, I found the answer buried in a previous post.***

[relfin]

I'm sure you already did this but I'm grasping at straws here. Are you sure your installing the correct most up to date drivers for everything in your pc?

I'm starting to feel your frustration. :/\\!!

[DvlHownd]

I'm sure you already did this but I'm grasping at straws here. Are you sure your installing the correct most up to date drivers for everything in your pc?

I'm starting to feel your frustration. :/\\!!

Yep, all drivers up to date. I did increase the page file this morning to see what that will do (if anything) and will try later tonight.

[Mikemike47]

Download a free CPU temp check program.

You could try opening up your case and blowing a fan on your parts.
Please ground yourself to power supply to dissipate any static charge from you or your vacuum cleaner/blower/air in a can first!!!! Remove your CPU fan, not the CPU, dust always accumulates on the the heatsinks there.

Speccy (http://filehippo.com/download_speccy/) is a overall computer temp check program.

[Sinkmore]

I suppose you've tried reinstalling the game?

Have you tried deleting the SH4 folder (user settings, saved games) that SH4 creates in your users/documents directory? It worked once for me. Delete it, and SH4 will create another. Might be better to delete it and do a fresh SH4 install.

[DvlHownd]

I suppose you've tried reinstalling the game?:lol: Oh, about 8 times now. Do the uninstall, delete folders, do a drive search to delete remaining/hidden folders, search HD for any remaining reference, reg clean, regedit to search and delete ubisoft/silent hunter/silent/hunter/sh4.

Have you tried deleting the SH4 folder (user settings, saved games) that SH4 creates in your users/documents directory? It worked once for me. Delete it, and SH4 will create another. Might be better to delete it and do a fresh SH4 install. I haven't saved any missions yet. I can't get that far. I just start a quick mission and try and get past four minutes before it crashes the computer.

I'll just keep trying. The answer is in here somewhere. I'll stumble across it sooner or later.

[DvlHownd]

Speccy (http://filehippo.com/download_speccy/) is a overall computer temp check program.
Box is already open with four fans running.

[Sinkmore]

[QUOTE=DvlHownd;2206949]I haven't saved any missions yet.

Not just saved missions - various settings, that CAN include incompatible data, can cause CTD. I suggest deleting it. It solved my problem once, unrelated to saved games.

I doubt it's a physical hardware problem - it seldom is.

Bit late to ask, but: Have you tried the (paraphrased) "Playing SH4 on Win 7" thread?

[CapnScurvy]

I did the dreaded “upgrade” to Windows 7 Pro 64Bit after years of running SH4 1.4 with various mods with Windows XP.

Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit
New 1TB hard drive
16GB of RAM
AMD Phenon II X3 710 2.6-GHz Processor (retread from last motherboard)
GeForce 520
MSI 970A-G46/970S-G46 motherboard
LG Monitor 1920 x 1080 60HZ (recommended)

.........So now thinking I could try to take advantage of more RAM, I try the CCF explorer program to let the SHE.exe file handle >2GB address space. Change the settings and nope, five minutes later; *BLACK SCREEN*- BRRRRRRRRRRRR- crash to black screen ............

I've read your thread, and without looking up all the specifics about your new computer (although you don't have the specific type of ram used....clock speed, etc.) I'm guessing you've matched up all component's as specified by the mother board and CPU? I read where some are new......some are left-over from your older computer. I've got to say, you have to be really careful in mixing/matching parts. As long as you did your homework, and you're satisfied you have a good match......I've got one more suggestion.

Try the Large Address Aware (http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/large-address-aware.112556/) program for having the game use the additional memory you have installed. I know, you said you tried the CCF Explorer, but try THIS program to have the games "sh4.exe" file open up to the additional memory. There could be a difference.

Also, make sure you right click on the "sh4.exe" file (the one with the sub....there are two files with the same sub icon......one is the .exe file, the other is just an icon file). Open the "Properties" tab and remove the possible check mark on the "Attributes:" section under the "Read Only" heading.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w132/crawlee/sh4exe1_zpsedc76cbd.jpg

Your sh4.exe "General" tab page should look similar to the above....except for the "Dates".

I've never used CCF, but I HAVE used the LAA for a Windows 7 OS with more memory than what some of the older games thought would ever be advailable (like SH4). The Sid Meier's game "Railroads" crashed every time after about 10-15 minutes of play. After using LAA with the .exe of "Railroads"......no more crashes!

[DvlHownd]

I've read your thread, and without looking up all the specifics about your new computer (although you don't have the specific type of ram used....clock speed, etc.) I'm guessing you've matched up all component's as specified by the mother board and CPU? I read where some are new......some are left-over from your older computer. I've got to say, you have to be really careful in mixing/matching parts. As long as you did your homework, and you're satisfied you have a good match......I've got one more suggestion.

Try the Large Address Aware (http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/large-address-aware.112556/) program for having the game use the additional memory you have installed. I know, you said you tried the CCF Explorer, but try THIS program to have the games "sh4.exe" file open up to the additional memory. There could be a difference.

Also, make sure you right click on the "sh4.exe" file (the one with the sub....there are two files with the same sub icon......one is the .exe file, the other is just an icon file). Open the "Properties" tab and remove the possible check mark on the "Attributes:" section under the "Read Only" heading.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w132/crawlee/sh4exe1_zpsedc76cbd.jpg

Your sh4.exe "General" tab page should look similar to the above....except for the "Dates".

I've never used CCF, but I HAVE used the LAA for a Windows 7 OS with more memory than what some of the older games thought would ever be advailable (like SH4). The Sid Meier's game "Railroads" crashed every time after about 10-15 minutes of play. After using LAA with the .exe of "Railroads"......no more crashes!

Yep, matched voltage and frequency on RAM. everything else works fine. Thanks for the tip on the LAA. I'll give it a try. What do I have to lose?

[DvlHownd]

So let’s review:

Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit for a clean install on a new New 1TB hard drive
New PNY 8GB DDR3 x2 for 16GB of RAM 1.5V 1600MHz
AMD Phenon II X3 710 2.6-GHz Processor (retread from last motherboard- yes, thermal compound was used - liberally)
PCIe GeForce 520 video card from last set up – never was an issue then but now ??????
New MSI 970A-G46/970S-G46 motherboard (Without on-board graphics for those who want to know – so no, I can’t run on-board video):03:
500 Watt power supply
LG Monitor 1920 x 1080 60HZ (recommended)
Chassis is wide open with four fans blowing
Yes, drivers are updated and current
Changed Page file setting to 12235
NO thermal issues

Installed from CD to default directory (Program file (x86))
Did not run program and installed 1.4 patch
Installed JSGME for mods
Ran program – no mods installed
Selected Borneo Convoy quick mission to test run
Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

After reboot, Selected icon to run in Windows XP(SP3 Mode) – Start game - Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

After reboot, try select start icon >right-click > properties of shortcut to “Disable display scaling on high DPI settings”. – Start game - Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

Well… Sumbitch……. Something ain’t working.Change Nvidia setting to use “Nivida setting” instead of “video player” setting. – Start game - Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

Well darn… the frustration is starting to mount so I reset Nvidia back to original settings of “use video player settings” – Start game - Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

Go to control panel, uninstall game. Do a hard drive search for all ubisoft/silent/hunter/silent hunter/sh4/jsgme and delete.Do a regedit for same.Zip, pfffft gone, goodbye. Got a clean hard drive now right?

Soooo…. Re-install game, 1.4 patch, MOD folder, and jsgme into C:\Silent Hunter.Start game, uncheck all options in the graphics setup screen, save changes, exit to windows and restart game.Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

Restart computer.Ah ha! I have lots of RAM so make a backup of SH4.exe and try CFF Explorer Suite to change SH4.exe to allow app to handle >2GB address space.Start game, Uncheck all options in the graphics setup screen, save changes, exit to windows and restart game.Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode.

After reboot, replace original SH4.exe and start game, and open task manager, right click on SH4.exe, click “set Processor Affinity to CPU 0, then 0 and 1, 0 and 2, 0 and 3, then 1, 1 and 2, 1 and 3 and so on.And yep, you guessed it.After each setting change, started the game and *POOF* Four minutes (if that) into mission – screen went black – get “hum noise” and computer stops functioning.Press reset and computer wants to know whether to start Windows normally or in safe mode. Start computer, start game, start Task manager, try next affinity combination and repeat the sequence all over again.Geeze I’m glad God invented alcohol.:/\\!!

Next I guess I’ll try some of the GeForce control panel Anti-Alias settings and see where that leads me. Again, a big "Thank you" for everybody's suggestions. Every little bit helps. Eventually, one of you out there is gonna say "Hey stoopid, why didn't you do "this" in the first place?" :06: Sooner or later I'll get that "Eureka!" moment thanks to all of your input.

[Sinkmore]

I don't see that you've tried deleting the users/documents/SH4 folder.

Have you tried vanilla SH4 without mods?

[relfin]

I still feel like it maybe a hardware issue. I am still leaning towards an overheating problem. Maybe the video card is overheating. You mentioned that you can start a mission and play for about 4 minutes and then have a shutdown. I think if it where a graphic settings problem (like antialaising) then the problem would show immediately after the game started. An overheating builds for several minutes and then causes a shutdown.

Did you blow out your video card fan and heatsink? I would still suggest downloading a temperature monitoring program and watch it while you play the game. It might reveal a problem.

I like to troubleshoot by exhausting as many free avenues as possible. I would hate for you to have to spend money on swapping parts if you didn't really need them.

[merc4ulfate]

Did you check your overclock settings?

They may have been adjusted in post production.

With the consistent time lag in crashing this sounds like a fried graphics card to me. It does not lock until you have put a load on it. I suggest trying a different card if you have one or buy a new one and see if this corrects your issue. If it does not you can return the new one.

Cards are finicky. Make doubly sure the card or new one is listed as workable from the MSI web site.

Static electricty might be all just fine and then one day you handle the card and a bit of dust you can not even see causes a spark that fries or at least burns a pathway. Many times you can not see damage with the naked eye. (can I say naked in this PG forum?)

I have seen weirder things happens but interchanging the card and trying the game will at least rule out or in the card itself.

I have had an Nvidia card in my current PC for 6 years now. The mother board and power supplies both have burned up and been replaced but the card has lasted.


By the way ... what is that serial port on the back of your main board supposed to be for?

[DvlHownd]

I don't see that you've tried deleting the users/documents/SH4 folder. Did a hard drive search for all ubisoft/silent/hunter/silent hunter/sh4/jsgme entries and deleted them. Same with registry.

Have you tried vanilla SH4 without mods?

Yes. Tried Borneo Convoy - Same results

[DvlHownd]

Did you check your overclock settings?

They may have been adjusted in post production.

With the consistent time lag in crashing this sounds like a fried graphics card to me. It does not lock until you have put a load on it. I suggest trying a different card if you have one or buy a new one and see if this corrects your issue. If it does not you can return the new one.

Cards are finicky. Make doubly sure the card or new one is listed as workable from the MSI web site.

Static electricty might be all just fine and then one day you handle the card and a bit of dust you can not even see causes a spark that fries or at least burns a pathway. Many times you can not see damage with the naked eye. (can I say naked in this PG forum?)

I have seen weirder things happens but interchanging the card and trying the game will at least rule out or in the card itself.

I have had an Nvidia card in my current PC for 6 years now. The mother board and power supplies both have burned up and been replaced but the card has lasted.


By the way ... what is that serial port on the back of your main board supposed to be for? It's been a good card, but it still might be a good excuse for a new one.

[DvlHownd]

I still feel like it maybe a hardware issue. I am still leaning towards an overheating problem. Maybe the video card is overheating. You mentioned that you can start a mission and play for about 4 minutes and then have a shutdown. I think if it where a graphic settings problem (like antialaising) then the problem would show immediately after the game started. An overheating builds for several minutes and then causes a shutdown. Good point. Although it gets through CFS2 and CoD okay.

Did you blow out your video card fan and heatsink? I would still suggest downloading a temperature monitoring program and watch it while you play the game. It might reveal a problem.

I like to troubleshoot by exhausting as many free avenues as possible. I would hate for you to have to spend money on swapping parts if you didn't really need them.
I agree, I try and tend to be on the shall we say "frugal" side.

[CapnScurvy]

At first glance, it seems you have the right CPU with the MSI 970A-G46 motherboard.

I do see where MSI has newer Bios for that board, version 2.6, as of 10/30/2013. Have you "Flashed" the Bios to update yet? I see they have something called a "Live Update 5" system to help in updating the Bios.

In the FAQ (http://www.msi.com/product/mb/970AG46.html#/?div=FAQ) for that board, there is a question regarding not getting 1600Mhz memory to run at its proper speed unless you go into the Bios and change a parameter. Just this kind of thing that MAY make a difference.

Have you used their "Control Center" utility to check the inner workings of the computer?

[bumper678]

The symptoms you are describing are exactly what I experienced a couple years ago after replacing my mobo/CPU. I kept getting slow downs in frame rates followed by blackscreen and reboot, when ever I ran games that had a lot of calculations for the gfx card to churn out (ie lots of vectors for aircraft/ships).

It turns out that the new mobo/cpu i dropped in was hogging the amps on my power supply rails, so the gfx card wasn't getting enough juice. I went from a 500w supply to 1000w supply, and problem was solved.

Hope this helps.

[merc4ulfate]

The symptoms you are describing are exactly what I experienced a couple years ago after replacing my mobo/CPU. I kept getting slow downs in frame rates followed by blackscreen and reboot, when ever I ran games that had a lot of calculations for the gfx card to churn out (ie lots of vectors for aircraft/ships).

It turns out that the new mobo/cpu i dropped in was hogging the amps on my power supply rails, so the gfx card wasn't getting enough juice. I went from a 500w supply to 1000w supply, and problem was solved.

Hope this helps.


Wow I had not noticed his power supply. 500 is a bit weak these days when it comes to running a pc. That certainly could be it. When my mainboard and power supply went out I upgraded my power supply with them both to make sure I would not have that issue because when they went out I switched to a better board and ram as well.

[Sinkmore]

IMHO, seems like 500 watts should be (barely?) enough for your system. Most name brand computers ship with much less. But, power supplies get old, and supply less power over time. So that really might be it.

Any chance of powering down enough peripheral devices to test that? Or testing the power supply directly?


Wow I had not noticed his power supply. 500 is a bit weak these days when it comes to running a pc. That certainly could be it. When my mainboard and power supply went out I upgraded my power supply with them both to make sure I would not have that issue because when they went out I switched to a better board and ram as well.

[Phrozin]

You should not install in the 'Program x86 Folder.'

it would be better to install simply in C:\SH4 and let the installation do the rest as it will also install a 'SH4 Folder' in your 'Documents Folder.'

Definitely Don't install games in Win 7 to the default folder unless that game was made for win 7. I have multiple drives, but I install all my games (both new and old) to C:\games\*

when you updated your graphics card drivers did you forcibly remove the residual drivers?? This has been a pain in the all to often numb rearend of mine with windows 7. If you have not, uninstall all your Nvidia software & drivers then boot into windows safe mode and remove residuals with something like DDU. I made a post about doing just that here (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=2205523#post2205523). Then reinstall them with the game in the root of C: somewhere as described by THEBERBSTER or myself. **Edit: Also when you reinstall the game, uninstall then reboot. once rebooted use a registry cleaner, derangement program to find any "lost keys" and remove them. then reinstall, and reboot.

I did a quick and not thorough power calculation (http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp)
and it's showing 242W usage. This however is based on a new power supply that is giving 100% not an older one giving 60%. Also I didn't know any other options you have (like blu-ray drive) so I just guessed. Anytime I replace a motherboard or CPU I always replace the PSU as well. All that being said, it sounds like a hardware issue to me as well, as you are playing along and then black with a screech. That could be PSU not giving enough juice, video card not seated correctly, CPU not seated correctly, dust retaining heat, fans not pushing enough air, air flow to turbulent for cooling, corrupted windows, corrupted drivers, ram in dual channel but at different speeds, PSU clogged with dust.... the list goes on.

Let us know how you get on if you decide to reinstall drivers, I hate hearing about someone not being able to play a game.

[DvlHownd]

Definitely Don't install games in Win 7 to the default folder unless that game was made for win 7. I have multiple drives, but I install all my games (both new and old) to C:\games\* Yep, c:\Silent Hunter - nothing else.

when you updated your graphics card drivers did you forcibly remove the residual drivers?? This has been a pain in the all to often numb rearend of mine with windows 7. If you have not, uninstall all your Nvidia software & drivers then boot into windows safe mode and remove residuals with something like DDU. I made a post about doing just that here (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=2205523#post2205523). Then reinstall them with the game in the root of C: somewhere as described by THEBERBSTER or myself. **Edit: Also when you reinstall the game, uninstall then reboot. once rebooted use a registry cleaner, derangement program to find any "lost keys" and remove them. then reinstall, and reboot. Yep, did searches in c:\ drive and in registry, then rebooted and ran a reg cleaner.

I did a quick and not thorough power calculation (http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp)
and it's showing 242W usage. This however is based on a new power supply that is giving 100% not an older one giving 60%. Also I didn't know any other options you have (like blu-ray drive) so I just guessed. Anytime I replace a motherboard or CPU I always replace the PSU as well. All that being said, it sounds like a hardware issue to me as well, as you are playing along and then black with a screech. That could be PSU not giving enough juice, video card not seated correctly, CPU not seated correctly, dust retaining heat, fans not pushing enough air, air flow to turbulent for cooling, corrupted windows, corrupted drivers, ram in dual channel but at different speeds, PSU clogged with dust.... the list goes on. I do have a new 600W available so I may plug that in after a bit.

Let us know how you get on if you decide to reinstall drivers, I hate hearing about someone not being able to play a game.

I do fear it is the video card failing. Mouse is beginning to pause when attempting to move it. System is running a 41 degrees C and did the BIOS flash and other drivers but tonight I uninstalled/reinstalled and tried to run it very vanilla with all graphics options off and got maybe two minutes before it crashed. So "screw it" I says, I'll take a break and enjoy the vestiges of distilled corn while I watch a streaming video from Netflix (No, it wasn't Das Boot :O: ). Well I got about 18 minutes into that movie when *POOF* Black screen - audible "brrrrrrrrrrrrrr" - shut down. Gawd I hope Kentucky has enough corn. :/\\!! Sooooo. tomorrow it's off to Best Buy to get another video card and see what trials and tribulations that may bring.


And, just for grins, I looked at the Windows error report and this is what I found after yesterday's shutdowns:

Faulting application name: sh4.exe, version: 1.4.0.0, time stamp: 0x4743033b
Faulting module name: ntdll.dll, version: 6.1.7601.18247, time stamp: 0x521ea8e7
Exception code: 0xc0000005
Fault offset: 0x0002e41b
Faulting process id: 0xf5c
Faulting application start time: 0x01cf6ff5085c2263
Faulting application path: C:\Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific\sh4.exe
Faulting module path: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ntdll.dll
Report Id: a3939759-dbe8-11e3-80c8-448a5b2f9f82

****************************************

Problem signature:
P1: sh4.exe
P2: 1.4.0.0
P3: 4743033b
P4: ntdll.dll
P5: 6.1.7601.18247
P6: 521ea8e7
P7: c0000005
P8: 0002e41b
P9:
P10:

Attached files:
C:\Users\Jake\AppData\Local\Temp\WER4A88.tmp.WERIn ternalMetadata.xml

These files may be available here:
C:\Users\Jake\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ ReportArchive\AppCrash_sh4.exe_5d9fdc36c161e45654c f68330d02d811cb9c4b7_0d73705f

Analysis symbol:
Rechecking for solution: 0
Report Id: a3939759-dbe8-11e3-80c8-448a5b2f9f82
Report Status: 0



Fault bucket , type 0
Event Name: PCA2
Response: Not available
Cab Id: 0

Problem signature:
P1: sh4.exe
P2: 1.4.0.0
P3: Silent Hunter IV
P4: Silent Hunter IV
P5: Ubisoft
P6: 200
P7: -1
P8:
P9:
P10:

Attached files:
C:\Users\Jake\AppData\Local\Temp\{36767df8-3739-481d-ab8c-ae2855028155}\appcompat.txt
C:\Users\Jake\AppData\Local\Temp\TabBFB8.tmp

These files may be available here:


Analysis symbol:
Rechecking for solution: 0
Report Id: b5dfae4a-dbe8-11e3-80c8-448a5b2f9f82
Report Status: 0

Maybe somebody can make some sense of this but I sure can't

[relfin]

Well your narrowing down your problem. If you can swap out the graphics card and power supply then I think you have a good shot at alleviating the problem.

Good Luck

[DvlHownd]

I'mmmm Baaaaaack!

I said the heck with it and went and got a new GeForce 630 video card. (not a bad deal for $58.00) Left the game installation in the C:\Silent Hunter folder and deleted the profile in c:\Users\*Me*\My documents\SH4 folder, set the video options, restarted and ran for hours uninterrupted! The only things that popped up was a failure notice when I shut down the game that it did not close properly. Reset the icon to run in Win XP (SP3 Mode) and it works fine now. Double checked it by running CFS2 and no issues there either. Seems like the old video card gave up the ghost after being transplanted to the new motherboard. Geeze I am glad that's all behind me now. I want to thank everybody that pitched in to help me narrow it down to the root issue. Hey, I even learned a few things along the way. :salute:

[relfin]

Glad to hear that you have it fixed. :yeah:

Enjoy the hunting!

[Sinkmore]

Yeehaw!

But, there goes my "it's seldom hardware" theory.

[DvlHownd]

Yeehaw!

But, there goes my "it's seldom hardware" theory.

:haha::subsim:

[HertogJan]

Just jumping in here... Sorry haven't read the whole thread.

[COLOR=yellow]So let’s review:

Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit for a clean install on a new New 1TB hard drive

Partition it into 2 or 3 partitions creating a C:/ drive for your OS, a D:/ drive for your porgrams, games, and other stuff and possibly a E:/ drive as a SoftLib for patches, drivers, tools ect.

New PNY 8GB DDR3 x2 for 16GB of RAM 1.5V 1600MHz

Have you tested the RAM, test them by taking the out one at a time and switching slots?

AMD Phenon II X3 710 2.6-GHz Processor (retread from last motherboard- yes, thermal compound was used - liberally)


I'm gonna go with you know what you were doeing putting new past on... that stuff is very tricky idd, to much and it won't cool properlly and overheat, not enough and it won't cool at all and potentially kill the CPU.

PCIe GeForce 520 video card from last set up – never was an issue then but now ??????

Have you re-tested the card in the old rigg, it might be broken after the switch.

500 Watt power supply

I'd go for 750w to 850w power supply, if you can get a hold of one for testing it might be wise to do so, that humming sound is worrisome.. maybe keep your ear next to the rigg and find out where its comming from.

Chassis is wide open with four fans blowing


Close the hood... the airflow is essential for cooling, you take that away when you take off the cover.


Changed Page file setting to 12235

I assume those are the default BIOS setting.


Installed from CD to default directory (Program file (x86))


Please don't install anything in the default dir's, create new folders like Games, Programs, Video, Photo's and such... W7 doesn't like it when you install in the /Program Files or /Program Files x86.

Did not run program and installed 1.4 patch

Souldn't be a problem


Next I guess I’ll try some of the GeForce control panel Anti-Alias settings and see where that leads me. Again, a big "Thank you" for everybody's suggestions. Every little bit helps. Eventually, one of you out there is gonna say "Hey stoopid, why didn't you do "this" in the first place?" :06: Sooner or later I'll get that "Eureka!" moment thanks to all of your input.

I'd make sure everything is in working order in default mode before goning there, too many variables to mess around with.

My guess is the power supply, 500w is cutting it short. I don't know if you "tweaked" your rigg much but I really would advise you to upgrade that.



Regards,

HJ

[merc4ulfate]

I think eh fixt it mate :har::har::har:

[DvlHownd]

I think eh fixt it mate :har::har::har:

Yep, it is. Running great now. The only issue, if you want to call it that, is every once in a while the mouse hangs up for a second or two but I think that is just a result of some background services kicking in such as Outlook checking for mail or something similar. Again, thanks for everybody's input. That's what makes forums like this so valuable is the immense volume of knowledge out there and folks that are willing to share it.

In the words of Eugene Fluckey; "SPLICE THE MAINBRACE!"

[HertogJan]

:o :oops: :rotfl2:


Goes to show I should read the whole post before anwersing a thread.

:yeah:

[Aktungbby]

"SPLICE THE MAINBRACE!":rock: :up: :yeah: :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up: :Kaleun_Cheers: a contagious concept hereabouts!:/\\!!

[Jimbuna]

:o :oops: :rotfl2:


Goes to show I should read the whole post before anwersing a thread.

:yeah:

Not a bad idea :03: