Problems running with Win 7 Pro

[XenonSurf]

I have read the guide 'SH3 2014+', but the advices dead-end when it comes to run the game in Windows 7. I get an error and the game doesn't launch.

Here my specs:

Windows 7 Pro, 64 bit
i7 processor, 4ghz
16 GB RAM
Nvidia GTX 960 4GB VRAM

My monitor and games are usually set to run at 1920x1080 widescreen.

This is my SH3 installation and mods:

Stock game from DVD + 1.4 patch + Starforce files exchanged
Patched sh3.exe with the 4GB RAM utility (comes with WAC 5.0 mod)
JSGME installed in game directory

Mods loaded in JSGME (in order):
WAC 5.0
WAC 5.0 Patch 5.01
WAC 5.0 Campaign_Atlantic_Baltic
Ahnenerbe's Widescreen GUI for WAC 5.01

When I start SH3, I get the error window:

"Can not initialize 3D engine".

Putting sh3.exe in compatibility mode (I tried different one, XP etc.) and clicking 'Run as Administrator' will not change anything.
Changing the scaling options in NVidia Panel doesn't change anything either.
I then change my desktop resolution manually to a crap 1280x1024, then SH3 will launch. But now it takes about 5 minutes (!) to launch a single mission, Ahnenerbe's widescreen works but I'm not sure if this is the best possible output after changing to 1280x1024.
In my Document folder > SH3 > main.cfg, the resolution is set to '1024 x 800', not ideal for my system.

I'd like to know how you guys are playing SH3 with Win7 pro x64, also if playing other mods and how easy you can launch SH3.
Thanks to anyone with SH3 knowledge, especially any Win7 gamer with a widescreen and WAC 5.01 players to help and feeback!

[THEBERBSTER]

Hi XS
The problem „L/SH3 show only black screen… but with sound“ (only with Widescreen Mods) is solved > Latest Information By Urmel. (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2501253&postcount=969)

More Information On Drivers And Settings (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2485325&postcount=917)

Your problem shows a graphic compatibility error.
This maybe a Direct X 9C installation corruption so it is worth checking out.
DirectX 9.0C < Direct Download (https://filehippo.com/download_directx/)

Check that your gpu is setup correctly and your driver is compatible as some updated by Microsoft like 382.05 can cause problems.
Post #7 Changing Nvidia And AMD Radeon GPU Settings (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2407999&postcount=7)

My monitor and games are usually set to run at 1920x1080 widescreen.
Ahnenerbe's mod will give you that resolution.
Post #42 Changing Any LSH3-2015 Gui To > Ahnenerbe WideGui 1920 x 1080 Final > Download And Instructions > Enable JSGME.
(http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2410501&postcount=42)
It is important that you run all applications as administrators.
Peter

[gatordad]

What happens when you run plain vanilla version of SH3? (Assuming you have a vanilla version for backup/copying purposes.)

[XenonSurf]

Hi TheBerbster, thank you very much for your links and advices, I will go through them, I'm sure they will help me out. :up:

I think I can make good progresses in launching SH3, the main problem being the many mod objects present in WAC 5.01. Currently I'm trying, as suggested by Gatordad below, to see how I can improve running without Mods or/and activating fewer external decors like complex ports and bunkers that are very eye-candy but also very ressource-demanding, thus I guess the long loading time of 5 minutes per mission. I didn't try starting a campaign yet.

[XenonSurf]

What happens when you run plain vanilla version of SH3? (Assuming you have a vanilla version for backup/copying purposes.)

Yes indeed, out of curiosity, I have removed the WAC mod and only loaded the Ahnenerbe's Widescreen mod, and it works! I haven't been far in the game with it, but I think this is the key for me. I indeed get a 1920x1080 resolution in-game with beautiful and correct-sized gauges, so I think my initial resolution when launching is not important.

I think WAC 5.01 is going to the feasable limit of what is possible, thus the very long loading times.

I will report if I make further progresses in launching SH3, currently I'm trying to see what happens if I change the main.cfg to the allowed maximum of 1280 x 1024 which was the max. in the year 2005 IIRC. I should then be able to launch SH3 without changing my desktop resolution every time.

Thanks! I'll report back.