Sh4 win7 freeze

[bugs]

Originally Posted by CapnScurvy

I decided to look into UbiSoft's support for a couple of things I've been wondering about. First its Copy Protection system. With SHIII, UbiSoft used the StarForce Digital Rights Management (DRM copy protection) version 3.0. This type of protection was supposedly removed from UbiSoft games after April, 2006 (a huge multi-million dollar lawsuit was pending).....esepcially its U.S. release versions of its games. From what I've read, there may have been some games released after this date using the EU (European) versions that still had it included. Not that UbiSoft is very forth coming about it, but there are differences between the U.S. versions, and the EU versions. Here's a FAQ from UbiSoft Support:



UbiSoft makes it apparent there are differences between the two world regional versions of the game.

My question about what exactly is the DRM in Bugs version 1.2 is my thought? I've read else where that some of UbiSoft's games released for different world regions will have different copy protection systems. If this is the case, then there may be reason to think the DRM is the problem when using a Windows7 OS.

I looked at Starforce's website and found this:



What this means is Starforce admits versions of its copy protection below the above will not work with Win7. This means without intervention from Starforce an older game having the above version of copy protection won't work.

Now, I'm not saying your original DVD version 1.2 fits this criteria.....but there may be an answer to why you can't get it to work with Win7. Your DVD could be one of the EU versions, which COULD have the older Starforce DRM included. If so, this may be the problem.

no protection app. found with sfhelper

[aanker]

Originally Posted by bugs

installed to C:\ a sub game
no pass word ever that I remember
game only reboot, start Sh4.exe ,scans disc. for 6=8 secs. stops
version 1.2 of SH4, 2007

Did it ever start before being patched to 1.2 meaning did the install from the DVD ver 1.0 ever start? Sounds like you ordered Gold anyway which is smart - I am just curious.

Great information about Starforce CapnScurvy. I ran across a map of the various regions of compatibility around the world years ago. It would 'suck' to live near a regional border...

[bugs]

Originally Posted by aanker

Did it ever start before being patched to 1.2 meaning did the install from the DVD ver 1.0 ever start? Sounds like you ordered Gold anyway which is smart - I am just curious.

Great information about Starforce CapnScurvy. I ran across a map of the various regions of compatibility around the world years ago. It would 'suck' to live near a regional border...

no did not start dvd 1.0 by its self

[aanker]

Originally Posted by bugs

no did not start dvd 1.0 by its self

This might be the issue, ..... I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure after installing the disk, ver. 1.0, SH4 likes to get the registration activation key, then start the game up, and it makes a save game folder and changes some configuration files in the game files, and also in the My Documents SH4 Save Game location.

After getting 1.0 to run - only long enough to see it on your screen, exit SH4, and re-boot the computer to clear the memory & temp files.

After the computer restarts, install the 1.4 patch, not 1.1 or 1.2. (they are in 1.4).

Then, configure the shortcut to use sh4.exe - not gu.exe, and reboot the computer again.

After re-starting, SH4 should start up and not need the DVD.

Be sure to install to:

C:\
a sub game
.... Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific
Program files
Program files (x86)
Users
Windows

[bugs]

Originally Posted by aanker

This might be the issue, ..... I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure after installing the disk, ver. 1.0, SH4 likes to get the registration activation key, then start the game up, and it makes a save game folder and changes some configuration files in the game files, and also in the My Documents SH4 Save Game location.

After getting 1.0 to run - only long enough to see it on your screen, exit SH4, and re-boot the computer to clear the memory & temp files.

After the computer restarts, install the 1.4 patch, not 1.1 or 1.2. (they are in 1.4).

Then, configure the shortcut to use sh4.exe - not gu.exe, and reboot the computer again.

After re-starting, SH4 should start up and not need the DVD.

Be sure to install to:

C:\
a sub game
.... Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific
Program files
Program files (x86)
Users
Windows

im back got Sh4 Gold
the same thing happened
loaded fine, wont start up
tried to start a second time it said Sh4 all ready running but i cant see it
must be video problem im guessing
Task manager processes has it loaded into memory
no app running
back to square one
Capt. BUGS , back from leave
WAITING ON THE DOCK

[CapnScurvy]

Originally Posted by bugs

im back got Sh4 Gold
the same thing happened
loaded fine, wont start up
tried to start a second time it said Sh4 all ready running but i cant see it
must be video problem im guessing
Task manager processes has it loaded into memory
no app running

You've stated earlier that your computer specs are:

windows 7 , 32-bit
Pentium dual 1.8 GHZ 3.6
4 GB memory
100 GB free on drive
NVIDIA GT 220 2175 MB memory 1074 dedicated
direct x 10
monitor resolution 1440 x 900
adaptor drive 9.18.13.3221

This is a desktop computer right....not a lap top?

Your GT 220 should be just fine unless there's some physical reason for it to not work right. It's quite faster than my original Radeon X1650 which ran the game just fine.

As long as you allowed the game to check/install the DirectX 9.0c drivers during the install wizard....I would think the problem lies more in how you have Windows 7 set up. If you can't find the game in the Toolbar, along the bottom of the screen......yet it tells you its running in Task Manager......I'm thinking its something simple.

[aanker]

I know nothing about Gold other than it is similar to SH4 ver 1.5 U-Boat Missions and the 'final' fixes to the US Boats.

In addition to what CapnScurvy said/asked, specifically about DirectX 9.0c drivers, and do you have a PC or Laptop, I have one or two questions:

Did it ask for an activation key - or some other registration number?

Where is it installed, what is the path?

C:\ >> a sub game >> Silent Hunter 4 ??

... or if you prefer in 'Detail View' looking at your HD C:\ in Windows Explorer:

C:\
a sub game
........ Silent Hunter 4
other folders
Program files
Windows

By any chance is the SH4 Icon on your Start button? Sometimes New Programs have their icons showing after a new install.

This is bugging me bugs, I want it to run for you.

[bugs]

Originally Posted by aanker

I know nothing about Gold other than it is similar to SH4 ver 1.5 U-Boat Missions and the 'final' fixes to the US Boats.

In addition to what CapnScurvy said/asked, specifically about DirectX 9.0c drivers, and do you have a PC or Laptop, I have one or two questions:

Did it ask for an activation key - or some other registration number?

Where is it installed, what is the path?

C:\ >> a sub game >> Silent Hunter 4 ??

... or if you prefer in 'Detail View' looking at your HD C:\ in Windows Explorer:

C:\
a sub game
........ Silent Hunter 4
other folders
Program files
Windows

By any chance is the SH4 Icon on your Start button? Sometimes New Programs have their icons showing after a new install.

This is bugging me bugs, I want it to run for you.

this is a desk top
direct x9 loads
no activation key asked for
C: a sub game >SH4.exe
it is in Start menu, no icon

[aanker]

Originally Posted by bugs

this is a desk top
direct x9 loads
no activation key asked for
C: a sub game >SH4.exe
it is in Start menu, no icon

Yours is:

C:\ >> a sub game >> SH4.exe

... in 'Detail View':

C:\
a sub game
............ SH4.exe
other folders
Program files
Windows

I'm not sure if this makes a difference, your install is straight to the root C:\

I've always installed 'Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific' into a folder called GAME_SH4, and SH4.exe would be in 'Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific'

C:\
GAME_SH4 <-- (any name)
........ Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific
............................... SH4.exe
other folders
Program files
Windows

C:\ >> GAME_SH4 >> Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific >> SH4.exe

Anyone know if this makes a difference?

[bugs]

Originally Posted by aanker

Yours is:

C:\ >> a sub game >> SH4.exe

... in 'Detail View':

C:\
a sub game
............ SH4.exe
other folders
Program files
Windows

I'm not sure if this makes a difference, your install is straight to the root C:\

I've always installed 'Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific' into a folder called GAMES, and SH4.exe would be in 'Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific'

C:\
GAMES <-- (any name)
........ Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific
............................... SH4.exe
other folders
Program files
Windows

C:\ >> GAMES >> Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific >> SH4.exe

Anyone know if this makes a difference?

reinstalled
C:\ sub game\ubisoft\silent hunter w-o-p\sh4.exe
task manager; app. is running
still cant see it

[aanker]

Weird...... this is the strangest installation issue - like CapnScurvy says, this is probably something simple we are missing.

Probably should go to Task Manager and shut it down.

Then will you try going to the folder here sh4.exe is:
C:\ sub game\ubisoft\silent hunter w-o-p\sh4.exe

... and right-click on sh4.exe then select 'Send to' and select >> Desktop (create shortcut)
- (or have you already done this)

If you double-click that desktop shortcut it may start up - or you've already tried and no joy.

My Win7 didn't have any compatibility issues, what are people suggesting for compatibility now, XP?

btw, I lied - my SH4 is not in GAMES, it is in GAME_SH4. I'll edit my posts - my mistake.

One more thing, the graphics card issue some have:

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

4. As a side note, sometime the very first time you start SH4 with Vista, the menu screen will be black yet the music is playing, etc. No problem, open up the task manager and shut down the game. Go to your video card tweak program and reset the card to the default values(usually just a box to check and click OK. Start the game and the menu should not be black anymore. The game should look as it usually does. Close it out. Go back to your video card tweak program and reset the card to your liking. That's it, you will never have to do that again(unless you do a complete reinstall down the road)

[bugs]

[QUOTE=aanker;2180170]Weird...... this is the strangest installation issue - like CapnScurvy says, this is probably something simple we are missing.

Probably should go to Task Manager and shut it down.

Then will you try going to the folder here sh4.exe is:
C:\ sub game\ubisoft\silent hunter w-o-p\sh4.exe

... and right-click on sh4.exe then select 'Send to' and select >> Desktop (create shortcut)
- (or have you already done this)

If you double-click that desktop shortcut it may start up - or you've already tried and no joy.

My Win7 didn't have any compatibility issues, what are people suggesting for compatibility now, XP?

btw, I lied - my SH4 is not in GAMES, it is in GAME_SH4. I'll edit my posts - my mistake.

One more thing, the graphics card issue some have:[/QUO i got a desk top icon
task manager; loaded into memory, app. showes its running
still no go
driving me crazy, been in every program looking for something that might matter
musted have reloaded 30 times rebooted 60 times
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[TorpX]

I wonder if this is not due to having file/registry remnants that were not removed. I'm no expert, but I've read getting cleaning all the registry bits and pieces can be tricky. Maybe someone can post a reliable method for accomplishing this.

[CapnScurvy]

Originally Posted by TorpX

I wonder if this is not due to having file/registry remnants that were not removed. I'm no expert, but I've read getting cleaning all the registry bits and pieces can be tricky. Maybe someone can post a reliable method for accomplishing this.

Yes it might be.....but bugs has said he's taken care of any remnants.

AVGWarhawk has this "sticky" thread called "How to re-install SH4!", which tells you what to look for in the Registry for deletion.

Originally Posted by bugs

One more thing, the graphics card issue some have: i got a desk top icon
task manager; loaded into memory, app. showes its running
still no go

First off....don't use the short-cut desk top icon to start the game. Go to your main game folder and start the game using the following circled icon:




I don't understand this at all bugs........you say the game is running in the task manager. Do you also have the game icon displayed along the "toolbar", at the bottom of the Windows screen??





If so, double clicking the toolbars "SilentHunter4" icon doesn't take you to the game?!

If the game is running.....this icon should be displayed along the bottom of the screen, in the "Toolbar". If it's not displayed....the game isn't running. Or, at least your Windows7 isn't properly set to run the game.


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


Just one more thing to try. IF you have the icon along the Toolbar, yet nothing happens after double clicking it. Try loading the Large Address Aware app and getting the "sh4.exe" to recognize the added/available RAM memory you have with your system.

LAA comes in a compressed file. Extract it to a folder you make under the C:/ folder (I called the new folder "Large Address Aware").

Don't just open the compressed file and try to work the magic within the compressed file. "Extract" it to this new folder....then, open LAA. If the procedure goes as expected, a "settings.sav" file is made with your having LAA do its thing.




To make sure LAA has allowed the game to use more than its default RAM memory of 2 gigs....if you open the Large Address Aware app, go to "Mode", then "Advanced"...... you'll see the above window. The path of the "sh4.exe" is displayed, with the heading LAA having the "True" entry. This shows your game is prepared to use the extra memory your system has.

Since you said your Win7 is 32 bit...you'll need to make an adjustment to your computer BEFORE you have LAA do its thing. This comes from the LAA thread:

1. Open command prompt with Adminitrator rights. To do this, go to Programs, Accessories, right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator."

2. Enter the following at the prompt and press enter:

bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVA 3072

3. Close the prompt and restart the computer.

With a 32 bit Operating System, this switch needs to be thrown for the later added LAA to take effect. 64 bit OS don't need to do this at all. With a 32 bit OS you'll get to use 3 gig's of your 4 gig system, a 64 bit OS would allow up to 4 gigs to be used with the game.

I can tell you this really works!!

My 4 gig Vista OS 64 bit computer CTD when running the "Battle of Midway" Single Mission after about 20 minutes. Too many ships, explosions, planes I guess. Putting the LAA to work....making sure the LAA was loaded with the "True" entry.....no more CTD!!

Could be your game just won't start without it....just a thought.

[bugs]

Originally Posted by CapnScurvy

Yes it might be.....but bugs has said he's taken care of any remnants.

AVGWarhawk has this "sticky" thread called "How to re-install SH4!", which tells you what to look for in the Registry for deletion.




First off....don't use the short-cut desk top icon to start the game. Go to your main game folder and start the game using the following circled icon:




I don't understand this at all bugs........you say the game is running in the task manager. Do you also have the game icon displayed along the "toolbar", at the bottom of the Windows screen??





If so, double clicking the toolbars "SilentHunter4" icon doesn't take you to the game?!

If the game is running.....this icon should be displayed along the bottom of the screen, in the "Toolbar". If it's not displayed....the game isn't running. Or, at least your Windows7 isn't properly set to run the game.


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


Just one more thing to try. IF you have the icon along the Toolbar, yet nothing happens after double clicking it. Try loading the Large Address Aware app and getting the "sh4.exe" to recognize the added/available RAM memory you have with your system.

LAA comes in a compressed file. Extract it to a folder you make under the C:/ folder (I called the new folder "Large Address Aware").

Don't just open the compressed file and try to work the magic within the compressed file. "Extract" it to this new folder....then, open LAA. If the procedure goes as expected, a "settings.sav" file is made with your having LAA do its thing.




To make sure LAA has allowed the game to use more than its default RAM memory of 2 gigs....if you open the Large Address Aware app, go to "Mode", then "Advanced"...... you'll see the above window. The path of the "sh4.exe" is displayed, with the heading LAA having the "True" entry. This shows your game is prepared to use the extra memory your system has.

Since you said your Win7 is 32 bit...you'll need to make an adjustment to your computer BEFORE you have LAA do its thing. This comes from the LAA thread:



With a 32 bit Operating System, this switch needs to be thrown for the later added LAA to take effect. 64 bit OS don't need to do this at all. With a 32 bit OS you'll get to use 3 gig's of your 4 gig system, a 64 bit OS would allow up to 4 gigs to be used with the game.

I can tell you this really works!!

My 4 gig Vista OS 64 bit computer CTD when running the "Battle of Midway" Single Mission after about 20 minutes. Too many ships, explosions, planes I guess. Putting the LAA to work....making sure the LAA was loaded with the "True" entry.....no more CTD!!

Could be your game just won't start without it....just a thought.

game start in folder sh4.exe
no tool bar icon
task manager; process status loaded into memory shwop 373,496 kb top of list
task manager; application status running shwop
ive looked at every line of regedit [ know it by heart
will try LAA soon