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Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/25/2014 7:59:09 AM

Cliffo

Posts: 7
Joined: 5/25/2014
Status: offline

I am a reasonable computer user with a fairly good quad core system using Windows 7. My system details are below.
I purchased Distant Worlds: Universe from Steam yesterday, downloaded and attempted to install it. I saw it mention briefly the installation of the Microsoft.NET framework and that was the last thing that happened. The program never did anything else after that. I gave it a reasonable time and then checked with Task Manager and saw nothing running.

I then removed the software and re-downloaded it with the result that nothing ever happened. No error messages, no windows, nothing...

At that point I checked the instructions at steam and followed their recommendations as below:
I manually installed the following:

...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\DirectX\Jun2010\DXSETUP.exe
...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\vcredist\2010\vcredist_x64.exe
...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\vcredist\2010\vcredist_x86.exe
...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\\DotNet\\4.5.1\\Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1.cmd
...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\DotNet\4.0\dotNetFx40_Full_x86_x64.exe
...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\DotNet\3.5\dotNetFx35.exe
...\Steamapps\common\Distant Worlds Universe\_CommonRedist\XNA\4.0\xnafx40_redist.exe

Again there was no response from the program when I tried to run it. The only noticeable outcome from doing this is that a Windows Gadget became disabled, (I don't know why and had to re-enable it). I use the CPU monitoring gadget normally. Once again reading the recommendations from the forum at steam I checked that Windows Explorer and Media Player were both enabled. They are.

My system has no drivers that are out of date other than the BIOS which I am having some trouble accessing from Megatrends, and all the software, (other than the gadget, mentioned above), runs perfectly. I have some solid games and they all run perfectly. This is the only title that is not working at this time. These include Neverwinter, Warcraft, Civilization V, Bioshock, Space Engineers, Tomb Raider, Path of Exile, etc. All are running under Steam.

On the advice of Elliot in the Steam Forum, I checked for a crashdump under roaming\Code Force Limited\Distant Worlds\1.9.5.0. but found no such folder. I also have the Verdana font functioning on my computer. I did disable User Account Control as well to no effect.

I then got hold of the Distant Worlds Troubleshooting Guide and went through it step by step to no avail.

It could not install Framework v4.0 because I am running the later version v 4.5.1. I did a repair on this just in case. Other than that everything appears fine. All of my programs run fine, including some very demanding titles. Please note the following: When I click on the icon to run the program, is see no activity of any sort occurring, (other than steam opening first). Task manager shows no other program running, (other than Steam). I have checked that Windows firewall is allowing the program. It is OK. I also tried an install with it turned off, just in case. DXdiag reports no errors at all. The system (registry and junk), appear to be squeaky clean and I do put a lot of effort in keeping that way.

I am wondering if in fact I have a registration number problem here, but I have no way of verifying this with Steam. ALL of my other Steam programs as well as my stand-alone titles all work perfectly. It is only this one that I am having trouble with.

Thirteen hours of trying to get this to work, I have now run out of ideas. I hope you have something to contribute. I would love to try out this gorgeous new game.

SYSTEM DETAILS

OS Name: Win 7 professional
Version: 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 build 7601
Type: x64-based PC
Processor: Intel Core(TM) i7-3820 CPU @ 3.60Ghz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Cores, 8 Logical Processors
BIOS ver: American Megatrends Inc. 3305, 25/12/2012
SMBIOS: Ver 2.7
Hardware Abstraction Layer - ver. 6.17601.17514
Installed RAM: 16.0GB
Hard Drive: 2TB
Page File E:\pagefile.sys

I would very much appreciate any suggestions that you might have to help me as I am so keen to play this.
Please see my update below.....

Cliffo

< Message edited by Cliffo -- 5/27/2014 7:07:30 AM >

Post #: 1

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/25/2014 8:22:39 AM

elliotg

Posts: 3597
Joined: 9/10/2007
Status: offline

Hi Cliffo

You could try the .Net cleanup tool: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2008/08/28/8904493.aspx

Also, just to be 100% clear: you have no DW_CrashDump.txt file at the following location: C:\Users\[YOURUSERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\Code Force Limited\Distant Worlds\1.9.5.0\

Is that correct? (you'll need to replace [YOURUSERNAME] in the path above with your windows account name, and this is assuming you installed to your C drive)

If nothing there, you could check your Windows event log for any messages relating to Distant Worlds: Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application

Thanks
Elliot

(in reply to Cliffo)

Post #: 2

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/25/2014 8:26:17 AM

elliotg

Posts: 3597
Joined: 9/10/2007
Status: offline

Hi again Cliffo

Thinking about this some more, your description definitely sounds like either an issue with your .Net installation, or something getting in the way of the installation process.

Do you have anti-virus/anti-malware software running. You could try disabling that while installing DW. Others have been reporting that Kaspersky mistakenly quarantines some DW files.

Hope that helps
Elliot

(in reply to elliotg)

Post #: 3

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 1:11:26 AM

republicofpepsi

Posts: 68
Joined: 10/14/2006
Status: offline

I am experiencing the same problem. Went to install Universe through Steam on a machine that had never had Distant Worlds installed. Its actually a new install of Windows 8.1 x64. If I navigate to the SteamApps folder and attempt to run autorun.exe a black window appears, but I hear the sound effect as if I'm hovering over the buttons to play, etc.

As for the suggestion above, a Codeforce directory does not appear in my Appdata\Roaming folder.

(in reply to elliotg)

Post #: 4

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 1:36:52 AM

republicofpepsi

Posts: 68
Joined: 10/14/2006
Status: offline

Maybe a fix? I installed .net 3.5 and now Distant Worlds Universe loads.

My OS: Windows 8.1 Pro x64

Edit: I should say, I ran the installer for the original Distant Worlds and as soon as .net and Directx installed, I tried Universe again and it worked.

< Message edited by republicofpepsi -- 5/26/2014 2:50:53 AM >

(in reply to republicofpepsi)

Post #: 5

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 5:00:49 AM

elliotg

Posts: 3597
Joined: 9/10/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: republicofpepsi
I am experiencing the same problem. Went to install Universe through Steam on a machine that had never had Distant Worlds installed. Its actually a new install of Windows 8.1 x64. If I navigate to the SteamApps folder and attempt to run autorun.exe a black window appears, but I hear the sound effect as if I'm hovering over the buttons to play, etc.

As for the suggestion above, a Codeforce directory does not appear in my Appdata\Roaming folder.

Note that I don't think the Steam install of DW Universe actually uses the Quick Start Play menu (i.e. the autorun Matrix launcher). Instead you should double-click DistantWorlds.exe

Thanks
Elliot

(in reply to republicofpepsi)

Post #: 6

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:12:53 AM

Cliffo

Posts: 7
Joined: 5/25/2014
Status: offline

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the suggestions so far. Unfortunately I still am getting nowhere fast.

I have tried to run Universe without Windows Essentials running. No go.
I have tested my .net Framework with Both Microsoft Framework tester and with netfx_setupverifier_new. Both indicate that I have all levels of framework and that there are no problems.

I have repeatedly double-clicked DistantWorlds.exe with no joy.
There is no error log and no attempt to run anything after starting the exe.
I have removed and downloaded the program 3 times. Same result each time.

My concern about using dotnetfx_cleanup_tool is very great. I have a substantial system that would leave me with a big rebuild problem if I did that! All other software that I install works fine. It is only with this title that I have an issue.

(in reply to elliotg)

Post #: 7

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 6:31:09 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

Dear Cliffo,
just wanted to let you know: you are not alone.
I was really looking forward to playing this presumeably great game but am left stranded with exactly the same description of events you have experienced. I tried all the same "solutions" to no avail. Like you I have Win7 running and the same problem with the missing code force limited folder. It just doesn't exist and ergo no dumpfile. Am really sad to have thrown 50� down the drain apparently.

< Message edited by Daedalus0815 -- 5/26/2014 7:31:51 PM >

(in reply to Cliffo)

Post #: 8

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 6:35:01 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

You looked here (.... is your Computer name):

Users\....\AppData\Roaming\CodeForceLimited\Distant Worlds\1.9.5.0\SavedGames

I saw elsewhere that someone had to set their Folders option to "Show Hidden Files/Folders" and then a Restart (not sure why a Restart was needed) before they found them.

_____________________________

CPU: Intel 2700K
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: GTX 970
OS: Windows 7 (64 bit)
Res: 1920 x 1200

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 9

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 7:35:07 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

Like I said: the whole folder is not there, not just the file. There is no Code Force Limited in ...\Roaming and it's not hidden either. Why should a game folder be hidden anyways...

(in reply to Spacecadet)

Post #: 10

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 7:46:25 PM

gyrospeck

Posts: 38
Joined: 5/24/2014
Status: offline

This game works fine on my Desktop PC, but I am having the same problem on my Laptop. I also have tried many solutions and could not get the game to work. After attempting to launch the game, nothing happens. Also using W8.1.

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 11

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 7:47:02 PM

Raap

Posts: 404
Joined: 1/12/2011
Status: offline

Windows hides some (sub)folders to protect their content from 'ignorant' users. AppData happens to be one of those hidden folders. Anyway, if it's not there after showing all folders, just do it the easy way. Fire up Distant Worlds and press Load Game, then press the directory listing in the pop up window to see where it's really at.

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 12

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:01:13 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

Things I've seen mentioned for checking/trying.

IE needs to be installed
Windows Media Player needs to be installed/enabled

May need to enter exceptions in you Virus Protection for DW
May need to deactivate Virus Protection to install DW
Try Install as Admin

May Need to manually install .Net 3.5 and .Net 4.5
May Need to manually install the XNA Framework

_____________________________

CPU: Intel 2700K
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: GTX 970
OS: Windows 7 (64 bit)
Res: 1920 x 1200

(in reply to Raap)

Post #: 13

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:19:59 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

@Raap: Ehm, you DO realize that the easy way, starting up DW, is the whole problem, yes? ^^
@Spacecadet: I have tried doing all that.

< Message edited by Daedalus0815 -- 5/26/2014 9:21:36 PM >

(in reply to Raap)

Post #: 14

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:22:46 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Daedalus0815

Ehm, you DO realize that the easy way, starting up DW, is the whole problem, yes? ^^

Yes, from what I'm seeing it's looking like some items aren't being installed for some reason.

These are some things to look at in that regards.

It's an odd problem, so it may require an odd solution :)

< Message edited by Spacecadet -- 5/26/2014 9:23:09 PM >

_____________________________

CPU: Intel 2700K
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: GTX 970
OS: Windows 7 (64 bit)
Res: 1920 x 1200

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 15

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:29:07 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

Do you have the Distant Worlds Icon on your Desktop?

If you do, when you do a right click and look at properties what does it show as the Target?

_____________________________

CPU: Intel 2700K
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: GTX 970
OS: Windows 7 (64 bit)
Res: 1920 x 1200

(in reply to Spacecadet)

Post #: 16

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:38:17 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

That doesn't apply. My desktop shortcut is just a weblink to: steam://rungameid/261470. Finding my game directory is not the problem. I know where my game data is located, but that's not where the dumpfile lies or according to other peoples' posts is supposed to be. I agree, there has to be something wrong with the installation itself... my game folder ist about 1,3 gb big.

< Message edited by Daedalus0815 -- 5/26/2014 9:41:58 PM >

(in reply to Spacecadet)

Post #: 17

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:38:21 PM

Raap

Posts: 404
Joined: 1/12/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Daedalus0815

@Raap: Ehm, you DO realize that the easy way, starting up DW, is the whole problem, yes? ^^
@Spacecadet: I have tried doing all that.

Gah sorry mate, lost track of the thread subject.

I'm guessing the folder isn't actually created before the first time you run DW. An easy check would be to just search the entire Users folder for "Distant Worlds", which should lead you to the directory if it exists anywhere there.

< Message edited by Raap -- 5/26/2014 9:39:58 PM >

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 18

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:41:12 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Daedalus0815

That doesn't apply. My desktop shortcut is just a weblink to: steam://rungameid/261470. Finding my game directory is not the problem. I know where my game data is located, but that's not the dumpfile lies or according to other people posting is supposed to be.

Have you tried doing a search for ? :

*dump.txt

_____________________________

CPU: Intel 2700K
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: GTX 970
OS: Windows 7 (64 bit)
Res: 1920 x 1200

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 19

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:48:10 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

But of course I have.

< Message edited by Daedalus0815 -- 5/26/2014 9:50:48 PM >

(in reply to Spacecadet)

Post #: 20

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 8:57:31 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

I don't have the Steam version and don't know the particulars, so this is probably going to be stupid.

The Steam client is running?

Were you asked for your Serial number during install?

Tried reinstalling?

_____________________________

CPU: Intel 2700K
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: GTX 970
OS: Windows 7 (64 bit)
Res: 1920 x 1200

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 21

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 9:09:41 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

Spacecadet, I appreciate your effort but I have tried all the obvious things that people in this and other topics have suggested.
Yes, my client is running. I have not been asked for any key though. But with most steam games I have, I wasn't required to enter any key since you directly add it to your own acount and cannot pass it on to others. But I do suspect something along the way during installation must have went wrong, I just have no way to check what it was and apparently it keeps happening every time I install it again :(

< Message edited by Daedalus0815 -- 5/26/2014 10:11:39 PM >

(in reply to Spacecadet)

Post #: 22

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 9:30:26 PM

Raap

Posts: 404
Joined: 1/12/2011
Status: offline

Does it make any difference if you:

Go into C:\Users\<Active user account>\AppData\Roaming\
Create a folder called "Code Force Limited"
Enter said folder
Create a folder called "Distant Worlds"
Enter said folder
Create a folder called "1.9.5.0"
Enter said folder
Save attached file in folder
Rename said file to "defaultOptions", i.e. remove the .txt part.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Raap -- 5/26/2014 10:32:11 PM >

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 23

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 10:04:11 PM

Daedalus0815

Posts: 8
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

Good thinkin, but no.
I just installed it on my laptop where it does work. Same OS and stuff. Maybe it really is something of the hardware. Clueless...

(in reply to Raap)

Post #: 24

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 10:34:07 PM

Raap

Posts: 404
Joined: 1/12/2011
Status: offline

Yeah, annoying stuff. I don't think it's the hardware because I had it happen too, with a previous version of the game. I tried pretty much everything imaginable, but ultimately a full OS reinstall was the only thing that did the trick. I suspect I or some program I'd installed once upon a time had either corrupted some files or altered some obscure setting somewhere.

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 25

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 10:34:42 PM

republicofpepsi

Posts: 68
Joined: 10/14/2006
Status: offline

I'm not sure why but something in the original Matrix Distant Worlds installer fixed the problem for me. I'm assuming it was the earlier version of .Net but the OP stated they had installed 3.5. Not sure.

(in reply to Daedalus0815)

Post #: 26

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/26/2014 10:58:30 PM

Raap

Posts: 404
Joined: 1/12/2011
Status: offline

I have versions 3.5.1, 4.0 and 4.5 of .Net, as well as XNA 4.0 and visual runtimes 2005 through 2013.

.Net 3.5.1 is a little tricky(at least on Win7) since you need to make sure it's activated in Windows Features, like with Media Player.

< Message edited by Raap -- 5/26/2014 11:59:11 PM >

(in reply to republicofpepsi)

Post #: 27

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/27/2014 5:58:51 AM

Cliffo

Posts: 7
Joined: 5/25/2014
Status: offline

My genuine thanks to all who have tried to help with my problem that started this thread. I really appreciate your time and consideration to my problem. :-))

FINAL OUTCOME:

THE GAME NOW RUNS, (in background mode), on my Win 7 64 PC. The initial problem was a Windows 7 bug that did not give me full administration rights, (explained at the end of this document). The Smitheren technicians have been a great help to me and deserve a good amount of praise for their kindness and assistance. We are still trying to find a fix to bring it out of background mode.

ORIGINAL PROBLEM: Game installed but would not run.

My machine happily runs all other software with no errors.

Here is what I have tried so far:

* Uninstalled and reinstalled the .net framework.
* Downloaded and run the Microsoft Framework Cleanup Tool.
* Looked for and not found an error file from the software.
* Downloaded from Steam 4 times and tried to install.
* Ran the program directly as administrator.
* Checked for updates on sound and video drivers.
* Ensured Windows Media Player is working and auto plays WMV files.
* Verified Steam is working correctly.
* Verified Internet Explorer 11 is working correctly.
* Verified the Verdana fonts are in place.
* Made a Code Force folder and setup the default file mentioned above.
* Tried to run the software with no antivirus active.
* Installed some other software that worked to ensure that there is not an installer problem.
* Cleaned, checked and compacted my Registry.
* Turned off all non-essential start up software,(msconfig), before rebooting and trying again.
* Tested Direct X 11 - it is OK and has no error reports.
* Went through the Distant Worlds Trouble Shooting, (on Steam), Guide step by step.
* Checked that no other software on this machine is misbehaving in any way.
* Checked all error logs and found nothing that pertains to this problem.
* Searched for *dump.txt - none found.
* The game is registered as being installed by Steam.
* Uninstalled and moved the entire game to a different partition and tried to run it from there - No change.
* Contacted support and got a few suggestions.
* Reinstalled .net framework 3.5 - (verified)
* Reinstalled .net framework 4.0 - (verified)
* Reinstalled .net framework 4.5.2 - (verified)
* Reinstalled Direct X 9c from the game folder.
* Tried to run the file as Administrator.
* Ran a Microsoft online error log check and fix - only report was minor graphics glitches from time to time.
* Completely uninstalled AMD graphics drivers and reinstalled the latest version.
* I have Catalyst installed, but no Hydravision found in the package.
* Tried it with lowering my graphics resolution from 2560 x 1440 to 1280 x 1024.
* Tried launching the program with the RUN command line. (Still no error recorded.
* Tried to launch with AMD games control centre - It does not recognize the game as being there.
* Thoroughly checked for virus, malware, ad-ware - found some minor empty folders from a previously removed item.
* Ran Microsoft FixIt to check the installation of Internet Explorer. It is OK.
* Tried installing Spiral Knights from Steam - it worked and ran OK. 4 other new game installs have all worked.
* Downloaded and tried out the new BETA patch of Universe - the problem remains.
* Got my 1st error report by running MS PCW Diagnostic will trying to load the program. (listed below). Seems not to be relevant.
* Opened Windows Task Manager to see if any program name would pop up when running it saw nothing.
* I watched the Process window and found Distant Worlds starts up for about half second only and is then gone.
* Cleared all error logs and tried install again - no errors were posted.
* Tried to run the program offline but failed.
* Verified Direct X again - no errors
* Did a complete reconstruction of my System Index, (over 2 hours run time) - no change.
* Checked firewall rules for DWU - It has outgoing permissions auto setup to 'yes', and no inbound rules in place.
* Checked Steam folder, (Drive F:/), for error logs and found no errors there. There is no Steam folder on my C:/ drive.
* Game is installed in F:/ partition, as is Steam and all of my games.�
* Installed two more other new programs with no problems. Only Universe is giving me a problem.
* Tried to run the game with the movie disabled - no change.
* Ran the introduction movie directly - it works OK.
* Windows 7 is completely up to date with service pack 1 and all updates.
* Only one time I saw a small brown box when I closed Task Manager that was behind it that said:
"Steam - Error
Failed to start game, (unknown error).
See the Steam support site for more information
OK" (button).

* Used the 'Dependency Walker' tool to verify what is going wrong. These were errors were reported:
[D? ] API-MS-WIN-APPMODEL-RUNTIME-L1-1-0.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] API-MS-WIN-CORE-WINRT-ERROR-L1-1-0.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] API-MS-WIN-CORE-WINRT-L1-1-0.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] API-MS-WIN-CORE-WINRT-ROBUFFER-L1-1-0.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] API-MS-WIN-CORE-WINRT-STRING-L1-1-0.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] API-MS-WIN-SHCORE-SCALING-L1-1-1.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] DCOMP.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] GPSVC.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).
[D? ] IESHIMS.DLL
Error opening file. The system cannot find the file specified (2).

There was an online report that the above errors found by D.W. were due to the tool being out of date. It appears that these DLL's are found in Windows 8 and not in Windows 7 that I am running. The exception being GPSVC.DLL, which I do have.

* Repeatedly cleaned my registry for errors as well as junk files.
* Ran Microsoft FixDotNet2 to check Framework.
* Inserted file folder under roaming as suggested by Raap's post.

I was previously left with the problem that the program will not do anything after starting DistantWorlds.exe
If I try to start the autorun.exe, I get a small pitch black window that is called DW Game Menu. if I click it on the lower left side it sends me to the game site online. That's it - nothing else would happen.

Programs that all work OK on my system include: Civilization 5, Warcraft, Bioshock Infinite, Path of Exile, Tomb Raider, Neverwinter, Space Engineers, Spiral Knights, Spore, etc. No other game has a problem. What might this game require, (other than Verdana Fonts, Windows Media Player, Direct X 9c and .net Framework 4), that I currently don't have? I can only wonder if there is an obscure Windows 7 DLL call that was not supplied by Win 7 Professional. But I doubt it.

***** Since my last post, I have benefited greatly by the help of Paulo, a technician from Smitherene. With his generous assistance we have determined that the underlying problem is a Windows 7 bug, in that it was not giving me full Administration rights which is something that the game requires. We now have been able to run the program but are left with the problem that it is running in 'background mode' and is not visible on-screen. Paulo is looking into this issue for me to see if we can rectify it. It turns out that Windows had lost its way.

*****FINAL UPDATE: The games runs in 'background mode' only and is not visible. Having given me his very best effort, Paulo has concluded that finally the problem is some sort of conflict going on in the background with Win 7. As we are not able to fix this it turns out that I am one of the rare unlucky ones who has developed this issue. The only solution appears to be a complete rebuild of Windows to fix this. As I am unwilling to do this at this time, I will simply have to wait either for an unknown solution, or until the time that I can afford to do a rebuild.

Thanks to all who gave me suggestions and "special thanks" again to Paulo and to Elliot for their assistance and ongoing suggestions. I have to say that the effort put in to helping me by Paulo is greater than I could have expected and that I really appreciate it. I am most indebted to Smitherene, This is one very "user-friendly company". :-))

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Cliffo -- 6/18/2014 3:23:02 AM >

(in reply to Raap)

Post #: 28

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/27/2014 2:30:41 PM

Spacecadet

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline

In your Start Menu, in the Distant Worlds folder there are a couple of other options for starting DW.

Have you tried those?

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(in reply to Cliffo)

Post #: 29

RE: Distant Worlds: Universe not starting - 5/27/2014 7:58:07 PM

SkifAlef

Posts: 1
Joined: 5/27/2014
Status: offline

Hi Cliffo.

I had totally the same problem and totally the same symptoms. And have tried totally the same fixes.

Know what? Try to run the game executable with "Run as administrator" option.

It worked out for me.

EDIT: Uh, just seen you've tried this already. Well, no ideas then :(

< Message edited by SkifAlef -- 5/27/2014 8:59:40 PM >

(in reply to Cliffo)

Post #: 30