Game will not start - Windows 8.1

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Distant Worlds 1 Series >> Tech Support >> Game will not start - Windows 8.1

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Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 9/30/2014 11:24:55 PM

hollmt

Posts: 5
Joined: 2/24/2014
Status: offline

Good Evening,

I am having difficulties running the game in Windows 8.1

I have confirmed Windows Media Player is installed correctly and all updates are installed to the latest patch.
When I click "Play Distant Worlds" (and I do run as administrator) a small pop up appears with the "Distant Worlds Universe"
for a few seconds and this disappears and.....then nothing happens at all.

I have gone to the startup.ini and changed the value of play movie from 1 to 0 already as well. This apparently is an
issue with 8.1 only as I had another laptop that I recently returned with 8.1 and the same issue occurred. The game
runs smoothly in windows 8.

Does anyone have any other recommendations?

Thanks.

Post #: 1

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/1/2014 9:32:24 AM

Posts: 10
Joined: 10/1/2014
Status: offline

Hi there,

I have exactly the same symptoms with mine which I installed from disc today. I'm running 8.0 so I might not be just an 8.1 issue.

I think my problem might have something to do with steam because I didn't go through steam. With the physical disk installation I seem to have by-passed steam all together.

Anyway, good luck mate.

(in reply to hollmt)

Post #: 2

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/1/2014 1:11:18 PM

Posts: 10
Joined: 10/1/2014
Status: offline

Hollmt I got mine running by manually installing the xnafx40_redist.msi

Since we had the same behaviour when trying to start it maybe that could work for you to.

(in reply to Fu)

Post #: 3

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/2/2014 12:34:51 AM

hollmt

Posts: 5
Joined: 2/24/2014
Status: offline

Thanks for the suggestion Fu.

I manually downloaded xnafx40_redist.msi and it is still a no go
on the game. The splash screen comes up and then vanishes and nothing
happens. The download of my game is directly from Matrix. I
think my next step is to uninstall universe, and then maybe start
an install of the first game and try and run that and move forward from
there.

Any other suggestions from anyone, would be appreciated.

(in reply to Fu)

Post #: 4

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/2/2014 1:02:47 AM

hollmt

Posts: 5
Joined: 2/24/2014
Status: offline

So, interesting...I installed distant worlds base game, shakturi,
legends and then shadows. updated game, made sure the other stuff
was installed, and the game loads up fine.

So, now I will try installing Universe again knowing that
everything to run this game should be installed...

(in reply to hollmt)

Post #: 5

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/2/2014 1:13:37 AM

hollmt

Posts: 5
Joined: 2/24/2014
Status: offline

And now Universe runs with the other 4 games installed.

(in reply to hollmt)

Post #: 6

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/17/2014 9:14:36 PM

Major SNAFU_M

Posts: 583
Joined: 11/3/2005
Status: offline

I am having this exact same problem with Win7 Enterprise 64-bit system. I only have DWU, so I cannot try the same remedy as described above.

Any other ideas, anyone?

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(in reply to hollmt)

Post #: 7

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 10/18/2014 2:18:09 PM

VPaulus

Posts: 3630
Joined: 6/23/2011
From: Portugal
Status: offline

Please follow the suggestions on this thread:
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2414049

(in reply to Major SNAFU_M)

Post #: 8

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/22/2014 8:32:59 PM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

I have the same problems as above

Iv tried all the things in VPaulus's link. No luck...

I used to run DWU With no problems in win7.

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Post #: 9

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/23/2014 7:19:07 AM

Bingeling

Posts: 5186
Joined: 8/12/2010
Status: offline

Try win 7 compability mode? (at least it is quick to test...).

If you own the previous versions, try to install them as one of the posters above did. That hinted at some redistributable in those version fixing things.

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 10

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/23/2014 8:37:24 AM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

Have tried With compability mode. Same problem.

And I do not own anything but DWU.

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Post #: 11

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/23/2014 9:00:32 AM

Bingeling

Posts: 5186
Joined: 8/12/2010
Status: offline

Install through steam? Install outside steam (if you got it matrix bought)?

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 12

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/23/2014 9:13:27 AM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

Matrix all the way

Steam is the devil reincarnated...

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Post #: 13

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/23/2014 9:17:34 AM

Bingeling

Posts: 5186
Joined: 8/12/2010
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Well, if you can get your steam key, install a working DWU through it, and then get your matrix version going, you can always uninstall steam and pretend it never happened.

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 14

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/23/2014 10:09:34 AM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

Hmm, Im not sure I understand.

Anyeay, Im not inclined to install any Steam applications whatsoever.

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Post #: 15

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/25/2014 9:53:37 AM

VPaulus

Posts: 3630
Joined: 6/23/2011
From: Portugal
Status: offline

@Dagfinn
Do you have any crash dump file?
Are you running any mod?

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Post #: 16

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/25/2014 10:01:02 AM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

No mods, clean install several times

Nope, Im not able to find any crash dump. Have tried as prescribed in the above mentioned link

EDIT: Btw, are the instructions in the link adapted to win8?

< Message edited by Dagfinn -- 11/25/2014 11:02:59 AM >

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Post #: 17

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/25/2014 2:57:22 PM

VPaulus

Posts: 3630
Joined: 6/23/2011
From: Portugal
Status: offline

Yes, only step 9, 10 and 11 need a few minor adjustments, replacing .Net 4.0 with 4.5-

9. If a repair does not help, then try to download and run the .NET Framework Repair Tool to see if it can find and fix any issues with the .NET Framework on your computer. You can download the tool from the below link:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30135

10. If the repair tool does not help, then go to the Add/Remove Programs control panel and attempt to uninstall .NET Framework 4.5. Then reinstall .NET Framework 4.5 from the link below:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653

11. If uninstall still fails from Add/Remove Programs, download the .NET Framework cleanup tool and choose to remove .NET Framework 4.5. Then reinstall again .NET Framework 4.5 (using the file downloaded in the previous step). The cleanup tool can be found at the below link:
http://blogs.msdn.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Components-PostAttachments/00-08-90-44-93/dotnetfx_5F00_cleanup_5F00_tool.zip

Can you attach a DxDiag report file?

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 18

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/25/2014 4:33:58 PM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

DXDIAG

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 19

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/26/2014 8:54:27 AM

VPaulus

Posts: 3630
Joined: 6/23/2011
From: Portugal
Status: offline

Please try the following:

Open the Nvidia Control Panel and locate the Manage 3D Settings. Change, in both Global and Program, the Preferred Graphics Processor to High Performance NVIDIA Processor.

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 20

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/26/2014 9:09:00 AM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

ok, will try at home after work.

If this is the solution I feel pretty stupid...

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Post #: 21

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/26/2014 4:08:33 PM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

Sorry, no luck.

Both settings to high performance, but same result:

The small DWU tile flickers on the screen for 1-2 Seconds and then nothing

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Post #: 22

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/26/2014 5:06:20 PM

Bingeling

Posts: 5186
Joined: 8/12/2010
Status: offline

Anything in the event log? A friend found it on 8.1 through the nvidia application (hendelseslogg).

Windows logs, programs...

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 23

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/26/2014 5:53:47 PM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

Im unable to find any eventlog related to DWU.

Neither by following the instructions from VPaulus' link, or from the Event Log utility

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Post #: 24

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/26/2014 6:03:08 PM

Bingeling

Posts: 5186
Joined: 8/12/2010
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Crashes should be nice and red if there, and they are sorted by time. So I guess that one is of no help :(

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Post #: 25

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/28/2014 10:07:41 PM

VPaulus

Posts: 3630
Joined: 6/23/2011
From: Portugal
Status: offline

I'm sorry but I don't have any more suggestions. I have already troubleshoot other identical cases.
Unfortunately, the only way other players were able to fix this, was by performing a clean Windows installation.

(in reply to Bingeling)

Post #: 26

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 11/29/2014 7:19:04 AM

twinkypillow

Posts: 184
Joined: 9/11/2012
Status: offline

[image][/image]This probably was already said but just in-case..

I seem to remember having that problem too where it wouldn't start up.. but i got it to work somehow.. i've played on both windows 7 and 8.1.. both work I also played with my Intel HD4600 and Nvidia 755m laptop video cards.. BOTH WORK.. oh and i've also NEVER had use any compatibility settings to run games either..

I just remember installing everything i could.. XNa4.0, Dirextx - any and all versions.. 11,10,... I also remember installing visual basic runtime from microsoft website.. google visual runtime 10- i think there is like 4 of them.. install all of them..

then make sure windows media and internet explorer are installed and updated..

i just remember trying all kinds of things like that.. and then it worked..

i think the windows features is where you find windows media player and stuff to make sure its clicked on..

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by pumkinfacer22 -- 11/29/2014 8:26:30 AM >

(in reply to VPaulus)

Post #: 27

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 12/2/2014 4:06:09 PM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

Im stupid as mud!

Finaly got some help from a friend and was able to find the crash dump. It is located quite different in my Norwegian Win 8.1...

Crash dump:

Distant Worlds - Crash Dump - 1.9.5.8

19:50:59 26. november 2014


System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound, Version=1.0.2902.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies. Systemet finner ikke angitt fil.
Filnavn: Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound, Version=1.0.2902.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35
   ved DistantWorlds.Main.cnBE9Sqjst(Int32  , Int32  , Boolean  )
   ved DistantWorlds.Main..ctor(Int32 width, Int32 height, Boolean windowedMode, Splash splashForm)
   ved DistantWorlds.Start.FhXvt9gwyW(Object  , EventArgs  )
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnLoad(EventArgs e)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Form.SetVisibleCore(Boolean value)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Control.set_Visible(Boolean value)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Application.ThreadContext.RunMessageLoopInner(Int32 reason, ApplicationContext context)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Application.ThreadContext.RunMessageLoop(Int32 reason, ApplicationContext context)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run(Form mainForm)
   ved XF7Ojbn2UlCsxRTnGB.l6ljPtEsGZIHtt5ZuD.vxGeFg55670DlvynTthm(Object )
   ved XF7Ojbn2UlCsxRTnGB.l6ljPtEsGZIHtt5ZuD.SnPjERdhP1l()

WRN: Assembly binding logging is turned OFF.
To enable assembly bind failure logging, set the registry value [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Fusion!EnableLog] (DWORD) to 1.
Note: There is some performance penalty associated with assembly bind failure logging.
To turn this feature off, remove the registry value [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Fusion!EnableLog].



--- COMPLETE ---

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In our darkest hours all the shades are gray

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Post #: 28

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 12/2/2014 4:16:59 PM

Dagfinn

Posts: 110
Joined: 1/20/2003
From: Western Norway
Status: offline

And With clean install 1.9.5.9:

Distant Worlds - Crash Dump - 1.9.5.9

18:14:19 2. desember 2014


System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound, Version=1.0.2902.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35' or one of its dependencies. Systemet finner ikke angitt fil.
Filnavn: Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound, Version=1.0.2902.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35
   ved DistantWorlds.Main.ld3Ltu1T10(Int32  , Int32  , Boolean  )
   ved DistantWorlds.Main..ctor(Int32 width, Int32 height, Boolean windowedMode, Splash splashForm)
   ved DistantWorlds.Start.GVyQn0cbgN(Object  , EventArgs  )
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnLoad(EventArgs e)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Form.SetVisibleCore(Boolean value)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Control.set_Visible(Boolean value)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Application.ThreadContext.RunMessageLoopInner(Int32 reason, ApplicationContext context)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Application.ThreadContext.RunMessageLoop(Int32 reason, ApplicationContext context)
   ved System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run(Form mainForm)
   ved h1vnJ5I5JwAC0vEl4Q.BCodRHE0t9nv76xBZE.owS0M0XXYt2WNKuYepOj(Object )
   ved h1vnJ5I5JwAC0vEl4Q.BCodRHE0t9nv76xBZE.fKndLNoC2sR()

WRN: Assembly binding logging is turned OFF.
To enable assembly bind failure logging, set the registry value [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Fusion!EnableLog] (DWORD) to 1.
Note: There is some performance penalty associated with assembly bind failure logging.
To turn this feature off, remove the registry value [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Fusion!EnableLog].



--- COMPLETE ---

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Post #: 29

RE: Game will not start - Windows 8.1 - 12/2/2014 9:17:08 PM

Ralzakark

Posts: 225
Joined: 4/24/2012
Status: offline

Well you're not alone hollmt. Got a brand new Windows 8.1 laptop today, straight out of the box. I did a Windows update to get the OS up to date and then straight away installed Universe. Why? Because I love DW Universe :)

I get the initial game screen, press the play button and then - nothing. Uninstalled and re-installed with no problems, same thing. I'm tied up for the next few days but will try the tips here over the weekend.

But at least my old Windows Vista laptop is still working so I can get my fix if necessary :)

(in reply to Dagfinn)

Post #: 30