CHAOS! IMPORTANT!!

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 12:22:13

This is deadly important!!!!

Ive had troubles playing AGS games lately, or I should say, not playing.
Cause everytime I try to open a AGS game the screen gets like this and doesnt do more:

though, I hear music on the games that got music.....

I must also add that some places on my computer the grapich looks different., ALOT different.
some places:

might be my eyes messing with me on this though, but about playing AGS games Its just impossible.. (I also had that problem on my moms computer....)

Kinoko · Fri 10/02/2006 12:51:55

It sounds like a video card problem, but... that's all I can say, sorry.

GarageGothic · Fri 10/02/2006 13:01:52

It looks like Windows is running in 256-color (8 bit) mode? Try right-clicking the desktop, select properties and see if you can change the color depth to 16 or 32 bit. If you can't then your graphics drivers are most likely messed up. Try installing the latest version of the drivers for your graphic card. What about other (non AGS) games by the way, can you play them?

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 13:18:11

Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:01:52
It looks like Windows is running in 256-color (8 bit) mode? Try right-clicking the desktop, select properties and see if you can change the color depth to 16 or 32 bit. If you can't then your graphics drivers are most likely messed up. Try installing the latest version of the drivers for your graphic card. What about other (non AGS) games by the way, can you play them?

I have updated drivers allready
And I agree it looks like it is running in 256-color mode, but its on 32bit.

I have had similar problems with this before that the grapich messes up, I usually then switched to 256 color, then back and it was usually ok, but now that diddent help, and I never had the problem with AGS games...

GarageGothic · Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24

Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 14:07:46

Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24
Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

thats what I did on that image.......
I tested in window mode and that doesnt work either..

Barbarian · Fri 10/02/2006 14:22:22

Yeah, looks like your video / graphics-card settings got messed up somehow.
Uninstall then Reinstall your graphics drivers, and also perhaps get the most recent version of DirectX (I think it's up to 9.0c for most windows versions).Ã,Â Ã,Â Also, if this is a recent problem and depending of what version of windows you're running (Example, XP, ME, 2000, NT), you might try to do a "System Restore" and choose a checkpoint from a date and time to when you know your computer was still working good.

Usually system-restore can be found from:
Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.

Pick an appropriate checkpoint. Your computer will load in the old system settings, and then it will automatically do a restart. Upon the restart it might take an extra minute or so longer for the desktop to load in, this is normal as all the old settings are being restored.Ã,Â If successful (hopefully), you'll get a message saying that the System Restore was successful.Ã,Â Anyways, it might fix the problems, worth a shot. I know that the "System Restore" feature saved my ass a few times.Ã,Â
Ã,Â Ã,Â If all else fails and nothing seems to work, perhaps your graphics card is starting to go bad and you might consider investing in a better graphics-card.
Ã,Â Ã,Â Good luck.

GarageGothic · Fri 10/02/2006 14:27:04

Quote from: Peder Johnsen on Fri 10/02/2006 14:07:46
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24
Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

thats what I did on that image.......
I tested in window mode and that doesnt work either..

Um, you were running in full screen and still got the window frame and title? That's bad

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 15:25:13

Quote from: Barbarian on Fri 10/02/2006 14:22:22
Yeah, looks like your video / graphics-card settings got messed up somehow.
Uninstall then Reinstall your graphics drivers, and also perhaps get the most recent version of DirectX (I think it's up to 9.0c for most windows versions).Ã,Â Ã,Â Also, if this is a recent problem and depending of what version of windows you're running (Example, XP, ME, 2000, NT), you might try to do a "System Restore" and choose a checkpoint from a date and time to when you know your computer was still working good.

Usually system-restore can be found from:
Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.

Pick an appropriate checkpoint. Your computer will load in the old system settings, and then it will automatically do a restart. Upon the restart it might take an extra minute or so longer for the desktop to load in, this is normal as all the old settings are being restored.Ã,Â If successful (hopefully), you'll get a message saying that the System Restore was successful.Ã,Â Anyways, it might fix the problems, worth a shot. I know that the "System Restore" feature saved my ass a few times.Ã,Â
Ã,Â Ã,Â If all else fails and nothing seems to work, perhaps your graphics card is starting to go bad and you might consider investing in a better graphics-card.
Ã,Â Ã,Â Good luck.

I tried to uninstall it and install again, but still got problems, installed newest DirectX and still got problems.
I found the "System Restore" but I cant restore anything... (think that was some other type,, I got my windows on norwegian.......)

LGM · Fri 10/02/2006 15:43:21

Try using Driver Cleaner: http://www.drivercleaner.net/

Follow the directions to remove everything relating to your card, then make sure you have THE latest drivers.

Alternatively you can try the Omega drivers, they are tweaked to boost performance and add stability: http://www.omegadrivers.net

Elliott Hird · Fri 10/02/2006 17:26:15

Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 14:27:04
Quote from: Peder Johnsen on Fri 10/02/2006 14:07:46
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24
Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

thats what I did on that image.......
I tested in window mode and that doesnt work either..

Um, you were running in full screen and still got the window frame and title? That's bad

Please tell me you were joking and aren't that silly. It shows before it fully starts up (his didn't).

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 17:57:37

Quote from: [lgm] on Fri 10/02/2006 15:43:21
Try using Driver Cleaner: http://www.drivercleaner.net/

Follow the directions to remove everything relating to your card, then make sure you have THE latest drivers.

Alternatively you can try the Omega drivers, they are tweaked to boost performance and add stability: http://www.omegadrivers.net

still not bloody working...

its wierd, cause the grapich works as it should some places, its just a few places the grapich seems to be in 256colors mode.

Quote from: Elliott Hird on Fri 10/02/2006 17:26:15
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 14:27:04
Quote from: Peder Johnsen on Fri 10/02/2006 14:07:46
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24
Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

thats what I did on that image.......
I tested in window mode and that doesnt work either..

Um, you were running in full screen and still got the window frame and title? That's bad
Please tell me you were joking and aren't that silly. It shows before it fully starts up (his didn't).

mine stops there, never goes to the full screen.... the music works though........

GarageGothic · Fri 10/02/2006 18:07:54

Quote from: Elliott Hird on Fri 10/02/2006 17:26:15
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 14:27:04
Quote from: Peder Johnsen on Fri 10/02/2006 14:07:46
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24
Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

thats what I did on that image.......
I tested in window mode and that doesnt work either..

Um, you were running in full screen and still got the window frame and title? That's bad
Please tell me you were joking and aren't that silly. It shows before it fully starts up (his didn't).

Obviously I am that silly, yes. Since this is the program window rather than an error message window it means that Windows fails to initialize the full-screen resolution (I assume your desktop resolution isn't the same as the game?). Otherwise it could be a viewport issue (meaning that AGS failed to render to the window). What kind of programs work properly? Is it 3D games? If so, this could be a DirectDraw issue. Perhaps you could try reinstalling/repairing the newest DirectX?

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 18:15:32

Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 18:07:54
Quote from: Elliott Hird on Fri 10/02/2006 17:26:15
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 14:27:04
Quote from: Peder Johnsen on Fri 10/02/2006 14:07:46
Quote from: GarageGothic on Fri 10/02/2006 13:24:24
Is it the same for running AGS full screen?

thats what I did on that image.......
I tested in window mode and that doesnt work either..

Um, you were running in full screen and still got the window frame and title? That's bad
Please tell me you were joking and aren't that silly. It shows before it fully starts up (his didn't).

Obviously I am that silly, yes. Since this is the program window rather than an error message window it means that Windows fails to initialize the full-screen resolution (I assume your desktop resolution isn't the same as the game?). Otherwise it could be a viewport issue (meaning that AGS failed to render to the window). What kind of programs work properly? Is it 3D games? If so, this could be a DirectDraw issue. Perhaps you could try reinstalling/repairing the newest DirectX?

when I uses scummvm and play games with that they work perfect as nothing has happend..

I havent tried any 3-D games etc lately on the computer, since its not really a good computer...
Iam sure I played an AGS game either 2 days ago or yesterday in the morning....
it not before last night I notcied I couldent play ...

I cant remember doing anything special on the computer between 2 days ago to today.....
my internet browsers work as they are supposed to, watching movies works good... etc..
In MSN when I send songs the grapich on the WM Player icon is like if I had 256 colors. its mostly icons that I see any different on, and that I cant play AGS games offcourse....
I will look into some DirectX stuff and see if I can find out something....

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 19:54:53

I checked with DirectX and done some tests, and it all works as it should.
I installed the newest DirectX but still AGS games wont play etc.

Barbarian · Fri 10/02/2006 21:46:32

Something definatly wacky with either the graphics card and/or the graphic settings and/or drivers. Hmmm, ok, perhaps try lowering the graphics card "Hardware Accelleration".

One way you can do this is from Right-click on the desktop, then "Properties", then "Advanced", then usually it will be amoung one of the graphics-settings that should appear (Perhaps under "Troubleshoot").

Try either lowering or raising the "Slider" one step at a time, then "OK" it. Also, you might try adjusting some of the other various settings for the graphics card. The option will probably be different from one card to the next, but, for example, you might try disabling or enabling some options such as "Write combining", or the various other settings you may have available. Then "Apply, Ok" things. You may need to do a restart to allow the settings to take place.

A way to be able to test the graphics features is from the "Start" then "Run" box, enter in the following command: "dxdiag" (without the quotes), then when the DirectX tool utility pops up. Click on "Display" then you should see some buttons you can click on to run some tests also for Enabling or Disabling various graphic options if your card supports it. Also, and this is less likely, but it's possible the conflict might have something to do with the sound card as well. Clicking on the "Sound" tab, you will also be able to run some tests, also from the Sound options, usually you can find a "Hardware Accelleration" slider, you might try adjusting that one step at a time too and see if that has any good effect.

You've done all the obvious things so far, so if after all this things are still not working properly, it could be the graphics card and/or drivers are gone bad, or some other conflict you're missing (did you install some new software recently around the time the problems started to occur) one you and you might consider getting a new graphics card.

Of course another obvious thing in which I'm not sure you've done yet... run a full system scan for viruses and spyware. Best regards.

Good luck.

Peder 🚀 · Fri 10/02/2006 22:47:21

Quote from: Barbarian on Fri 10/02/2006 21:46:32
Something definatly wacky with either the graphics card and/or the graphic settings and/or drivers. Hmmm, ok, perhaps try lowering the graphics card "Hardware Accelleration".

One way you can do this is from Right-click on the desktop, then "Properties", then "Advanced", then usually it will be amoung one of the graphics-settings that should appear (Perhaps under "Troubleshoot").

Try either lowering or raising the "Slider" one step at a time, then "OK" it. Also, you might try adjusting some of the other various settings for the graphics card. The option will probably be different from one card to the next, but, for example, you might try disabling or enabling some options such as "Write combining", or the various other settings you may have available. Then "Apply, Ok" things. You may need to do a restart to allow the settings to take place.

A way to be able to test the graphics features is from the "Start" then "Run" box, enter in the following command: "dxdiag" (without the quotes), then when the DirectX tool utility pops up. Click on "Display" then you should see some buttons you can click on to run some tests also for Enabling or Disabling various graphic options if your card supports it. Also, and this is less likely, but it's possible the conflict might have something to do with the sound card as well. Clicking on the "Sound" tab, you will also be able to run some tests, also from the Sound options, usually you can find a "Hardware Accelleration" slider, you might try adjusting that one step at a time too and see if that has any good effect.

Ã,Â Ã,Â You've done all the obvious things so far, so if after all this things are still not working properly, it could be the graphics card and/or drivers are gone bad, or some other conflict you're missing (did you install some new software recently around the time the problems started to occur) one you and you might consider getting a new graphics card.

Of course another obvious thing in which I'm not sure you've done yet... run a full system scan for viruses and spyware.Ã,Â Ã,Â Best regards.

Good luck.

I will check all this tomorrow, I will also try and install different games to try...
I allready gone on "dxdiag" and done the tests..
1 failed.. dont remember witch one, I will try again tomorrow and let you know witch one it was, had to do with the Direct3D tests...(first test that was on it)..

Peder 🚀 · Sat 11/02/2006 11:50:32

Ok, good news

I uninstalled the drivers again, and dident install a driver myself but let Windows do it.
And it is working

..

So now I can play AGS games again

Thanks to everyone for help!

Barbarian · Sat 11/02/2006 22:12:32

Hey, good to know you got your computer problems fixed. Hope I was of some help (one of my suggestions was to uninstall and reinstall the drivers). Best regards.
Now let the adventure gaming continue!

Peder 🚀 · Sat 11/02/2006 23:41:25

Quote from: Barbarian on Sat 11/02/2006 22:12:32
Hey, good to know you got your computer problems fixed.Ã,Â Hope I was of some help (one of my suggestions was to uninstall and reinstall the drivers).Ã,Â Best regards.
Ã,Â Ã,Â Now let the adventure gaming continue!Ã,Â

All of you was a help

.

hehe

.
and the adventure game making to