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Crashing and other problems on XP/SP3 with new AMD


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#1
werelynx

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Recently my old graphic card burned and I had to replace it with a new one. I did not format the drive and had the game files that were working properly + 1 backup in case of formatting C.
After Installing new graphic card along with the newest drivers the game would not play, but crash the moment I chose "Play" button (or fire up nwmain.exe)
I tried searching these forums as well as gog.com and the web generally for the solution.

I'm pretty sure it's about graphic card and its driver(s).

Things I have already tried:
  • various versions of drivers(see video card driver version) even one from Omega, with turning various options like "catalyst AI" on/off
  • trying it without drivers (result: lags even in the menu, unplayable)
  • both back-up and normal nwmain.exes were crashing, both when fired directly as well as from starting menu
  • fiddling with resolution and other configuration
  • playing with various compatibilities
  • puttin' atioglx.dll? in the game folder (result: no crash, cursor on empty black screen and menu music playing, still unable to do anything)
  • puttin other .dll like opengl.dll (result: none)
  • renaming nwmain.exe (result: game plays but all the characters are now invisible)
  • finally disabled environmental mapping on creatures with the result being:
  • Characters(models) show in game
  • All metallic parts are semi-transparent
  • Apparently anti-aliasing does not exist
  • textures are looking really bad on models
  • Game Lags pretty badly
Is there any further solution to this problem? In the current state the game is pretty unplayable and I still have lots of modules to cover(like we all do). Please help fellow NWN addict get his game running and hunger satiated.

My New Specs:

Game Version:                                     NWN 1  SoU, HotU, Kingmaker, patched 1.69
Game Language:                               Polish
Retail or Digital:                                 Retail CD
Processor Manufacturer:                 Intel
Processor Type:                                Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:                            2.66 GHz
Operating System/ Service Pack:  WindowsXP/SP3
System RAM:                                     3.25  GB
Video Card Manufacturer:               (MSI is what's written on the box :| )
Video Card Model:                           Radeon HD7850
Video Card RAM:                              2048 MB
Video Card Driver Version:             Catalyst 13.4 (also tried 8.10, 12.3, 13.1, 13.3, 13.5,  and Omega driver 48442)
Sound Card Manufacturer:             Realtek
Sound Card Model:                          Realtek High Definition Audio
Sound Card Driver Version:            5.10.0

This is PC desktop anyway.

#2
Tiberius_Morguhn

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When running XP, I found that the 11.6 driver release was the most stable for my HD6850 after encountering several of the issues you mention.  However, the 12.3 driver release is the first supported release for the HD7850.  The newest drivers also crash nwmain.exe for me as well (any of the 13.x releases).  You may have to test all drivers versions from 12.3 onwards to get something stable: support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/previous/Pages/radeonaiw_xp.aspx

For the Catalyst AI, you want to set that to quality mode and not performance mode.  I use ATI Tray Tools to set my card options so you may want to look at that.  I seem to remember that turning the AI off (performance mode) would make the PC invisible and other such issues - which then forced you to turn off environment mapping which looks terrible.  Leave the AI on but for quality mode.

After installing the drivers, did you run the nwconfig.exe located in the same folder as nwmain.exe?  That config file generator will modify the config files based on the type of graphics card and to some degree the options for the drivers.  Below is a copy of my nwconfig.ini from the old XP installation.  Below that is a segment from nwn.ini that contains my video settings info for comparison as well.

Also, check your CPU affinity settings as detailed here: social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/187/index/4879430

Some other help: pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Neverwinter_Nights

nwconfig.ini
[Version]
Game=1.69
[OS]
OS=Windows XP v5.1 build 2600 Service Pack 3
Result=2
Skip=0
[Processor]
Type=AMD Phenom(tm) II X3 720 Processor            
Vendor=AuthenticAMD
NumCPUs=3
Speed=2800
Result=2
Skip=0
[RAM]
RAM=4096
Result=2
Skip=0
[Video Card]
Type=ATI Radeon HD 6800 Series                               
VRAM=1024
Desktop Resolution=1920x1200
Desktop Color Depth=32
Result=2
Skip=0
[Open GL]
OpenGL Installed=1
OpenGL Version=4.1.10750 Compatibility Profile Context
ATI Driver=6.14.10.10750
nVidia Driver=
Result=2
Skip=0
[Direct X]
DirectX Installed=1
DirectX Version=DirectX (9.0+) (4.09.00.0904)
DirectX Build=4.09.00.0904
Result=2
Skip=0
[Misc]
Last Run=9/10/2013 3:39:10 AM
Scanning=0
[Registry]
Location=D:\\NeverwinterNights\\NWN\\
Path=D:\\NeverwinterNights\\NWN\\
GUID={7C503E58-B2BC-11D5-978A-0050BA84F5F7}
Version=1.68
Language=0
[EXE Versions]
Main=8109
Server=8109
Toolset=1.3.36.4
Updater=1.24
Config=2.0.3.6
Launcher=1.0.6.4
HakPak=1.0.2.0
[Drive Info]
C:\\ [FIXED]=   343361252 K Free
D:\\ [FIXED]=  1260281304 K Free
E:\\ [FIXED]=  1883960224 K Free
F:\\ [FIXED]=  1029314344 K Free
G:\\ [REMOVABLE]=  (Unknown)
H:\\ [REMOVABLE]=  (Unknown)
I:\\ [REMOVABLE]=  (Unknown)
X:\\ [CD ROM]=  (Unknown)
Y:\\ [CD ROM]=  (Unknown)
Z:\\ [CD ROM]=  (Unknown)



nwn.ini (video sections only)
[Display Options]
Width=1920
Height=1200
BitsPerPixels=32
RefreshRate=60
TexturePack=3
SafeMovie=0
FullScreen=1
UseLargeFont=1
Disable Intro Movies=1
AllowWindowedMode=1

[Video Options]
VideoQualitySetting=3
Enable HardwareMouse=1
EnableEnvironmentShadows=1
CreatureShadowDetail=2
EnableGrass=1
EnableFastGrass=0
NumDynamicLights=8
NumShadowCastingLights=3
ShinyWater=0
CreatureWindSetting=2
EnableVisualEffectsHigh=1
AntiAliasing Mode=0
Enable VSync=1
Enable Truform=0
Enable AnisotropicFiltering=1
Enable TextureAnimations=1
Enable CreatureEnvironmentMapping=1
Gamma=1.000000
EnableSkyboxes=1
Grass Far Render Distance=900.0

Modifié par Tiberius_Morguhn, 01 octobre 2013 - 06:32 .


#3
CaveGnome

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If you are just changing the graphic card on your old system, did you deinstall the old graphic drivers before installing the new ones? I say this because a direct reinstall on top of the old drivers is not clean and may cause problems. Try to deinstall your actual drivers the windows way (not with the ATI installer) go to the basic Windows graphic VGA mode, now reinstall ATI drivers (with the ATI installer if you want). As Tiberius M. said, try older drivers. I've had similar problems with Catalyst newer versions not working on old or legacy hardware / software. If problems persists, you can also try to look the driver parameters. The idea being to shutdown all fancy options (antialiasing, etc.) and go to the simplest video config possible. If you get something stable at this point, you could try one by one the video options to find the culprit.

Modifié par CaveGnome, 01 octobre 2013 - 12:55 .


#4
werelynx

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Thank you guys for advices :)

Tried reinstalling NWN, so far with the same results as the old copy. (just in case something corrupted)

@Cavegnome
My old drivers(as well as graphic card) were from Nvidia, now I have AMD. Deleting all traces now of Nvidia with Driver Fusion, will try deinstalling AMD and installing anew.

@ Tiberius_Morguhn
Haven't yet tried every driver version: only Catalyst 8.10, 12.3, 13.1, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, and Omega driver 48442. I figured if the oldest possible and oldest designed for my card and newest possible are not working then those in between will not work as well. Will try them now.
Catalyst AI: I have only 3 options: High Quality, Quality, Performance. None of them seem to work. There is also "Enable Surface Format optimiazations" option, but again playing with it doesn't help.

Now regarding ATT, I already have something called Catalyst Control Center(with the same Catalyst AI options, but lacking in other areas). Nevertheless I installed ATT.
Result: every time I started to run nwnconfig.exe or nwmain.exe or nwmein.exe(name changed version of nwmain) the screen would go black and monitor looked like it was turned off(disconnected from the computer). Had to reboot every time. Trying to change setting in ATT also resulted in the same "disconnection". Reboot. Afterwards the settings seemed to not have been changed.
Deinstalled ATT. Rebooted.
Now I will go and check if I can still fire NWN without ATT.

Screen from ATT:
Posted Image

Modifié par werelynx, 01 octobre 2013 - 01:31 .


#5
werelynx

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My nwn.ini

[Alias]
HD0=.\\
OVERRIDE=.\\override
TEMP=.\\temp
MODULES=.\\modules
LOGS=.\\logs
LOCALVAULT=.\\localvault
DMVAULT=.\\dmvault
SERVERVAULT=.\\servervault
TEMPCLIENT=.\\tempclient
SAVES=.\\saves
CURRENTGAME=.\\currentgame
HAK=.\\hak
PATCH=.\\patch
NWMFiles=.\\nwm
AMBIENT=.\\ambient
MOVIES=.\\movies
MUSIC=.\\music

[Sound Options]
Music Volume=0.15
Voice Volume=0.20
SoundFX Volume=0.15
DisableSound=0
3D Provider=RAD Game Tools RSX 3D Audio
Environment Effects=0
Speaker Type=0
2D3D Bias=1.60
Environment Effects Level=0.60
Number 2D Voices=32
Number 3D Voices=16

[Config]
NWLoaderDisplayTime=3
FirstRun=0
Connection=0
[Display Options]
Disable Intro Movies=1
Width=1680
Height=1050
BitsPerPixels=32
RefreshRate=60
TexturePack=3
SafeMovie=0
FullScreen=1
UseLargeFont=0
[Video Options]
VideoQualitySetting=3
Enable HardwareMouse=1
EnableEnvironmentShadows=1
CreatureShadowDetail=2
EnableGrass=1
EnableFastGrass=0
NumDynamicLights=8
NumShadowCastingLights=3
ShinyWater=0
CreatureWindSetting=2
EnableVisualEffectsHigh=1
EnableSkyboxes=2
AntiAliasing Mode=4
Enable VSync=1
Enable Truform=0
Enable AnisotropicFiltering=0
Grass Far Render Distance=900.0
Gamma=1.100000
Enable TextureAnimations=1
Enable CreatureEnvironmentMapping=0


My nwnconfig.ini

[Version]
Game=1.69
[OS]
OS=Windows XP v5.1 build 2600 Dodatek Service Pack 3
Result=2
Skip=0
[Processor]
Type=Intel® Core™2 Duo CPU     E8200  @ 2.66GHz
Vendor=GenuineIntel
NumCPUs=255
Speed=2671
Result=2
Skip=0
[RAM]
RAM=2048
Result=2
Skip=0
[Video Card]
Type=AMD Radeon HD 7800 Series
VRAM=4096
Desktop Resolution=1680x1050
Desktop Color Depth=32
Result=2
Skip=0
[Open GL]
OpenGL Installed=1
OpenGL Version=4.2.11927 Compatibility Profile Context
ATI Driver=6.14.10.11927
nVidia Driver=
Result=2
Skip=0
[Direct X]
DirectX Installed=1
DirectX Version=DirectX (9.0+) (4.09.00.0904)
DirectX Build=4.09.00.0904
Result=2
Skip=0
[Misc]
Last Run=2013-09-28 23:31:59
Scanning=0
[Registry]
Location=C:\\Program Files\\BioWare\\NeverwinterNights\\
Path=C:\\Program Files\\BioWare\\NeverwinterNights\\
Flavour=Retail
GUID={7C503E58-B2BC-11D5-978A-0050BA84F5F7}
InstallType=2
Language=5
LastInstalledVersion=0
Version=1.68
[EXE Versions]
Main=8109
Server=8109
Toolset=1.3.36.4
Updater=1.24
Config=2.0.3.6
Launcher=1.0.6.4
HakPak=1.0.2.0
[Drive Info]
C:\\ [FIXED]=3900376 K Free
D:\\ [FIXED]=30609092 K Free
E:\\ [FIXED]=61327672 K Free
F:\\ [FIXED]=100800956 K Free
G:\\ [CD ROM]=(Unknown)
H:\\ [CD ROM]=(Unknown)
I:\\ [CD ROM]=(Unknown)
J:\\ [CD ROM]=(Unknown)
L:\\ [CD ROM]=(Unknown)


Edit1: NWN works after deinstalling ATT, issues remain (lag, bad graphics).
Checked if CPU affinity could solve this: -2, -1, 0, 1 options with no good result.

Edit2: Tried disabling all fancy options in my driver setting, tried maxing out settings, tried "default" with no good result.

Edit3: tried deinstalling driver( 1. from devices manager, then 2. Add/remove programs-deleted everything with amd 3. with driver fusion program) and installing anew after all 3 steps. Didn't work.

Modifié par werelynx, 01 octobre 2013 - 04:39 .


#6
CaveGnome

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Hmm... I don't know if it can help, but i see you use a 16/10 rez ratio (1680 X 1050). I have vague memories that Neverwinter1 was developped with 800 X 600 in mind. Try an older standard rez for debugging purposes? I would also test if the problem is only Neverwinter specific or concerns all installed 3D games (old an new). You could try installing the barebones driver using the Windows manual install option (on the card properties, Windows driver panel) it's tedious, but does'nt install the Catalyst Control Center.

#7
werelynx

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Other games seem to run just fine (Alternativa, Age of Empires 3, Ankh: curse of the mummy)

Tried installing from card properties but it says I already have best driver even after deinstalling.
Tried deinstalling Catalyst Control Center, with no result.
Tried 12.8 drivers with no result.

#8
CaveGnome

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Well, at least we know it's a Neverwinter specific problem. Not wanting to beat a dead horse, but did you try changing all Neverwinter video options ? (compatibility mode, texture packs, quality setting...). Speaking of compatibility, did you try the Windows XP compatibility mode? (you can set it on the nwmain.exe right-click properties).

Edit (Windows XP compatibility mode): was thinking of trying Win95 or 98 compatibility mode, but it is a silly idea and it seems you already tried this.

In the case your problem is related with DirectX, perhaps you should try using OpenGL for Neverwinter. Sorry, as a complete OGL noob, i can't help install a suitable OpenGL. Perhaps you should post some request on the Bioware Tools and Plugin Developper forums or on the Custom Content, as some users are heavy hitting graphic specialists, they could have valuable insight.

Modifié par CaveGnome, 04 octobre 2013 - 11:20 .


#9
werelynx

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Ankh just crashed on me but it is really old game and I have just installed it today so..

I can't go into XP compatibility mode since I'm already on XP and to ask any further questions I checked all the other compatibilites possible.

Tried fiddling with settings.

OGL seem promising will ask about it in custom content, so far web search turned nothing.

#10
HipMaestro

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werelynx wrote...
OGL seem promising will ask about it in custom content, so far web search turned nothing.

All the OpenGL specs are heiroglyphs to me, not being familiar with graphic design constructs.  But it appears a lot has been changed in the version(s) being installed with newer OS from my ancient version 2.0 which runs perfectly on XP SP2.  I'm betting the folks who worked on NWShader would have some valuable input about which versions are most compatible with NWN.

#11
Tarot Redhand

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It is my understanding that AMD decided to leave out certain ogl functions from their newer drivers which is why I will have to get a nvidia based card next time. Of course I could be wrong or misread this, but that is what I understand at the minute.

[Edit]

I knew there was a relevant thread on here.

TR

Modifié par Tarot Redhand, 04 octobre 2013 - 11:16 .


#12
hellLeeg

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Windows XP SP3 - video card - AMD Radeon HD 7770,
just rename nwmain.exe to something else (newnwn.exe, for example) and run game through this file
... enjoy

#13
werelynx

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Tried that, works as far as allows playing with extreme lags and bad graphics. It's all written in my first post. Thanks anyway.

#14
CaveGnome

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@Werelynx: Sorry to see you haven't solved the gcard issue. I was thinking of 2 things that perhaps could help. Here we go...

1) The (too much) obvious... Contact directly ATI-AMD support (@mail) and expose your problem, Chances are you are not the only one crippled in that way.

2) Flash the vcard chipset to the last (or older?) version. If you do that, be cautious like motherboard bios flashing, videoboard microcode flashing has some risks, and if you do it bad you can brick the CG. You have to take steps to mitigate risks like saving the old vc bios, making sure you use the right flashing utility, etc.


Edit: Since you tested, ATI-AMD released various new catalyst drivers updates and some of the improvements deal with Windows XP DX9 as in "Resolves intermittent crashes seen in legacy DirectX®​ 9 applications", so who nows...

CG

Modifié par CaveGnome, 07 janvier 2014 - 12:45 .


#15
hellLeeg

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Try the
Game settings - extended video - uncheck - environment mapping beings

#16
werelynx

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I will download new catalyst drivers and check.

@HellLeeg: first thing I tried. Slightly improves visual bugs, but teztures become ugly. Nonetheless it still lags.



#17
werelynx

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Tried it on win7 and for some reason there is screen "software stoped working".

Would try to do it on XP, but new codecs are not compatible with it.

Strange, the same installation works on my laptop with Win7 without issues from day 1.



#18
CaveGnome

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Tried it on win7 and for some reason there is screen "software stoped working".

Would try to do it on XP, but new codecs are not compatible with it.

Strange, the same installation works on my laptop with Win7 without issues from day 1.

 

Hmm... Is the stoped software NWN or the catalyst driver & utilities ? If it is NWN, does the new catalyst driver work with other games ?

 

I am a little short in ideas, but there is a possible culprit i hinted at previously: the motherboard BIOS. In some rare cases a bugged or too old BIOS can create strange problems or crashes with more recent hardware. Perhaps, it could be worth to flash your PC BIOS to the latest version you can find. What motherboard brand and ref. do you use ? 

 

But first, speaking of BIOS related things (if you have not already done it), perhaps you should look in the PC SETUP (advanced menu or equivalent) if there is something conflicting with the Video card. If your mboard has integrated video, don't forget to deactivate it. Look if the PC graphics used by default are assigned to the correct AGP or PCIEx slot. Check the video bus frequency used for the AGP or PCIExpress graphic port is correct. Mark your SLI configuration as "disabled" if you have only one CG card. Look all graphic options you can find, some could boost the CG data transfer speed.

 

CG

 

PS: looking your old nwnconfig.ini, there is a discrepancy between your graphic card memory and the

VRAM entry. If your card has 2 Gb memory (2048 MB) you should mark 2048 and not 4096).



#19
werelynx

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NWN is stopped. New driver works with Dragon Age (only thing I have installed now on the machine)

 

BIOS... motherboard was not changed. It is P5K with BIOS - American Megatrends Inc. 1005, 2008-02-25
I am really afraid to mess with BIOS myself :o

 

PC SETUP - what do you mean? In device manager I have only got graphic card and audio/video controllers and I don't think I have got graphic/video doubled..

 

I will try to play with .ini file as well. After running nwconfig it produced error "failed to set version" but runa anyway and now my VRAM in ini is 2048.

 

EDIT: For some reason the language reverted to English.. game still fails to launch (nwmain to be exact.)

I think I will try reinstalling it and restarting computer.

EDIT2: Tried to play it in compatibility mode and VRAM goes back to 4GB... argh I'm only introducing new errors it seems..



#20
CaveGnome

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werelynx said:

 

"NWN is stopped. New driver works with Dragon Age (only thing I have installed now on the machine)"

 

- Good, the new driver works (but halas Nwn bricks)...

 

 

"BIOS... motherboard was not changed. It is P5K with BIOS - American Megatrends Inc. 1005, 2008-02-25
I am really afraid to mess with BIOS myself :o"

 

- i understand, BIOS updating can be hard on the nerves... If you decide to try, there is useful help on the mboard manual adequate section (pdf easy to find on Internet. Look for Asus p5k support zone and the latest BIOSes on the driver and tools section) and general BIOS explanations here: https://www.wimsbios.com/

 

 

"PC SETUP - what do you mean? In device manager I have only got graphic card and audio/video controllers and I don't think I have got graphic/video doubled.."

 

- Not the device manager... Talking about the hidden menu you can access pressing repetitively "DEL" key just after you switch ON your computer. You can find a lot of info in the motherboard manual (section 4.2). Yes, your motherboard does not integrate another graphic engine, no need to worry about conflicting GPUs. There are a few graphic related options in your SETUP so... Check "PCIE Frequency" in "Advanced menu/Jumperfree", put it in "Auto" mode. In "North Bridge Configuration" menu,  look for "Initiate Graphic Adapter", choose "PEG/PCI" (PEG is the PCI Express 16X port where you should have seated your VideoCard). In "PEG Port Control" you can use "Auto" or fine tune it with manual settings (this overclocks the graphic card i think, you should have something like "slow, normal, fast"). In "Asus C.G.I. Function" should be "Auto" or "Disabled".

 

Sorry for the awful techno-babble mess. Hoping something can help.

 

CG

 

 

 



#21
werelynx

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Check "PCIE Frequency" in "Advanced menu/Jumperfree"

- has been set to "Auto" already

 

In "North Bridge Configuration" menu,  look for "Initiate Graphic Adapter", choose "PEG/PCI"

- has been set to PEG/PCI already

 

"PEG Port Control"

- has been already "Auto"

 

In "Asus C.G.I. Function" should be "Auto" or "Disabled".

- could only find ASUS O.C. profile, but not this one :(

 

Report from wimsBIOS: http://biosagentplus...e9ee7c745213230

Looks like my BIOS could use update. I will have to think about it, though at this moment I can afford my workstation to go down. :/



#22
CaveGnome

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In "Asus C.G.I. Function" should be "Auto" or "Disabled".

- could only find ASUS O.C. profile, but not this one :(

 

I guess C.G.I has something to do with Crossfire activating. Perhaps it doesn't appear on one GPU systems.



#23
Empyre65

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Maybe this was already mentioned, but with a Radeon, you need to disable shiny water.