(Crash)game wont load

I have the exact same problem.  Downloading latest nvidia drivers now, but I am only 1 release behind, doubt this will fix.  I'm running Windows 7 x64....

Here is my debug.err

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/17/2009, 20:12:50
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
Machine Name: DPC
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_rtm.090713-1255)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ECS
System Model: GeForce 8000 series
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5600+ (2 CPUs), ~2.9GHz
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 2766MB used, 3612MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7900 GS
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0292&SUBSYS_22181682&REV_A1
Display Memory: 1016 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvd3dum
Driver Version: 8.15.0011.9038
Driver Date: 7/14/2009 13:54:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Creative SB X-Fi)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00211102&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373
Driver Date: 6/4/2009 02:49:08
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: SPDIF Out (Creative SB X-Fi)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00211102&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373
Driver Date: 6/4/2009 02:49:08
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Digital Audio (HDMI) (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10DE&DEV_0002&SUBSYS_10DE0101&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.01.7600.16385
Driver Date: 7/13/2009 19:07:00
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 


DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 17d7840
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3

Same here, Vista SP1, ATI 9700

http://pastebin.com/m57e908bb

I have had a similar problem, mine has also occured with some other games. I have a two monitor setup and sometimes when I launch a game it doesn't get focus properly, so I make a habit of clicking in the window after the splash screen comes up and it works fine now. Don't know if it will help you, but after two attempts to launch only to have it exit, i tired just clicking on the screen and it continued.

Same problem.  Seedy's fix works, although I have only one monitor.

ATI 2600 XT.  Drivers current as of last weekend.  XP-Pro, with MANY non-standard settings intended to make it more secure.

Please DO NOT post dxdiag reports inline, use pastebin.com or a similar notepad service. Threads become very difficult to read when filled with ten-page long pastes.

I've run into a problem loading a saved game as well.

DxDiag: http://pastebin.com/m593223dc

debug.err: http://pastebin.com/d26c9f38a

PS: kryo, this was my first time using pastebin.com. Pretty usefull, have you guys thought about setting up a subdomain on the site, something like elementalbeta.pastebin.com? May be easier for you guys to go through them. Good luck.

updated drivers and rebooted.  seems to crash faster now.

Tried these instructions

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Hangs or crashes at splash/intro screen.
If not due to firewall apps, this issue can be resolved for some by clearing the screens folder so that it is redownloaded.

If you're running Windows XP, it is located in Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic. If you're running Windows Vista or 7, it will be located at ProgramData\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic instead. If you can't find them, go to Control Panel -> Folder Options -> View and set yourself to view hidden files and folders.

You may also try updating your video drivers, or if they're the latest already, rolling back to a slightly less recent version.

-----

Still no joy.  You actully have to delete 2 places.

 "Removing familytreesubwnd.dxpack from C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\screens and C:\ProgramData\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic\Screens made me get past the title screen."

Even so, I now get a blank screen after intro movie.  I'm running a 7900 GS, would be interested to know if anyone else has gotten it to run with this card.  I have tried windowed and non windowed mode.  Pretty frustrating, though can't get too upset since its just a beta.  Hopefully new code will be published soon to reslove this.

New error debug - http://pastebin.com/m17aef30e

Eureka!  Deleting all screens from both places then running Verify install from impluse software, then updating elemental via impulse, then deleting only familytreesubwnd.dxpack at both locations got me into the game!

Just removed FamilyTreeSubWnd.dxpack from  C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\screens and I was good to go

Edit: I got into the game but was unable to open research, diplo, etc. screens.  The gui  for that feature was unresponsive.

One person alt tab'd back into the desktop and put the file back after the intro had started and they said that gave them back some screens.  When I alt tab though the map gets all wacky.

I'm having the same issue [ctd from splash screen] ... the Family tree deletion tricks didn't work for me.