Harpo,
Funny but I actually understood some of that.
1. In discussing it with Microsoft, that allocation of memory because the newer cards have what they state "Integrated memory" may cause a lack of allocated ram for the game with the massive programs in the XP software. I mean if you just look at (Processes), you can see the tons of software applications Xp uses. Its like both the game and XP fight for ram. This should not apply in my case with the tons of ram I already have in the integrated memory on the card. There is a huge difference between intergrated and standard memory on a board. People may be surprised thinking they have ram covered only to discover their 'Intergrated memory" is too low for the game to handle. It is possible both the game and a certain software allocation are fighting for that ram memory. I am guessing there. I do think these APP crashes are an XP and source code problem. Not sure about Win 7. Nothing I can do about that.
2. Nothing I can do if the new engine has actual errors. As you stated all I can do is report it. One of the problems with new engines that are built not anticipating old program conflicts since their are so many variables in software components. The newer engines shouldn't. but that is what it is.
3. Again their are so many hardware manufacturers and drivers that it is possible the game is stable on one and not another. Take video cards for example it is possible they struggle with certain ATI drivers and not Nvidia, notsaying that it is, and then taking into account even if the game which has a minimum requirement. A minimum card and driver may not handle as well as a more advanced one, and that is just the video card, one variable. Now does that actually cause APP crashes, probably not, but that would cause other problems.
4. Most bugs arise from mistakes and errors made by people in either a program's source code or its design. That is little a customer can do, but report it. Too many and it can be a disaster. I have run into a few myself long with yours and obviously it is not done purposely. One Thing I have discovered is Virus protectors are now being designed as "Malicious Software" in an attempt to not allow the customer to switch or use something else. A way of being a constant in that customer's memory, so basically they have created their own virus and most games have issues with security software. Now I do not know about Windows 7, but XP 32 and 64 both had windows protecting programs like Defender that did not mix well with game codes and that is just one example.
Harpo, we all want the same thing whether Civilization 5, Total War or Elemental. We want a great working game, so as I said I reported it to their Paste center. I did the routine of shutting down softwares and register cleaning to limit the crashes and it has. They had a ton of APP crash notations on their report site, and I am sure they are doing what they can. As far as the bugs, I am sure they will continue to patch things or correct them in some expansion of Elemental, especailly these piling bug issues, because you and I know either an expansion or sequel is coming, but the code programming has to be more universal and sound. Not easy. As I said I ignore and load again and go through the steps. I even reloaded the game. I had about 4-5 App crashes the first few days and none since, if that. I love Elementals potential, but it has a lot of work to do.
I appreciate your comments
