Black screen + Crash when starting missions/games

[ClémentXVI]

Hello,


I just reinstalled Worms:Armageddon, and downloaded (+installed) the latest update from WAHELP (dated Jan. 5th).

I set up the resolution to my monitor's native resolution (1680x1050, using DVI), and setup my team without any problem. However, when trying to start any game, I get a black screen and my computer hangs... and I have to reboot.

I have the original CD in the drive (no copied, no no-CD thing).

My PC has the following:

8800 GTX card with latest WHQL drivers from nVidia
AMD 64 3500+
2 Gb RAM
Sblaster X-Fi with latest drivers
Asus A8N SLI premium board

Has anyone else experienced this issue? I haven't been able to see a topic with similar issues, and using the /nointro switch would not help me as I can start the game and get to the startup screen.

[Muzer]

Try using the auto-installer on nanacide.com/wahelp.

[ClémentXVI]

I used the auto-installer, which downloaded the T17 patch and then continued installing the beta update.

[Run]

I used the auto-installer, which downloaded the T17 patch and then continued installing the beta update.

Wait, you mean the auto-installer continued installing the beta update?

If so, then does it work now?

[ClémentXVI]

No, I meant that the auto-installer was the installer I initially used. The correct sequence of events was:

1) Insert W:A CD in the drive & install
2) Head over to T17 forums in order to fetch the latest update
3) Download auto-installer from nanacide
4) Run auto-installer
4.a) Accept installing the latest official T17 patch
4.b) auto-installer finishes by installing the latest beta update
5) Run the game, and notice crashes everytime a game is started (mission/quick play,...) (repeat a few times)
6) Head over to the T17 forums after checking on nanacide.com.

Therefore: the auto-installer supposedly did its job correctly (as it allowed me to select a custom resolution), but the game does not start (black screen).

[Trillion]

Having this same problem as well.

Running
8800 GS
E6600 core duo
4gig Ram
Abit AW9D-MAX Intel 975X Mobo
Ideas?

Gone through all the above steps, can run menus fine, listen to sounds etc but as soon as i try and load into a game instant black screen and comp needs a hard reboot.

[ClémentXVI]

I suspect the 8800 card/driver being the cause... I have similar issues with Runaway 1 and 2, two DirectDraw adventure games: game does not start, hard reboot necessary.

Maybe the 8800 ditched support for DirectDraw?

I will need to see if I can still find other DirectDraw games in the attic in order to investigate further.

[Trillion]

If you check dxdiag you can still run Direct Draw tests, which all work. (Best i can do as all my older cames are currently crated in the roof due to decorating)

[ClémentXVI]

Dxdiag works fine (it only checks basic 2D display).

It might be that more advanced DDraw features don't work (or maybe it's a W:A bug).

[Trillion]

K well post back with results ;)

[ClémentXVI]

Well, I definitely think it's a card/driver issue...Gruntz (1999 puzzle game) also locks up the computer with my 8800 (and I've sold my old card so can't try it anymore :().

[franpa]

Dxdiag works fine (it only checks basic 2D display).

It might be that more advanced DDraw features don't work (or maybe it's a W:A bug).

it most likely isn't a w:a bug tho... the issue has only arised with the geforce 8800 and its drivers.

[Chip]

I have this problem but its slightly different,

The game crashes before a battle (after fully loading in half a second) and windows XP comes up with an error message which closes WA down and returns me to desktop.

However this very rarely happens but it has happend today.

[mrcube]

I suspect the 8800 card/driver being the cause... I have similar issues with Runaway 1 and 2, two DirectDraw adventure games: game does not start, hard reboot necessary.

Maybe the 8800 ditched support for DirectDraw?

I will need to see if I can still find other DirectDraw games in the attic in order to investigate further.

Yup, I definitely agree is the 8800 series, I suspected it was when I installed it on my new system, not the first game I've had problems with either.

I can't image the the 8800 would ditch DirectDraw support, and if it had, I'm sure one of the reviews I read before purchasing my GTS would have said something about it.

I suspect it's just a driver issue, there are always driver problems like this with the new cards, especially one like the 8800, which has completely new architecture.

I think we're going to have to wait till the next driver update from Nvidia, whenever that is. Let's hope it's not to long. I want to get playing again! :)

[ClémentXVI]

I can't image the the 8800 would ditch DirectDraw support, and if it had, I'm sure one of the reviews I read before purchasing my GTS would have said something about it.

Do you really think reviews of high end graphics cards include tests on 2D DirectDraw games?

It is therefore understandable that these issues were never found before the mainstream users started to get the cards...

[mrcube]

Do you really think reviews of high end graphics cards include tests on 2D DirectDraw games?

It is therefore understandable that these issues were never found before the mainstream users started to get the cards...

I suppose your right, but it still seems like a strange thing to do, why wouldn't they include DirectDraw support? :confused:

[ClémentXVI]

Maybe because Nvidia doesn't know there are still many great 2D games around ;-)

I know the developers and publishers of Runaway 2 in Europe (the game came out in November 2006 in Belgium & France) are trying to push Nvidia to get new drivers out, because this 2D adventure game cannot be played at all by people who have an 8800... all of this because of the lack of support of DirectDraw features.

[franpa]

maybe there is no direct draw in direct x 10? (i doubt it tho)

[ClémentXVI]

There is no DirectX 10 in Windows XP (it is only for Vista).

The DirectDraw features are not included in the XP version of Nvidia's drivers for the 8800... which is why I liked them better when they did their unified driver thing: one driver for all cards, which ensures that everyone gets the same DX features (adapted to your card, of course).

[franpa]

who said there using winXP? (you yourself didn't either)

[ClémentXVI]

Indeed ;)

"I'm using Windows XP SP2"

There, I said it!

Knowing that Vista has changed a lot of its architecture, I don't expect older games to run on it, which is why I am still running XP (the price tag also makes a good reason to stick with XP).

[ZorPhioR]

ah well same problem here

i also have the new nvidia geforce 8800 from evga
and the nforce 680i sli mainboard from evga
an intel duocore 6700
2 gb ram
does anyione know if there wil lbe a driver upodate for the cards or if worms armageddon can be played with direct 3d?

like bullfrogs dungeon keeper, they added a direct rd support to the game and this works fine with the 8800 cards, never testet the dikrect draw option..

i wanna play worms again :<

[chrisx03]

so no ones found a fix yet?? same thiing here black screen and game crash im using ati x800 pro

[weddlerr]

I had the same problem with WinXP 32bit and GeForce 8800. I found a temporary fix until Nvidia comes out with the corrected drivers.
They are 100.95beta drivers for the 8600 I believe. There is a modified INF file that comes with the file to to use the drivers for the 8800. I used it and it worked great. No problem with worms after that.


http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=1599

[????]

Yup I get the same thin and I use a GeForce 7300 GS... hope the forceware works for it too