Question: Crashing Problems with the 2019 Upgrade

[sparra22]

Hi! I'm a new member, so if there is a better place for this thread I'd be happy to receive feedback on it.
When I downloaded the 2019 Upgrade, it downloads just fine and everything seems successful, but when I try to launch the game (from the options menu or the actual tab) it crashes immediately. When I try to launch in full screen mode, I get the error messages: "IpDD-> SetDisplayMode() failed, code 80004001" and "DirectDraw could not be initialized! Error code 80004001." This happens with both DirectX and GDI settings. If I revert to the original game or the last upgrade, it works fine. Any idea what I can do?

[Mobhack]

1)The directx error is seen if you are trying to run the game at a resolution the graphics card cannot handle. See if 800x600 in windowed mode runs for you. If it does, then all is working fine. Then try other resolutions that are in the range your graphics card supports.

2)As described in the game guide, the use of a hidden windows task bar and/or task bars not in the usual place (at the bottom of the screen) can cause the graphics engine to misread the window size. which will give you the same DirectX error. Have you ensured that auto-hide is off?

[DRG]

If it was a "bug" it would happen to everyone and would have been reported the first day the patch was released so it's not a "bug".

We have said over and over that full-screen mode is no longer supported and is only left as an option for older computers and whoever can get it to run but if it does not run on your computer then run the game desktop windowed mode as recommended. I cannot run full screen either and I am not the least bit bothered by that as I want and need the taskbar visible while I play the game

[Wdll]

If you absolutely want in windowed mode to have the taskbar auto-hidden, then what you can try (it works for me on Windows 8.1) is start the game normally with non auto hide taskbar and after you have reached the main menu, then enable auto hide taskbar.
AT least that's before this latest patch. I have yet to install it as I am currently having computer issues (apparently there is a dinosaur living inside my laptop which constantly roars).

[georgesedlak]

Have you tried "Borderless Gaming".

[DRG]

Just curious, but does it act the same way when you start the extended editor from Game Options and when you start it from the main game menu once the game is running?

[sparra22]

Hey guys! I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you, but my computer broke and it hasn't been easy saving up for another. You've all been very helpful