Game Unplayable - Staff please respond

Puke · #1 November 16th, 2001, 05:16 AM

I am still getting range check errors when simulating large combats. i posted the details on the Last request for bug reports.

to rehash, i can re-create RCEs anytime i simulate a combat involving a sphereworld loaded with (a) more than 1000 fighters or (b) more than 200 WPs filled with organic or crystal armor

depending on the configurations of the WPs, the errors can be generated with alot less.. but basically this means that it is impossible to fully defend a sphereworld, making it a very hard investment to keep.

it also could have some repurcussions for large fleet engagements.

------------------
"...the green, sticky spawn of the stars"
(with apologies to H.P.L.)

LLB · #2 November 17th, 2001, 03:01 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Richard:
As far as we know all of the Range Check errors have been resolved but that doesn't mean they all have.

Just drop Aaron a note at se4@malfador.com with the exact error, what was going on when it occurred and the zipped up save games files.

Also if this is a modified Version of the game let us know that.

Richard,

In my case the RCEs are occurring in all unmoded ver 1.41 games whenever I try to select or move a fleet of any size or any single ship. Unless this has been fixed in ver 1.49, which I haven't had a chance to install, it's one RCE that hasn't been fixed (it wasn't listed as a fixed problem in the Last history file I looked at for that patch); and I *did* email Aaron about it (with a savegame file, although it hardly matters in this case) -- three months ago.

As Jason2 pointed out, it makes the game unplayable (aside from the workaround I mentioned in my previous post) on those machines on which it appears.

L

Richard · #3 November 17th, 2001, 04:53 AM

Part of the problem sometimes is making the problem recreate so we can catch it with the save game files. Without the recreation it's very hard to see where the problem is.

But just in case you can always check with him to see if he missed your email.

------------------
Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

LLB · #4 November 17th, 2001, 10:09 PM

I think that very well may be the problem Richard. I don't think he missed my email, because he responded promptly to my first email requesting additional information and a savegame file, which I provided; but unless he has access to a computer that recreates the problem, the savegame will function perfectly -- as it does on my desktop machine. I don't know what the solution is.

L

davetox1 · #5 November 20th, 2001, 03:27 PM

The range check error isn't specific to any saved game - when it occurs - it occurs for all saved games, so sending Richard saved games won't help. I even tried loading several SEIV v1.49 copies (no mods) on my Dell P4 w/ME. All saved files for all SEIV copies show the RCE. In addition, any attempt to start a new game ends with a RCE when I try to move a ship. However, as mentioned, loading SEIV after the computer has been used for ~1/2 hr for other purposes eliminates RCEs from all saved games until the PC is shut off (then RCEs reappear). It appears some flag is set by using other programs and once that flag is set, RCEs disappear.

Richard - Do you keep your PC on all (or much) of the time - maybe that's why you don't see it? From a cold boot, try loading any saved game. Otherwise, maybe it is a Dell/Win ME specific problem.

It's too bad this problem hasn't been fixed. While the solution might be as simple switching a single bit from 1 to 0, finding that bit may be like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack.

Mephisto · #6 November 20th, 2001, 04:20 PM

Davetox1, I really doubt that SE4 is the problem. I would guess some hardware component of your PC is damaged. It might be the memory chips (RAM). I myself had 2 damaged RAMs in 2 days and they are a pain in the a** as these errors are hard to catch and will have many faces (device not working, RCEs, blue screens...). If oyu have more then 1 RAM-Chip, try removing one of them (shut your PC down!) and restart SE4 after that. If the error returns, put in the removed RAM and take the other one out. Retry SE4. If the RCEs are gone with only one RAM in your PC, the remove RAM is damaged for sure.

Jason2 · #7 November 20th, 2001, 08:42 PM

I can only check the internet when in the office - so I appreciate the many responses in my absence

I will attach the game... The computer I'm using is a brand new Dell Inspiron 8100 with a GForce2 ... I ran SEIV on a much older computer with no problems. I installed just the game and the current patch - I usually install the TDM modpack but haven't since the game won't play.

I read the other thread and will try starting, crashing, doing something else, playing - but there seems to be some sort of issue with Dells??

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate this community and the staff. My frustration comes from not being able to play such a great game.

Jason2