[Thrasher91604]

Hi all!

I'm posting this request for help, since the JoWood help forum is sadly unresponsive.

I really like this game, but I am having a game killing problem with the English version of Gothic Gold (without NoTR installed)!

At the end of chapter 2 after getting the letter to give to Lord Hagen, the game practically freezes. FPS go down to something like 1 frame every 5 seconds. If I leave the valley of mines before the bug hits, it runs fine. If I re-enter the valley the bug returns.

I've installed new drivers, and reinstalled the game. After this, I could leave the valley and start chapter 3. But, upon return to the valley the bug returned. I've set everything to its lowest settings, turned off everything in the .ini, and it still happens. It always seems to happen when the castle comes into view. Perhaps it is a rendering issue with maybe some of the castle textures?

I've included parts of directx and system info reports below (the 16000 character limit imposed by the forum forced me to edit it down).

All ideas are very welcome!
Thanks!

DXDIAG

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 6/25/2006, 14:49:48
Machine name: BENNETT-XP
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Precision M70
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A04
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 2.26GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 245MB used, 4718MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA Quadro FX Go1400
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: Quadro FX Go1400
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00CC&SUBSYS_019B1028&REV_A2
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Res:
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8430 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 3/22/2006 23:32:00, 3975808 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 3/22/2006 23:32:00, 3656352 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-438C-11CF-7653-912103C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x00CC
SubSys ID: 0x019B1028
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: SigmaTel C-Major Audio (emulated)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_266E&SUBSYS_01871028&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: Emulated
Driver Name:
Driver Version:
Driver Attributes:
WHQL Logo'd:
Date and Size:
Other Files:
Driver Provider: SigmaTel
HW Accel Level: Emulation Only
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

[.†.MikeL.†.]

Probably is a problem of your Graphics Card I have never heard this card before NVIDIA Quadro FX Go1400 can you give more info?

- Does this problem happens when you have installed NotR?
- Does the same problem with any other game?
- Did you used any cheats? (I know it sounds stupid but everything is possible if you have used cheats)

[WernerTWC]

Hi and §welcome to the forum!

Ok, let's see,... you have a system from what i see of your report that should handle g2 easily, ... the only thing i saw now from the first sight is the resolution:
Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)

You should first try to set it to a 4:3 resolution, i would try first with 1024x768. And set this in both, first in windows and then in the game-settings.

If that not helps, give us a more complete report:

- Deeper Hardware trouble:
Make a thread for it, download this tool:
EVEREST Home Edition
(Click there on "Jetzt herunterladen", means download now.)

Then install it, start it, choose in the "report"-menu (Bericht) "Quick-Report - All Pages" (Schnellbericht, alle Seiten) -> "Plain text" (Vollständiger Text).
Prog is working, wait a while, when it´s finished click "save to file", and save it.
You cannot post the whole report here, because it´s too long, so upload it to i.e. rapidshare.


You can also take a look at this thread and check for viruses, spyware, background progs etc.:

http://forum.worldofplayers.de/forum...ad.php?t=92547

[rockfest]

Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)

If this is the resolution wich you play the game then lower it down to 1280x1024 maximum.

Card name: NVIDIA Quadro FX Go1400

Click here for the latest driver for your graphic card.

[Meteorus]

It seems, that the main problem is integrated VGA. If 1024 on 768 runs badly, try 800 on 600 - this resolution and lower are mainly running through CPU, with minimum VGA support(as it was with my Oblivion - between 640 x 480 and 1024 x 768 there was no difference in FPS rate).

[Thrasher91604]

Thanks everyone! I found the right people!

I had a very nicely quoted set of responses to eveyone's input here, but the site timed out and closed my window. Please excuse the brevity and lack of personalization.

The quadro 1400 go is based on the 6800 GPU but optimized for OpenGL graphics design applications on laptop "workstations". It's a mobile GPU.

I have the latest drivers. The mobile GPU drivers for Nvidia are provided by the OEMs for the laptops, so I have to get them directly from Dell and I have the latest.

My laptop came with DirectX 9.0C installed. Is that an issue? I read on the JoWood FAQ that Gothic II had trouble with Dx. Is that still the case with GII Gold? The Min specs say Dx 9, so I assume Dx 9C is OK....

I run the game in windowed mode with a desktop resolution of 1920x1200. I tried running non-windowed at 800x600 without changing the desktop resolution and it still failed. Good idea to try changing the desktop resolution too. I'll try that tonight and let you know!

Next, I've done anti-virus, adware, and spyware checks recently. But I will try again. I have nothing running in the background that I think would interfere. Just the basics. All virus checkers are off.

I don't have NoTR installed, as I wanted to try the classic version first. So I didn't install the last CD. Does that cause a problem with Gothic II Gold (English)? Are there bug fixes in NoTR that may fix my problem? If so I guess I would have to start over....

I have no problems with other games. I can run Neverwinter Nights, Prey demo, HL2, BG II / ToB OK (with the right tweaks).

I don't have cheats enabled or have ever used them in my GII game. But am using quicksaves and quick potions.

All ideas appreciated!
Thanks again!

[WernerTWC]

Thanks everyone! I found the right people!

At least we try what we can.

My laptop came with DirectX 9.0C installed. Is that an issue? I read on the JoWood FAQ that Gothic II had trouble with Dx. Is that still the case with GII Gold? The Min specs say Dx 9, so I assume Dx 9C is OK....

DirectX 9c shouldn't be a prob, ... i cannot imagine what dx 9c could make "wrong".
Can you please post here the link to that JoWood-FAQ-entry?

I'll try that tonight and let you know!

Do this!

I don't have NoTR installed, as I wanted to try the classic version first. So I didn't install the last CD. Does that cause a problem with Gothic II Gold (English)? Are there bug fixes in NoTR that may fix my problem? If so I guess I would have to start over....

Don't worry, g2 is a game what can be run on it's own,... the addon comes along with a "patch in it".... but those bug-fixes are not solving problems that stop you playing g2,... it should run!

But am using quicksaves and quick potions.

If nothing else helping, it would be a try worth to bring those changes in the ini back to the defaults.

[Thrasher91604]

DirectX 9c shouldn't be a prob, ... i cannot imagine what dx 9c could make "wrong".
Can you please post here the link to that JoWood-FAQ-entry?

Here is link http://forum.jowood.de/showthread.ph...73#post1686273

[WernerTWC]

Here is link http://forum.jowood.de/showthread.ph...73#post1686273

That solution wouldn't be posted there if it would make no sense, so you can also try that.

But do one thing after the other, and let us know what you try and with what results!

[Thrasher91604]

I'm reluctant to un-install Dx9c for a couple of reasons:

1) The FAQ says G II not G II Gold. So it's not clear which version it pertains to. The FAQ points to DxBuster which is older than my version of DirectX. Also the min requirements for GII Gold on the box say DirectX 9. So is this FAQ also out of date? All evidence points towards it being so.
2) DirectX un-installation is not supported by Microsoft. It can only be done with 3rd party tools. None of the third-party tools I could find were designed to un-install a system that came with DirectX 9.0C (like mine). They all restore DirectX 8 from older windows XP disks for older systems. Also, the forums discussing these tools are filled with bug reports and problems with tools and the registry. In particular, it looks like it can be hard to go back to Directx9 after you have un-installed it. I would REALLY be in trouble if I was without DirectX. I'd rather not spend time reinstalling my whole OS and applications.

[Thrasher91604]

Hi all!

Well I tried everything suggested except the DirectX lobotomy, and I'm sad to announce that the slide show effect remains

So..... here is a link to an Everest report on my system.

http://rapidshare.de/files/24431922/Report.txt.html

I really appreciate everyone's help so far!

Thanks!

If that not helps, give us a more complete report:

- Deeper Hardware trouble:
Make a thread for it, download this tool:
EVEREST Home Edition
(Click there on "Jetzt herunterladen", means download now.)

Then install it, start it, choose in the "report"-menu (Bericht) "Quick-Report - All Pages" (Schnellbericht, alle Seiten) -> "Plain text" (Vollständiger Text).
Prog is working, wait a while, when it´s finished click "save to file", and save it.
You cannot post the whole report here, because it´s too long, so upload it to i.e. rapidshare.

[NicoDE]

One of the common problems with Gothic I/II on notebooks are dynamic CPU frequencies. The game detects the freq at start and assumes that it will not be changed. If the freq gets higher (due to heavy load), you'll see a slideshow in the game.
Open the Power Options (Control Panel) and set the Power Scheme to "Presentation" or "Always On" (this will most likely disable the dynamic CPU frequency)

ps: There is a known problem with G2 without the add-on; sometimes the savegame is damaged while entering the third chapter. You might zip 'n upload your savegame to rapidshare, and I'll take a look at it.

[.†.MikeL.†.]

@Thrasher91604
I think I know your problem it happened to a friend of mine and when he installed the NotR the problem was no longer, try it too
Anyway IMO it is better to play NotR it is harder but it has what G2 classic has and a lot more

[Thrasher91604]

@NicoDE

Yes, excellent point! I always run with a custom power profile that never turns anything off / down. I'll double check just to be sure.

@MikeL

Yep, that may fix it. I'm already at level 30, so I would lose a lot time were I to restart with NoTR. But I may have to resort to that approach. I'd hate to get this far again and get stuck the same way though.

Maybe I just need a file or two from NoTR to fix the bug.

GII ALWAYS and ONLY goes to slide show mode for my installation when the castle comes into view in the Valley of the Mines. So, I'm wondering if there is special music for when the castle is in view, or other files that are drawn upon. Maybe I can just copy those files from the NoTR CD onto my hard drive?

Any ideas on what those files could be?

THanks again!

[rockfest]

GII ALWAYS and ONLY goes to slide show mode for my installation when the castle comes into view in the Valley of the Mines. So, I'm wondering if there is special music for when the castle is in view, or otherr files that are drawn upon. Maybe I can just copy those files from the NoTR CD onto my hard drive?

That would be a bad idea imho. Mixing up resources. Even if it's possible to work i have no doubt that you will stumble on other problems because of the move.

But there is a way to import your hero from G2 to G2+addon.

In G2 :
b
marvin
b
F2
hero export notrimport
F2

Then you should locate in your saves folder a filename called notrimport.zen
Then copy that file somewhere and after you have installed the addon copy the file in your saves folder(the one that belongs to the addon).

(Basicaly if you'll install the addon over the current installation the former saves should be located in the backup folder).

Now, in G2+addon :
b
marvin
b
F2
hero import notrimport
F2
b
42
b

That will also disable the marvin mode. With your former hero imported you can make a rush to the valley of mines and see if the bug still happens.
If it works...either you start a new game or you continue playing with this one...it's actually your choice

[Thrasher91604]

@rockfest

Do you suggest I jump into a NoTR game and ignore all the early quests and chapters in NoTR? Will that work? Or just redo them with an highly overpowered character?

[rockfest]

@rockfest

Do you suggest I jump into a NoTR game and ignore all the early quests and chapters in NoTR? Will that work?

No. That will not work. unless you find somewhere else another save with the same place where you left G2. But that's very unlikely.

Or just redo them with an highly overpowered character?

Yep. That's what i did to play notr

[Thrasher91604]

Yep. That's what i did to play notr

Aha! Well that certainly seems like a feasible approach! Although, if I wanted to replay I would pick a different guild (and want to be challenged)....

[Meteorus]

About that DirectX issue - if I remember correctly G2 setup program offered me to install DirectX 8.1, so maybe this could be a problem(though I've never heard, that having latest version of DirectX, than game requires, could cause any problems)

[Danutz_plusplus]

About that DirectX issue - if I remember correctly G2 setup program offered me to install DirectX 8.1, so maybe this could be a problem(though I've never heard, that having latest version of DirectX, than game requires, could cause any problems)

It doesn't cause problems as directx has always been backwards compatible.