Unable to run PCWS Demo

[willow00]

Hope you can help. I've been trying to run the demo before purchasing Winter Storm. I can get to the opening screen where I purchase my units, but when I click start, it seemes to load but then crashes back to the desktop. I've attached the log file from my last attempt.

Thanks very much - I am very keen to try this game out, especially with the new Kharkov version coming soon.

[willow00]

Here is the DirectX log file...

[Erik Rutins]

Hi Willow,

ORIGINAL: willow00

Hope you can help. I've been trying to run the demo before purchasing Winter Storm. I can get to the opening screen where I purchase my units, but when I click start, it seemes to load but then crashes back to the desktop. I've attached the log file from my last attempt.

Thanks very much - I am very keen to try this game out, especially with the new Kharkov version coming soon.

I don't seem to be able to download the game log file, could you paste the contents into a post here please?

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: willow00
Here is the DirectX log file...

Ok, this answers it.

The problem is that you have an integrated video chipset that is not fully DirectX 9 compatible (doesn't support hardware T&L). We released a patch for the game itself that you can download from this forum which would allow it to work on your system, but it won't look nearly as good as it would with a dedicated video card. Your video chipset is fine for applications and 2D games, but is really not intended for 3D games.

Another option is to try a program like 3D Analyzer (you can google for it) which can allow you to emulate hardware T&L to allow games that need it to work. Either way, the game itself would work on your system, but at a very low quality graphics mode. I'm not sure our patch will work on the demo as it's meant for the official full game, but feel free to download it and give it a try.

Your best option is to go for an inexpensive video card upgrade, such as a GeForce 6200, which can be had for <$50 at places like www.newegg.com. Just make sure you get the right kind for whatever graphics slot your motherboard supports.

Finally, your video and audio drivers are both three years old. I would also update those in any case as it will likely help with a variety of games.

Regards,

- Erik

[willow00]

Thanks very much Erik!&nbsp; I honestly did not realize I my chipset was integrated.&nbsp; I've been meaning to upgrade, so I will go that route an dgive it a try.&nbsp; Really looking forward to trying Winter Storm, and Kharkov!
&nbsp;
Willow