Insert Game CD - Click Play - Get Desktop ? 1

[DRAMO4298]

Hello:

Win95/98

After inserting a Game CD into the CD-ROM drive and clicking on the PLAY button . . . instead of the game starting, I (really my relative) end up back on the Desktop.

I believe it is caused by a "scratched or damaged" CD . . . but, are there OTHER CAUSES of this type of action ("back to desktop" rather than game starting) ??

I do see some "very-minor" scratches on the CD.

Thank you.

 

[mudskipper]

Yeah, there are several factors that can cause this. Off of the top of my head, I can list--
1. Video drivers
2. Direct X
3. Some games will only start if your color depth/resolution are preset in windows (usually, these are cheap and/or old games.
4. Software conflicts (try turning off everything running in the background before running the game.
5. If the game has a section to adjust video settings before actually starting the game, make sure that it is properly set up for your video card.

Does the game work correctly on a different computer? If so, then I would not suspect the scratches as the culprit (especially if the game installed fine).

Hope this helps you...if you have questions, please post back! Mudskipper
___________________________________________________________________________________

Groucho said it best- "A four year-old child could understand this! Quick! Run out and find me a four year-old child: I can't make heads nor tails out of this!"

 

[DRAMO4298]

Yes, MUDSKIPPER:

It happens on my machine and also my relative's machine.

The game is "THE SIMS" and this problem starting happening on my machine.

It was also installed on my relative's machine and after happening on mine - I gave her the CD so she could play it on her machine. She never complained about anything until lately, after she installed "The SIMS House Party" which installed correctly.

She then tried to startup the game with her original "The SIMS" CD and got sent back to her desktop. She also tried using the "House Party" CD . . . but I (think) this CD is only to install the "House Party" to the game "THE SIMS."

I deleted the game from my machine because it wouldn't start anymore . . . but, if she didn't complain afterwards, then, maybe I should eliminate the "scratches" as the problem ( ????? )

Thank you.

 

[mudskipper]

I don't have a solid answer for you, but my guess is that the scratches aren't the problem....

I did a quick search on

http://groups.google.com/

and found that many people are listing similar problems as yours. Most of them are mentioning a conflict with some DVD software--did you both happen to install DVD software right before the problems started?

Probably, I would shut off all background software and try it again. If that doesn't work, then I would check direct X. Use a version that is known to work with the Sims.

Being that I have never played the Sims, I am not the best for specific issues with this game--anybody else out there got any ideas? Mudskipper
___________________________________________________________________________________

Groucho said it best- "A four year-old child could understand this! Quick! Run out and find me a four year-old child: I can't make heads nor tails out of this!"

 

[DRAMO4298]

Hi MUDSKIPPER:

Sorry for delay in replying to your reply. I've been researching this issue and (as you posted) there are MANY things I need to check out.

There is even a certain ORDER in which these Expansion Packs have to be installed. I am travelling this FRIDAY morning about 40-miles (3+ hours on bus, ferry, train, bus) to actually get in front of this computer and check everything out.

This is after 75-minutes on the telephone with the owner cleaning out C:\windows\temp (files), scandisk, removing many DUPLICATE entries in Device Manager (in Safe Mode), checking for DVD Software, etc. etc.

Thank you for help and will get back to you this Saturday about any results . . . or failures.

Best regards (from New York City).

 

[DRAMO4298]

Hello MUDSKIPPER:

I found and fixed the problem !!! When installing the "Livin' Large" expansion pack to "The Sims" . . . I noticed the installation could not find a 'VID:IV50 Decompressor" - which I assumed was used for the INTRODUCTORY VIDEO.

I had to create a desktop shortcut for SIMS.EXE file and after going into the shortcut PROPERTIES, I had to change the TARGET LINE (which contained . . . "C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\SIMS.EXE" ) to the following string:

"C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\SIMS.EXE" -skip_verify -skip_intro -w -nosound

By clicking on this desktop ICON, rather than the PLAY button on the MAIN SCREEN, or rather by EXITING the Main Screen which comes up after inserting the CD, then the game starts correctly.

The child was so happy, tried the game awhile, then asked me to install "The Sims HOUSE PARTY" expansion pack, it also started . . . then, as I was ready to leave, she did something (I wasn't there) and ended up with some kind of "INVALID ERROR or ILLEGAL (something?" and now can't play any of the three games (which are all PATCHED together and run from the last "HOUSE PARTY" CD).

Going back next week - UGH !!! NEW GAME, NEW PROBLEM.

Best regards. :>)

 

[mudskipper]

Well, glad to hear that you found it! Good work!

Sorry to hear about the other problem...if its not one thing, its another!! Such is the life of a tech! Mudskipper
___________________________________________________________________________________

Groucho said it best- "A four year-old child could understand this! Quick! Run out and find me a four year-old child: I can't make heads nor tails out of this!"

 

[DRAMO4298]

Hi Mudskipper:

Yeah, I figured I have to go back and install the "INDEO 5.0 CODECS" and the newest Video Driver 4.11.2560 for her ATI Rage IIC AGP graphics card.

She is now using version 4.10.2440 . . . I am also bringing along the following versions (just in case) . . .

W82560en.EXE
W82548en.EXE
W82440en.EXE
W52330en.EXE
W95-2278.EXE

I am hoping ONE of these versions will eliminate the ERROR message she gets when trying to run the "House Party" game.

Thanks for reply.