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Thread: Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

  1. 09-06-2007 #1
    gardenhose101 Guest

    Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

    Hello,
    I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    answer and came across the Microsoft article
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    computer:

    System:
    Microsoft Windows XP
    Professional
    Version 2002
    Service Pack 2

    Manufactured and supported by:
    Toshiba
    Satellite
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM

    Adapter Information:
    Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    Memory Size: 512 MB
    Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21

    DirectX Features:
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled


    I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    advance
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  2. 10-06-2007 #2
    gardenhose101 Guest

    RE: Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

    wait, I noticed if I uninstalled my graphics driver it worked... but only
    that one game. Everything else is messed up. Is there a way I can
    "temporarily" disable the driver?

    "gardenhose101" wrote:

    > Hello,
    > I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    > it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    > game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    > system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    > DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    > though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    > I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    > I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    > enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    > answer and came across the Microsoft article
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    > It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    > looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    > about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    > here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    > computer:
    >
    > System:
    > Microsoft Windows XP
    > Professional
    > Version 2002
    > Service Pack 2
    >
    > Manufactured and supported by:
    > Toshiba
    > Satellite
    > Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    > T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    > 2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM
    >
    > Adapter Information:
    > Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    > Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    > DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    > Memory Size: 512 MB
    > Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    > Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21
    >
    > DirectX Features:
    > DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    > DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    > Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    > AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled
    >
    >
    > I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    > advance
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  3. 10-06-2007 #3
    Jimmy S. Guest

    Re: Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

    Hi gardenhose101,

    Rolling back the video driver and then restoring it each time
    you launch the game doesn't seem like a good idea. Let's
    try using compatibility mode to force the screen resolution...

    To run an installed program using Windows XP's Compatibility Mode,
    first right click the program and "Send To..." / Desktop (create shortcut).

    1.. Right click on the shortcut to the program.
    2.. Click on Properties.
    3.. Click on the Compatibility tab.
    4.. Click on Run this program in compatibility mode and select one of these:
    a.. Windows 95
    b.. Windows 98
    c.. Windows NT 4
    d.. Windows 2000
    5.. Under Display settings, check mark the mode that you think that is best:
    a.. Run in 256 colors.
    b.. Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution.
    c.. Disable visual themes.

    Click on Apply.Click on Ok.Double click on the program.

    --
    Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

    Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
    MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    _________________________________________________________



    gardenhose101 Wrote:
    =================
    | wait, I noticed if I uninstalled my graphics driver it worked... but only
    | that one game. Everything else is messed up. Is there a way I can
    | "temporarily" disable the driver?
    |
    | "gardenhose101" wrote:
    |
    || Hello,
    || I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    || it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    || game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    || system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    || DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    || though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    || I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    || I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    || enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    || answer and came across the Microsoft article
    || http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    || It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    || looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    || about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    || here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    || computer:
    ||
    || System:
    || Microsoft Windows XP
    || Professional
    || Version 2002
    || Service Pack 2
    ||
    || Manufactured and supported by:
    || Toshiba
    || Satellite
    || Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    || T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    || 2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM
    ||
    || Adapter Information:
    || Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    || Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    || DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    || Memory Size: 512 MB
    || Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    || Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21
    ||
    || DirectX Features:
    || DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    || DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    || Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    || AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled
    ||
    ||
    || I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    || advance


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  4. 11-06-2007 #4
    gardenhose101 Guest

    Re: Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

    Well I tried over 32 different combinations (all of them) of compatibility
    modes and not one worked. Notably, the ones for Windows 95 and 98 crashed,
    and the Windows NT constantly had an error message to insert the CD, and
    Windows 2000 just had the error message "could not initialize graphics
    system...".

    I was wondering if there was a log file that I could create/find that could
    record the errors that the game experiences and lists what files are causing
    it. Almost all the other games I have have them but I haven't been able to
    find one for Age of Empires II. I would imagine that it would be a lot easier
    to determine what exactly is triggering the error message.
    "Jimmy S." wrote:

    > Hi gardenhose101,
    >
    > Rolling back the video driver and then restoring it each time
    > you launch the game doesn't seem like a good idea. Let's
    > try using compatibility mode to force the screen resolution...
    >
    > To run an installed program using Windows XP's Compatibility Mode,
    > first right click the program and "Send To..." / Desktop (create shortcut).
    >
    > 1.. Right click on the shortcut to the program.
    > 2.. Click on Properties.
    > 3.. Click on the Compatibility tab.
    > 4.. Click on Run this program in compatibility mode and select one of these:
    > a.. Windows 95
    > b.. Windows 98
    > c.. Windows NT 4
    > d.. Windows 2000
    > 5.. Under Display settings, check mark the mode that you think that is best:
    > a.. Run in 256 colors.
    > b.. Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution.
    > c.. Disable visual themes.
    >
    > Click on Apply.Click on Ok.Double click on the program.
    >
    > --
    > Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    > Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
    >
    > Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
    > MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    > My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    > _________________________________________________________
    >
    >
    >
    > gardenhose101 Wrote:
    > =================
    > | wait, I noticed if I uninstalled my graphics driver it worked... but only
    > | that one game. Everything else is messed up. Is there a way I can
    > | "temporarily" disable the driver?
    > |
    > | "gardenhose101" wrote:
    > |
    > || Hello,
    > || I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    > || it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    > || game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    > || system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    > || DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    > || though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    > || I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    > || I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    > || enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    > || answer and came across the Microsoft article
    > || http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    > || It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    > || looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    > || about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    > || here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    > || computer:
    > ||
    > || System:
    > || Microsoft Windows XP
    > || Professional
    > || Version 2002
    > || Service Pack 2
    > ||
    > || Manufactured and supported by:
    > || Toshiba
    > || Satellite
    > || Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    > || T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    > || 2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM
    > ||
    > || Adapter Information:
    > || Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    > || Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    > || DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    > || Memory Size: 512 MB
    > || Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    > || Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21
    > ||
    > || DirectX Features:
    > || DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    > || DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    > || Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    > || AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled
    > ||
    > ||
    > || I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    > || advance
    >
    >
    >
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  5. 17-06-2007 #5
    Jimmy S. Guest

    Re: Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

    Hi gardenhose101,

    Since the problem has been narrowed down to the video
    driver, it may be necessary to lower your video settings
    in the game until you can test the next driver which will
    be released by Nvidia for your Toshiba laptop.

    --
    Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

    Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
    MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    _________________________________________________________

    gardenhose101 Wrote:
    =================
    | Well I tried over 32 different combinations (all of them) of compatibility
    | modes and not one worked. Notably, the ones for Windows 95 and 98 crashed,
    | and the Windows NT constantly had an error message to insert the CD, and
    | Windows 2000 just had the error message "could not initialize graphics
    | system...".
    |
    | I was wondering if there was a log file that I could create/find that could
    | record the errors that the game experiences and lists what files are causing
    | it. Almost all the other games I have have them but I haven't been able to
    | find one for Age of Empires II. I would imagine that it would be a lot easier
    | to determine what exactly is triggering the error message.
    | "Jimmy S." wrote:
    |
    || Hi gardenhose101,
    ||
    || Rolling back the video driver and then restoring it each time
    || you launch the game doesn't seem like a good idea. Let's
    || try using compatibility mode to force the screen resolution...
    ||
    || To run an installed program using Windows XP's Compatibility Mode,
    || first right click the program and "Send To..." / Desktop (create shortcut).
    ||
    || 1.. Right click on the shortcut to the program.
    || 2.. Click on Properties.
    || 3.. Click on the Compatibility tab.
    || 4.. Click on Run this program in compatibility mode and select one of these:
    || a.. Windows 95
    || b.. Windows 98
    || c.. Windows NT 4
    || d.. Windows 2000
    || 5.. Under Display settings, check mark the mode that you think that is best:
    || a.. Run in 256 colors.
    || b.. Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution.
    || c.. Disable visual themes.
    ||
    || Click on Apply.Click on Ok.Double click on the program.
    ||
    || --
    || Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    || Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
    ||
    || Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
    || MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    || My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    || _________________________________________________________
    ||
    ||
    ||
    || gardenhose101 Wrote:
    || =================
    ||| wait, I noticed if I uninstalled my graphics driver it worked... but only
    ||| that one game. Everything else is messed up. Is there a way I can
    ||| "temporarily" disable the driver?
    |||
    ||| "gardenhose101" wrote:
    |||
    |||| Hello,
    |||| I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    |||| it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    |||| game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    |||| system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    |||| DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    |||| though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    |||| I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    |||| I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    |||| enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    |||| answer and came across the Microsoft article
    |||| http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    |||| It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    |||| looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    |||| about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    |||| here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    |||| computer:
    ||||
    |||| System:
    |||| Microsoft Windows XP
    |||| Professional
    |||| Version 2002
    |||| Service Pack 2
    ||||
    |||| Manufactured and supported by:
    |||| Toshiba
    |||| Satellite
    |||| Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    |||| T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    |||| 2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM
    ||||
    |||| Adapter Information:
    |||| Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    |||| Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    |||| DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    |||| Memory Size: 512 MB
    |||| Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    |||| Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21
    ||||
    |||| DirectX Features:
    |||| DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    |||| DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    |||| Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    |||| AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled
    ||||
    ||||
    |||| I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    |||| advance


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  6. 11-12-2007 #6
    matt k
    matt k is offline Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    1
    how would you go about reinstalling the graphics driver once you have unistalled because my brother has kindly done that for me to get on age of empires but neither me nor him know how to get it back again
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  7. 13-12-2007 #7
    Jimmy S. Guest

    Re: Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system

    Hi matt k,


    Updating video card drivers can solve most gaming issues. Here's some
    simple abc's to always keep in mind. a. Shut off download accelerators,
    firewalls and antivirus programs when downloading or installing updates;
    b. Search for game patches at the game's site or at www.downloads.com
    c. Make sure you meet the game's minimum video and system requirements.

    Before you update your drivers, I recommend that you update DirectX
    from: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx

    Here are the steps I recommend you use to update your driver:

    1. To identify the make and model of your card, right click your
    Desktop, choose Properties / Settings / Advanced / Adapter.

    2. Download the latest video driver for your card online, using
    http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits/Video.html#drivers
    to find the website to download from. I also have advanced
    video driver and direct X troubleshooting steps on that page.

    3. Save the .exe driver (or extract the zip file) to a folder
    in My Documents named after the driver version number.

    4. Restart the computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key
    about once every second as it's rebooting to pick Safe Mode.

    5. Click Start / (settings) Control Panel / System / Hardware
    Device Manager / expand +Display Adapters / right click on
    the adapter, pick "Uninstall", and click No if asked to reboot.

    6. Use Control Panel / Add-Remove programs to uninstall the
    previous driver (exe)software which may have been installed.

    7. Restart the computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key
    about once every second as it's rebooting to pick Safe Mode.

    8. If the driver is NOT a (.exe)program file, GO TO step 11.

    9. When Windows prompts you to install the video adapter, click
    "Cancel" and Double click the driver program to begin installation.
    * Even if not prompted, doubleclick the driver and install it.

    10. After you reboot, go to Control Panel / Display / Settings and
    choose 32 bit Color Quality, and 800x600 or higher Resolution.
    That's it! Scroll down to the Troubleshooter if you have problems.

    11. When Windows prompts you to install the video adapter, click
    "Install from a list or specific location", click the "Browse" button,
    browse to the My documents folder where you saved the driver,
    and finally click on one of the driver files to begin installation.

    ** If you are not prompted, or if the driver was updated automatically:
    Click Start / (settings) Control Panel / System / Hardware Device Manager
    expand +Display Adapters / right click on the adapter, pick "Update Driver"
    to start the Update Wizard, choose the "Install from a list..." option:
    Browse to My Documents\ folder with the driver in it
    Click OK and click Next to begin the update.

    12. After you reboot, go to Control Panel / Display / Settings and
    choose 32 bit Color Quality, and 800x600 or higher Resolution.
    That's it! Try the advice in the Troubleshooter if you have problems.

    TROUBLESHOOTING:

    Test your drivers using DXDiag: Click Start / Run / type: DXDIAG
    Click the "Test" buttons in the Display, Sound, Music & Network Tabs;
    If any of the Display options are Disabled and you cannot Enable them,
    your most likely solution would be to update your Chipset Drivers as per
    my website: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits/Video.html#v11

    Your program might not support dual monitors, or "dual head" video cards
    You can disable the extra video output in your display properties control
    panel. Click Start>Settings>Control Panel>Display>Settings>Advanced.

    Along with your Video card, Sound Cards, Motherboard Chipsets,
    and Video Monitors may also require updated drivers. Even your
    motherboard's BIOS may need to be updated for compatibility with
    your Video card. These steps are listed at: http://NibblesNbitsVideo.tk

    Perhaps the old Video drivers did not completely uninstall. If that's the
    case, use these utility to completely uninstall the drivers and go to step
    7:
    nvidia: http://content.guru3d.com/index.php?...atorrip&menu=0
    or for all cards including nvidia use: http://www.driverheaven.net/cleaner/

    The latest video drivers sometime don't work with a particular game.
    (Check the Video suggestions in the readme.txt file in your game folder/CD)
    If there's no suggestions, try an older (WHQL) driver, and/or if you still
    experience problems try a Beta driver, or even an Omega driver instead:

    BETA Drivers: http://download.guru3d.com/
    OMEGA Drivers: http://www.omegadrivers.net

    There you have it, if you have any questions feel free to post them! :-)

    Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

    Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
    MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    _________________________________________________________



    matt k Wrote:
    =================
    | how would you go about reinstalling the graphics driver once you have
    | unistalled because my brother has kindly done that for me to get on age
    | of empires but neither me nor him know how to get it back again


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  8. 23-12-2009 #8
    wesley cole Guest

    Hopefully help

    Hi,

    I had the same problem as you but i have solved it now. you could try dowloading DirectX 8.1 Runtime for Windows 2000 off the microsoft website for free http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...b-3157fba4c3a7. After that right click on a shortcut of The age of empires 2 game then going into properties; compatibility; run this program in compatibility mode for; either windows 2000 or windows XP (service pack 2) make sure you apply then restart your computer/laptop, Any problems feel free to reply via email



    gardenhose10 wrote:

    Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system
    08-Jun-07

    Hello,
    I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    answer and came across the Microsoft article
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    computer:

    System:
    Microsoft Windows XP
    Professional
    Version 2002
    Service Pack 2

    Manufactured and supported by:
    Toshiba
    Satellite
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM

    Adapter Information:
    Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    Memory Size: 512 MB
    Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21

    DirectX Features:
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled


    I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    advance

    Previous Posts In This Thread:

    On Friday, June 08, 2007 3:06 PM
    gardenhose10 wrote:

    Age of Empires II - Error Could not initialize graphics system
    Hello,
    I have been using Age of Empires II Gold Edition for some time now and love
    it. The problem is that I recently got a new laptop and I tried to run the
    game and I kept getting the error message "Could not initialize graphics
    system. Make sure that your video card and driver are compatible with
    DirectDraw". This did not occur with my older laptop and it worked fine even
    though it had a poorer graphics card and processor.
    I tried reinstalling several times and running "dxdiag" in Run to no avail.
    I know I have Direct Draw installed on this laptop and have way more than
    enough on my system to run the game. I tried searching the internet for an
    answer and came across the Microsoft article
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/242902 which would seemingly fix the problem.
    It didn't. I tried every example on there and none of them worked. I tried
    looking through the support section to try to find a way to contact someone
    about it. After about 5 hours of searching and much frustration I have come
    here. Hopefully someone will know what is going on. Here are the stats to my
    computer:

    System:
    Microsoft Windows XP
    Professional
    Version 2002
    Service Pack 2

    Manufactured and supported by:
    Toshiba
    Satellite
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
    T7200 @ 2.00GHz
    2.01 GHz. 2.00 GB of RAM

    Adapter Information:
    Manufacturer: NVIDIA
    Chip Type: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
    Memory Size: 512 MB
    Adapter String: GeForce Go 7900 GTX
    Bios Information: Version 5.71.22.08.21

    DirectX Features:
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
    DirectDraw Acceleration: Enabled
    Direct3D Acceleration: Enabled
    AGP Texture Acceleration: Enabled


    I hope that is enough information to determine what is wrong. Thanks in
    advance

    On Saturday, June 09, 2007 7:08 PM
    gardenhose10 wrote:

    wait, I noticed if I uninstalled my graphics driver it worked...
    wait, I noticed if I uninstalled my graphics driver it worked... but only
    that one game. Everything else is messed up. Is there a way I can
    "temporarily" disable the driver?

    "gardenhose101" wrote:

    On Sunday, June 10, 2007 11:31 AM
    Jimmy S. wrote:

    Hi gardenhose101,Rolling back the video driver and then restoring it each
    Hi gardenhose101,

    Rolling back the video driver and then restoring it each time
    you launch the game doesn't seem like a good idea. Let's
    try using compatibility mode to force the screen resolution...

    To run an installed program using Windows XP's Compatibility Mode,
    first right click the program and "Send To..." / Desktop (create shortcut).

    1.. Right click on the shortcut to the program.
    2.. Click on Properties.
    3.. Click on the Compatibility tab.
    4.. Click on Run this program in compatibility mode and select one of these:
    a.. Windows 95
    b.. Windows 98
    c.. Windows NT 4
    d.. Windows 2000
    5.. Under Display settings, check mark the mode that you think that is best:
    a.. Run in 256 colors.
    b.. Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution.
    c.. Disable visual themes.

    Click on Apply.Click on Ok.Double click on the program.

    --
    Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

    Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
    MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    _________________________________________________________



    gardenhose101 Wrote:
    =================

    On Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:58 PM
    gardenhose10 wrote:

    Well I tried over 32 different combinations (all of them) of compatibility
    Well I tried over 32 different combinations (all of them) of compatibility
    modes and not one worked. Notably, the ones for Windows 95 and 98 crashed,
    and the Windows NT constantly had an error message to insert the CD, and
    Windows 2000 just had the error message "could not initialize graphics
    system...".

    I was wondering if there was a log file that I could create/find that could
    record the errors that the game experiences and lists what files are causing
    it. Almost all the other games I have have them but I haven't been able to
    find one for Age of Empires II. I would imagine that it would be a lot easier
    to determine what exactly is triggering the error message.
    "Jimmy S." wrote:

    On Sunday, June 17, 2007 1:35 PM
    Jimmy S. wrote:

    Hi gardenhose101,Since the problem has been narrowed down to the videodriver,
    Hi gardenhose101,

    Since the problem has been narrowed down to the video
    driver, it may be necessary to lower your video settings
    in the game until you can test the next driver which will
    be released by Nvidia for your Toshiba laptop.

    --
    Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

    Visit my MSN Games and Windows Gaming Help Site: www.msce.mvps.org
    MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    _________________________________________________________

    gardenhose101 Wrote:
    =================

    On Tuesday, December 11, 2007 8:49 AM
    matt k wrote:

    how would you go about reinstalling the graphics driver once you
    how would you go about reinstalling the graphics driver once you have
    unistalled because my brother has kindly done that for me to get on age
    of empires but neither me nor him know how to get it back again


    --
    matt k
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    matt k's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/member.php?userid=37044
    View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=762476

    http://forums.techarena.in

    On Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:18 AM
    Jimmy S. wrote:

    Hi matt k,Updating video card drivers can solve most gaming issues.
    Hi matt k,


    Updating video card drivers can solve most gaming issues. Here's some
    simple abc's to always keep in mind. a. Shut off download accelerators,
    firewalls and antivirus programs when downloading or installing updates;
    b. Search for game patches at the game's site or at www.downloads.com
    c. Make sure you meet the game's minimum video and system requirements.

    Before you update your drivers, I recommend that you update DirectX
    from: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx

    Here are the steps I recommend you use to update your driver:

    1. To identify the make and model of your card, right click your
    Desktop, choose Properties / Settings / Advanced / Adapter.

    2. Download the latest video driver for your card online, using
    http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits/Video.html#drivers
    to find the website to download from. I also have advanced
    video driver and direct X troubleshooting steps on that page.

    3. Save the .exe driver (or extract the zip file) to a folder
    in My Documents named after the driver version number.

    4. Restart the computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key
    about once every second as it's rebooting to pick Safe Mode.

    5. Click Start / (settings) Control Panel / System / Hardware
    Device Manager / expand +Display Adapters / right click on
    the adapter, pick "Uninstall", and click No if asked to reboot.

    6. Use Control Panel / Add-Remove programs to uninstall the
    previous driver (exe)software which may have been installed.

    7. Restart the computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key
    about once every second as it's rebooting to pick Safe Mode.

    8. If the driver is NOT a (.exe)program file, GO TO step 11.

    9. When Windows prompts you to install the video adapter, click
    "Cancel" and Double click the driver program to begin installation.
    * Even if not prompted, doubleclick the driver and install it.

    10. After you reboot, go to Control Panel / Display / Settings and
    choose 32 bit Color Quality, and 800x600 or higher Resolution.
    That's it! Scroll down to the Troubleshooter if you have problems.

    11. When Windows prompts you to install the video adapter, click
    "Install from a list or specific location", click the "Browse" button,
    browse to the My documents folder where you saved the driver,
    and finally click on one of the driver files to begin installation.

    ** If you are not prompted, or if the driver was updated automatically:
    Click Start / (settings) Control Panel / System / Hardware Device Manager
    expand +Display Adapters / right click on the adapter, pick "Update Driver"
    to start the Update Wizard, choose the "Install from a list..." option:
    Browse to My Documents\ folder with the driver in it
    Click OK and click Next to begin the update.

    12. After you reboot, go to Control Panel / Display / Settings and
    choose 32 bit Color Quality, and 800x600 or higher Resolution.
    That's it! Try the advice in the Troubleshooter if you have problems.

    TROUBLESHOOTING:

    Test your drivers using DXDiag: Click Start / Run / type: DXDIAG
    Click the "Test" buttons in the Display, Sound, Music & Network Tabs;
    If any of the Display options are Disabled and you cannot Enable them,
    your most likely solution would be to update your Chipset Drivers as per
    my website: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits/Video.html#v11

    Your program might not support dual monitors, or "dual head" video cards
    You can disable the extra video output in your display properties control
    panel. Click Start>Settings>Control Panel>Display>Settings>Advanced.

    Along with your Video card, Sound Cards, Motherboard Chipsets,
    and Video Monitors may also require updated drivers. Even your
    motherboard's BIOS may need to be updated for compatibility with
    your Video card. These steps are listed at: http://NibblesNbitsVideo.tk

    Perhaps the old Video drivers did not completely uninstall. If that's the
    case, use these utility to completely uninstall the drivers and go to step
    7:
    nvidia: http://content.guru3d.com/index.php?...atorrip&menu=0
    or for all cards including nvidia use: http://www.driverheaven.net/cleaner/

    The latest video drivers sometime don't work with a particular game.
    (Check the Video suggestions in the readme.txt file in your game folder/CD)
    If there's no suggestions, try an older (WHQL) driver, and/or if you still
    experience problems try a Beta driver, or even an Omega driver instead:

    BETA Drivers: http://download.guru3d.com/
    OMEGA Drivers: http://www.omegadrivers.net

    There you have it, if you have any questions feel free to post them! :-)

    Cheers, *Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User*
    Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

    Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
    MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
    My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
    _________________________________________________________



    matt k Wrote:
    =================


    Submitted via EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
    IE7 RC1 Now available
    http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...available.aspx
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
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