Ok I am not going to apologize if I seem rude, because I am pissed over this game, which I never got to play.
Bought it when it came out years ago and it never worked,black screen.
Now years after, in anticipation of GCIII, I am trying ago and still this piece of crap does not work!
Did a fresh install from both CD-ROM's, then downloaded update v1.53 update from this website and extracted files over existing.
Tried to start "GalCiv2.exe" from folder, black "1024 x 768" screen area on my Windows XP sp3, 1920x1080 32bit, ATI 4850 PC.
Tried to set "prefs.ini" to SkipIntro=1, and Fullscreen=1, even with that still does not go full screen, and still black "1024x768" screen area.
Tried setting DisplayWidth=1980 and DisplayHeight=1080, but noooo, neither Windows or Full screen works, all I get a full screen of BLACK!!!
I simply do not understand why the developers could not program this game to work immediately after install on my setup?!?!?!?!? I mean Google "Galactic Civilizations II Black Screen" and you will find many other people wanting to play this game but can't!!!
Here is what was inside "debug.err"
Debug Message: Version v1.53 last updated on: Tue Nov 4 11:55:35 2008
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 10/20/2013, 13:02:58
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: LIVINGROOM
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_qfe.130503-0418)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: GA-MA78GM-S2H
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X2 555 Processor, MMX, 3DNow (2 CPUs), ~3.2GHz
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 260MB used, 2197MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
Manufacturer: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Chip Type: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor (0x9442)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_9442&SUBSYS_E810174B&REV_00
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.7267
Driver Date: 11/16/2012 16:24:32
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB X-Fi Audio [0001]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_000B&SUBSYS_00431102&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1348
Driver Date: 12/18/2012 20:32:52
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Sound device 1:
Description: AMD HD Audio rear output
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1002&DEV_AA01&SUBSYS_00AA0100&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: AtihdXP3.sys
Provider: AMD
Driver Version: 5.18.0000.5514
Driver Date: 5/14/2012 02:12:12
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: No compatible devices found.
Debug Message: InitializeDirect3D Failed.
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
