Topic: SFC3: Unhandled Exception in d3d8.dll..... (possible solutions)

[Strontium9T]

HELP!!!!  I'm recieving this error on load after I hit the "ready" button--  

Unhandled Exception! in Version 1.01 Beta 2 Build 500
SFC3.exe caused an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION in module d3d8.dll at 001B:02CA8309

EAX=00000000  EBX=00000375  ECX=0C1C1FDC  EDX=0155DFC0  ESI=00000400
EDI=0155A8C0  EBP=000003FA  ESP=0013FBE8  EIP=02CA8309  FLG=00010202
CS=001B   DS=0023  SS=0023  ES=0023   FS=003B  GS=0000

001B:02CA8309 (0x00000000 0x00000000 0x00000000 0x00000000) d3d8.dll

My system is:

P3 866 mhz,
256MB DDR RAM,
GeForce FX5200,
SoundBlaster Live! Platinum,
ASUS TUA266 mainboard,
 60GB HDD
Running Win XP Pro SP1

 I've been reviewing posts of other people who have had the same or similar unhandled exceptions and have been in contact w/ Activision's customer support (they have no clue what to do).  I have tried everything from reinstalltion, deleting the SFC3 directory after the uninstall, different drivers for sound card, video card,  AGP bus,  have tried all the different OS's under the compatibility function (no visual themes or advanced text features also), and oh yeah I almost forgot about switching to 16 bit color (I did that also).  Nothing has made any difference.  Not patches, not configuration changes, reinstalls...   NOTHING!  

Can someone please lend me some assistance?  I'm at the end of my wits!!      

   

[WaterTiger]

 

Quote:
 I'm recieving this error on load after I hit the "ready" button--  

What "Ready" button? I don't recall a "Ready" button in the game ...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway ....

I did a little reading up this morning on this dynamic link library file.

I opened it in Wordpad and discovered this ...

 

Quote:
 ?Bd:\builds\nt32_fre\multimedia\directx\dxg\d3d8\fe\devstate.cpp

And this I found in the System32 in reference to it:

 

Quote:
 The application is compiled with SDK version (%d) but the currently installed
runtime supports versions  

So, this leads me to believe this is a Visual Basic Runtime error and something to do with your DirectX version and video drivers.

And, I must ask, have you updated your system files on  Microsoft recently?

Run a full update ... and install the latest version of DX9b.  DirectX9(b) download

If that doesn't work, update the NVidia graphics. On 12/9 the company came out with new drivers that fix tons of SFC3 issues.   NVidia Ge-Force drivers

Here is some information from Microsoft ...

Quote:
SYMPTOMS
If the shim code has a buffer overrun, the computer may stop responding (hang) in the shim .dll files in some scenarios.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows XP. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base

Hope this helps ...

See you in space.

WaterTiger

[Dambreville]

I have the same Vid card model you have...
Alternatively to messing around with drivers and the like, you can try right clicking on the shortcut that you play SFC3 with and go to Properties, then the Compatability tab, and put a check in the Disable visual themes box.  Hit Apply, then OK, and run the game using the shortcut.
This is how I have resolved this issue and how I currently run the game.  It changes little to nothing in the gameplay itself that I can see of.
Let me know how things turn out.  

[Strontium9T]

Unfortunately I already have upgraded to DirectX9b, Win XPSP1a (that's the latest), and I have tried all the video drivers for Nvidia chipsets all the way up from 43.45 (I'm using 53.03 drivers/again the latest).  So I am already fully upgraded as of this date because of this issue with the game.   It used to run fine before I installed DirectX9b, but it crapped out shortly thereafter.

As for the last response from Dambreville:  Please read my post more carefully.  I stated that I have already tried to disable visual themes.  If it was that easy, I would have fixed this problem long ago.  Thanx for the help, anyway.    

[WaterTiger]

 

Quote:
 It used to run fine before I installed DirectX9b, but it crapped out shortly thereafter.
 

OK, do this ... the game wants to auto install the 8.1 DX. Bypass this. Open the DX9b file INSIDE the Activision/SFC3 folder.

This has happened to me before, so now I reinstall the DX9  EVERYtime I reinstall the game.

The game will ask you if you want to install the DX 8.1 and GameSpy Arcade. Say "NO."

Then before you boot it up, execute the DX9 in the SFC folder.

Don't ask me why, just try it.

Yes, I know you have the DX9 already in your system, but the auto install of the DX 8.1 from the original game does something weird when you bypass it. I have explained this to Taldren and Activision doods before and they think I'm off my rocker.

Trust me, it's happened to me and I also run Ge-Force graphics.

Just execute the DX9b file INSIDE the SFC3 folder, and reboot your machine; come back and boot up the game, and I'll bet $10 it works.

Delete everything first and do a fresh install of the game, the BETA and the DX9b. Also, try a defrag after the reboot, shut down the machine again and then bring the game up.

Let me know. I bet this works.

WaterTiger

 

[zaniwhoop2]

Quote:
The application is compiled with SDK version (%d) but the currently installed
runtime supports versions

So, this leads me to believe this is a Visual Basic Runtime error and something to do with your DirectX version and video drivers.

The message is referring to the DirectX Runtime, not the VB runtime.

I suggest re-installing the new nVidia drivers, rebooting in between steps.

Installing DirectX from the SFC3 directory shouldn't be any different than installing it from any other. I'm going to agree with the techies on this one.

And, uh, standard question: Are you overclocking anything in your system?  

[Strontium9T]

Yeah, I was overclocking but that isn't the problem.  I have tried the new drivers (53.03), setting the clock speed to normal,
reinstalling directx9b (and even from the game folder : P); all have had no effect.  I have reinstalled this game, drivers, and directx about 40 times now, hehehe (yes, I rebooted in between).  

[zaniwhoop2]

What brand HD do you have?

If it's an IBM, there's a clue.  

Otherwise I think I'm out of ideas  

[Strontium9T]

I fixed it!!!  It turns out that the problem was with my Logitech software for my remote keyboard and mouse.  I've disabled iTouch and turned of em_exec.exe and now the game works fine (except I can't get into the Dynaverse now, hehehe). Thanks to Cinncinatus for the helpful post!!  

[Undermoose]

I have the same problem and I have a logitech Keyboard and Trackball....

I tried closing ITouch, and stopping the Em_Exec.exe process...

Unfortunately mine doesn't work

[Strontium9T]

I also disabled visual themes under properties on the .EXE icon and also set the color to 16 bit on the desktop settings.  I hope that helps you out.

[Toten]

I too had the same issue.

I received a copy of Call of Duty for christmas and it installed DirectX 9.0b on my drive.  Well and fine I played the game shot some ai and some players on gsa  then tried sfc3.

SFC3 would not even recognize that a version of DirectX was installed, it posted and error detailing that "no version of directx found later than 8.1".

After some panic, I tried to check if it was a graphics interface problem and found that at the NVIDIA site there is an update for my GeForce graphics card dated Dec 9th.  I updated the driver and the problem went away.

Prior to this I was 101 beta patched and the game worked fine with 9.0a, the only change was CoD updating me to 9.0b which caused the headache.

Check for out of date drivers !!!!

Anyone updating to DirectX 9.0b should check for up to date drivers for your graphics cards.  It is what solved my problem.  No messing with SFC3 game files needed.  

[Acidrain]

Can someone explain these Unhandled Exceptional error that you get in game? I never understood why this happenned, if someone could explain in lamiens terms that would be great!? Thank you Acid

                       

[Undermoose]

Many people have been getting the Exception Error in the directx dll... and crashing to desktop....

Many things are tried, including using 16 bit desktop, new drivers, pulling hair, yada yada yada... GREAT GAME once it gets running by the way

Well I found something that worked better than anything as a fix for me.

I now play it with Logitech's ITouch Running, 32 Bit mode, every service on my system running.... hmm in fact.. YAY a totally Normal BOOT! in Windows XP.

On the Program Icon to start SCF3, click properties.
Go to Compatibility.
Choose DISABLE VISUAL THEMES.
Click Apply

WALLA! Happy Gaming!

No more messing with any settings for me.. Runs Great !

[Strontium9T]

HELP!!!!  I'm recieving this error on load after I hit the "ready" button--  

Unhandled Exception! in Version 1.01 Beta 2 Build 500
SFC3.exe caused an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION in module d3d8.dll at 001B:02CA8309

EAX=00000000  EBX=00000375  ECX=0C1C1FDC  EDX=0155DFC0  ESI=00000400
EDI=0155A8C0  EBP=000003FA  ESP=0013FBE8  EIP=02CA8309  FLG=00010202
CS=001B   DS=0023  SS=0023  ES=0023   FS=003B  GS=0000

001B:02CA8309 (0x00000000 0x00000000 0x00000000 0x00000000) d3d8.dll

My system is:

P3 866 mhz,
256MB DDR RAM,
GeForce FX5200,
SoundBlaster Live! Platinum,
ASUS TUA266 mainboard,
 60GB HDD
Running Win XP Pro SP1

 I've been reviewing posts of other people who have had the same or similar unhandled exceptions and have been in contact w/ Activision's customer support (they have no clue what to do).  I have tried everything from reinstalltion, deleting the SFC3 directory after the uninstall, different drivers for sound card, video card,  AGP bus,  have tried all the different OS's under the compatibility function (no visual themes or advanced text features also), and oh yeah I almost forgot about switching to 16 bit color (I did that also).  Nothing has made any difference.  Not patches, not configuration changes, reinstalls...   NOTHING!  

Can someone please lend me some assistance?  I'm at the end of my wits!!      

   

[WaterTiger]

 

Quote:
 I'm recieving this error on load after I hit the "ready" button--  

What "Ready" button? I don't recall a "Ready" button in the game ...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway ....

I did a little reading up this morning on this dynamic link library file.

I opened it in Wordpad and discovered this ...

 

Quote:
 ?Bd:\builds\nt32_fre\multimedia\directx\dxg\d3d8\fe\devstate.cpp

And this I found in the System32 in reference to it:

 

Quote:
 The application is compiled with SDK version (%d) but the currently installed
runtime supports versions  

So, this leads me to believe this is a Visual Basic Runtime error and something to do with your DirectX version and video drivers.

And, I must ask, have you updated your system files on  Microsoft recently?

Run a full update ... and install the latest version of DX9b.  DirectX9(b) download

If that doesn't work, update the NVidia graphics. On 12/9 the company came out with new drivers that fix tons of SFC3 issues.   NVidia Ge-Force drivers

Here is some information from Microsoft ...

Quote:
SYMPTOMS
If the shim code has a buffer overrun, the computer may stop responding (hang) in the shim .dll files in some scenarios.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows XP. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base

Hope this helps ...

See you in space.

WaterTiger

[Dambreville]

I have the same Vid card model you have...
Alternatively to messing around with drivers and the like, you can try right clicking on the shortcut that you play SFC3 with and go to Properties, then the Compatability tab, and put a check in the Disable visual themes box.  Hit Apply, then OK, and run the game using the shortcut.
This is how I have resolved this issue and how I currently run the game.  It changes little to nothing in the gameplay itself that I can see of.
Let me know how things turn out.  

[Strontium9T]

Unfortunately I already have upgraded to DirectX9b, Win XPSP1a (that's the latest), and I have tried all the video drivers for Nvidia chipsets all the way up from 43.45 (I'm using 53.03 drivers/again the latest).  So I am already fully upgraded as of this date because of this issue with the game.   It used to run fine before I installed DirectX9b, but it crapped out shortly thereafter.

As for the last response from Dambreville:  Please read my post more carefully.  I stated that I have already tried to disable visual themes.  If it was that easy, I would have fixed this problem long ago.  Thanx for the help, anyway.    

[WaterTiger]

 

Quote:
 It used to run fine before I installed DirectX9b, but it crapped out shortly thereafter.
 

OK, do this ... the game wants to auto install the 8.1 DX. Bypass this. Open the DX9b file INSIDE the Activision/SFC3 folder.

This has happened to me before, so now I reinstall the DX9  EVERYtime I reinstall the game.

The game will ask you if you want to install the DX 8.1 and GameSpy Arcade. Say "NO."

Then before you boot it up, execute the DX9 in the SFC folder.

Don't ask me why, just try it.

Yes, I know you have the DX9 already in your system, but the auto install of the DX 8.1 from the original game does something weird when you bypass it. I have explained this to Taldren and Activision doods before and they think I'm off my rocker.

Trust me, it's happened to me and I also run Ge-Force graphics.

Just execute the DX9b file INSIDE the SFC3 folder, and reboot your machine; come back and boot up the game, and I'll bet $10 it works.

Delete everything first and do a fresh install of the game, the BETA and the DX9b. Also, try a defrag after the reboot, shut down the machine again and then bring the game up.

Let me know. I bet this works.

WaterTiger

 

[zaniwhoop2]

Quote:
The application is compiled with SDK version (%d) but the currently installed
runtime supports versions

So, this leads me to believe this is a Visual Basic Runtime error and something to do with your DirectX version and video drivers.

The message is referring to the DirectX Runtime, not the VB runtime.

I suggest re-installing the new nVidia drivers, rebooting in between steps.

Installing DirectX from the SFC3 directory shouldn't be any different than installing it from any other. I'm going to agree with the techies on this one.

And, uh, standard question: Are you overclocking anything in your system?  

[Strontium9T]

Yeah, I was overclocking but that isn't the problem.  I have tried the new drivers (53.03), setting the clock speed to normal,
reinstalling directx9b (and even from the game folder : P); all have had no effect.  I have reinstalled this game, drivers, and directx about 40 times now, hehehe (yes, I rebooted in between).  

[zaniwhoop2]

What brand HD do you have?

If it's an IBM, there's a clue.  

Otherwise I think I'm out of ideas  

[Strontium9T]

I fixed it!!!  It turns out that the problem was with my Logitech software for my remote keyboard and mouse.  I've disabled iTouch and turned of em_exec.exe and now the game works fine (except I can't get into the Dynaverse now, hehehe). Thanks to Cinncinatus for the helpful post!!  

[Undermoose]

I have the same problem and I have a logitech Keyboard and Trackball....

I tried closing ITouch, and stopping the Em_Exec.exe process...

Unfortunately mine doesn't work

[Strontium9T]

I also disabled visual themes under properties on the .EXE icon and also set the color to 16 bit on the desktop settings.  I hope that helps you out.

[Toten]

I too had the same issue.

I received a copy of Call of Duty for christmas and it installed DirectX 9.0b on my drive.  Well and fine I played the game shot some ai and some players on gsa  then tried sfc3.

SFC3 would not even recognize that a version of DirectX was installed, it posted and error detailing that "no version of directx found later than 8.1".

After some panic, I tried to check if it was a graphics interface problem and found that at the NVIDIA site there is an update for my GeForce graphics card dated Dec 9th.  I updated the driver and the problem went away.

Prior to this I was 101 beta patched and the game worked fine with 9.0a, the only change was CoD updating me to 9.0b which caused the headache.

Check for out of date drivers !!!!

Anyone updating to DirectX 9.0b should check for up to date drivers for your graphics cards.  It is what solved my problem.  No messing with SFC3 game files needed.  

[Acidrain]

Can someone explain these Unhandled Exceptional error that you get in game? I never understood why this happenned, if someone could explain in lamiens terms that would be great!? Thank you Acid

                       

[Undermoose]

Many people have been getting the Exception Error in the directx dll... and crashing to desktop....

Many things are tried, including using 16 bit desktop, new drivers, pulling hair, yada yada yada... GREAT GAME once it gets running by the way

Well I found something that worked better than anything as a fix for me.

I now play it with Logitech's ITouch Running, 32 Bit mode, every service on my system running.... hmm in fact.. YAY a totally Normal BOOT! in Windows XP.

On the Program Icon to start SCF3, click properties.
Go to Compatibility.
Choose DISABLE VISUAL THEMES.
Click Apply

WALLA! Happy Gaming!

No more messing with any settings for me.. Runs Great !

[Pestalence_XC]

Which game patch are you using?

You should be using the V534b Taldren release or the modded "v534c" patch made by outside sources.

SFC 3 out of box will not work on systems with Direct X 9 unless you get the patch OR you install the SFC 3 v1.01 Direct X 9 fix file..

Also you must have your game running with Visual themes turned off if you are using Vista or Win XP.

Under Vista, you must also set the game to COmpatibility Mode for XPSP2.

Also most people prefer to remove the Cinema folder out of the SFC3/Assets folder as the BIK player interferes with the game's operation.

Hope that this helps