Topic: SFCOP failing to start, crashes to desktop! Please Help!

[SFCOP]

Hi, I have the v2552 latest patched SFCOP(do not have EAW) installed on my WinXP Pro rig and when I try to start the game the screen will flicker for about 2 seconds and then crash back to the desktop without seeing any error message or even having anyother problems. The screen is switching around the resolutions for those 2 seconds as if it is ready to start but then crashes. I cannot play!!
I have tried:
Using compatablilty modes(all of them)
Using both executables(StarfleetOP.exe and SFCOP.exe)
Using different desktop screen resolutions and setting the resolution with the Setup Utility
I have not even had the chance to type in the CD key yet!
I DO HOWEVER get to see the intro logo videos if using the SFCOP.exe, but the same problem happens when trying to start up the actual game.
I have the latest patch, system and device drivers, Windows Updates, correct settings ect...
This game has worked on this hardware and system before(under Win98SE) and also works on my Mom's system which has worse hardware and uses WinXP Home.
Please help, and don't say reinstall the game, this was a fresh install in the first place so it would not make a difference anyway.
Thanks!!

[FPF-SCM_TraceyG_XC]

This sounds like DirectX is failing to initialise the graphics screen area. What video card and what version of DirectX do you have?

[SFCOP]

Got Radeon 9800np and DirectX 9.0c, should not be a problem, all other games at least start.

[Bonk]

Is the "Start in" parameter correct for the shortcut when using the StarfleetOP.exe?

Are you running Norton or McAfee or software firewall utilities? (if so completely disable them to test...)

[SFCOP]

If "C:\Program Files\Taldren Software Inc\Starfleet Command Orion Pirates\" is the correct start-in, then yes it is correct. Already tried with disabling non-essintial programs aka virus scanner, same problem still...
Anyother advice and thanks for replys so far...

[3dot14]

some wild shots in the dark:

Turn color depth down to 16 bits?

Get EzIni http://www.khoromag.org/taldren/setup-ezini.exe and set the resolution to something specific. (start with 800 600) (I am guessing maybe the graphic card is too advanced for a game this old?)

Not sure if Ezini has it or not, there is a way to turn the game into Software render mode. try that too. (I know the quality will suffer, but at least we will get a sense of where the problem is?) If ezini doesn't have it, post back, someone will walk you through it.

[Godfather]

hers another shot in the dak..if u go to start/programs/taldren and choose  the "setup utility".In the "Driver" window make sure its using the"primary display driver"

[ShadowLord]

Speaking of shots in the dark -- dont have the box in front of me but--

Is OP made to play under win XP ? or did win XP come out after OP ?

ShadowLord

[SFCOP]

I tried 16bit color, failed
I tried EzINI at 640x480,800x600, 1024x768, all failed
I tried software mode, failed
I tried primary display driver, failed
I also tried changing the desktop resolution in all attempts above, all failed

The box does not list WinXP as it was not out yet, but the game does work on XP, as my Mom's system plays it just fine with WinXP.

Any more sugesstions?
Thanks for help so far.

[Pestalence_XC]

OK.. to set up OP to play correctly... look at my topic for the OP Enhancement Package v3.2 located at

http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163355999.0.html

and try using it.. it fixes a lot of issues (including some single player campaign setting files)... that is if you follow the instructions..

also, delete any saved games you may have..

Try reinstalling DirectX 9.0c in the event it may be corrupt..

Try uninstalling the game and deleting the game directory.. disable (or remove in the event of using AVG Anti-Virus) your Anti-Virus software.. reinstall game and patch to v2552.. some Anti-Virus software corrupts the patch during install...

make sure that your shortcut is pointing to the StarfleetOP.exe and not SFCOP.exe.... SFCOP.exe is broken.

Your video card may be the issue.. try trying a lower driver version that what you are currently using, or a newer driver if you haven't updated it lately.. this was the cause of 80% of OP problems and ATI graphics cards.. poor drivers from them.. Great cards, bad drivers....

Use the EZ-INI utility contained in the install of the OP Enhancement Package to set your game resolution to match your screen resolution.. also you can disable auto filming and set game standard difficulty with it and hide BPV and race from others if playing on GSA and you are hosting...

[SFCOP]

Thanks for the suggestions, I was thinking about trying different drivers anyway, as my Rady 9800np stoped expirencing improvements a long time ago from new drivers, now all ATI improves is there new cards, sometimes breaking older ones IMO. I may install the enchancement pack, but I want to first play the game without any mods or custom stuff, so it will be a last resort.
I will report back with the system diagnostics, sir!

[SFCOP]

Hailing Freq. open...recieving status report...USS Computer reports partial sucess in runing the application!!

I installed the Catalyst 4.12 drivers(after removing the 5.8 I was using) but the game would still not run, same problem.
Then I uninstalled the game compleatly, and reinstalled v2500 from the CD. What do you know, IT WORKS!!!!
Loads right up and plays perfectly, just as I remember!
This time when installing, I made sure to disable my PcCillin AV software first, and now it runs. HOWEVER, I have not installed the v2552 patch, and I never tested the v2500 under the old drivers(actually the newer ones), but now i am worried that installing the patch(which last time I did with AV enabled) might make the game revert to its previous problems. So... any advice on these matters, now at least the game runs!! I want the patch fixes if posible. Thanks for your help so far!

EDIT: I have now installed the v2552 patch, no problems, works flawlessly!!!!! Thank you so much for the help, the AV software was the problem i guess, dont know why that would be. Reporting for duty!

[KBF-Kurok]

glad you got it worked out