Topic: SFC3.exe caused an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION in module d3d8.dll

[LogicSequence]

i just built a new computer, intel Core 2 Duo, geforce 7900GTX, X-Fi sound (all my drivers are up to date... i installed SFC3, patched to 534b, disabled visual themes, as i've always done to start SFC3.  However, when i start a skirmish or play a mission, the game crashes with the message:

Unhandled Exception! in Version 1.01 Build 534
SFC3.exe caused an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION in module d3d8.dll at 0023:6DAF60C5, ValidateVertexShader()+437525 byte(s)

EAX=0123C000  EBX=00000000  ECX=06B9EBEC  EDX=00000011  ESI=00000400
EDI=00000400  EBP=002DFBF4  ESP=002DFBE8  EIP=6DAF60C5  FLG=00210206
CS=0023   DS=002B  SS=002B  ES=002B   FS=0053  GS=002B

0023:6DAF60C5 (0x00000000 0x00000100 0x06B9DCFC 0x00372200) d3d8.dll, ValidateVertexShader()+437525 byte(s)
0023:6DAB65BC (0x00372200 0x00000000 0x00372200 0x00372204) d3d8.dll, ValidateVertexShader()+176652 byte(s)
0023:6DAB41B8 (0x00372200 0x00000016 0x00038000 0x00372200) d3d8.dll, ValidateVertexShader()+167432 byte(s)
0023:6DAA3DC9 (0x00372200 0x00000016 0x00038000 0x03FA23C0) d3d8.dll, ValidateVertexShader()+100889 byte(s)
0023:5100A81C (0x00372200 0xFFFFFFFF 0x00038000 0x00000000) ModelRendererR.DLL
0023:5100263C (0x00372200 0x00000001 0x00038000 0xFFFFFFFF) ModelRendererR.DLL
0023:0042C405 (0x044F0048 0xFFFFFFFF 0x00038000 0x00000000) SFC3.exe
0023:0051D7BE (0x004F0048 0x044F0048 0x004C12CB 0x044F0048) SFC3.exe
0023:0051DB45 (0x044F0048 0x00405AA2 0x044F0048 0x00401790) SFC3.exe
0023:004794FE (0x0099DE20 0x00407366 0x7D947861 0x00631B65) SFC3.exe
0023:004059E0 (0x00400000 0x002E24FA 0x00000001 0x00000000) SFC3.exe
0023:00632653 (0x00000000 0x00000000 0x7EFDF000 0x00000000) SFC3.exe
0023:7D4E992A (0x007B9AB9 0x00000000 0x000000C8 0x00000185) kernel32.dll

Am i missing something here?

[LogicSequence]

ANYONE????

[Bonk]

I don't play SFC3 myself, but I know there are issues with what version of directx you run and what order you load SFC3 patches and such... let me do a quick search...

[Bonk]

Try this:

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

[Bonk]

Also read this thread:

SFC 3 patch v534 Revision B (v534_b)

[LogicSequence]

i'm aware of the proper loading and patching proceedure, i've done it numerous times before.  And i know to disable visual themes as well.  which i did... i beleive i put that in my origional post.  As far as i know i've done everything correctly.

I'm worried it has to do with my 64bit operating system (windows xp pro x64).  But i don't know what to do about it?  or perhaps its a directX issue... does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?  Has anyone played SFC3 on a 64bit system?  Does SFC3 cr@p itself on dual core computers?

[Bonk]

Oops, missed that you already tried disabling visual themes.

I'm not aware of any people running SFC3 on a 64 bit OS. Though there is someone around here running OP on one I think. Ya, its LordKrueg... he might have some tips for you?

64 bit processors provide memory addressing for up to 17,179,869,184 gigabytes. (Limitied practically to less by the OS used) They are intended for extreme server and supercomputing applications. I have no idea why the home consumer market was convinced they needed them for some reason. 

For HP Superdomes and whatnot I can see the uses but in the home? <baffled>

If you have a 32 bit machine and OS available I'd use that, you certainly don't need a 64 bit system to play SFC3.

[LogicSequence]

um, trust me, this machine wasn't built to play SFC3 sir.  I'm a digital animator by profession, i deal with graphic design, 3d modeling, and texturing.  And it's also my gaming rig.  Besides, i have too much memory for a 32bit OS to fully utilize.  i just happen to want to get SFC3 to work so i can play it.  And my machine isn't a simple 32bit machine.  Core 2 Duo's are built for 64bits baby .  to quote the wiki article you quoted me:

As of 2004, 64-bit CPUs are common in servers, and have recently been introduced to the (previously 32-bit) mainstream personal computer arena in the form of the AMD64/EM64T and 64-bit PowerPC processor architectures.

and by the way, 64 bit OS's aren't intended just for servers and supercomputers (the latter is a little rediculous, since mose use custom designed Operating Systems).  64bit OS's are intended for High end workstations, which happens to be what my computer is, servers, and Video editing rigs (also what my computer is).  Why do you think MS release Windows XP Pro x64?  Certainly not for suppercomputers.  And there will be several versions of Windows Vista in 64bits.  That's the direction everything is headed.  64bits is the future, that's been made clear time and again.  Vista will probably be one of MS's last OS's to offer 32 bit versions.

But this is all beside the point, i still need some help finding out what the problem is, so i can play SFC3 and finish my mod.

[Bonk]

Wow, you must be doing some pretty serious modelling to need more than 4GB of RAM.    Must be neat stuff! 

Are your modelling and graphics programs actually 64 bit applications or are they 32 bit applications running under WOW64? (still limited to 4GB RAM)

As of 2004, 64-bit CPUs are common in servers,  and have recently been introduced to the (previously 32-bit) mainstream personal computer arena  in the form of the AMD64/EM64T and 64-bit PowerPC processor architectures.

...but I still do not see why the average home user needs access to a system with more than 4GB of RAM, its a marketing gimmick, pure and simple.

the latter is a little rediculous, since mose use custom designed Operating Systems

Not at all, 64bit HP-UX is designed with the massively SMP and huge memory of superdome and similar hardware in mind...

Why do you think MS release Windows XP Pro x64?

Because home users are getting sucked into buying 64bit machines they really don't need and MS must capitalise on every opening in the market to maintain its dominance. Whether the market is actually needed or not. If people think they need it, then MS must oblige.

But as you suggest, this is beside the point. I still think it might be worth running SFC3 on a standard 32 bit system and do your huge graphics works on your 64 bit workstation. That would probably be the simplest solution.

I'm about out of ideas, Pestalence is our resident expert on SFC3 issues and does not seem to be around at the moment...

Maybe try a search of the forums for "d3d8.dll" and see what you can turn up?

[S31-Riptide]

Update your video card and sound card drivers.... also reinstall direct x 9c... and all of the above... also go into your  SFC3/Assets/Scripts/ directory and delete your Allscripts.cache file...

Have you had the game running in the past?

Have you added any new models?

I don't know any players in sfc3 running the 64bit systems, so this could very well be a compatibility issue with new technology on a 4.5year old game.

[LogicSequence]

Wow, you must be doing some pretty serious modelling to need more than 4GB of RAM.    Must be neat stuff! 

Are your modelling and graphics programs actually 64 bit applications or are they 32 bit applications running under WOW64? (still limited to 4GB RAM)

As of 2004, 64-bit CPUs are common in servers,  and have recently been introduced to the (previously 32-bit) mainstream personal computer arena  in the form of the AMD64/EM64T and 64-bit PowerPC processor architectures.

...but I still do not see why the average home user needs access to a system with more than 4GB of RAM, its a marketing gimmick, pure and simple.

the latter is a little rediculous, since mose use custom designed Operating Systems

Not at all, 64bit HP-UX is designed with the massively SMP and huge memory of superdome and similar hardware in mind...

Why do you think MS release Windows XP Pro x64?

Because home users are getting sucked into buying 64bit machines they really don't need and MS must capitalise on every opening in the market to maintain its dominance. Whether the market is actually needed or not. If people think they need it, then MS must oblige.

But as you suggest, this is beside the point. I still think it might be worth running SFC3 on a standard 32 bit system and do your huge graphics works on your 64 bit workstation. That would probably be the simplest solution.

I'm about out of ideas, Pestalence is our resident expert on SFC3 issues and does not seem to be around at the moment...

Maybe try a search of the forums for "d3d8.dll" and see what you can turn up?

If i could have afforded it, i would have gotten a dual Xeon Woodcrest System with at least 16GB of ram.  Do you know how long it takes to render complex scenes?  I can't afford to sit around without a computer for 36 hours while something renders when i could do it in 12 or less.  This is my job, time=money.  This isn't a hobby, i'm making games, scenes for TV and comercials, etc... etc...  3D programs suck ram down man.  And i think i've established i'm not the "average home user", and i don't have enough cash to run 2 computers, nor would i really want to.  i like having all my eggs in ONE basket .

you do know modern 64bit processors have hardware support for 32 bit applications right?  WOW64 only switches the processor to 32 bit mode for 32 bit applications.  there is no emulation, and programs don't run UNDER WOW64, so they're not limited to 4GB.  But to answer your question, yes my modeling programs are all 64 bit.  WinXPx64 runs MUCH faster than WinXP. 

[LogicSequence]

Update your video card and sound card drivers.... also reinstall direct x 9c... and all of the above... also go into your  SFC3/Assets/Scripts/ directory and delete your Allscripts.cache file...

Have you had the game running in the past?

Have you added any new models?

I don't know any players in sfc3 running the 64bit systems, so this could very well be a compatibility issue with new technology on a 4.5year old game.

All drivers are the newest ones available, i just built this computer.. i don't install obsolete drivers. 

I've always had the game running in the past, i've done extensive mod work with SFC3, and was hoping to continue it. 

again... this is a BRAND NEW INSTALL, PATCHED TO 534b.  NO MODS, NO NEW FILES.

has anyone run SFC3 with a 7900GTX before?

[Bonk]

If i could have afforded it, i would have gotten a dual Xeon Woodcrest System with at least 16GB of ram.  Do you know how long it takes to render complex scenes?  I can't afford to sit around without a computer for 36 hours while something renders when i could do it in 12 or less.  This is my job, time=money.  This isn't a hobby, i'm making games, scenes for TV and comercials, etc... etc...  3D programs suck ram down man.  And i think i've established i'm not the "average home user", and i don't have enough cash to run 2 computers, nor would i really want to.  i like having all my eggs in ONE basket .

you do know modern 64bit processors have hardware support for 32 bit applications right?  WOW64 only switches the processor to 32 bit mode for 32 bit applications.  there is no emulation, and programs don't run UNDER WOW64, so they're not limited to 4GB.  But to answer your question, yes my modeling programs are all 64 bit.  WinXPx64 runs MUCH faster than WinXP. 

I am fully aware of how long renders take, I am also fully aware of the excess resolution used by many people that is never realised on all but the most elite of display systems. A 640x480 render of a complex raytraced scene usually completes in less than 10 minutes on my PIII-1000MHz w/640MB RAM. You may want to render a scene at 6400×4800 but only you or folks on high end workstations will be able to view its full resolution. HDTV is far from commonplace and the HD-DVD industry is fast killing itself.

There is emulation on Intel processors with WOW64, but not on AMD processors.

I'm accustomed to the use of Sun workstations etc with custom data acquisition hardware and software designed to aquire data at GHz sampling rates from multisector mass spectrometers with high-res time-of-flight sectors... (and this was 10 years ago)

But enough of this computing knowledge pissing contest. Its not helping you at all, if it will make you happy, you win, you know more about computing than an instrumental analytical chemist with over 15 years professional experience in high-res MS, NMR, MRI and spectral microscopy OK?

What did you do with your old PC? Did you just throw it out? That is what I was suggesting your run SFC3 on. I cant see how that would cost you a penny, other than the electricity to run it.

Have you actually searched the forums yet?

[LogicSequence]

I am fully aware of how long renders take, I am also fully aware of the excess resolution used by many people that is never realised on all but the most elite of display systems. A 640x480 render of a complex raytraced scene usually completes in less than 10 minutes on my PIII-1000MHz w/640MB RAM. You may want to render a scene at 6400×4800 but only you or folks on high end workstations will be able to view its full resolution. HDTV is far from commonplace and the HD-DVD industry is fast killing itself.

Just for starters, i'm not talking about excessive resolutions, i'm talking plain and simple 1024x768, or 1280x1024, but when you have over 5 million polygons in a scene, with 100+ lights, and complex backgrounds, at high AA, it takes a LONG TIME TO RENDER.  And as i said, time=money.  And HDTV is more commonplace than you might think.

There is emulation on Intel processors with WOW64, but not on AMD processors.

EM64T and AMD64 are NOW virtually identical, they both provide the same Hardware level 32 bit support for applications.  Unless you are using an arceaic program, there is no emulation with EM64T.  And again, EM64T allows full access to system memory, above 4GB, to all applications.  I think you are a little out of date on that front.

I'm accustomed to the use of Sun workstations etc with custom data acquisition hardware and software designed to aquire data at GHz sampling rates from multisector mass spectrometers with high-res time-of-flight sectors... (and this was 10 years ago)

i'm sure your peni$ is much bigger....

But enough of this computing knowledge pissing contest. Its not helping you at all, if it will make you happy, you win, you know more about computing than an instrumental analytical chemist with over 15 years professional experience in high-res MS, NMR, MRI and spectral microscopy OK?

And just because we're spouting credentials, along with my degrees in Graphic Design and Computer Gaming, i hold a degree in Computer Science (that's 3 degrees if you're counting).  I think i'm well qualified to voice some facts here.  And seeing as you are limited to the medical field of computing, and i'm not, i may know a thing or two about what i'm saying.

What did you do with your old PC? Did you just throw it out? That is what I was suggesting your run SFC3 on. I cant see how that would cost you a penny, other than the electricity to run it.

What is left of my old PC is laying in my living room floor.  Obviously i canabalized parts from it for this computer.  so lets see, to make it work, i would need about $500 in parts.  As i said, can't do that.  so that's how, other than electricity, it would cost me a penny to make it work.

Have you actually searched the forums yet?

Of course, i wouldn't have posted if i had found the solution elsewhere......

[GFL Offkey]

couple things did you disable visual themes before or after you installed the patch. If after then you did it wrong and need to do a reinstall.
Also click on icon go to properties and cambatabilities and change it to win 95 combatibility. You are definately getting a directx error and can run dxdiag to see what issues there are with direct x. also run the sfc3 configurator in your start menu for resolution and graphics card selection. other than that when does it happen right away or after starting a mission. Now i also noticed that there was a violation in module d3d8.... which means its using or trying to use direct3d8 so when you do the install and patch dont let it load directx.

[spiderhole]

Did you ever find a solution to this problem?  I'm runninng into the exact same issue with my new machine.  e6600, 7950GT, XP Pro (32bit), dx9c.

Thanks,
M

[S31-Riptide]

try setting your resolution to 16 bit...

[spiderhole]

did some more searching and found the "disable visual themes" checkbox fixes it for me.

Thanks,
M

[T' Kang]

Hail All
I have been playing in the sandbox for a bit. I am catching up with the annual rebuild on the hardware/network now. As expected I ran into the usual teething hassles (Old Program-New Hardware). Most machines are Intel/ATI (ASUS). This is with the ATI 7.4 CCC/Driver set.

I played a little last night loading SFC3 to see what is up. SFC3 is 32-bit. On the Vista-64 machine it runs in XP mode with the CRT monitors. With the normal install of SFC3 (patched to 534b, disabling visual themes, etc.), I ran into the unhandled exceptions on the DVI output to the LCD widescreens (16:9). I have not seen (and probably not want to see) a LCD with a native resolution of 1280x1024. 

The temp DVI workaround is:
1) set the sfc.ini as [3D] resmode=2 {1280x1024}
2) set the desktop area to 1280x1024 32-bit@60Hz
3) set the Image Scaling to use centered timings (most fill-screen settings error with DX8)

This seems to work. I hope it helps. 

Does anyone know a fix or mod to add Visual Resolution settings? 
I am assuming that the 4:3 display format is hard coded in the .exe and .q3. If this can be modded, I would love to know how.