Not (Nvidia)

[DonnaANN]

Can some one please help me with this..
After reading ENDless forums on this Nvidia topic, I've convinsed myself
my problem may not be related to the video chip or card...

I did remove all custom contents from my game, and the problem still
was there.

I followed every instruction from EAgames help topic, emailed them all the files
they requested and they havn't gotten back to me..


Ive followed the instructions from the mod's game help, and still had problems..

I located the card right for my computer. downloaded and installed it.
(7-7_xp32_dd_ccc_wdm_enu_49709) ATI
the problem still there!

I don't even think I ever had Nvidia on this computer.....

I'm at my whits end! I really need somesome to help me, so I've enclosed
some photo's of whats happening in my game and out...


I'm running Windows XP
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2
(2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 4600
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.66GHz
Page File: 1051MB used, 1410MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

Please take a look at these pictures, some are in the game running..
Some are just my desktop without the game runing.

The problem just stared out of no where! And happenes at anytime
I have all the sims2 ep's but story,
all the patches are up to date.....

The last thing I installed on my CP, that I thought might have caused this,
I uninstalled ~ it was ~ RED CARPET ~ and PARTY TIME ~ Packs ~
for the contest.
I deleted the files....

So, can anyone relate to this
Please help me.....
Thank you all for your time.....

*attached image removed*

[caffeinated.joy]

Your specs don't list the graphic card you have, but that problem is a graphic-related issue. If you let us know what graphic card you have your computer we could probably help you more.

[ancienthighway]

If you are using NVidia  drivers that's where your problem is.  The DxDiag.txt you attached indicate you have an ATI 9800.  You should be using the appropriate ATI drivers.

[PegasusDiana]

She said she found the right drivers for her ATI card downloaded and installed them, or at least that's the way I understood what she wrote. Did you also install the NVidia card drivers first or not at all? If you did you might have to uninstall them, then reinstall the ATI drivers again. Having both sets of drivers might cause that problem. If you didn't install the NVidia drivers I would call ATI and get some tech support from them. I've never had Sims Tech support help with anything, that's about a worthless group of indviduals. I'm starting to think EA keeps them on the payroll just so they can say they have a tech support. You'll get more help with a phone call than through email.

[DonnaANN]

Thank you all for responding to my post.

Yes I tried to down load the Nvidia driver/card~  but it wouldn't allow me to.
An  message came up telling It would not be installed......

So to my knowledge, it never went through. ( driver for Nvidia)

Like I said, I found the ATI driver RIGHT for my computer and installed it.
after reaing the responses here, I went ahead and UNINSTALLED the new
ATI driver I DID install, now my computer is telling me, (" the video driver running is a generic one, reinstall the right driver,") GRRR !

I'm ready to wipe out this computer and start with the manufactering settings!  No more messing around with DRIVERS~! and CANNING the SIMS forever!


As for the graphic card, sorry I thought that was listed in the specs...
I'm unsure how to locate it~

[ancienthighway]

The card and driver are listed in the dxdiag.txt you attached.

Chances are your computer has an unboard NVidia card that needs to be disabled.  
--Right click on the My Computer icon, then select Properties.
--Choose the Hardware tab, then Device Manager.
--Click on Display Adapters.

If you have anything listed other than your ATI 9800 card, double click on it and then select "Do not use this device" at the bottom of that window.

Then reinstall the ATI driver.  If the display still isn't right, try going to the driver released just previous to what you have.

[DonnaANN]

ancienthighway*

thanks for your help, i really do appreciate it!
I follow your directions, but was unable to locate any file/tab called "Display Adapters."
So I have enclose a few more pics of my Device Manager to show you~
I realize the question marks in my device manager shouldn't be there, but I don't want to screw around with files I am unsure of.......

[ancienthighway]

It looks like the video cards were picked up as "Other Devices".  Put the ATI drivers back on, then check the Device Manager again.  Make sure only the ATI Display Adapter or Video Controller is enabled and the onboard adapter is disabled.

[MissDoh]

Oh my... this reminds me of old problem I used to have with that exact same card, I had to send it for repair 2 times, there was nothing to do besides that. Updating drivers did not help.

1st time, the fan blow up on it and the card overheated
2nd time, the chip went beserk

ATI did gave me a good after sale service, I strongly suggest you consider sending the card to them and it was fast, within a week I got my card back both times.  Since my card was under warranty, it did not cost me anything.  It might cost you something but way less than buying a new card with the same quality.

I was recommended to turn off the Vpu recovering system in the Catalyst control center.  Since I did that, I did not had anymore problems with my card but the damage was done so I did that once I got my card back.