<b><i>These are direct from Firaxis. If you have a technical support issue, please read here first and then continue. If it isn't here, create a new post!</i></b>
<b>Screen: Black screen (when starting the program) </b>
Disable 3rd party applications running in the background
Background applications can be either closed temporarily or disabled. If they are temporarily closed, they will start again when the computer is restarted. If they are disabled they will need to be manually `re-enabled` to run them again.
To temporarily close any extra applications and services running in the background in Windows XP:
Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Task Manager. If it brings up Windows Security, click the Task Manager button.
Click the Applications tab. This will list programs currently running on your system
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and click each program to highlight it.
When all the programs are highlighted, hit the End Task button. If you get any messages that state the program is not responding, hit End Task again.
Now click the Processes tab. Click the bar that says User Name to sort the list.
Click on any of the processes except EXPLORER and TASKMGR that have your login name in the User Name column. Then click End Process. Click Yes on the Task Manager Warning. Repeat this step to remove all processes that are under your login name except EXPLORER and TASKMGR.
This should temporarily close any conflicting background applications. These applications will start up again when you reboot.
To prevent extra applications and services from loading during startup in Windows XP:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Startup tab. This displays a list of all `non-vital` applications and processes that are loaded during startup.
Click the Disable All button to uncheck these items.
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
Upon reboot, these applications will not start. Try the game with these disabled. If it works, then one of these programs may be conflicting. Open MSCONFIG using the process above and recheck these programs using the process of elimination to determine the conflicting program.
To undo the above changes:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click the dot next to Normal Startup
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
This will restart your computer with all the background applications `re-enabled`.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Make sure your system meets the program's system requirements
To check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the game:
Click Start
Click Run.
In the box type DXDIAG. Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
This tool will give you hardware information about your system.
Processor: Shown on the System tab on the line labeled Processor
Operating System or Windows Version: Shown on the System tab on the line labeled Operating System
System Memory or RAM: Shown on the System tab on the line labeled Memory
Video Card: Shown on the Display tab on the line labeled Name
Video Memory: Shown on the Display tab on the line labeled Approx. Total Memory
To check your hard drive space:
`Double-click` the My Computer icon on your desktop. If the icon is not on your desktop, click Start->My Computer.
Hold down the Alt key on the keyboard and `double-click` the hard drive icon. The General tab will show a pie chart representing the used and free space of your hard drive.
You may want to write this information down for future reference. Now that you have determined the hardware information for your system, check it against the System Requirements.
If you do not meet the system requirements for a program, Atari cannot offer support for the program on your system.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the video drivers on your system
To update your video drivers in Windows:
First determine what type of video card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG. Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Display tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your video card. You may want to write this down. The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your video card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the DirectX version on your system
To update DirectX:
You go to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/directx" target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/directx</a>
Look for a download link.
Make sure to choose the appropriate download for your version of Windows.
Follow the instructions on the Microsoft site for proper installation.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the sound drivers on your system
First determine what type of sound card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG
Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Sound tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your device. You may want to write this down.
The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your sound card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
If the problems persists, please click the Save All Information... button in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, click No to the "Did this information help you" question below, and send the information in your response.
-------------------------------------------------
<b>In Program: `Lock-up` </b>
Disable 3rd party applications running in the background
Background applications can be either closed temporarily or disabled. If they are temporarily closed, they will start again when the computer is restarted. If they are disabled they will need to be manually `re-enabled` to run them again.
To temporarily close any extra applications and services running in the background in Windows XP:
Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Task Manager. If it brings up Windows Security, click the Task Manager button.
Click the Applications tab. This will list programs currently running on your system
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and click each program to highlight it.
When all the programs are highlighted, hit the End Task button. If you get any messages that state the program is not responding, hit End Task again.
Now click the Processes tab. Click the bar that says User Name to sort the list.
Click on any of the processes except EXPLORER and TASKMGR that have your login name in the User Name column. Then click End Process. Click Yes on the Task Manager Warning. Repeat this step to remove all processes that are under your login name except EXPLORER and TASKMGR.
This should temporarily close any conflicting background applications. These applications will start up again when you reboot.
To prevent extra applications and services from loading during startup in Windows XP:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Startup tab. This displays a list of all `non-vital` applications and processes that are loaded during startup.
Click the Disable All button to uncheck these items.
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
Upon reboot, these applications will not start. Try the game with these disabled. If it works, then one of these programs may be conflicting. Open MSCONFIG using the process above and recheck these programs using the process of elimination to determine the conflicting program.
To undo the above changes:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click the dot next to Normal Startup
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
This will restart your computer with all the background applications `re-enabled`.
----------------------------------------------------
<b>Error: Disc Read Errors</b>
This can occur if the CD has become dirty or damaged.
Clean the CD
Take a look at the under side of the CD and inspect for any fingerprints, dust, etc. If the CD does look dirty try cleaning via one of the following:
Use a CD cleaning kit (available at most computer stores)
Wash it with lukewarm water and mild dish soap solution. Rinse it completely, and then dry it with a soft cotton cloth (or anything that won't scratch the CD or leave debris). Once the CD is dry, try the game again.
Notice: If you do this, Make sure that you do not scratch the CD or put it into your system while still wet or damage may result.
--------------------------------------------------------
<b>Error: Cannot Launch Program</b>
Update the sound drivers on your system
First determine what type of sound card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG
Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Sound tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your device. You may want to write this down.
The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your sound card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
If the problems persists, please click the Save All Information... button in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, click No to the "Did this information help you" question below, and send the information in your response.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the video drivers on your system
To update your video drivers in Windows:
First determine what type of video card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG. Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Display tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your video card. You may want to write this down. The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your video card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Disable 3rd party applications running in the background
Background applications can be either closed temporarily or disabled. If they are temporarily closed, they will start again when the computer is restarted. If they are disabled they will need to be manually `re-enabled` to run them again.
To temporarily close any extra applications and services running in the background in Windows XP:
Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Task Manager. If it brings up Windows Security, click the Task Manager button.
Click the Applications tab. This will list programs currently running on your system
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and click each program to highlight it.
When all the programs are highlighted, hit the End Task button. If you get any messages that state the program is not responding, hit End Task again.
Now click the Processes tab. Click the bar that says User Name to sort the list.
Click on any of the processes except EXPLORER and TASKMGR that have your login name in the User Name column. Then click End Process. Click Yes on the Task Manager Warning. Repeat this step to remove all processes that are under your login name except EXPLORER and TASKMGR.
This should temporarily close any conflicting background applications. These applications will start up again when you reboot.
To prevent extra applications and services from loading during startup in Windows XP:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Startup tab. This displays a list of all `non-vital` applications and processes that are loaded during startup.
Click the Disable All button to uncheck these items.
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
Upon reboot, these applications will not start. Try the game with these disabled. If it works, then one of these programs may be conflicting. Open MSCONFIG using the process above and recheck these programs using the process of elimination to determine the conflicting program.
To undo the above changes:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click the dot next to Normal Startup
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
This will restart your computer with all the background applications `re-enabled`.
-----------------------------------------------------
<b>Error: "Wrong disc inserted. Please insert the original Pirates! disc into your CD/DVD drive." while starting the program
Manual misprint - Wrong disc declared as Play disc </b>
The game manual is incorrect; the Play Disc for the CD version of the game is actually Disc 2, and this is the disc you need in the drive to start the game. You may either Cancel this error, insert Disc 2, and start the game normally, or you may eject Disc 1, replace it with Disc 2, wait for it to spin up, and click the Retry button.
-------------------------------------------------------
<b>Graphics: Cinematics are choppy or `out-of`-sync with an ATI Radeon video card</b>
Modify your systems graphics performance settings
Try setting the 3D slider in the Advanced section of your Display settings closer to Performance, and see if that improves the issue. You may need to contact your hardware manufacturer to properly locate this setting.
<b>Screen: Black screen (when starting the program) </b>
Disable 3rd party applications running in the background
Background applications can be either closed temporarily or disabled. If they are temporarily closed, they will start again when the computer is restarted. If they are disabled they will need to be manually `re-enabled` to run them again.
To temporarily close any extra applications and services running in the background in Windows XP:
Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Task Manager. If it brings up Windows Security, click the Task Manager button.
Click the Applications tab. This will list programs currently running on your system
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and click each program to highlight it.
When all the programs are highlighted, hit the End Task button. If you get any messages that state the program is not responding, hit End Task again.
Now click the Processes tab. Click the bar that says User Name to sort the list.
Click on any of the processes except EXPLORER and TASKMGR that have your login name in the User Name column. Then click End Process. Click Yes on the Task Manager Warning. Repeat this step to remove all processes that are under your login name except EXPLORER and TASKMGR.
This should temporarily close any conflicting background applications. These applications will start up again when you reboot.
To prevent extra applications and services from loading during startup in Windows XP:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Startup tab. This displays a list of all `non-vital` applications and processes that are loaded during startup.
Click the Disable All button to uncheck these items.
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
Upon reboot, these applications will not start. Try the game with these disabled. If it works, then one of these programs may be conflicting. Open MSCONFIG using the process above and recheck these programs using the process of elimination to determine the conflicting program.
To undo the above changes:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click the dot next to Normal Startup
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
This will restart your computer with all the background applications `re-enabled`.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Make sure your system meets the program's system requirements
To check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the game:
Click Start
Click Run.
In the box type DXDIAG. Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
This tool will give you hardware information about your system.
Processor: Shown on the System tab on the line labeled Processor
Operating System or Windows Version: Shown on the System tab on the line labeled Operating System
System Memory or RAM: Shown on the System tab on the line labeled Memory
Video Card: Shown on the Display tab on the line labeled Name
Video Memory: Shown on the Display tab on the line labeled Approx. Total Memory
To check your hard drive space:
`Double-click` the My Computer icon on your desktop. If the icon is not on your desktop, click Start->My Computer.
Hold down the Alt key on the keyboard and `double-click` the hard drive icon. The General tab will show a pie chart representing the used and free space of your hard drive.
You may want to write this information down for future reference. Now that you have determined the hardware information for your system, check it against the System Requirements.
If you do not meet the system requirements for a program, Atari cannot offer support for the program on your system.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the video drivers on your system
To update your video drivers in Windows:
First determine what type of video card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG. Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Display tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your video card. You may want to write this down. The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your video card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the DirectX version on your system
To update DirectX:
You go to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/directx" target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/directx</a>
Look for a download link.
Make sure to choose the appropriate download for your version of Windows.
Follow the instructions on the Microsoft site for proper installation.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the sound drivers on your system
First determine what type of sound card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG
Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Sound tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your device. You may want to write this down.
The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your sound card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
If the problems persists, please click the Save All Information... button in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, click No to the "Did this information help you" question below, and send the information in your response.
-------------------------------------------------
<b>In Program: `Lock-up` </b>
Disable 3rd party applications running in the background
Background applications can be either closed temporarily or disabled. If they are temporarily closed, they will start again when the computer is restarted. If they are disabled they will need to be manually `re-enabled` to run them again.
To temporarily close any extra applications and services running in the background in Windows XP:
Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Task Manager. If it brings up Windows Security, click the Task Manager button.
Click the Applications tab. This will list programs currently running on your system
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and click each program to highlight it.
When all the programs are highlighted, hit the End Task button. If you get any messages that state the program is not responding, hit End Task again.
Now click the Processes tab. Click the bar that says User Name to sort the list.
Click on any of the processes except EXPLORER and TASKMGR that have your login name in the User Name column. Then click End Process. Click Yes on the Task Manager Warning. Repeat this step to remove all processes that are under your login name except EXPLORER and TASKMGR.
This should temporarily close any conflicting background applications. These applications will start up again when you reboot.
To prevent extra applications and services from loading during startup in Windows XP:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Startup tab. This displays a list of all `non-vital` applications and processes that are loaded during startup.
Click the Disable All button to uncheck these items.
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
Upon reboot, these applications will not start. Try the game with these disabled. If it works, then one of these programs may be conflicting. Open MSCONFIG using the process above and recheck these programs using the process of elimination to determine the conflicting program.
To undo the above changes:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click the dot next to Normal Startup
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
This will restart your computer with all the background applications `re-enabled`.
----------------------------------------------------
<b>Error: Disc Read Errors</b>
This can occur if the CD has become dirty or damaged.
Clean the CD
Take a look at the under side of the CD and inspect for any fingerprints, dust, etc. If the CD does look dirty try cleaning via one of the following:
Use a CD cleaning kit (available at most computer stores)
Wash it with lukewarm water and mild dish soap solution. Rinse it completely, and then dry it with a soft cotton cloth (or anything that won't scratch the CD or leave debris). Once the CD is dry, try the game again.
Notice: If you do this, Make sure that you do not scratch the CD or put it into your system while still wet or damage may result.
--------------------------------------------------------
<b>Error: Cannot Launch Program</b>
Update the sound drivers on your system
First determine what type of sound card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG
Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Sound tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your device. You may want to write this down.
The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your sound card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
If the problems persists, please click the Save All Information... button in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, click No to the "Did this information help you" question below, and send the information in your response.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Update the video drivers on your system
To update your video drivers in Windows:
First determine what type of video card you have. To do this:
Click Start
Click Run
In the box type DXDIAG. Click OK. This will bring up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
When the tool finishes loading, click the Display tab.
In the Device section, next to Name is the name of your video card. You may want to write this down. The Manufacturer is the company that manufactured your video card.
To find the latest driver go to the manufacturer's web site. They should have a support section or a driver section where you can find the drivers for the device listed in DXDIAG.
Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's web site to download and install the latest drivers.
If you can't find a driver or the manufacturer's site, refer to the documentation that came with the hardware or your computer for support.
Did this information help you?
Yes, this fixed the issue.
No, this did not help...continue troubleshooting.
Disable 3rd party applications running in the background
Background applications can be either closed temporarily or disabled. If they are temporarily closed, they will start again when the computer is restarted. If they are disabled they will need to be manually `re-enabled` to run them again.
To temporarily close any extra applications and services running in the background in Windows XP:
Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Task Manager. If it brings up Windows Security, click the Task Manager button.
Click the Applications tab. This will list programs currently running on your system
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and click each program to highlight it.
When all the programs are highlighted, hit the End Task button. If you get any messages that state the program is not responding, hit End Task again.
Now click the Processes tab. Click the bar that says User Name to sort the list.
Click on any of the processes except EXPLORER and TASKMGR that have your login name in the User Name column. Then click End Process. Click Yes on the Task Manager Warning. Repeat this step to remove all processes that are under your login name except EXPLORER and TASKMGR.
This should temporarily close any conflicting background applications. These applications will start up again when you reboot.
To prevent extra applications and services from loading during startup in Windows XP:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Startup tab. This displays a list of all `non-vital` applications and processes that are loaded during startup.
Click the Disable All button to uncheck these items.
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
Upon reboot, these applications will not start. Try the game with these disabled. If it works, then one of these programs may be conflicting. Open MSCONFIG using the process above and recheck these programs using the process of elimination to determine the conflicting program.
To undo the above changes:
Click Start then Run
In the box type MSCONFIG and click OK. This will bring up the System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click the dot next to Normal Startup
Click OK. When you are prompted to restart, click Yes
This will restart your computer with all the background applications `re-enabled`.
-----------------------------------------------------
<b>Error: "Wrong disc inserted. Please insert the original Pirates! disc into your CD/DVD drive." while starting the program
Manual misprint - Wrong disc declared as Play disc </b>
The game manual is incorrect; the Play Disc for the CD version of the game is actually Disc 2, and this is the disc you need in the drive to start the game. You may either Cancel this error, insert Disc 2, and start the game normally, or you may eject Disc 1, replace it with Disc 2, wait for it to spin up, and click the Retry button.
-------------------------------------------------------
<b>Graphics: Cinematics are choppy or `out-of`-sync with an ATI Radeon video card</b>
Modify your systems graphics performance settings
Try setting the 3D slider in the Advanced section of your Display settings closer to Performance, and see if that improves the issue. You may need to contact your hardware manufacturer to properly locate this setting.
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