"Failed to create a graphics device. Exiting."

[nlb95]

I have a technical support issue that I was hoping someone could give me some insight on. I preordered a copy of Europa Universalis IV from Steam, and downloaded it on the day it was released. When I attempt to play it, the loading screen appears fine, but around the time it reads "Loading Graphics," the game stops working. I first get an error message reading "Europa Universalis IV Has Stopped Working," followed by a message reading "Failed to create a graphics device. Exiting." My system specifications are as follows:
Operating System: Windows 7
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 620 Processor 2.6 GHz
Memory (RAM): 6144 MB
System Type: 64-bit Operating System
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250

I have tried several steps, including uninstalling and reinstalling the game, restarting the computer several times, and tinkering a little bit with the resolution settings, but I am not quite sure the best way to fix this problem. My computer also plays Crusader Kings 2 without any problems. I very much appreciate any help. (I also apologize if there is a more appropriate forum for this post).

[nlb95]

I just wanted to clarify that whenI say loading screen, I mean the one with the historical guy and the neat background. I believe my video card and system meet the minimum requirements; do they not?

[Kourgath223]

Try updating your video card drivers if you have not done so already.

[nlb95]

I searched for updates by clicking "update driver software" under the display adapters tab of the device manager window, and it says my drivers are up to date.

[nlb95]

Has no one else experienced a similar issue. I see several posts about crashing; I wonder if these issues are related?

[sharpz]

I posted a similiar issue that I've yet to resolve aswell, I crash everytime it says "Loading Borders" tried updating windows and video drivers to no use..

[nlb95]

Yeah, it's strange there isn't a better fix for this. I assume those system specs are good, but maybe I'm missing something.

[Kourgath223]

Here is the link English (US) (Windows 7 64-Bit Edition) latest driver update for your video card (Nvidia GeForce GTS 250).
http://www.nvidia.com/object/win8-win7-winvista-64bit-320.49-whql-driver.html
It was released on the first of August of the year. Never use Device Manager to update anything it is almost never right about you being up to date.

[nlb95]

Thanks very much for the link. Unfortunately, I received the same error message after loading it, and rebooting. I'm going to try reinstalling the game, but could it be something else?
Edit: I also should add that, strangely, the desktop shortcut for the game just displays the default page-turning graphic, instead of the compass that should be there, even though my computer will display the compass if you click on the appropriate file in the game's files.

[Kourgath223]

Ok well if a driver update didnt fix it then you may have to wait for paradox to patch it. If you havent already you may what to post a thread of their fourms so that they know of the issue (last time I check they did not have have a thread about this issue). Other then that I have no clue as to what can be done your systems should be able to handle this game fine since the GeForce GTS 250 has 1GB of Video Memory while the game only needs 512MB minimum (which not having enough video memory is the only other thing I can think of that can cause this issue).

[Kourgath223]

Well from what I can find some people who have crash at startup issues are able to run the game fine by using the EU4.exe in the EU4 steam folder while having steam closed completly. Below is the Folder I am talking about that contains the eu4.exe (that is what it is for me just change thigs such as the drive C: in my case to whatever it is for you and remove the x86 if you are using a 32-bit version of windows or if you installed steam in the 64-bit program files folder if you are running a 64-bit version of windows)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Europa Universalis IV

[Kourgath223]

Ok yeah for me it also had the default page-turning graphic I just right clicked on the shortcut clicked properties and then change icon then I hit browse and went to the EU4 steam folder and clicked on the eu4.exe and it selected the icon for that (which is the compass).

[nlb95]

Thanks for the suggestion. When you say steam closed completely, do you mean just having the window closed, or do I have to log out? The first way didn't work, but I'm trying logging out now. Also, when I go the the eu4 folder, it has eu4_launch, eu4_server, and eu4, but nothing that says eu4.exe. I assume that for me it is the one that says eu4, but is it strange that I don't have eu4.exe?

Also, I would definitely post on the paradox forum, but even though I have both of my games registered, it says I am not authorized to create a new post, or to see the tech support forum. I have sent them an email, but no reply yet.

[nlb95]

Unfortunately, it won't work when I'm logged out of Steam either.

[Kourgath223]

Yeah when I said steam closed completly I meant logged out with steam not even runing. Yeah it is the one that says eu4 that is what I meant by eu4.exe because some people have windows set up to display the extenstions (.exe .txt etc.). That is strange that it says you cant go to the tech support fourms.

[sharpz]

It worked running the game from the folder with steam closed, thanks a lot kourgath! :)