Solutions if X4 does not start

[EGO_zav]

This thread collects various solutions to issues which prevernt the game from starting.
The general rule is: If the game does not run or causes problems go through these steps FIRST then read the remaining topics in this posting:

Did the game run before but now does not start anymore?

You may ran into a case of broken settings files.
In this case you can delete the settings by going to:

"%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Egosoft\X4\###userid###
and delete the following files:
- config.xml
- pipelinecache.bin
- progressbar.xml
- uidata.xml
- auth.xml
you can also delete - inputmap.xml but this will cost you your input settings!

Otherwise: If the game did never start:

1)Does your computer meet minimum requirements(Vulkan must be supported)

Specifically the graphic card must meet certain minimum criteria because the game would not even start as long as the Vulkan API is not fully supported. Most integrated graphic cards and cards with less than 3GB of memory probably do not work.

1b)Do you have a machine with more than one graphiccard (e.g laptops with integrated+dedicated GPU)?

There are quite a few reports from users which all have in common that they are playing on laptops with TWO graphic cards: Usually one integrated one from Intel or AMD and one dedicated often from NVidia or AMD.

The game currently seems to sometimes "guess" wrong which one to open with by default and the game then crashes because the integrated graphiccard does not support our game.

- Manually forcing a graphiccard
Starting with version 1.21 there is a new commandline parameter
-gpu:x
where x =
0 = autodetect card (default)
1=1st graphics-card
2=2nd card etc

So you could try for example:
X4.exe -gpu:2
and if that doesn't work, try
X4.exe -gpu:1

You can also add this same setting in config.xml in the games settings folder:
Adding:
<gpu>0</gpu>
in the root section would be default, any other number would fix a selection.

Be careful when editing the config.xml. If it breaks, delete this file entirely to go back to default settings.

- Listing of graphic card in settings menu

Note that the game may list the currently does not show which card it is using in the graphics settings. It shows the name of the adapter the monitor is connected to, which is potentially misleading and will be fixed in 1.30.

- Power consumption setting

Some users have noted that changing the POWER MANAGEMENT MODE from NVidias 3d settings from "Optimal power" to "Maximum Performance", helped to improve stability on laptops.

1c)Upgrade to the latest graphic card driver (Vulkan must be supported)

Also note that the minimum graphic card requirement for this game is 3GB of graphic card memory! Minimum requirement according to specs = Nvidia GTX 780/970 or AMD equivalent (Vulkan support required).

2) Try to disable virus checker

We have heard that some anti virus checker might delay or break game startup.

3) Game installed on SSD with special cache tool / RAPID mode

Samsung - RAPID mode in their Magician tool
Crucial - Momentum Cache.

Some users reported that these combinations caused the game to HANG (wait forever) at startup. We are looking for a better fix at the moment, but you can work around this problem by moving to a different hard drive or turning RAPID mode off.

4) Disable FILE COMPRESSION in case it is turned on for the game folder

To do so open properties of the folder where the game is installed and click on ADVANCED. Unselect the "compress folder" option.
Sidenote: This is in general not a good setting for game folders. Our data is already compressed and this slows down loading a lot even if would work.

5) If you still have problems turn OFF the Steam overlay in the steam settings!

The Steam overlay may cause problems with Vulkan on some hardware but also...

6) If the screen remains black but the game seems to run (you hear sound)

Then this indicates a conflict with a 3rd party tool that is trying to create an overlay on screen. One example is the RivaTunerStatisticsServer --> Disable or remove from system!


Only after these steps continue reading:

7) Remaining graphic driver / VULKAN related issues

The game uses a relatively new technology called VULKAN, which is an API similar to Direct X but different (i.e OPEN).

7a) Laptop with Nvidia + Intel GPU / Computer with multiple graphic cards

Our engine might be trying to open the wrong graphic card. To fix this you can temporarily disable a graphic card in your device manager without physically taking the card out of your machine.

7b)Update AMD cards to 18.12.1 OPTIONAL driver

For AMD Graphic cards users: Please consider to upgrade your driver to optional version 18.12.1 -

If you are running Windows 8 / 8.1 go to #5 below.

7c)If running Windows 8.1 on AMD hardware:

On Windows 8.1 we recommend you running the last available supported AMD driver (which is 17.7.1). If you happen to still have Windows 8 installed, please consider upgrading your machine to Windows 8.1 (it's free).
If none of this is an option for you, you could still try using one of the Windows 7 drivers at your own risk).

7d)Problem due to previous AMD driver uninstall

If after the above steps, the problem still persists a previous driver install may have left a broken file. To fix it, run vulkaninfo from the command prompt.

If it shows:
"C:\WINDOWS\System32\amd-vulkan64.json does not have an 'api_version' field".

A possible fix is to manually delete the file "amd-vulkan64.json" and then reinstall the latest AMD driver. (use on your own risk though).

8) Graphic card running out of memory

As pointed out in other threads, the game currently allows graphic settings that can crash the game on ALL graphic cards, because the settings exceed the graphic cards dedicated memory (yes this is possible even with a 12GB high end card by using 4K with SSAA9x)

Cards with less dedicated memory need much lower AA settings to run stable. Be very careful with MSAA 4x!

A note about VSync for Nvidia based systems:

Nvidia drivers have a minor issue with how they name their VSync options towards Vulkan games (like X4). You will therefore note, that the default VSync mode name "Triple Buffering VSync” is in fact NO VSYNC. You may have to try out the others modes depending on your driver version. Nvidia is working on fixing this naming issue.

If everything else fails, please email your Crashdump (.dmp files in game folder), DXDiag and VULKANINFO output to [e-mail]

-Bernd

[Retrolution]

Hi Devs, I've been trying everything since yesterday morning. I have tried all you mentioned in your post above and a couple of user solutions and still no luck at all.

As soon as I click "Play" I get a DRdump popup that says it's looking for a solution and then nothing.

PLEASE can someone help me sort this out. I really really wanna play <3

My Specs:

i5 6600K
16Gb RAM
Asus Strix R9 390 OC Edition 8GB

Dunno what to do anymore. Not getting any support from anyone on this. I've tweeted to the devs, asked for help in reddit posts about this and here and still no support. I want to play the game but at the same time I want to refund because who wants a game you can't even play.

After posting this same message in a previously pinned message that message got unpinned...

[WolfEisberg]

Originally posted by Retrolution:

Hi Devs, I've been trying everything since yesterday morning. I have tried all you mentioned in your post above and a couple of user solutions and still no luck at all.

As soon as I click "Play" I get a DRdump popup that says it's looking for a solution and then nothing.

PLEASE can someone help me sort this out. I really really wanna play <3

My Specs:

i5 6600K
16Gb RAM
Asus Strix R9 390 OC Edition 8GB

Dunno what to do anymore. Not getting any support from anyone on this. I've tweeted to the devs, asked for help in reddit posts about this and here and still no support. I want to play the game but at the same time I want to refund because who wants a game you can't even play.

After posting this same message in a previously pinned message that message got unpinned...

Some people are finding out that overclocked GPUs are causing a problem. it is possible the factory overclock on your GPU is causing a problem. You could try using something like MSI afterburner to down clock your GPU to AMD''s base blocks when playing this game.

[Lupo]

Hi there previous thread was unpinned because a new updated one (this one) took its place. The new tip is:

"3) Game installed on Samsung SSD with Samsung Magician tool and RAPID mode

Some users reported that this combination caused the game to HANG (wait forever) at startup. We are looking for a better fix at the moment, but you can work around this problem by moving to a different hard drive or turning RAPID mode off."

Also I presume you already checked all the stuff about the amd drivers and so on. Worth checking your antimalware or similar software that could flagged the exe, so whitelist the game and then re-verify.

Thanks Eisberg, forgot that too.

[Retrolution]

Okay so I managed to actually get the game to kind of start up. I switched my display to the onboard gpu and the game loaded to the main menu fine just massive lag (obviously). and when I plugged my gpu in again it also started starting up the game but freezes on intro cutscenes everytime but I hear the music playing but just see the company logo or x4 logo.

I would love to try and underclock my gpu but I have no idea to (help would be appreciated)

BUT

Even if underclocking my gpu works does that mean I would have to underclock my gpu everytime I play the game forever or will a fix for this be patched into the game?

[Ubersaint]

Love to tinker with my computer but really want to get back into the X Universe. Going to try lots of stuff before posting after trying the above listed fixes.

[tony_sm]

Game loads but crashes when I try any of the 3 starts. It goes to around 70% on the loading bar then crashes to desktop. Have followed all steps, haven't been able to play yet. GTX1080, even tried on medium and reinstalling on different SSD's

[Orca]

Originally posted by Lupo:

Hi there previous thread was unpinned because a new updated one (this one) took its place. The new tip is:

"3) Game installed on Samsung SSD with Samsung Magician tool and RAPID mode

Some users reported that this combination caused the game to HANG (wait forever) at startup. We are looking for a better fix at the moment, but you can work around this problem by moving to a different hard drive or turning RAPID mode off."

Also I presume you already checked all the stuff about the amd drivers and so on. Worth checking your antimalware or similar software that could flagged the exe, so whitelist the game and then re-verify.

Thanks Eisberg, forgot that too.

Made no difference, moving the game to a HDD, I dont have magic or rapid installed & I am getting the same issue go figure.

[Knightframe]

One thing i can think of what could crash the game (in case nvidia) is having double sound drivers. I just noticed today i had 3 of them active (disabled nvidia ones).

So if you recently updated those, it may cause issues.

[WolfEisberg]

Originally posted by Retrolution:

Okay so I managed to actually get the game to kind of start up. I switched my display to the onboard gpu and the game loaded to the main menu fine just massive lag (obviously). and when I plugged my gpu in again it also started starting up the game but freezes on intro cutscenes everytime but I hear the music playing but just see the company logo or x4 logo.

I would love to try and underclock my gpu but I have no idea to (help would be appreciated)

BUT

Even if underclocking my gpu works does that mean I would have to underclock my gpu everytime I play the game forever or will a fix for this be patched into the game?

Just search "how to use MSI afterburner", pretty much all of them will tell you how to overclock, but you use the same process to underclock as well.

[Han Swolo]

Update:

Everyone, I think I got it!

I never had the AMD driver issue in the past, but I found this little tidbit and tried it.

Run a search on your PC for this folder:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\amd-vulkan64.json

If you find it, delete the ugly sucker.

Now my game works after hours of trial and error lol.

You can see my details below.
-----
Ok guys, been working for hours to get this game to work. (just got back in town from being gone for days, was so excited to play).

Downloaded the game. Every time I attempt to start, I get this.

https://www.egosoft.com:8443/jira/browse/X4-2

I've tried to do all the steps above, but please give me advice on what else I can try. I'll copy+paste the steps and make notes of what I did.

My PC:
GTX 1050 Ti
AMD FX 6300 Six Core
8gb Ram

Otherwise: If the game did never start:

1)Upgrade to the latest graphic card driver (Vulkan must be supported)

Upgraded my driver to 417.01. No effect.

2) Try to disable virus checker

Tried this. Disabled all the windows defender stuff. No effect.

3) Game installed on SSD with special cache tool / RAPID mode

I don't have an SSD.

4) Disable FILE COMPRESSION in case it is turned on for the game folder

Already disabled.

5) If you still have problems turn OFF the Steam overlay in the steam settings!

I had this turned off from the start!

6) If the screen remains black but the game seems to run (you hear sound)

My game doesnt go black. I just auto rejects and pops up that .dmp message.


Only after these steps continue reading:

7) Remaining graphic driver / VULKAN related issues

The game uses a relatively new technology called VULKAN, which is an API similar to Direct X but different (i.e OPEN).

Not sure what I'm supposed to do about that. I see that I have some Vulkan stuff installed, but I don't know what to do about it.


Also, I reset the config.xml file. I also deleted the game, re downloaded, and verified cache. I checked out my vulkan from cmd and it says Code 0: loader_add_layer_properties: Can not find "layer" object in manifest JSON file. Skipping this file.

[Tramsleeper]

A weird thing just happened. After 24 hours of not being able to start the game, suddenly it strarted - and worked perfectly. Has there been a hotfix for the graphic card selection issue? If not, here is what happened. I went into Nvidia settings before and changed some performance option to "handled by Nvicia graphics card" (or something like that) under the program options. After that it started and I was able to spend a great 20 minutes exploring the station, stowing away on freighter, going on a spacewalk and getting marrooned in the vast expanse of space. All great until I looked at the options, saw it was still saying that it was using my Integrated Intel GC (which seemed impossible considering the excellent performance) and fiddled with the windowed setting - then it crashed. Strange thing is that I could not then find out which setting I had changed, I could not recognise the option again. The game did not restart. So, the good news is that it is deffo a GC selection problem - it's all messed up. Trust me though - the 20 minutes I did spend on the Nvidia card was superb. Please sort this Egosoft - I am now desparate to play again asap.

[Retrolution]

I'll try the underclocking again but still I raise the question. Is this something I'm gonna have to do everytime I wanna play this game or will the devs sort this out so we don't have to do this?

[WolfEisberg]

Originally posted by Retrolution:

I'll try the underclocking again but still I raise the question. Is this something I'm gonna have to do everytime I wanna play this game or will the devs sort this out so we don't have to do this?

it is hard to say, with some games people had to do it everytime, with others it seemed to resolve itself. With MSI Afterburner there are profiles, so you can create a profile for this game so that when you want to play it you can just run the profile.

[Orca]

Ok so I had all the problems trying to get X4 to run on my pc. (app hung at start up) + Black Screen of death.

Got it working, here is how.

Deleted ALL files on C: of X4
Deleted X4 from steam. (D:) <- HHD
Ran wisecare 365 registry cleaner, then reboot.

Re-installed X4 on to my (OS drive C:) with steam: making a new steam folder when installing the game.

My OS C: is a (Samsung 970 Evo 500GB M.2 (2280),NVMe SSD)

Rebooted after install completed: Game started with no issues.

PC specs:

Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
i7-8086K CPU @ 4.00GHz
16G RAM
ASUS Z390 MB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti x 2 (SLI configeration) Beta driver 417.17
Native Mode: 3440 x 1440 (75Hz)

Good luck gamers.

[Wingy]

I got this vulkan crash a couple of times and restarting my computer fixes it all the time. Another possible temporary solution for anyone else that has this problem.