[SOLVED] - Rome: Total War Gold Edition refuses to start in Offline Mode

[Death Magnetic]

So, here is the solution I stumbled upon. I wrote it in one of the comments below, but I'll re-write it here so everyone who has the problem can get it quick. Good luck:

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First, start a game on your Desktop that requires the "rundll32.exe" to run for its launch. (I have an older Sid Meier game that I used, but most [all?] of my games will run the executable, so just run another game to start the program.)

Next, the "rundll32.exe" should be doing its thing (running in limbo, with nothing else launching). Now, start the game, in this case Rome: Total War Gold Edition. The Rome: TW executable will run and game will launch with no problem!

Finally, wait a bit then go back to the Desktop. Terminate the "rundll32.exe" program (I do it by using my Task Manager and selecting "End Process" for the executable). The executable will close and it will not effect the Rome: TW game because it was originally launched for the other game you first tried to start. And that's it!

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And, here's my original post, so others can check if what they are encountering is the same problem I was originally having:

Originally posted by Death Magnetic:

Hello, all.

Recently, I've encountered this strange error where my Steam version of Rome: TW GE simply will not start when I am offline. Whenever I attempt to play the game offline I try the usual steps to do so:

"Start Steam online - make sure the Remember my password box on the login window is checked
Verify that all game files are completely updated - you can see the update status for a game under the Library section (when the game shows as 100% - Ready it is ready to be played in Offline Mode)
Launch the game you would like to play offline to verify that there are no further updates to download - shut down the game and return to Steam once you have confirmed that the game can be played
Go to Steam > Settings to ensure the Don't save account credentials on this computer option is not selected
From the main Steam window, go to the Steam menu and select Go Offline
Click Restart in Offline Mode to restart Steam in Offline Mode"

However, every time I try to play the game when going into Offline Mode, the Total War .exe launches but does not do anything else. Also, the Windows program "rundll32.exe" starts and then proceeds to eat up a huge percentage of my CPU while simply sitting there and doing nothing; nothing else launches and no other programs start.

I can launch the game fine when online, but when trying to start it offline it sits in this sort of limbo. Also, when I put Steam into Offline Mode the two .exe's will sit there, and STILL launch Rome: TW in Steam's Offline Mode if I then connect to the Internet. It is very strange.

*Everything is updated from my end, as well.*

Any and all help is much appreciated. THANKS!

(I am running Windows 7, and the 64-bit version of RTW. The executable in question is "rundll32.exe", and is located in a Windows folder called "SysWOW64", if any of that helps.)

[sullivancar2021m]

same here it just wont run

[MusketDeezNuts]

This problem is not just with total war games. its also a problem with other older games that have multiplayer. It kinda freaks out on you if it detects you use steam and tries to find connection to it but cannot do it cause of outdated codes. Only option is to either get a CD version of the game. Or find a mod that fixes bugs like these.

[Death Magnetic]

Originally posted by MusketDeezNuts:

This problem is not just with total war games. its also a problem with other older games that have multiplayer. It kinda freaks out on you if it detects you use steam and tries to find connection to it but cannot do it cause of outdated codes. Only option is to either get a CD version of the game. Or find a mod that fixes bugs like these.

Lol, are you serious? Can you recommend any mods with that fix, or a site where you've seen mods like the one you describe? Thank you.

[Death Magnetic]

Originally posted by sullivancar2021m:

same here it just wont run

Yo, I figured out how to launch the game offline on Steam. For anyone interested:

First, start a game on your Desktop that requires the "rundll32.exe" to run for its launch. (I have an older Sid Meier game that I used, but most [all?] of my games will run the executable, so just run another game to start the program.)

Next, the "rundll32.exe" should be doing its thing (running in limbo, with nothing else launching). Now, start the game, in this case Rome: Total War Gold Edition. The Rome: TW executable will run and game will launch with no problem!

Finally, wait a bit then go back to the Desktop. Terminate the "rundll32.exe" program (I do it by using my Task Manager and selecting "End Process" for the executable). The executable will close and it will not effect the Rome: TW game because it was originally launched for the other game you first tried to start. And that's it!

I completely got mine to run, albeit with having to go through this little hoop every time. It's a temporary solution at most, until I find out what is going on with the executable function. *So, yes, this is a problem for me when it comes to playing games even that I did not buy on Steam.* Some sort of user-only problem. Oh well.

I hope this helps anyone else who has this problem. Peace.

[bigemuller]

hey i got question i bought the gold edition which comes with the original and barb invasion nut i cant get a desktop short cut for barb invasion anyone know how i can play it without going through the steam page directly?

[cuco]

Originally posted by MusketDeezNuts:

...Only option is to either get a CD version of the game...

Lots of old boxed games are not compatible with newer versions of windows due to OS updates. Especially this game because Microsoft released an update that is releated to secdrv.sys driver, something about SafeDisc (or SecuRom), and I'm trying to fix it since this morning.