Spooge Driver Error (I know why but need help anyway)

[Vanu]

Alright today I installed DoW WA and DC I then tried to run it and got the spooge driver error so instead I patched it thinking that might update it patch 1.1 worked but 1.2 will not install as it says I need to reinstall so I reinstalled and did the same things and the same problem occured. Patch 1.1 can't obtain 1.2.

So I searched google and learned that I can edit a file called spdx9_config1 and either delete all the nVidia information or enable the top 3 devices by changing "0" to "1". I tried this and tried to save it but I couldn't so I made it so it wasn't read only and I still couldn't so I made the entire folder of drivers read only and I still couldn't. So I gave up on that since I couldn't save it even though I'm an administrator.

Specs:

Operating System: Windows Vista 6.0 Home Premium 32bit.
Graphics: nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB
Memory: Corsair Dual-Channel 800MHZ 2 GIG.
Harddrive: 500 GB - 432 Free
Monitor: Acer-x192W
Input: Logitech - MX5000 Desktop
Sound: Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer
Processor: AMD 6000+ X2

You don't need the warning or dxdiag as the problem is already known (nVidia has poor drivers at this point for Vista).

What I want is a fix, either allowing me to save to the spdx9_config1 or something else.

If you wish quick contact to me then use "Blazesarcanine@sbcglobal.net" on Windows Live Messenger (AKA MSN).

Thank You,


-Vanu.

I have partially resolved this issue.

Issue 1: Game doesn't run because of spooge driver because nVidia has horrible driver systems.

Solution: Change the spdx9_config.

Complications: Vista will not allow traditional change of the file even if you're an administrator.

Secondary Solution: Right click "drivers" folder in the Dark Crusade folder and then click properties. Once you've clicked properties go to the security tab and click edit and allow the "Users ("Insert PC Name here")" to have full control. In additional click advanced and edit permissions for the Users and Creator Group. After all this is done click apply and ok then go into the folder and right click the spdx9_config document and disable read only for it through properties.

Conclusion: You may now edit the file by going down to your specific graphics card creator "ATI or nVidia" and the top 3 choices should be changed from "0" to "1".

Additional Information: Make sure to re-run the graphics configuration utility that THQ provides with the game.

=-----------------------------------------------=

Issue 2: Incapable of installing patch 1.2 for Dark Crusade.

Solution: Unknown.

=-----------------------------------------------=

I suggest this either be stickied or added to the "spooge sticky" so that people with Vista can fix this.

Thank You,


-Vanu.

[ÜberJumper]

Issue 1 is already in the spooge sticky (see point 3, click the link and go to post 9).

As for the inability to patch, make sure you do a selective startup to shut down all non-essential applications before you patch.

[Vanu]

Other suggestions?

[SubZero]

If your current version is unpatched simply download the patches from here and install them. Make sure that all your files are as they were initially (uneditted, and all Read Only etc permissions are the same too).

Patching to 1.2 will sort out the Spooge Error.

[Vanu]

I just stated that I can't patch, even after I reinstall and directly patch it to 1.1 I can't patch to 1.2 because it says I need to reinstall even though I already have.

Is this a vista issue?

[SubZero]

After reinstalling (and/or patching to 1.11) are you editing the spdx9_config file at all or trying to run the game?

[Vanu]

After the reinstall I do two things, I patch to 1.1 and then try to run the game, and I get a spooge error so I try to patch by downloading 1.2 and it works but it says to reinstall again.

[SubZero]

Ok then, next step is realising that something is editing your game files - this could be a virus, or simply another process which is conflicting during patching or installation.

Could you download and run HijackThis please, and upload your logfile for us to check.

[Vanu]

Clean install of Vista so nothing could be editing them.

[ÜberJumper]

Sure their could be. Windows defender could be messing with them, or even UAC could be causing an issue.

Uninstall the game, delete the install folder, shut off Windows Defender, and UAC, and try to install and patch again.

The bigger problem here is that you can't patch.

[Vanu]

Alright I'll do that wish it does not want you to do.

[Vanu]

Suggestion didn't work.

[ÜberJumper]

Might be something else messing with the patching process. Some people have reported problems with mismatched memory, memory timings too agressive, overclocked CPU, etc.

Could be a bad hard drive, or other hardware as well.

[Vanu]

Hard drive works fine with the 50 other games I have, the cpu isn't over clocked as is nothing. Corsair ram works fine with this.

Any other things?

[Vanu]

I reinstalled after deleting the folder and it again didn't work.

Ugh