.dll problems and crashes/ what now?

[cavity]

For the past few weeks, after flying for somtimes for 5 minutes or 5 hours, my computer screen will suddenly go black, and I get an error message.  The error message says that something went wrong with the .dll file, but each time this happens it is a different .dll.  When I check the technical information, it always has the scenery.cfg as the culprit.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this?  Im not sure how the scenery.cfg relates to the various .dll, but I sure don't want to reload the sim.  I have defragged everything, updated all the drivers, you name it.  I searched but nobody else seems to have this problem.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Todd

[wji]

Either you do not have the FS9.1 patch or have added some bad scenery. Delete the fs9.cfg after any changes (FS9 will build a new one).
bill
C:\Documents and Settings\Yours\Application Data\Microsoft\FS9\fs9.CFG

[cavity]

Thanks for the help.  I went in and removed some add on scenery but after 20 minutes it crashed again.  It said it was the 2gd.dll, what every that is.  The technical file said appt.text file was the specific site.  I did install the latest patch a while back when it came out.  I did not delete the FS9. cfg though.  Which one should I delete, the original or the patch?  When it creates a new one, should I reinstall the patch?  Thanks, Todd

[_526th_Fireman]

Hi cavity.

You don't have to do anything. Just delete the fs9.cfg and when you start up the FS9 again, it rebuilds a NEW one based upon your current setup.

I would suggest that anytime anyone has a problem all of a sudden with FS9 and have looked at the usual stuff, that this then be the next step BEFORE uninstalling scenery, acft., or the game itself.

This step alone has solved many problems.

[JBaymore]

Cavity,

Make sure it is the CFG file you delete...... not the EXE!

best,

..................john

[cavity]

Hi John, how have you been?  I found my cfg files, but the problem is I have 2 of them.  One is FS9.cfg and the other is fs9.cfg.  One is the original and the other is modified with stuff that has been suggested over time, such as ATI on Win2000/XP kind of stuff.  Should I write down those changes, delete both of them and then modify the new cfg file that is created on start up?  Do you need the disk in to create the new cfg?  Thanks, todd

[MattNW]

Just move them out of the folder. No need to completely delete the file. That way if it isn't the .cfg file you can put them back and not need to make any changes in your sim settings. No use wasting the time if that isn't the problem.

Also you may want to run directX diagnostic if the sim is reporting a lot of .dll errors, especially since it's different .dll files each time. Just click on "Start" "Run" and type dxdiag in the box. When the utility pops op run all the tests on the different tabs.

You could also disable all the add on scenery you have added and leave only the default scenery and see if that cures the problem. If it does reactivate each add on scenery one at a time then try the sim out. If it crashes the last scenery you activate is likely the problem.

Another trick if it is the Fs9.cfg causing the problem is to get a good one and save a copy of it once you have all your settings the way you want. Resave a new backup any time you make a change in key assignments or slider settings. This way you will always have a good Fs9.cfg to drop back in if something gets messed up. With this method setup time is "0" and you are back up and flying within seconds.

[AuMaV]

Hi
If running XP try this
http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_ ... ag=nl.e064
try your video card driver(as this is changed the most)
Whilst this will only test windows and not the game,some small errors may show up as a CTD in FS9 but alow windows to boot
also try running drwatson.exe(pretty sure its in all win ver)  it may give some extra info
cheers
Wozza

[cavity]

Ok, I went in and deleted the old fs9.cfg.  When I started the game, everything was back to 800x600 and all the settings needed to be reset.  Is that correct?  If I go in and make the changes to the cfg that I had, how does this help things?  Is the re-written cfg somehow more stabile?  Todd

[JBaymore]

Cavity,

Hi.  Been a while.

Yes, the resetting to default minimums is normal.  It is the cfg file that "holds" all the stuff you have done in the "Settings" screen.  

In my experience ...... for some unknown reason... YES... it seems to fix things.  Just go back and put in the old conifguration changes you had and see if it doesn't work OK.  Darned if I know WHY... but it does seem to sork.... and many have experienced the same thing.

At some point I want to take the OLD cfg file and the new one that is generated... and check it literally line-for-line and see what has been possibly ALSO changed that was not one of the changes that I have made.  Time consuming process and I haven't done it yet.  There MUST be some value(s) in there that get screwed up somehow.... that creating an new one fixes.

best,

.......john

[cavity]

Well, after much fussing and fiddling, I ended up putting the old one back in.  To my surprise, I just completed a 3 hour flight without  a glitch.  I am hoping this continues to be the case, Ill report back after a few more hours and trips.  So far so good though.  Thanks for all the help to everyone in the forum.  Todd

[JBaymore]

Cavity,

INTERESTING!  

I think most of us assume that when fs2004 creates a new cfg file when we delete the old one that that action is the ONLY action happening.  But your little situation might point to the fact that when the cfg file is removed not only is another new cfg file automatically generated....... but there is some OTHER file altered/ regenerated.

That would be one explanation for what you just experienced.  There might be others too.... but it is an interesting thought.

Anyone have any thioughts on how we track down what OTHER stuff might get "updated" when the cfg file is removed and allowed to regenerate?

best,

................john

[dave3cu]

Might be able to do a file search with 'last modified date' and then sort output by 'date modified' column whhich will sort by time.

Dave

[cavity]

Well John, and all the others who offered their help, thanks a million.  After removing the old fs.9 cfg, starting up the game and letting a new one be created, then removing that and putting the old one back in, its like a brand new game.  I have not had one crash or error message since.  Why reloading the original fs9.cfg wouldnt result in the same problems is beyond me, but they are gone.  Thanks again, Im starting a long haul right now.  Todd

[JBaymore]

Cavity,

No problem.

SO... I think your experience points strongly to the fact that when the fs9.cfg file is deleted and the sim is allowed to create a new one....... it ALSO creates "something else/

Anyone have the time to explore this theory?  Unfortunately with my simpit nearing "flight time"........... akll of my spare minutesd are devoted there.

best,

...............john