ArmA Will not start

[Hobbo 10]

Hi,

ArmA (with Queens Gambit) used to work fine on my machine, but recently I got a strange error message when started (after the small checkbox screen and before the BI screen loads) as below:

Addon 'CA_Anims_Char' requires addon 'CA_Anims'

Then the BI screen loads and then it crashes to desktop with the following error:

Warning: preNLOD format in object ca\anims\characters\data\geom\sdr\geom_amovpercmstpwrfldnon.p3d

So I uninstalled and re-installed and the same happened (I think that every time I try installing I get a slighty different error message but along the same lines).

Also if I try to install QB then I get the following error part-way through the installation (D: is the drive which the game was installed):

file copy error (CRC does not match)

D:\Games\ArmA\Addons\dbe1.pbo

So at the moment I am running a fresh install of Windows XP and of the game (no addons or patches) and it is still failing to load. My current error message is:

Warning: preNLOD format in object ca\data\particleeffects\fireandsmokeanim\fireanim.p3d

Before the BI screen loads

So far I have tried:

Installing on C:

Complete new install of Windows

Different DVD Drive

Different ArmA disc

All with no avail. ANY THOUGHTS??

I am currently using:

Win XP with Service Pack 2 (previously had SP3 and had the same error)

3.2Ghz P4

3GB RAM

Abit IC7-Max3 Mobo

ATI (Sapphire) HD 2600XT

Creative SB Audigy 2ZS

Direct X 9.0c (used to have 10 I think and still had error)

[Gunter Severloh 4051]

Addon 'CA_Anims_Char' requires addon 'CA_Anims'

this is an addon you are missing, i get a message like this when i make my own missions and i take out addons.

So find these 2 addons probably in your queens gambit disc, right click on ur drive where the disc is at and go into the files and look for the addon.

Warning: preNLOD format in object ca\anims\characters\data\geom\sdr\geom_amovpercmst pwrfldnon.p3d

something to do with the loading of a picture i believe and animations for the characters. Im thinking this has to do with something out of place, i cant really say, im sure theres someone that could tell you about this one, sorry i cant help.

file copy error (CRC does not match)

D:\Games\ArmA\Addons\dbe1.pbo

i believe what its telling you is you have an older version of the addon, which in general means u need to patch your game. CRC is what "cold war Resistance Campaign"? are you useing the CWC mod or a mod that is out of date? again i think this has to do having the latest version of what you are running.

you dont need to reforamt your hardive for all of this, this is mostly game related, you have files missing, and have things out of date, find the latest stuff for what you have and try that. hopefully someone will come along and give you a deeper insight into your problem.

[Hobbo 10]

Hey,

Thanks for the response - really appreciate it.

I am not running any mods or downloaded anything extra for the game, which is why it is strange that I get these errors.

Is there any reason I should have "addon/files missing" style errors when I have literally just installed the game and pressed play? My thoughts were something hardware related but am yet to nail down the issue.

Maybe something not installing successfully from the DVD? Weird as I have tried different DVDs of the game and new DVD drives.

I will see if I am able to install any patches successfully as you suggest (although I cannot install 1.08 from QB CD), then will let you know.

Any other thoughts? (this has to be one of the strangest errors ever!) :mad:

[Gunter Severloh 4051]

Hmm.

just make sure you have arma assault installed and running and patched, and then install QG.

I'd also check what is required of queens Gambit to make sure your not missing something as in patches or something.

Overall I really dont see why you are having an problem.

I can see a problem if you downloaded a game but not from the disc, I never had any issues with arma from the DVD.

Another thing to possibly look at is your shortcuts, make sure your shortcuts are pointing to arma.

But start with armed assault first, get that installed , and patched then play test the game to make sure it works. if it works then install queens Gambit and if it dont work then all we can assume is u have a shit copy of QG. but try that. If arma itself dont work when u install it then it has to be either a bad copy, or the requirements that possibly you are not meeting for the game.

hope this helps.

[Ignition91 10]

I had this error but managed to sort it.

Have you tried to "Run as Administrator" ?

That sorted out my problem.

[Hobbo 10]

Hey guys - just wanted to say thanks for all the help.

I am going to be away for a couple of days so cannot try any of the suggestions. Will be back on the case at the weekend.

Will keep you updated.

Thanks! :)

[Hobbo 10]

Hey,

Right I am back, and persisting! Although I now believe my issue is much wider than the game itself!:

1) Some (not all) ZIP files cannot be unzipped as I get a CRC error (including any ArmA patches!).

2) Sometimes when I install things from CD or DVD I get a strange error (probably similar issue to CRC error) - I have tried different DVDs and DVD drives and still had the same issue.

3) If I install the latest drivers for my soundcard then I loose all sound

4) I get random re-boots (often during installation of software/drivers - but sometimes has been when the system is idle)

5) After about my 5th try of installing XP to see if I managed to do something different each time, I now cannot connect to Windows Update.

My hunch is that it is either the mobo, or something on it (bad RAM, CPU etc.). I do not really mind buying a new mobo and cpu (as given the specs it should not be too expensive). But I would like some degree of confidence that this is the issue first!

Does anyone have any thoughts? Please let me know if more info is needed.

Many Thanks

[haroon 10]

When you uninstall ArmA , a message will pop up saying "some files are not deleted"

It might be that you need to delete those files in the Addons folder,[as they are not necessary to run the game]

By seeing your problems, it might be the bad RAM, which causes the Random Re-boots....

as the sys consumes more memory when installing something.....

Check your DxDiag to see if your RAM's mem amount are properly displayed...

Or you might need to defrag the mem[very optional]

startmenu> run >dxdiag

Also check device manager, or you may post what you've found in the dxdiag by copy pasting..

My Computer>right click> properties>hardware> device manager

I only have a little knowledge about errors that Windows give...so i can only give you advice,

Haroon1992.....................................

[Hobbo 10]

haroon.. do the words "nail" and "on the head" mean anything to you?

I (with bugger all RAM knowledge), downloaded Memtest86+ (advice from another forum) and ran it from floppy and it showed a shed load of errors. Randomly the Corsair XMS memory I had fom first install in 2004 works fine, but the extra 2 GB I added as value select about a year ago (still corsair) is knackered!

My machine is working great now. (albeit 2GB RAM worse off)

Thank you so much, I was inches away from going for a new rig!

Cheers, this sort of thread is the reason why forums are so bloody good!

Matt

[desertjedi 3]

That's great news, Hobbo. Based on your symptoms there was obviously something very wrong with your system.

Does Memtest86 work fine after you pull the bad RAM? I ask simply because I haven't been able to run Memtest86 for probably two or more years now simply because it keeps failing on the newer motherboard chipsets. I used to use it religiously but I finally gave up on it.