Delta Force Barracks Forums

Sysdump.txt the common causes

Eagle_Eye - 2-3-2004 at 04:24 PM

Sysdump.txt the common causes

DF games Affected - DF1,2,3,4 and the BHD series.

Over the last few years I have been lan gaming with Iceman55 and a few other mates.
I joined DFBarracks way back then, but all was lost when the site was sold, and we
all had to rejoin, even back then, the amount of posts about sysdumps was huge.

We started with DFLW and progressed through the next releases. All of us changed PC's
over the years, 2 or 3 times, and still the problem persists..."Bing"..SysDump.Txt

These notes are from this experience, with some thrown in from posts here at DFB.

SYSDUMPs are generated by the game when the Windows is told (using DirectX) to
perform a function. Windows then instructs the hardware (using the hardware's
drivers) to generate the image or sound. If for any reason there is confusion in
the process, you receive a sysdump.

Sysdumps can be broken down in 4 main parts.
1. Hardware/driver related
2. Mapping errors on the part of the mapper.
3. Other background software.
4. Hackers and Cheaters.

I'll discuss all 4 parts. Feel free to add to this post any causes that are not listed,
I will add them to this post then delete the original post, not so you don't get credit,
so the thread doesn't get to cluttered.

1. Hardware/driver related problems

Use these links from Novalogic to find your drivers.
http://www.novalogic.com/support_video.asp

http://www.novalogic.com/updates.asp

DirectX and Video Drivers

The most common cause is the Video Drivers conflicting with the Version of DirectX
you have installed. You must have video drivers that where writen for the Version
of DirectX you have installed. So, for DirectX9b, you must have a minimum of driver
release 52.16 for nVidia, this was released after 9b, and is debugged from the previous rushed
versions of 43.xx.

Motherboard and Soundcard Drivers

Your motherboard uses a chipset to make things work, they are not all the same, they come from a
range of manufacturers, AMD, nVidia, Intel, VIA and a lot more. If you bought your motherboard
in a box, it came with an install disk, the motherboard drivers are on that disk, but you'll need
to check for updates from the manufacturers web site. The common rule is, if you can't find a web
site that supports your board, you shouldn't have bought it in the first place. These drivers also
drive the AGP chipset, which is different than the Video drivers, so make sure they are up to date.
Check your sound card drivers as well, if it's onboard sound, goto the same place as your M'B drivers
, otherwise look up the site for your separate card.

Bios

Your bios may be out of date..be careful here, you make your M/B useless, check your M/B website
for bios updates.

Heat

Heat...is your system running too hot? Clean your system on a monthy basis...keep out the dust..clean
heatsinks and fans, run software to monitor the temp of your CPU.

Video Card itself.

How old is your video card...Does it support DirectX9b. Is it faulty.



2. Mapping errors on the part of the mapper.

The following Taken from a post by Crazy

1. 11 or more characters in the .bms file name - putting eleven or more characters in the name of your *.bms file may cause a sysdump. Try to shorten your name, and it may cause the game to load properly. The error seen is "unable to find map height".

2. Placing “null” markers on the map, and leaving them there when you save and export will cause sysdumps.
If you receive a sysdump, keep your eyes open for “nulls”.

3. Placing more than 7 different types of people on the map might cause a sysdump. Also keep your eyes ope
n for this if your receive a sysdump.

4. Once one of my maps had a conflict with a Z position I put on a unit. I believe the conflict was because
there was nothing for the unit to rest on (such as a floor). If you have exhausted all of the checks you can
run after receiving a sysdump, you may want to eliminate some units’ Z positions.

5. Placing vehicles on uneven ground might cause a sysdump.

6. Placing buildings on cliffs or hills where the sides are hanging over might cause a sysdump.

More on Mapping...

1. Keep amount of AI in an SP map to about 60, as per the Med manual.

2. Maps using Exp packs or other Addons..but the download didn't mention it...so it has height error
because the player doesn't have all the resourses in the Game folder or PFF file.
So make sure the maps your using are supported by the mos youhave , or don't have...

3. Spelling errors with wac files

4. Incorrect creation of custom bin files.

5. Items outside the red suare.

6. More than 1200 objects?

7. Not enough spawns points...timed game entry...players can't spawn
you can only have 1 player spawn at once on each spawn point.

8. DF2 - Keep file names short for bms files, 11 charcters max.

9. Loading a save after you have edited the mis file.



3. Other background software

1. Make sure that no anti-virus software is running in Windows when you play the
game (especially Norton Anti-Virus). These programs conflict with the normal
processes of the game and may be the source of your system crashes.

2. Manual update virus checkers, so your virus checker won't update while you are playing.

3. Turn off auto virus check so it won't start scanning your Hard Drive while playing.

4. Keep your System tray as emtpy as possible.

5. MSN, ICQ, Voice software, Kazza othere p2p software may interfer, turn them off.



4. Hackers and Cheaters.

1. Forced sysdumps in DF2...sysdump-Hack beatable with C/B




Hints and Tips

1. Make sure you run the correct NoCd for the patch you have installed.

2. Try and run older DF games in compatibility mode.

3. Keep your temp folders empty, the one in the windows folder, and if you have WinXP,
there's one in the C:\Documents and Settings\users and one under your log in name
in the same folder. I've seen some installs of XP put this temp folder in the windows
folder as well.

4. Keep your hard Drive Defraged

5. Keep enough empty space on your hard drive for the virtual memory to use.

6. Run Spyware software to get rid of odd background programs

7. AMD CPU's are more unstable and require constant updating off drivers.


Regards
EE

*** Edit 30NOV04 added from a post by Merkl
Quote:
Originally posted by Merkl

Actually, you should maintain your DF folder no matter which version, going all the way back to DF1.

You should:

-Move screenies to a different directory, this will speed up load time for the game considerably as well as free up ram. the game scans the entire directory for different file types including images when it starts so that it has them on hand in the case of them being needed for maps and intro screens.

-Periodically clear out your CACHE folder ESPECIALLY after a sysdump! Just trash everything in it but leave the folder. This is all info the game generates to use during the game being played. Once the game is played out it's pretty useless to you and as far as sending it to NOVA for analysis don't make me laugh!

- Remove the Sysdump.txt file from your main directory as well. you can read it but you probably won't understand it. Mostly it's going to contain the memory addresses that caused the sysdump. AND usually they don't exsist which is why the sysdump happened.

As a general rule a Sysdump on a NOVA MADE MAP (one that came on your CD) is something to be concerned about. On a user made map just forget about it chuck the map and move on.

90% of the time sysdumps are caused by a bad map or file that goes along with it. One item out of place or crossectioning with another time in a way that creates too much math for your cpu to handle etc.

5% Of the time it's the game looking for memory in the wrong locations or thats being used by useless screenies, in 98 that would be a sysdump with a BSOD (blue screen of death)

The other 5% is when you mess with the .def files while modding the game.

So in essence anything you can do about avoiding sysdumps you do BEFORE you start to play. If you're still getting sysdumps it's the maps fault and/or the little mods you got running. YEAH YEAH I know you only tried them and then took them off. Like Clinton never inhaled! Never exhaled more than likely!

-=M O O K I=-

FEARofGOD - 2-5-2004 at 08:56 PM

i have been getting this recently. I have removed one of my 512 memory sticks (the cheap one) and its not happened since. However, since updating the game to v1.5.0.5 (i think), my graphics has become dodgy. My night vision doesn't work properly and some weapons don't zoom properly. I just get a bright yellow screen??? Would you know if this is anything to do with what you have posted.

Sys spec is:

AMD XP2200+
128Mb GForce FX 5500
512Mb DDR 333Mhz

I presume this is all that matters. Motherboard is a bit cheap so the Processor is running at 133Mhz giving me 1.8Ghz. But apart from that nothing is overclocked, and nothing has more volts through it? Is this a problem with this sysdump? Or is it my hardware? Or is it Novaworld update?

Any help would be appreciated.

ollythompson.tangerine@virgin.net

FEARofGOD - 2-5-2004 at 08:57 PM

p.s. plenty of room on 80Gig HD (only used about 7Gigs up to now

Eagle_Eye - 2-5-2004 at 09:10 PM

What Winsdows are you using?...

I'd also be looking at a reinstall of DirectX, helps sometimes, make sure it's 9b, and then reinstall your vid drivers..at least version 52.16..

Open your PC, remove the AGP card, clean the slot and the contacts, make sure that you earth yourself on the case first to avoid static.

Regards.EE

RAP~RSU~ - 2-5-2004 at 10:09 PM

Thx Eagle
I ask myself everytime what the sysdumps include,now i know it.
very interesting

FEARofGOD - 2-6-2004 at 07:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Eagle_Eye
What Winsdows are you using?...

I'd also be looking at a reinstall of DirectX, helps sometimes, make sure it's 9b, and then reinstall your vid drivers..at least version 52.16..

Open your PC, remove the AGP card, clean the slot and the contacts, make sure that you earth yourself on the case first to avoid static.

Regards.EE


i'm on Win XP Pro, i'll try cleaning up tomorrow. Cheers

problem with a personal mission

korben - 3-18-2004 at 12:21 AM

Hello, i have a problem with a personal mission because i have create a mission with the df2 mission editor and i exported the mission in df2. In single player, there aren't problem but when i want play with my friend in multiplayers in co-op on novaworld, for the host, the mission loaded and start but for the other player, there are a sysdump.txt. Why? i see the cause of sysdump in the forum but i not understood all because i speak not very well english(i'm french). Can you help me? (with simple word for i understand please, thank)

Eagle_Eye - 3-18-2004 at 10:25 AM

Is this guy a mate of yours? If he is, email him the map, see if he can run it normally, just to make sure it's not the actual map. Does it only happen with the one map?


EE

sysdump

incubusl2d - 3-24-2004 at 12:32 PM

this happens to me everytime i finish a round in novaworld,can someone elplain whta to do please

sys. dumps

JOKE*HER - 4-18-2004 at 10:31 PM

I've read somewhere that certain programs running in the backround also contribute to sys. dumps. Would anyone know of any problems with the APC Power Chute Personal Edition. I use it and it came with software which also 'runs' in the backround . It shuts down my PC correctly in case of power outages and (most of all) naughty kids randomly pushing buttons.
Also , if an anti-virus should not be used, does that mean 100% turn it off or simply turn off all atomatic updates and scans?

Capt Blackstone - 4-27-2004 at 09:24 AM

thx iceman and eagle eye ,for the form about system dumping . ill look in to some of them and see if i cant get it stoped . at least a little .lol

JOKE*HER - 5-5-2004 at 11:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JOKE*HER
I've read somewhere that certain programs running in the backround also contribute to sys. dumps. Would anyone know of any problems with the APC Power Chute Personal Edition. I use it and it came with software which also 'runs' in the backround . It shuts down my PC correctly in case of power outages and (most of all) naughty kids randomly pushing buttons.
Also , if an anti-virus should not be used, does that mean 100% turn it off or simply turn off all atomatic updates and scans?


Pardon moi. An overlook on my part
:( : I turn off the auto's but not the program.

systmdump.txt

General Steve - 8-24-2004 at 04:22 AM

hello, same with probs with the systmdump.txt, it only normally happened when there is a cheater in the room when i play on novaworld, and when the cheaters are in, i seem to allways get system dupmed. i know there is the cb programme but when i downloaded it, i couldnt see how it worked or how to set it up and do with it. apparently cb stops this being systmdumped by cheaters, how does this programme work and what do i need to do to the programme to set it up correctly to make it work.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

many thanks Steve aka General Steve

Eagle_Eye - 8-24-2004 at 10:49 AM

Steve, you best ask this question in the CB forum mate..

http://www.dfbarracks.com/forums/index.php?gid=73

EE

General Steve - 8-24-2004 at 10:09 PM

Thanks, i shall post it in there. Im new to this df barraks, so im still learning what and where to post lol, i shall learn it eventually. thank for help

Steve aka G.Steve

DFG2.trn & sysdump

Vecchio - 11-7-2004 at 08:36 AM

I always get a sysdump when playing a mission that uses dfg2.trn as the terrain. MED crashes too when I try to select dfg2.trn at the terrains list. Is there any way to fix this problem?

Eagle_Eye - 11-7-2004 at 02:31 PM

Could be a corrupted file in your pff file..is that a standard terrain? I can't remember..

A reinstall my fix it..

EE

Vecchio - 11-7-2004 at 11:09 PM

Yes, its an standard terrain. I´m sorry, but the one that is corrupted is dfg1.trn. I think that my CD is corrupted (some kind of scretch) 'cause reinstalling doesn't help! I've found the color map on the Internet. If I recreate the terrain, is it possible to fix the problem? Is it too hard to recreate the terrain and fix the terrains.pff?

Eagle_Eye - 11-7-2004 at 11:24 PM

I'm looking at DF games..which one is this terrain From?

##Edit..I found one from DF2, is that the right one?##

I need dfg1_*.*

Vecchio - 11-7-2004 at 11:29 PM

Its DF2. I've tried to recreate the terrain based on the colour map. Its very hard. Its easier to create the colour map from the height map, not the opposite. I think that if anyone can send me all files related to dfg1.trn extracted from Terrains.pff, I would appreciate.

dfg1*.*

Vecchio - 11-7-2004 at 11:35 PM

Oh, I forgot to say, my email is paneseca@bol.com.br. If anyone can send me dfg1*.* from the DF2 terrains.pff...

Eagle_Eye - 11-7-2004 at 11:37 PM

I have zipped them all up, almost 6 meg..I will upload them to my storage area, but I only use dialup, so it will take a while..like an hour, and it's bedtime here..lol..

I'll setup the upload, I can give you a link now, but it will return a damaged zip until you wait for it to finish..

http://images.dfbarracks.com/users/eagleeye/df2/DFG1.zip

It's going up now, says 30 minutes..give it 1 hour to be safe..from the time I posted this..

EE

Thank You!

Vecchio - 11-10-2004 at 05:49 AM

Man, you are super! Now I have a fully working DF2 and I'm back to barracks! Now I have a nice terrains.pff and can play on all maps again. Thank you Eagle_Eye! Not everyone would spend half an hour uploading a 6meg file on a dial-up connection at badtime just to help an unknown. Thanks to people like you the gaming world goes on and on. Thank you lots once again! You're the man!

Eagle_Eye - 11-10-2004 at 10:21 AM

Mate, there's not many sites with support like us either, we put Novaworld to shame..besides, maybe one day, you'll do the same for someone else, be it a PC problem, or in a real life situation, it's all about values in the end..

fishdude - 12-7-2004 at 02:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by incubusl2d
this happens to me everytime i finish a round in novaworld,can someone elplain whta to do please


same issue

SYS DUMP

mapletyphoon - 12-23-2004 at 09:47 AM

i keep getting system dump everytime i join a server, i get to play for about 5-10 seconds and then its system dumps, i was playing it earlier in the day and it was fine, then a couple hours after it system dumps all the time, ive reinstalled BHD a million times it isnt helping, im not sure how to reinstall directx bc there is no re-isntall button, i need help and fast thx

meatcleaver - 12-26-2004 at 05:08 AM

I've been getting several errors on DF2 while the maps loading on multiplayer. While it is saying " analyzing mission topography" etc. an error pops up similar to sysdump saying, "unablt to open height map ()" then another saying "height map is incorrect size" then it ends with a sysdump error closing DF2. It has gotten to the point of doing this every single time i try to play. I can't play DF2 multiplayer anymore and i'm goin crazy. What is this new error?

Com.John.SW - 2-7-2005 at 11:13 AM

I have been having the same problem on bhd it says things bout the system dump how can I make it stop this is my computer.
1024ram
2.6 ghz intel celeron
64meg geforce mx4000
40 gigs of hard drive
Windows xp home edition
Gateway

sgt.macintosh - 5-9-2005 at 11:50 AM

under sys dump error .... Sysdump-hack beatable with C/B .... what is a C/B ????:(:o

mapletyphoon

Tiger-X - 3-18-2006 at 05:24 AM

Direct-x can be reloaded over current file without affecting rest of system.You could have to update again using original BHD.exe file in game folder.Hope this helps.If you need data on subject feel free to email me.

Tiger-X!!!!!!

JOPS sysdump

X-Core - 5-30-2006 at 04:35 AM

I got jops and played it for a few days but now when ever i join a game i get a sysdump after being in the game for 5-10 seconds.

Im on Windows XP SP2
256mb GeForce 9700GS gfx card
250gb HDD
2gb ram

Any ideas?

TomSmith - 5-31-2006 at 12:05 AM

Had similar problems. First I found out my (new) ram was defective, then my (new) harddisk was defective, too. After replacing both the game runs without making any trouble.
If you want to check you ram you can use a tool like memtest86, available at:
www.memtest86.com
To check your harddrive please refer to the homepage of it?s manufracturer and look for a testing tool (for example the testing tool from Seagate is called Seatools).

sys dump while hosting

TFDAverageHero - 12-21-2006 at 02:33 PM

when ever i host a BHD server i get a sys dump when i get anytype of PSP...no matter if its a custom map or stock. also noticed when i host and it dosnt do the sys dump right away it says "Unknown" instead of my name when i go for a psp