Tech Tip

[06 Maestro]

OK commanders, grab onto your rifles for this one.

Turn off your anisotropic filtering on your graphics controller and set it to "application controlled".

I have little idea what anisotropic filtering is, or does. I can't explain why it does any good. I can tell you that I have been (diligently) tinkering with various game and PC settings for hours, and suddenly, it is working great.

I just played all the way (as the CP) through from early Aug '14 to the start of the Nov/Dec. '14 turn with a smooth running game with no crashes. The CPU use was about the same, but Ram use was about 15% lower.

When I closed the game, I did get an error message, but so what-I have a saved game.

[calvinus]

When I closed the game, I did get an error message, but so what-I have a saved game.

Known problem, reported on the tech. forum (memory leak on game quit, investigations under way :sherlock , at least it's on game quit...

[db99]

Turn off your anisotropic filtering on your graphics controller and set it to "application controlled".

Another tip, if you have an ATI graphics card and have the Catalyst Control Center icon in your system tray, right click on it and choose the 'Exit' option. Turning that off before starting WWI seems to help my system. Haven't had any CTDs during play since I started turning it off, I do get the CTD at Quit but I've already saved at that point

[calvinus]

CTDs on quit are caused by:

- Memory leak on AI reset ... fix is potentially done, I need to do tests, then 1.0.4c

OR

- bug inside the MP3 playback library (external) used by WW1 engine. Investigations for fix under way.

[06 Maestro]

I have run a few more tests with the anisotropic filtering, and have confirmed it has eliminated CTD-except while exiting (for nine turns in a row, plus several others for 2 to 3 turns). The difference is easily noticeable in the speed of the game, and the smoothness of cursor use.

By setting this graphics option to “application controlled” during play, my WW1 game is running smooth. I’m using the 104a patch.

If you are still having problems resulting in a CTD, I urge you to try this out-it may do the trick for you.

I did some light research into anisotropic filtering. Mixed in with all the tech mumbo jumbo is the statement that it is a “computationally intensive aspect to 3D graphics”. It is an important part of the game.

[calvinus]

I have run a few more tests with the anisotropic filtering, and have confirmed it has eliminated CTD-except while exiting (for nine turns in a row, plus several others for 2 to 3 turns). The difference is easily noticeable in the speed of the game, and the smoothness of cursor use.

By setting this graphics option to “application controlled” during play, my WW1 game is running smooth. I’m using the 104a patch.

If you are still having problems resulting in a CTD, I urge you to try this out-it may do the trick for you.

I did some light research into anisotropic filtering. Mixed in with all the tech mumbo jumbo is the statement that it is a “computationally intensive aspect to 3D graphics”. It is an important part of the game.

Sounds very good! Can you post please a detailed "How to"?

[Le Ricain]

Bad news for me I am afraid. I checked my graphics setting and discovered that I am already application controlled for anisotropic filtering. When I reached Sept 1915, I found a CTD using no sound/music.

[calvinus]

Ok Le Ricain, do you want to test the crash fixes I have done in 1.0.4c?
I'm going you send you a PM.

[Johnnie]

06Maestro:

How does one follow your recommendation, step by step please ??

[Johnnie]

Calvinus:

When will 104c be posted? I'm anxious to play again.

[Alan_Bernardo]

Bad news for me I am afraid. I checked my graphics setting and discovered that I am already application controlled for anisotropic filtering. When I reached Sept 1915, I found a CTD using no sound/music.

Try turning anisotropic "off" instead of having it on application controlled.


Alan

[calvinus]

Dear Jhonnie, just a bit patience... 2-3 days max, ok?
I'm working like under the effect of drugs!

[calvinus]

Try turning anisotropic "off" instead of having it on application controlled.


Alan

Yes, 06 Maestro please explain the "how to" in "step by step"...

I checked the code and the graphic engine does not use this damned filter (that causes a great increment in video card rendering calculations), but it seems DirectX is ignoring this...

[tagwyn]

Good morning!! Pills? Get off that stuff. We are already nuts; no need to physically hurt yourself. :Papy:

[tagwyn]

[06 Maestro]

I use a NVIDIA 7800 graphics card. I have a link in the tool tray, but it is easily accessed in the control panel.

When opened, near the top of headings, there is “Manage 3D Settings”. Opening that gives you a simple window which offers choices in two columns’, one for “Global” settings (for everything on your PC) and another for a specific program setting.

When you choose “Program Settings” WW1 will not be in the list in the “select a program to customize” drop down menu. There will be an “add” button next to the program list box, clicking on that will enable you to navigate to any program. Once you have WW1 added to the custom list, you can change the anisotropic settings (along with a slew of other things if you are a thrill seeker).

It is easy to set after you get to graphics controller. I imagine (:bonk they should all have similar setting choices.

[Johnnie]

Maestro:

Thanks; tried your tip. No joy; crash on second turn of grand campaign. Also for the first time I noted that the map kept getting darker and darker, then lighter and lighter. This was not constant, but happened on and off. I also had much more lagging and slower battle resolution. My card was set to: "controlled by application" and I turned it to "off"; I have now set it back.

Don't know if it matters, but I have played several of the smaller scenarios without crashes (mostly) but in the grand campaign the furthest I have gotten is into the August turn.

I suppose I'll wait for 104c.

[db99]

Yes, 06 Maestro please explain the "how to" in "step by step"...

I checked the code and the graphic engine does not use this damned filter (that causes a great increment in video card rendering calculations), but it seems DirectX is ignoring this...

Is this game even using the Direct3d code? Anisotropic filtering shouldn't be an issue at all if you aren't using 3d.

[06 Maestro]

Maestro:

Thanks; tried your tip. No joy; crash on second turn of grand campaign. Also for the first time I noted that the map kept getting darker and darker, then lighter and lighter. This was not constant, but happened on and off. I also had much more lagging and slower battle resolution. My card was set to: "controlled by application" and I turned it to "off"; I have now set it back.

Don't know if it matters, but I have played several of the smaller scenarios without crashes (mostly) but in the grand campaign the furthest I have gotten is into the August turn.

I suppose I'll wait for 104c.

Too bad it didn't work for you-I suppose there are too many variables.
Funny you mention the fading; for about a week, I thought that was some strange attribute to the game.