DirectX Problem?

[scl]

Hi

I wanted to post about a problem I'm having, and hopefully somebody might be able to suggest a remedy.

My computer specs are: Intel i5-4670K CPU @3.40 GHz, 8GB RAM, Nvidia Geforce GT770, latest driver 334.89, Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium. I'm using a Dell U2412 monitor set at 1920 x 1200 60Hz.

I'm currently playing TS2014 and Eurotruck Sim 2. Last week I started to get a freeze in playing either game, but with different results. In TS2014 after a few minutes running the screen will go black, and after a few seconds the game would re-appear but paused. I could continue play, but the same result would happen a minute or two later, and even if it did the game would crash totally leaving a black screen with the message: Entering Power Save Mode. I need to restart the computer completely. With Euro Truck Sim the screen just goes black, but the sound continues. I need to Hit Cntrl Alt Delete to quit out of the game.

The reason I'm wondering if it's DirectX is because I can run the truck sim in Open GL with no real problem. Rise of Flight also plays unaffected.

I've completely unistalled the video drivers and reinstalled, and I've also reverted back to a previous Registry point at a date when I knew things were running fine.

I understand DirectX11 is part of Windows 7 and can't be uninstalled, then re-installed so I'm a bit stuck there.

I ran Logmate in the last TS2014 session but didn't want to post the result here at the mo as it's a pretty long list, and some kind soul might have a suggestion to make drawn on the info above.

I really would very much appreciate any help or suggestions please as this is gettimg very frustrating to say the least!

Thanking you in advance
Ken

[Ericmopar]

You could be loosing your video signal to the monitor. It doesn't sound like a DX problem to me.
That could be a loose cable.
If it's a DVI cable it could be in the wrong DVI port on the back of the card. I had that happen a couple of months ago to me. It turned out my GTX 780... or maybe the 660, needed a single monitor to use a specific DVI port. Switching ports did the trick.
I also needed to completely remove the old Nvidia drivers when I installed my GTX 780, that was also leading to a black screen like you are describing.
When I say uninstall, I mean uninstall through Programs and Features first, then delete the Nvidia folders on the PC in Programs, ProgramsX86 and Common.
The Nvidia clean install option is not reliable.
If you had AMD drivers on there make sure they are completely removed. Just be careful, some PCs have AMD drivers for chips etc that aren't part of their GPU drivers.
Did you change any hardware or connecting cables recently?
If it's a new build, it could have a bad piece of hardware or cabling.
I can't cover all the possibilities, but maybe these will get you on the right track.

[scl]

Hi Eric - and thanks very much for the reply.

I'll certainly try what you've suggested when I get home from work today. I'm just a little puzzled that if it is a dodgy connection/cable etc. problem why it's not affecting programs running in Open GL?

The only hardware change I've made if I can call it that is the removal of a Creative X-Fi Go USB sound card in preference for the onboard sound chip. I'd done this because I thought it might be part of the problem. I'll remove the drivers as you suggest, and I'll also remove the Creative drivers as well, including Alchemy (I know Alchemy's caused problems in past!).

The computer was put together professionally last June. I'm just puzzled it only seems to affect games that run with DirectX. Rise of Flight doesn't seem to be affected at all, and neither does the truck sim when run in Open GL. Weird

You've given me something to go at anyway - much appreciated!

Ken

[CARex]

Ken,
Probably not related, but I had a similar problem (same characteristics) last week as a result of an 'adware' product that arrived uninvited (w/freeware via CNET none the less). Additionally, I'm equipped with an NVidia GTX 765.
After removal of same, the problem disappeared. As I recall the adware was called 'Poreland' or something similar to that.

[arizonachris]

Hi, Ken. I'm thinking more along the lines of your GT770 overheating. What you can try is a neat little program called MSI Afterburner: http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/download.htm It will let you monitor the card's temp, and will also let you increase the card's fan speed.

Could also be a driver issue. I've read a few posts at other Forums about this new driver causing issues, but not this specific one. I'm running the 332.21's with good results.

[artimrj]

I think it is either over heating GPU or a failing power supply. Both games you are having problems with are resource intense. I hooked up a 20 inch TV for a second monitor and noticed my GPU fan was not turning off. Had Google Earth on it while I edit my route. Strange things started happening. Google Earth would lose connection, RW would minimize to the task bar, then jump back to focus. I pulled up a video utility and my GPU temp was 130C. Disconnected the monitor and temp is down to normal 67C. The GPU heating up was causing all the problems.

I have also had simliar things happen when my power supply was starting to fail.

[scl]

Well problem solved!

I found that the plastic housing surrounding the cable going to the game port on my Dell U2412 monitor had totally come apart. What had made the situation worse is that I have a wireless internet connection with 2 antenae. When I had a bad internet connection last week (I remember it now!) I had fiddled at the back of the computer adjusting the antenae, and I must have disturbed the fine connecting cables probably weakening a join or creating some sort of havoc. It's weird that it only seemed to affect DirectX though which is why I jumped the gun thinking that was the problem. Anyway, cable will be replaced tomorrow, and it's been a lesson well-learned!!

Grateful thanks to everyone who took the time to offer advice or suggestions. It is much appreciated!

Cheers
Ken

[HankySpanky]

Slam-dunk by Ericmopar! Way to shoot, dude!

2 points.

[Ericmopar]

Slam-dunk by Ericmopar! Way to shoot, dude!

2 points.

Thank you, but Bob, Bob and Chris all could have been right. Diagnosing a black screen can be hair raising.

[HankySpanky]

I know, but I just started keeping score today.