Error Message: Application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142)... HELP!

[johnpetty991968@yahoo.com]

I just bought SimCity Societies. I installed the program and all appeared to go well. When I attempted to run the program, from the desktop icon created by the install program (and through the Program menu in Windows XP), I could not. I received an error box (from Windows) with a giant red "x" and the message, "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142). Click on OK to terminate the application." I have been waiting so long for this game to come out, (and would really like to play it)! Please help!

[alley1800]

I too am having this issue. I have tried everything but to no avail.

[mouse]

John Petty you seem to have "virtual drive" software installed. The copy protection on the game doesn't like "virtual drive" software so the game may not work with it installed.

Alley in your case you need to install a new video drive try the driver from May 2006. Make sure you have net frame work installed.

[alley1800]

May 2006? Okay I can do that but not entirely sure where to find that. I went to the ATI site and cannot find anything quite that old. Anyone know where to go?
I do have Net installed, double checked that one.
Thanks much

[mouse]

On the left hand side of the driver page they have older version drivers listed under I believe XP.

[alley1800]

I can't seem to find anything dated that far back. Was wondering why I would go back instead of forward for an update, unless there was something in a later update that I need to have? If anyone could help me find a later date, I think I can get back as far as October 2006 at the site??
Thanks much, looking forward to trying it out.

[Ed.]

I can't seem to find anything dated that far back. Was wondering why I would go back instead of forward for an update, unless there was something in a later update that I need to have? If anyone could help me find a later date, I think I can get back as far as October 2006 at the site??
Thanks much, looking forward to trying it out.
Alley, I'll wager it won't make a difference apart from leave your system incompatible with other games due to older drivers. If you read the rest of this forum and head over to the official EA site you'll see there's a runtime bug in the game that the majority of people are experiencing. Changing system config is like chasing your own tail. It's been tried by everyone in the forum to no avail.

[MaDaBr14]

I've encountered this problem as well. I've searched and have had no luck finding a solution. Below is my DX info. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Manni]

May 2006? Okay I can do that but not entirely sure where to find that.

Here you`ll find ATI-driver from May 2006, it is Catalyst 6.5 :

http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=1407

:)

[mouse]

MaDaBr your problem is related to the lack of free space on your hard drive. Windows doesn't have enough free space to move files around, to support page file and game. Clear some space off your hard drive and you will be able to play the game.

[meso_jr]

:mad: Hey fellas...I'm having the same problem getting SCS to launch. I've included my DxDiag below. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Rnett]

Your unit is way under specs plus you need to update to service pack 2.

[dgerbarg]

I have the same issue discussed above. However, I have tried the same methods offered and cannot figure out a solution. Please see my dxdiag and let me know if there are any ideas as to how I should go about fixing this. Thank you.

[Kiya]

dgerbarg welcome :)

It's your graphic card, or that you don't have a true one, but a Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family which doesn't meet the minimum requirements for SCS. Because this chip uses your RAM memory you'd need more of that too (is there a free slot for that?). Since this is a laptop/notebook I think there isn't much you can do about the card thing. Also the audio drivers are a bit old.

[Manni]

@ dgerbarg

did you know you have a second harddrive partition D ??

completely empty is Drive: D:
Free Space: 36.3 GB
Total Space: 36.8 GB

on C is hardly any room left...........

[dgerbarg]

Seems I'm SOL using my laptop with this game, right? If not, what exactly do I need to do besides more RAM?

I do know I have another hard drive, but I tend to keep it open until I have large data files for work.

Thanks for the wisdom (and such a rapid response)

[Manni]

There isn`t really much you can do to get the game running on this notebook. It is just too minimal with hardware.
Forget it and try the game on a desktop.

I have here an Acer Travel mate 8204 with 2048 RAM and it won`t run on that either

[Cheiromancer]

I hope it's OK to commit thread necromancy. I have the same problem. I thought it was the video card, but I got a new one and its still the same.

"The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142). Click on OK to terminate the application."

Dxdiag is attached.

[Cheiromancer]

A post at another forum directed me to the following page - though the problem described there is different, the solution works for other problems of the same type:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;824422

It didn't work for me, but it might for someone else who stumbles across this thread with this problem.

The computer is also having trouble installing the .Net updates. I don't know if the problems are connected, but I started a ticket with Microsoft support.

I'll keep you guys informed if and when a solution is found.

[Keith]

If you are getting repetitive prompts to install a new NET update even though it has been installed once or more times already, they know about the problem.

You have to uninstall and reinstall the versions of NET Framework you are using and then update them using the Windows Update site until all updates are installed. You need special 3rd party tool MS recommends to remove NET versions and then install NET again in a specific order.

I have the instructions if you need them. I've had uninstall/install NET twice already in the past month. The last time was just last week.

[Cheiromancer]

Its working now. Keith is right on the money. Here are the details:

Step 1: Remove .NET Framework using removal tool

================================

1. Please download the tool from the following link:

http://cid-27e6a35d1a492af7.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Blog_Tools/dotnetfx_cleanup_tool.zip


2. Please save the zip file (dotnetfx_cleanup_tool.zip) from the above link to the local Desktop and extract it.

3. Double click cleanup_tool.exe to run the tool.

4. Please follow the instructions given.

In the "Product to cleanup:" box, please select ".NET Framework - All versions".

5. Click "Cleanup Now" button.


After removing .NET Framework components, let's reinstall .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and its update.


Step 2: Manually downloading and installing Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

================================================== =====

1. Click the following link:

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1

http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/0/E/20E90413-712F-438C-988E-FDAA79A8AC3D/dotnetfx35.exe


2. When the file download window appears, please click "Save", and follow the directions to save it on the Desktop. After downloading the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 setup file on your Desktop, double-click to manually install it.

[Keith]

Glad to hear it. It's a pain, but at least it can be fixed.

Keep those instructions handy. You may need them again. Like I said, I've had to do it twice already. I keep a copy on a notepad .txt file.

Remember to visit the Windows update page and have it check your system for any more NET updates that may need to be installed. I had to run it two times to get my version of NET 3.5 up to date.

[Cheiromancer]

Yeah, I had to restart twice to get the updates, too.

It's my Mom's computer. I come out West every summer, and there's always things to fix. :)

[Keith]

Been there. I do the same on my relatives' computers. ;)