Painkiller Resolution v1.64

[ipecac]

Installed from Painkiller Black DVD and the Video Options only allow up to 640x480. Same with the updates from the patches at v1.64.
I've tried setting this line in my config.ini

Cfg.Resolution = "1280x1024"

I've seen screen captures and tests of this game at higher resolutions, so what can I do to fix this?

Thanks.

[T'krau]

Welcome to the forum.

System spec?

[Varus77]

You can't click and change the resolution? :eek:
...so I'm with T'krau...waiting for infos...

[ipecac]

Thanks for the fast responses. I was hoping this was a well known issue, I guess that was wishful thinking, I didn't see it in the FAQ, or in the forums before I posted. Here's the most relevant info from the dxdiag:

Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 1534MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Card name: RADEON X800 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI RADEON X800 XL AGP (0x554D)
Display Memory: 256.0 MB

When I click on the Resolution in the Video Options page it just toggles between different resolutions that are less than 640x480.

[T'krau]

I was hoping this was a well known issue, I guess that was wishful thinking...
Never heard of this one before - you may have to contact DC tech support (they're pretty good).

Varus, any idesa?

[Varus77]

WOW...nooooooooooooooooooooooo idea like you...never heard before. The system isn't the cause so far...

Only a crazy shot in the blue:
Move for a test your config.ini and start the game again.

[ipecac]

Thanks for your suggestions, removing the config.ini doesn't do the trick.
The only other mention I've seen that's sort of similar to my problem is this post about another user's difficulty at 1.3:
http://www.dreamcatchergames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15861

Interesting, my Video Options screen is slightly different than the one that appears in the pdf with the manual. Same options, just the layout is slightly altered.
I've sent DreamCatcher tech support an email. I'll let you know if they respond.

[T'krau]

Totally stupid question - what's your desktop resolution?

[ipecac]

1280x1024, it's one of these 5:4 lcd panels. Does PK only run 4:3?
It's still totally bizaare that the program menu won't let me select higher resolutions. (The menu isn't all that easy to use either. You seem to right click the item to increase, and left click it to decrease.)

[Varus77]

(The menu isn't all that easy to use either. You seem to right click the item to increase, and left click it to decrease.)

Oh...this is for me a very logical functionality.

[Bjossi]

Sounds to me like the game is misreading drivers or the monitor, may be caused by software in the computer.

But why use a GUI when you can manually edit? I do most of my edits via config files, but it depends on how the game saves settings. It´s easy to change them in games that use UEngine 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5, and the D3Engine.

[T'krau]

1280x1024, it's one of these 5:4 lcd panels. Does PK only run 4:3?
Dunno, I use a CRT...someone here must have an LCD, and can answer that.

(The menu isn't all that easy to use either. You seem to right click the item to increase, and left click it to decrease.)
That doesn't sound like how it's done on mine, but my copy is on CD. Maybe the DVD has a different config engine.

[spyware]

Do you have the latest video card driver?

[ipecac]

Yeah, I downloaded those and installed them before I even considered posting a message here. No luck.

[ipecac]

Sounds to me like the game is misreading drivers or the monitor, may be caused by software in the computer.

But why use a GUI when you can manually edit? I do most of my edits via config files, but it depends on how the game saves settings. It´s easy to change them in games that use UEngine 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5, and the D3Engine.

I've been attempting to make changes to the bin/config.ini file with no success. The Cfg.Fullscreen doesn't work, and Cfg.Resolution doesn't either. How does the file work, do I have to pass it as an argument to the program?
The GUI seems to update it, so I think it's being used somehow.

I'm starting to wonder if it has something to do with the DVD edition. Its GUI doesn't have options like the full screen toggle. Does any one else out there own this thing?

[Varus77]

...like the full screen toggle
:eek: For PK is window mode impossible. That's the menu...
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5337/pkvideomenu0gm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Bjossi]

Dunno, I use a CRT...someone here must have an LCD, and can answer that.

I use a LCD and play Painkiller on 1024 x 768, but mine is 4:3.
Btw, you aren´t trying to run it in windowed mode are you?

[ipecac]

I use a LCD and play Painkiller on 1024 x 768, but mine is 4:3.
Btw, you aren´t trying to run it in windowed mode are you?

Not really, I'm just trying to change things in the config.ini to see if anything works. All I'd really care about is Cfg.Resolution working.
I'm going to try installing it on another machine to see if it's actually a problem with my system, or if the disc shipped with bad goods.

[ipecac]

This is interesting, I've just installed PK on the notebook computer where I'm typing this post. The GUI here gives me a number of higher resolutions, so it's not a problem with the program on the DVD. Must be something to do with the configuration on my other system.

[Bjossi]

This must be related to your monitor or the video drivers then. Or it´s dug deeper into the computer.

[shacker]

I have the same problem.

After updating to 1.61 and 1.64 I cannot select resolution higher than 640x480. Resolution in Config.ini is ignored.

My system:
Athlon 2000+, 768MB RAM, Windows XP SP2
Gigabyte 6600GT (w VIVO) @ 81.95 Nvidia WHQL Drivers
SB LIVE, lots of other stuff...
Samsung LCD @ 1280x1024x32bit

[Varus77]

...but before with the same system but lower PK-versions it was possible? It'd be possible if you'd reinstall PK (lower 1.61)?

I guess there is something wrong with your system. Check for the monitor settings in your system. (the patch didn't change anything with this - I can't remember right - there were some LCD-settings added which before in one patch were killed - the original had have this settings - but this was 1.2 > 1.35 or lower - 1.61 (included all before) didn't change these things)

Or maybe you'll find the solution in the settings for your GPU.

[T'krau]

...updating to 1.61 and 1.64...
1.61 and 1.64, or 1.61, 1.62 and 1.64?

Also, do you have CD's or DVD's?

[Bjossi]

Can you select resolutions higher than 640 x 480 in other games?

[shacker]

1.61 and 1.64, or 1.61, 1.62 and 1.64?

Also, do you have CD's or DVD's?


Original release (2 CDs) - don't remember version, patched to 1.61, then 1.62 and then 1.64. I've played a while few days ago on original release in 1024 or 1280, then after patching to 1.61 game started at 640x480 and I can only select 320x200 400x300 etc, sometimes 640x480. Anyway game allways goes to 640x480 even if 320x200 is selected. One more thing - when I move cursor to resolution at the bottom of the screen text appears - something like "you need a good computer and graphic card to play at higher resolutions". It's in Polish language so it's not exactly like that. I think it's standard text on all systems, but maybe not.

Patching higher to 1.64 didn't solve the problem. I may try to install back original release form CD's and check it again.

And I this problem is only in painkiller, other games work fine.

[Varus77]

You can disable the new advanced features coming with 1.61 (based an BooH) like Bloom, Corona, Warp, Dyn. Lights....Try it if it help.
Normally your system should run fine. Others with the same can play it. Maybe you should try an OLDER garphic driver for your card!

[T'krau]

I don't know if this will do anything, but check to see if ALL your monitor resolution settings are the same (video card, in-game, desktop, whatever else I might have forgotten). I'm wondering if there's a settings conflict somewhere. Also, make sure that your motherboard graphics drivers are good.

The only common denominator that I can see here is the LCD factor - this has to be the root of the problem. What to do with this info, I have no clue...

[T'krau]

Maybe you should try an OLDER garphic driver for your card!
I've wondered about this. I'm using an (single) nVidia 6600GT with 77.77 reference drivers. The only feature(s) on newer nVidia drivers has been updating various SLI configs, and I have not worried too much about updating my drivers (why bother, if I'm not gonna see any real difference?).

Sorta off-topic; I wish more people would realise that '...updating the drivers...' isn't always the right answer. I tested about six different sets on my old Ti4200, and the best results (via 3DMark01SE) were with 44.03's, which were 3 versions 'old' by then. What I'm saying here is, find a driverset that works for your system and needs, and stick with it.

[shacker]

I've wondered about this. I'm using an (single) nVidia 6600GT with 77.77 reference drivers. The only feature(s) on newer nVidia drivers has been updating various SLI configs, and I have not worried too much about updating my drivers (why bother, if I'm not gonna see any real difference?).



Aktually you're wrong. I.e. there was an incompatibility between Nvidia VIVO driver and NVIDIA (lol) graphics driver - it was (partialy) fixed in latest driver release, so I'm not going back with drivers. Not only SLI, but some bugs are fixed too.

[shacker]

Ok, now I'm really confused.

I've uninstalled the game, then installed once again. So I run the game, ver 1.15 appears in menu (640x480 in menu btw), in options I select 1280x960 (no 1280x1024), run the game, but I see some blurred textures. I'm changing texture filtering from bilinear to anisotropic, go too game, and it's even worse. I'm checking monitor - guess what? 640x480. I may change resolution in options but it's ignored.
Probably the game wasn't running high resolution at all, even before update, however it says it does.
Deleting config.ini doesn't change anything.
Game however reacts on advanced options (texture filtering, multisampling).

Any idea?

[Varus77]

I'm sure you've to search for your problem outside of the game. And if you can't find a solution then try it with an older driver. You wouldn't be the first...
I can't really say something about nVidia, I'm from the ATI section, but it's an old wisdom to be careful with "newest" driver...and to read "optimised for nVidia", if it's not only a commercial, than they did it for older drivers...

[Bjossi]

You still haven´t answered my question.


Can you select resolutions higher than 640 x 480 in other games?

[Xaxly24]

What cats are you running? This is obviously a driver issue.Use driver cleaner http://www.drivercleaner.net/ and re-install latest cats http://www.ati.com/
Let me know if ya need additional assistance. Merry Christmas

[shacker]

You still haven´t answered my question.

Sorry, I wrote "And I this problem is only in painkiller, other games work fine.".

Civilization IV (1280x1024), NFS MW (1024x768), Quake 3 Arena (1280x1024), Quake 4 (1024x768) working well.

I'm wondering about other thing - PK uses 75Hz mode, is there a way to force 60Hz refresh? Maybe it's trying to set some high refresh and fails to do that on LCD display? Is there a way to enable some debug/logging in the game?

[Varus77]

What cats are you running? This is obviously a driver issue.Use driver cleaner http://www.drivercleaner.net/ and re-install latest cats http://www.ati.com/
Let me know if ya need additional assistance. Merry Christmas

You're right..besides of the link because he wrote:

My system:
Gigabyte 6600GT (w VIVO) @ 81.95 Nvidia WHQL Drivers

[Bjossi]

Sorry, I wrote "And I this problem is only in painkiller, other games work fine.".

Civilization IV (1280x1024), NFS MW (1024x768), Quake 3 Arena (1280x1024), Quake 4 (1024x768) working well.

I'm wondering about other thing - PK uses 75Hz mode, is there a way to force 60Hz refresh? Maybe it's trying to set some high refresh and fails to do that on LCD display? Is there a way to enable some debug/logging in the game?

That means Painkiller is the problem. Maybe the game isn´t detecting your monitor correctly.

Your refresh rate theory sounds like it could be the problem, especially when using LCD, but I´m also using a flatpanel, and I´m having no problems like this one.

This is a very strange problem. It seems your best bet would be contacting DreamCatcher technical support.

[shacker]

Ok, it looks like this:
1) I've uninstalled nvidia graphics driver
2) Cleaned up with Driver Cleaner PRO
3) Restart
4) I've installed NVIDIA 81.95 driver
5) PK 1.15 works fine @ 1024x768
6) Patching 1.15->1.61->1.62->1.64
7) PK 1.64 works fine @ 1280x1024 (it wasn't avaliable in 1.15)
8) I've noticed that vivo is missing
9) Downloaded 4.13 WDM FORCEWARE DRIVER (latest for VIVO)
10) Uninstalled pervous inactive driver (automatic by installer)
11) Installed VIVO driver
12) Restart, system has detected vivo and installed drivers
13) Restart, VIVO active and working
14) Starting Painkiller -> menu goes 640x480, problem appears again

So there you have it.

[Varus77]

That means that the VIVO is the problem?
BTW...I found many users with problems for 81.85 installation issues:
http://forums.nvidia.com/lofiversion/index.php?t8477.html

but PK works for you with it like said above.

Can you disable this vivo or do you have to deinstall it to run PK?

[Bjossi]

Strange, this will probably be fixed in VIVO´s next version of the driver.

[shacker]

That means that the VIVO is the problem?
BTW...I found many users with problems for 81.85 installation issues:
http://forums.nvidia.com/lofiversion/index.php?t8477.html

but PK works for you with it like said above.

Can you disable this vivo or do you have to deinstall it to run PK?

Game is not working properly even after uninstalling vivo wdm drivers :/ I'm giving up and waiting for some new drivers from nvidia...maybe they will fix something.

[Varus77]

No...try an older driver as I said above.

But what was that:

7) PK 1.64 works fine @ 1280x1024 (it wasn't avaliable in 1.15)
??? don't work?

[Warpspasm]

Same problem here. I was running version 1.64 just fine, then something happened to my PC and I ended up reinstalling the game and patching it again. First with 1.61, then 1.62 then 1.64. Now, when I go to Options, I can't set the video resolution any higher than 640 X 480. I was running at 1280 X 1024 which is the native resolution of my Hyundai LCD monitor. All of my other games work fine. I've tried reinstalling the game several times, but it still has the same problem.

Let me ask you this. Were you fooling around with the No CD patch before it happened? I was.

[Warpspasm]

I have contacted Dreamcatcher tech support, but so far all I've gotten is a suggestion to look at the properties for the game icon. No problems there. I can't figure this thing out. Even after uninstalling and reinstalling the game, it doesn't work anymore in a resolution higher than 640 X 480. I think it has to be in the registry somewhere.

[shacker]

Warpspasm - what's your system, what video card are you using ?


Were you fooling around with the No CD patch before it happened? I was.

No, never.

[Bulldoggie]

I have no problem running PK on a 1920x1200 LCD panel (16x10 aspect). The resolution shows up in the config screen with no edits needed. I'm running Nvida, though, and the first release of PK.

[Ilpalazzo]

I may have solved this problem, after dealing with it a couple of days.

My problem was solved by uninstalling software called EzTune.

It came with my gateway FPD2185W lcd, no real use but I had installed it anyway.

I figured there must be some sort of conflict like someone else here mentioned and that just came to mind after messing with video drivers for a while. Sure enough after uninstalling that I am now able to play the game at 1680x1050 :)

So if those of you who are having this problem happen to use EzTune, uninstall EzTune and then see what happens. If you don't have it then try uninstalling any non essential software that came with your monitor. If you don't have any then just keep looking into whatever maybe causing some sort of display conflict.

I would like to know why this is the only game that did this to me.

Anyway, really hope this helps you guys.

[LosT_SouL_VL]

I had the same problems (640/480 resolution)

I installed in this order :
painkiller retail > BOOH > 1.61 > 1.62 > 1.64

This problem started when i changed my crt to a lcd

as in the post above mine , i uninstalled a program delivered with my viewsonic vp930 lcd that is called perfectsuite :

result > i know can play on 1280/1024 again

thanks for the tip/post Ilpalazzo

btw this problem only occured with painkiller/booh 1.5 or above (not with vanilla painkiller 1.0)