Direct3D Returned and error:D3DERR_Notavailable! The application will now terminate.

[oside25]

This is the problem I am having. I will play the sims2 and at random times throughout game play the game will stop and the following error message will appear. Direct3D returned an error: D3DERR_Notavailable! The application will now terminate.

I have read many posts on this error and not one has a solution to this problem. I can see that many people are having the same issue I am. I have tried all the suggestions in the Game Help Forum, I have updated my graphics drivers, I have uninstalled and reinstalled the game many times, I have tried playing without cc, I've lowered my audio to basic, I've turned off my Anti-Virus software, I've turned off all my background tasks and to no avail, I still crash with the above error.

Here are my specs:
==System==
• Operating System: Windows XP Professional
• Processor: Genuine Intel CPU T2500 @ 2 GHz
• Memory: 2046MB Ram
• Page File: 512 MB Used, 2914 MB Avail.
• DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c
==Display==
• Name: Nvidia Ge Force Go 7400
• Manufacturer: Nvidia
• Chip Type: GeForce Go 7400
• Approx. Total Memory: 256MB
• Main Driver: nv4_disp.dll
• Version: 6.14.0011.7948 (English)
==Sound==
• Name: Conexant HD Audio Output

I have an Everest report of my system as well, if needed.

I have read the thread about how Nvidia GeForce Go cards are not guaranteed to work, but my game worked fine for years, but ever since I bought Seasons, I have had this issue. I have since added BV, FT and APT.

My fellow simmers, please help! Many of us need to find a resolution to this problem. You all are my last hope!!!

[callistra]

That's an error usually indicative of either a driver problem, a directx problem, or a dying graphics card. Since you've already updated your graphics drivers and gone through our FAQ, there's not much left to try.

Start with getting the newest directx: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3 You can also do some system cleanup: http://modthesims2.com/showpost.php?p=1969345&postcount=21 If none of that works then try creating a new user account to see if the games will play there. Also since you said it happened since Seasons, have you tried uninstalling everything Seasons+ and seeing if it works?


That gpu, in addition to being known to have problems, really isn't well equipped to handle the later expansions. You've got a several year old laptop with an entry level dedicated card getting kinda overstressed.. may just not be able to take it anymore. Can you play other games with it? If so, what games?

[oside25]

I can play sim city, but I just purchased the latest version of Civilization IV and I am freezing and getting kicked out, but without the error message.

[callistra]

Since you are having problems with other computer games it would appear that it is indeed a computer problem.

We don't provide computer tech support on this forum. You have several things to try that I've previously suggested. If your computer is under warranty or you have someone that can service it for you I would take advantage of that. We do provide computer tech support at our sister site, S2C. However, I don't think there's anything else we can do for you. You're still welcome to post on there if you like and see if anyone else has any suggestions. If you choose to do this, please try what I've already suggested first. I would recommend not playing any more games or doing anything else that stresses the video card until you can get it serviced.