update: tried the following two suggested solutions, unfortunately neither of them worked.
attempted solution #1: Tried to reset the "hosts" file to default, noticed that there was absolutely no difference in hosts file between the old and the suggested new thing. (which means it wasn't the problem anyway) So that obviously didn't 'fix' the problem.
attempted solution #2: Tried the solution below to disable all startup services and all non-microsoft programs at startup, restarted the computer, still no solution to the problem. (I wasn't running any antivirus at startup) so that didn't make any difference. The suggested solution link is below.
None of the above two attempts worked. Can you please explain why it would work in the past and why it stopped working? what changed?
Can EA please help diagonse this problem correctly and suggest a solution?
thanks
Time Type Details
8/10/2014 12:20 AM Application Error Faulting application name: PVZ.Main_Win64_Retail.exe, version: 1.0.1.0, time stamp: 0x53c6b959
Faulting module name: PVZ.Main_Win64_Retail.exe, version: 1.0.1.0, time stamp: 0x53c6b959
Exception code: 0xc0000005
Fault offset: 0x0000000000415607
Faulting process id: 0x10a0
Faulting application start time: 0x01cfb430c4c0895e
Faulting application path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare\PVZ.Main_Win64_Retail.exe
Faulting module path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare\PVZ.Main_Win64_Retail.exe
Report Id: 11163ab1-2024-11e4-8258-74d435e744e2
Faulting package full name: 
Faulting package-relative application ID:
Thanks for putting all those details in! Exactly what we want to see.
Unfortunately nothing jumps out at me as the smoking gun.
You might try the Beta Drivers for the 4600, you're currently on the latest stable which shouldn't be a problem
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=23985
-----
Possibly try renaming the Documents PvZ folder, this should reset a lot of settings encase they got changed somehow.
---
I'm taken back by your computer hardware though. 4770k with a high end motherboard.. yet no dedicated GPU? It's screaming for one.
Doubt that is the problem though as I can play this game on my mobile HD4000, albeit not very well.
----
If the 4770k / RAM is overclocked, save the profile and revert it back to stock.. just to test.. very much doubt it judging by the error but maybe.
---
Locatate the PvZ.exe in Origin Games folder, Properties, Compatbility, Run as Admin.. again doubt it
---
You may try to contact EA
http://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/new/
Weekdays are your best bet for getting someone. I believe Sunday they also have some hours maybe?
