Re: Unable to start game

Here's the first part of the DxDiag output:

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 3/25/2013, 22:33:03
Machine name: LILAC-PC
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.130107-0416)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: LENOVO
System Model: 7417CTO
BIOS: Ver 1.00PARTTBL(
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8600 @ 2.40GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2968MB RAM
Page File: 1445MB used, 3407MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found. Direct3D functionality not available. You should verify that the driver is a final version from the hardware manufacturer.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2A42&SUBSYS_20E417AA&REV_07
Display Memory: n/a
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (16 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: ThinkPad Display 1440x900
Monitor Max Res: 1440,900
Driver Name: igxprd32.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.5420 (English)
DDI Version: unknown
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/28/2012 18:34:36, 58368 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: igxpmp32.sys
Mini VDD Date: 8/28/2012 18:34:36, 2019200 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-6902-11CF-3661-EE00A6C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2A42
SubSys ID: 0x20E417AA
Revision ID: 0x0007
Revision ID: 0x0007
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Not Available
D3D Status: Not Available
AGP Status: Not Available
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Conexant HD Audio output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_5051&SUBSYS_17AA211C&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: CHDAU32.sys
Driver Version: 3.64.0015.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 9/20/2011 13:18:38, 822400 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Conexant
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Conexant HD Audio input
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: CHDAU32.sys
Driver Version: 3.64.0015.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 9/20/2011 13:18:38, 822400 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x2937
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 12:45:38, 59520 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/4/2004 05:00:00, 4736 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 4/13/2008 12:18:00, 52480 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 17:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ ThinkPad UltraNav Pointing Device
| Matching Device ID: *ibm0057
| Upper Filters: SynTP
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 4/13/2008 12:18:00, 52480 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:48, 23040 bytes
| Driver: SynTP.sys, 4/22/2010 17:17:40, 244784 bytes
| Driver: SynTPAPI.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:12, 165160 bytes
| Driver: SynCOM.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:08, 173352 bytes
| Driver: SynCtrl.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:10, 210216 bytes
| Driver: SynTPRes.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:48, 8721704 bytes
| Driver: SynTPCpl.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:16, 1205544 bytes
| Driver: SynCntxt.rtf, 4/22/2010 17:03:12, 2670530 bytes
| Driver: SynZMetr.exe, 4/22/2010 17:16:06, 247080 bytes
| Driver: SynMood.exe, 4/22/2010 17:16:02, 238888 bytes
| Driver: SynTPEnh.exe, 4/22/2010 17:16:04, 1725736 bytes
| Driver: SynTPCOM.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:14, 107816 bytes
| Driver: Tutorial.exe, 4/22/2010 17:16:08, 337192 bytes
| Driver: InstNT.exe, 4/22/2010 17:15:58, 124200 bytes
| Driver: SynISDLL.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:12, 218408 bytes
| Driver: SynUnst.ini, 4/29/2010 17:17:44, 679324 bytes
| Driver: SynTPHelper.exe, 4/22/2010 17:16:04, 103720 bytes
| Driver: SynChiralRotate.mpg, 9/17/2008 13:13:08, 382277 bytes
| Driver: SynFlick.mpg, 9/3/2008 11:27:28, 737975 bytes
| Driver: SynPinch.mpg, 9/3/2008 11:27:28, 286463 bytes
| Driver: SynMomentum.mpg, 9/3/2008 11:27:28, 246230 bytes
| Driver: SynLinearVHScroll.mpg, 9/3/2008 11:27:28, 929103 bytes
| Driver: SynChiralVHScroll.mpg, 9/3/2008 11:27:28, 1620778 bytes
| Driver: SynTwoFingerVHScroll.mpg, 3/16/2009 09:44:00, 746464 bytes
| Driver: SynPivotRotate_ChiralRotate.mpg, 4/9/2009 17:04:14, 1142810 bytes
| Driver: SynThreeFingerFlick.mpg, 3/16/2009 09:44:00, 633621 bytes
| Driver: SynThreeFingersDown.mpg, 3/16/2009 09:44:00, 215907 bytes
| Driver: SynTPLpr.exe, 4/22/2010 17:16:46, 128296 bytes
| Driver: TP4table.dat, 10/13/2009 11:34:48, 7136 bytes
| Driver: TP4scrol.dat, 10/13/2009 11:34:48, 7136 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_JP.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 12801 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_GR.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 14792 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_IT.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 14300 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_SP.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 13687 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_FR.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 13545 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_FI.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 15345 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_NL.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 13896 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_NO.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 12976 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_DK.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 13551 bytes
| Driver: TP4Sc_SE.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 12834 bytes
| Driver: TP4Scrol.htm, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 13233 bytes
| Driver: TP4-A123.GIF, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 43499 bytes
| Driver: TP4-ASR.GIF, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 120911 bytes
| Driver: TP4-HEAD.GIF, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 22797 bytes
| Driver: TP4-I.JPG, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 894 bytes
| Driver: TP4-IMG.JPG, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 756 bytes
| Driver: TP4-ISR.JPG, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 753 bytes
| Driver: TP4-MG.GIF, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 26890 bytes
| Driver: TP4-NOTE.GIF, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 201 bytes
| Driver: TP4-SC.GIF, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 73657 bytes
| Driver: TP4SCROL.CSS, 8/14/2006 10:41:46, 5537 bytes
| Driver: SynPivotRotate.mpg, 4/9/2009 17:04:14, 770663 bytes
| Driver: SynTPCo4.dll, 4/22/2010 17:16:14, 120104 bytes
| Driver: WdfCoInstaller01009.dll, 8/7/2009 09:49:36, 1461992 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 17:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:48, 23040 bytes

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.6311)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.6311)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.6311)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.6311)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider: Standard 33600 bps Modem
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider: ThinkPad Modem Adapter
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM3
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Wireless Network Connection - IPv4 -

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s

-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------

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Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 72.4 GB
Total Space: 146.7 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: FUJITSU MHZ2160BH G1

Drive: D:
Model: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-U20N
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 11:40:46, 62976 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 AGN
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_4236&SUBSYS_10118086&REV_00\4&318470AD&0&00E1
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) Management Engine Interface
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2A44&SUBSYS_20E617AA&REV_07\3&B1BFB68&0&18
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\HECI.sys, 4.02.0000.1008 (English), 6/23/2009 12:49:58, 40832 bytes

Name: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2A43&SUBSYS_20E417AA&REV_07\3&B1BFB68&0&11
Driver: n/a

Name: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2A42&SUBSYS_20E417AA&REV_07\3&B1BFB68&0&10

The DxDiag output file is bigger than 20,000 and I have only sent the first part.  Please let me know if you need the rest.

Strangely enough your DxDiag does not show how much dedicted memory you have. I wonder if there's something wrong with the chip.

I'm not very good at hardware stuff but I'll see if I can get someone else to help you out.

I've been reading around, there is not much information on this =/  I did find that some people updated their graphic drivers and it fixed it for them, can you try?

Thanks!  I believe that the Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset shares the display memory with the system memory.  It can pull as much as required (up to a limit that is above 128M) as dedicated display memory.  I ran the test on http://www.systemrequirementslab.com and it told me that I do not have display memory and I can not run Sims 3.  That does not make sense to me, as I know that I ran Sims 3 on this PC before.  Additionally, in  http://www.thesims3.com/game/systemreq the Intel 4 series chipset is mentioned as compatible.  Could it be the new drivers or an update to Sims 3 do not recognize the dynamic partition between the system and display memory?

> I did find that some people updated their graphic drivers and it fixed it for them, can you try?

I have just updated the graphics drivers to what I believe are the latest ones for this chipset (version 6.14.0010.5420).  It did not solve the problem.

I'm still searching..

I can only think of one thing else, reseting your graphics card. If that doesn't solve it either, then I would consider contacting EA's customer support.

I'm glad it helped. Happy simming 🙂