[CRASH] Game will not go past title sceen

Just keep trying.  For me it actually works about every 3rd run.

Have run it now about 12 times

Always crashes at the same point.

I have run it from a shortcut with and without the -w switch for windowed mode.

I have also run it from the .exe directly

I have run it in XP compatibility mode and also tried running as administrator

I have also tried messing with some of the prefs in the .ini file but no changes so far seem to have helped. Skiping the intro for example.

reloaded prefs from my backup and am now just sitting looking forlornly at the shortcut.

I'm having the same problem on a slightly different rig. I tried re-installing, and several other antsy backyard PC guy tactics like deciding Fences was my problem and uninstalling that, with no luck yet. Here's my debug.err:

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/17/2009, 16:39:34
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name:
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.090302-1506)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: GC673AA-ABA m8100n
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5600+ (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Physical Memory: 3006MB RAM
Page File: 1170MB used, 5059MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_03D0&SUBSYS_2A61103C&REV_A2
Display Memory: 1065 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0011.6925
Driver Date: 12/11/2007 17:06:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 
Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0888&SUBSYS_103C2A61&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHDA.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5473
Driver Date: 8/28/2007 17:46:38
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek Digital Output (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0888&SUBSYS_103C2A61&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVHDA.sys
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.5473
Driver Date: 8/28/2007 17:46:38
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 17d7840
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

Yep - same issue for me - I created a thread as well but thought I would jump on board here as well.

There is an issue being investigated with texture data generation at startup. Please make sure you're using the latest drivers though, just to be safe.

Kryo, does that mean latest on Windows Update or latest on the Nvidia site?

Back when my Nvidia munge-card was vexing my GC2 installation, it turned out that letting Windows Update install 'the latest' drivers was my mistake and I got things running with an update downloaded from Nvidia. I've never been that confident about which one was 'latest,' only which one worked.

Try not pressing anything while it is loading. When the initial title screen pops up and I click the mouse button or push a keyboard button it will crash; however, if I don't press anything and let it load I get to the intro video just fine.

Nvidia. Windows Update should never be relied upon for driver updates.

Having the same problem, even after updating through Nvidia.

edit: I also tried disabling the intro through Elemental\data\default (not sure if I'm supposed too... ) with no luck.

Heh. I guess it's a good thing that I've ignored the Windows Update offers to 'update' my Nvidia drivers since I got GC2 working via an Nvidia update.

But I'm still with Popcornlord--no joy despite numbers changing in my driver version. Nothing changed in the DebugMessage section of my debug.err file.

I've installed the latest driver offered by ATI for my desktop card (it's DirectX 9 and thus no longer supported as actively), as well as the latest from Intel for my laptop. I have the same problem on both systems. Between me and Popcornlord, that covers every brand

same exact problem here. i have the most recent update for my driver thats not a beta. nvidia 7150. link for debugg.err

http://pastebin.com/m6115e7c8

Not sure if I'm helping by adding my voice to this problem...

Removed my details.. wasted space

I have a similar problem.

Edit: Deleting familytreesubwnd.dxpack fixed this.

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/17/2009, 20:02:02
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: FERRON-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.090302-1506)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
System Model: Z96JM
BIOS: BIOS Date: 05/14/07 10:53:45 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU         T7400  @ 2.16GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Physical Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1696MB used, 2641MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM)
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type:
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_71C5&SUBSYS_10B21043&REV_00
Display Memory: 1019 MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: atiumdag.dll,atiumdva.dll,atitmmxx.dll
Driver Version: 7.14.0010.0443
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 04:46:02
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0882&SUBSYS_104313B3&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 02:36:49
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (7) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (5) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (9- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (3- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (6- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (6) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (2) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Digital Output Device (SPDIF) (High Definition Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0882&SUBSYS_104313B3&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
Provider: Microsoft
Driver Version: 6.00.5840.16387
Driver Date: 11/2/2006 02:36:49
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (8) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (3) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (4- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (5- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (4) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (2- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (8- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing (9) (Tunebite High-Speed Dubbing)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: root\tbhsd
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: tbhsd.sys
Provider: RapidSolution Software
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0000
Driver Date: 2/20/2008 13:47:34
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (7- LitexMedia Virtual Audio Cabel (WDM))
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: LTXMD_VAC2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: lmvac.sys
Provider: LitexMedia Inc.
Driver Version: 6.00.6000.16386
Driver Date: 4/16/2008 23:33:30
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 


DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM)
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 da7a64
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

And here are my system specs: http://pastebin.com/m38204fe5

I made 2 folders, "Music" and "Event Music" and copied the Layered Music files into them, it made the;

DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3

go away, but still it wont run.

Funny though .. because the game loaded the first time i installed it, then i changed to window mode, and after

that it would not run.

Here is my full debug txt

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/18/2009, 03:13:04
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: NEXUS
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: Norwegian (Bokmål))
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTL, CO.,LTD.
System Model: MS-6743
BIOS: Ver1.1A
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 554MB used, 3926MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9600 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x4150)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4150&SUBSYS_2064148C&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: SyncMaster 245B(Digital)
Monitor Max Resolution: 1920,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6715
Driver Date: 7/28/2007 05:30:45
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: C-Media Wave Device
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D5&SUBSYS_74301462&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: cmuda.sys
Provider: C-Media Inc.
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0044
Driver Date: 4/23/2004 16:14:04
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 


DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)RADEON 9600 SERIES
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 b2d89b60
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

(sounds to me like a sound issue, but im not sure)

Same problem for me . . . info is below:

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/17/2009, 22:10:47
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: MARK
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.               
System Model: Dimension 8400              
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A05
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 581MB used, 1876MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x5B60)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5B60&SUBSYS_03021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6925
Driver Date: 2/25/2009 17:41:10
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 

Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_266E&SUBSYS_01771028&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.5243
Driver Date: 10/29/2004 16:14:44
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 

DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 b25e8960
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic\screens\*.dxscreen
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic\screens\*.dxatlas
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Kolba\My Documents\My Games\Elemental\Items\*.xml
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Kolba\My Documents\My Games\Elemental\Units\*.xml
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Kolba\My Documents\My Games\Elemental\Stamps\*.xml
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Kolba\My Documents\My Games\Elemental\Tiles\*.xml
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Kolba\My Documents\My Games\Elemental\Effects\*.xml
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

Same here. Updating Nvidia drivers....

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/17/2009, 21:38:13
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: LOMION
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3700+,  MMX,  3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Physical Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 536MB used, 3403MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7800 GT
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0092&SUBSYS_C5183842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1600 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7519
Driver Date: 5/16/2008 14:01:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB Audigy Audio [A000]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0004&SUBSYS_00511102&REV_03
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.1164
Driver Date: 12/8/2005 11:55:46
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: NVIDIA(R) nForce(TM) Audio
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: NFORCE_VAD
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: nvapu.sys
Provider: NVIDIA Corporation
Driver Version: 6.14.0465.0000
Driver Date: 7/26/2005 07:01:56
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 


DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
Debug Message:  Failed to create process: DXAtlasWin.exe C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic\screens\?.\screens
Debug Message:  WARNING: GenerateDXAtlasFiles FAILED
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in D:\Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic\screens\*.dxscreen
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Stardock\Elemental - War of Magic\screens\*.dxatlas
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3

I got the same problem.

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/18/2009, 07:39:29
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Machine Name: MRB-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Business (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.lh_sp2rtm.090410-1830)
Languages: Swedish (Regional Setting: Swedish)
System Manufacturer: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: )Phoenix - Award WorkstationBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+, ~2.2GHz
Physical Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1305MB used, 3049MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 7900 GS
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00F5&SUBSYS_2A37107D&REV_A2
Display Memory: 614 MB
Current Display Mode: 1360 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution:
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll
Driver Version: 8.16.0011.9062
Driver Date: 8/17/2009 00:57:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Speakers (Realtek AC'97 Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00EA&SUBSYS_100B1695&REV_A1
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVAC.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6305
Driver Date: 6/18/2009 19:45:02
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek Digital Output (Realtek AC'97 Audio)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00EA&SUBSYS_100B1695&REV_A1
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: RTKVAC.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6305
Driver Date: 6/18/2009 19:45:02
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 1
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 


DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GS
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in E:\Spel\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

I had the same problem. Stuck at startup screen. Then I used Windows - D to get to desktop. When I clicked on Elemental again I was past the startup screen and ingame

It was crashing for me in game immediately after the map finished generating. After trying windowed mode it now crashes at the title screen (whether i try windowed or not).

DebugMessage:  Version 0.22 last updated on: Thu Sep 17 11:59:54 2009
DebugMessage:  *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 9/18/2009, 11:01:54
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: PC325862970629
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System Model: Pavilion dv8000 (EZ590UA#ABA)    
BIOS: Ver 1.00PARTTBL
Processor: AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-34,  MMX,  3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Physical Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 690MB used, 1768MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: ATI MOBILITY RADEON XPRESS 200
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: ATI Radeon Xpress Series (0x5955)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5955&SUBSYS_309B103C&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic Television
Monitor Max Resolution: 640,480
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6925
Driver Date: 7/21/2009 18:54:20
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes
 


Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Conexant AMC Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4370&SUBSYS_309B103C&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: camc6aud.sys
Provider: Conexant
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.0595
Driver Date: 8/2/2005 01:58:00
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
 


DebugMessage:  *********END dxdiag info.*********
DebugMessage:  Entering WinMain
DebugMessage:  ******* Starting Game Shell *******
DebugMessage:  Using 4 samples for multisampling.
DebugMessage:  Game Resolution: 1024 x 768 (full screen mode)
DebugMessage:  HAL (hardware vertex processing)ATI MOBILITY RADEON XPRESS 200
DebugMessage:  Presentation Interval: Immediate.
DebugMessage:  Refresh Rate: 0hz.
DebugMessage:  Back Buffer Bit Depth: X8R8G8B8.
DebugMessage:  32-bit z-buffer using 24-bits for the depth channel and 8-bits for the stencil channel.
DebugMessage:  ** Checking Direct3D 9 Device Capabilities ************************************
DebugMessage:  A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
DebugMessage:  Bump mapping is supported.
Debug Message:  Device is now ready
Debug Message:  GFX-THREAD: DISABLED
DebugMessage:  RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
DebugMessage:  Shell initialization complete
DebugMessage:  Elemental: War of Magic is activated.
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

Try what keithburgun says and just keep trying to run the program, maybe fiddle with some prefs.ini preferences (like turning the resolution lower). Not guaranteed to work though.

Also, a suggestion: upload the relevant debug.err files to pastebin.com or some other location and just link to it from here.  It's much easier to see issues when the debug info is off the page.

I have the same problem as Ghostal. The game started once, crashed after map generation and i tried windowed mode. Now it crashes at the title screen windowed or not. A reinstall could not help.

debug.err

dxdiag.txt

Same here, game crash at the title screen.
Seems not found some mp3.

From debug.err:
DebugMessage:  ***** Initializing Game *****
DebugMessage:  No string tables in D:\PC\Strategie\Elemental War of Magic\Data\English/*.tips
DebugMessage:  Timer Frequency is 0 da7a64
DebugMessage:  Initializing sound card.
DebugMessage:  initailizing bink
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  No files found matching mask Event Music\*.mp3
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Unallocated Mem: 129 bytes of memory from line 218 of F:\Projects\Kumquat3D\Source\parse.cpp
DebugMessage:  Not all memory has been freed from memory system Parse.
DebugMessage:     258 bytes of memory still allocated.

I suspect it has more to do with whatever it is trying to do at line 218 of the parse.cpp file.