Fix Shogun2 Problems

Overview

many complain over steam game is not working, but fact is it do work for many others and they dont read forum or know that it dont work for some. so yes it do not work for you maybe, and the reason can be many, only very few people will have this problem where we dont know whats the cause of it. but in most case its because the computer you have is not maintained as it should,even the best skilled it person can do a mistake or forget something. so this guide actual try to fix this lack of knowledge or verify what you already know.most of this guide has actual nothing to do with shogun2, so why bother with it, because i have many games, also steam games,and notice alot of negative complain over everything, and it dont matter what others say to them, it’s never my computer or software or driver that is the problem, and i dont want to waste my time on that issue, either get a friend to look at your computer, then that is saidyes there are some hardware that don’t work well together and that can cause such behaiver that some programs don’t work, but that is years ago, 15 or something like that, but most computer today don’t (should not) have such problem anymore.so the guide itself should be seen as a helping hand in the right directions, not a 100% guide and fix no such thing existsnew problem comes and go or change over times, ( system get update and wola and a game don’t work anymore, that can happend)the guide is also made to try get steams forum people rage cut down if such is possible,and this is made for this game but its actual for any game the core basic idea is the same. ( do not mention other games its de-railing topic )in other wordsit’s not game supporter problem that most pc is not update or maintained as they shouldand most of them only help from that company point of view and product only.rest is actual up to ourself to be in control of this. ( you are your own administrator or have other that do this.)there is one thing this guide don’t cover that’s faulty hardware.buy new or warranty need to fix this.

Original CA post, do this first

read first topic in game forum ( CA Dev information ) the real support…
[link]

if this dont help try next step’s

ps.
my guide is for pc only, ( dont have mac )
but maybe semi same issue on that system, need to get update or fixed

computer specification information

with or without computer specification information, either you have it or not ( could also tell you why if you missing something )

Can i run it ?
[link]
( its just ID the hardware, it do not say current driver is update..
i have added the link because,some get the game and don’t have the hardware to run it or operating system or in right Direct X mode 9/10/11/12 ? )

other info is on how to gather info on computer hardware
we could use this little apps ( copy / paste info so you don’t have to type it
if we can use it, and help you better with this maybe. ?)
[link]

Generating Direct X Report and Msinfo ( most real game supporter need this. )

1.Go to the Start button and select Run.
2.Type in dxdiag.exe and click the OK button to run the Direct X Diagnostic Tool.
3.click 64bit if you have that, save as DxDiag64bit.txt information then its done scanning

msinfo32.exe is almost sameway as dxdiag, you can make this also
if game support site ask for it or the support page formula

update windows system

windows update can be found at [link] but also at your start button
all programs – Windows update – keep checking and download all recommendations also, until it says “no more update found”

other way to find it inside windows control panel “windows update” a icon

ps
this is a most to do, reason many other programs and graphic driver depend that system is up to date, its like they build on that basic update system, as that is the standard.

Graphic card driver

newest Graphic card driver and windows system driver update drivers its a most today.
if you skip windows update and still cant install gfx card drivers thats why update windows first

(check video card driver through steam) should work with the right homepage for your card
in top left menu steam menu – check for video driver updates
( look for auto update apps if such is made, if you don’t know what to do )

ps.
auto update tools typical require JAVA download from [link] first
som support site use a outdate java version.

check for older java version ( so you dont run 2 version sametime ) ( per browser if more then 1 browser)
[link]
if this dont work check browser run administration extension program
check that java console is active and java plugin’s

nvidia user has “nvidia experience” with optimal settings
[link]

AMD gfx card user try “AMD game evolved”
[link]

AMD Driver Autodetect ( require amd equipment )
[link]

Intel onboard
[link]

but if gfx card is to older and not supported in the apps uninstall them.
uninstall the experiance part and 3dvision and try keep basic part of the newest driver only.

the pc can runs faster if you remove driver part the graphic card dont support anyway..

other info
do check after every gfx driver update that sli is enable. i have complain over this so many times to nvidia and they still have not fixed it. i guess they are not skilled enough to simple enable sli if 2 graphics card is present in the system. i think its time to report this to them from all user,on the issue

other info on nvidia graphic installation, you can make a clean installation under advanced install
and under the driver info window there is a check box make it a clean install
( i think it will install as defaut driver and dont keep current settings )
( if you have such problem it could be a monitor driver issue try find monitor homepage and
see if a .ini file or app has been made, many monitors just use windows driver but it do happend that model named monitor support site has a update )
and thats why you actual can have resize issue or other problem that you have fixed in the monitor menu settings.

another hot tip.
if you change light settings through software then its cpu/gfx card that waste resources on that
if you can use monitor settings to do this then you actual get better performance its the hardware in the monitor that controll it not the pc.

new nvidia experiance DSR issue
is steam overlay small in some games then this is why.
some game will be change to even higher resolution by nvidia experiance with optimal settings
either change ingame setting or another way to overrule new optimale “game” settings
click game in nvidia experiance settings click tool ( wrench ) set resolution as native monitor has
click and apply that as optimal settings now its green like the rest , but do not reset settings on the game or it will return to DSR settings

Misc. issue

i have added Misc. issue here because many tips that might fix it, and cant fit into other places
and stands alone for that the solo solutions step by step…

1
verify game cache content
right click on the game – Properties
from Local files tab and click the Verify integrity of game.

2
mod and overclocking ? can also cause this crash

problem with mod’s that can cost you a campaign game, then remove or add to a current ongoing game. and even if modder update its steam workshop files
( reset gfx settings reclick apply and then reconfigurating again might be a solutions ? )

3
Steam cloud testing
right click on the game – Properties
from Updates tab and deselect steam cloud synchronization
( there seem to be computer information store there,and get buggy somehow
maybe try test with this off and restart steam,start game, enable it again
did that change anything ? )
this is only 1 user clam that fix it.

ps
this part could also be part of the administrator problem

4
warning user data move folder away or rename or move it away it can be a better choise if you need that data after a reinstall game so you can save your avatar and savegame maybe )

other quick fix maybe,( require show hidden Dir and files )
some seem to get corrupted files or not update correctly as they should.
delete almost all in there, keep the save games Directory’s ( maybe avatar backup before you delete them or move it away )
C:Users”user name”AppDataRoamingThe Creative AssemblyShogun2
and you might have to reinitialize Redist folder again

ps
this part could also be part of the administrator problem

5
game use adobe flash player so that is also need updated.
[link]

Check if Flash Player is installed on your computer ( per browser if you have more then 1 browser)
[link]

6
low memory issue

you have win 7 32bit ( 4gb system only ), thats why. ( 64 bits has large addresse enable )

[link]

7
steam report i have a Pirated version. some people got it fixed by cleans/rigistrations repare pc with ccleaner double task with that app

and adwcleaner also seem to solve this for some/most people

8
after some mods i used i got the sound bug also. enemy own/AI bow ashigaru has that bug
i did use the “Sinfonia Semplice (Sound Fixing Tool)” that did help on own troops but not the AI
then i delete the game “local content” and reinstall game. yeap you guess it same bug was there,
hmmm then i delete it again and verify that folder is empty it was not, mod leftovers was there deleted #:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonTotal War SHOGUN 2
the i reinstall and all was ok after this, the next person that tries this please maybe write down leftovers files we might just delete them and maybe game sound.pack can be fix faster if we can delete just them and not reinstall everthing

ps.
some seem to have fix this with delete sound.pack files and validate game cache can repare game again but this also require that the appcache has the working file or this also need to be delete so it retrive the file from server and not your local hard disk

dont mixup “appcache” folder with “steamapps”

exit steam
the content in appcache can be delete and will be redownload then logon again or going online
this actual recheck with server and fix outdate files with validate game content its like a master file what is going on with our game files, im not sure why there can be bugs inhere in the first place but it had help alot of people to clean up or reset steam files. maybe this is part of currupted files on hard disk that will make sense. use check disk or other tool that check all hard disk is okay.

9
all windows ( win7- win8-8,1 – win10 )

goto – controll panel – click windows update, all that auto update dont seem to work or you dont know / bother with what windows says is recommended..they are critical for a gamer not for the system, and that is what is wrong here.

Microsoft Visual is part of recommended updates and comes with games also but they dont get update after game add them

Microsoft Visual
[link]

10
if you have a removeable disk in old format Fat32, then game will crash if you install it on such old disk format system. windows 7 and above is NTFS System and game require same type of system format as the current operating system, only use such old system format if you need to transfer files to old system windows9#/XP

11
you need to uninstall all. ( if previous owned none paid version or Mods)
then do a folder check, so there are no content there anymore, ( remove folder away or rename it to shogun2.old )
#:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonTotal War SHOGUN 2
“require show hidden files and folders”
C:Users#username#AppDataRoamingThe Creative AssemblyShogun2 ( remove folder away or rename it to shogun2.old )
then do ccleaner with registration repare + junk files double task with that app
then do reinstall
( this is also a solutions to get ride of mods or any other added content as dlc and misc files from mods. ) if game still crash after this then you have other issue that blocking game from working

12
windows 10 missing optical drive

In Device Manager (selected View)->Show Hidden Devices. DVD was shown as Hidden device.

so i uninstalled all IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers: ( both )

ATA Channel 0,
ATA Channel 1,
(Serial ATA Controller)

After reboot the window10 added the missing drive again.

13
found a custom and history battle crash solutions from CA, it work for some people
[link]

Laptop Special issue and other pc tweaks people forget about

tweak’s most people forget about.
———————————————
laptop issue that can cause this, but normal PC can also do this, with all that green power schematic, they can actual be the cause, and that’s why 3D games crashes.

power saving schematic set to full power (high performance). ( and ofcause you are not stupid, 3d games require power cord plugin never play with battery only )
( choppy animations can happen in some games then balance mode or max power saving is on)
i have seen this in skyrim and other 3D games you cant save power with green pc mode and play highend games on max performance sametime, even usb can fail on SSD disk the disk need high power to use it.

gfx driver update to newest ( and watch out for beta drivers only try such if you know you need it, typical laptop mistake, beta driver can fix stuff but read what they have fix if info is even made)

use nvidia experience with optimal settings,
use AMD has game evolved with optimal settings
if laptop is to older uninstall the part you don’t need and keep the basic driver that can actual help in the low-end computer

in nvidia graphic card control panel use balance mode instead ( slide bar ) ( even older computer card can use this setting now )AMD call it fast-(er)) performance

don’t have running apps if you play games with only 4gb is low today

try make permanent swapfile. depend on how fast hard disk is at least 4gb ram to max 8gb ram
[link]
so in theory you have 8-12gb in all.

if SSD disk is there this actual is not needed let system handle it
and if this PC had 16gb ram. then turn off swap file
(so few programs actual will take all memory that you will
crash or get info that you run out of memory, then enable it again) this is for system with enough ram. some actual have 12gb you can go either way but do have this in mind always

other important info most people don’t know is prefetcher and superfetcher enable by Microsoft
they drain system use while you are using computer and there is so much debate on it, but fact is
even my old computer had it better with this turn off. reason is hard disk throughput was ½ then it run and actual make my old PC very slow. ( the disk is fast enough but not then it do double task, look like 2 task trying to write same time that’s why hd writing led keep staying RED all the time and never seem to stop writing)
( i have a defragmenting program already so again there is no point in system also try help )

Tools and programs that cleansing pc

( apps that can fix PC or program tools. should only be tried then you really want to give it a go, its not mentions as first choice because it can also create more problems
system point backup is a most so you can roll back to before this state, if you not doing this a re-install windows can be the only solutions to get back to normal )
————————————————-
this last step is for PC that has slow system and filled with junk files that need a cleansing
————————————————-

try the new addware cleaner some say it can fix it.
more and more can confirm that it seem to work
[link]

————————————————-

also Ccleaner can reparing registration database and remove junk files
just use default settings and keep intelligent cookies then ask about it, also make backup, so you can rollback if needed then ask about it,in the app

————————————————-

IObit Malware Fighter ( Free )
[link]

————————————————-

( i have notice lately many 3part software are not update at all
and some see this as spam but i save alot of time with this lately
[link]
( this only check what you already have installed
and i don’t use beta drivers unless you know there is a current problem )

————————————————-

other utilities that can help is Advanced SystemCare 9 Free
[link]
i use all in the care sections and it do semi same as other tools
but they seem to have gather most tools to cover all PC current problem
and if you are lesser skilled in PC this could help you alot
but as always there are no 100% software that cant make a mistake or get update
but use care section and watch out for toolbox & turbo boost section
but read that for yourself.

————————————————-

Spyware, Malware, Adware, or Viruses Interfering with Steam
[link]

————————————————-

Ccleaner and also remember repair registration ( rep and remove junk files so windows system can respond better )
[link]

Auslogics Registry Cleaner ( another registration tools fix see way more then ccleaner )
[link]

pc custom build or named model – how to update

to identify this depend on your skill and knowledge are you in doubt ask supporters homepage before doing anything, ( many it-expert doing this first because we know what we are doing keep that in mind, why this is it not meantion first in guide, because so many fumble this up and crash system in the old days. special with the bios update, )

this can be scary for many people but for many it-user its a most do
there are so many drivers from chipset to utilities program update that can fix so many pc current problem
warning bios update most be 100% match are you in doubt ask supporters homepage before doing anythiing

but do make system point backup so you can restore to current drivers state as they are now.

brand name motherboard or if its a named brand PC that homepage can also have many drivers ( to many computer names to mention here but do try locate auto update if such is made at all )

but do make system point backup so you can restore to current drivers state as they are now.

many have units that is update through motherboard drivers or name PC homepage they are default and working as best choice of the product
but its also have been notice that on-board LAN,sound and other internal units have update drivers and it do work for the most of the people, but here is the problem it have not been verify by motherboard or named PC homepage as best drivers so that can create more problem.
do make system point backup if not, you can crash the system if the drivers make more odd bugs to the system

many have Intel device at motherboard
[link]

can find many drivers from net-card drivers to sound and other USB and more
Driver Booster ( Free )
[link]

[link]
this software is free trial, full funktions require purchase ( but can be usefull as scan for it )
but so can iobit in the scan for it.
iobit does it for free, but do read warnings info and in above post why with iobit driver booster

just because i have no problem with all those apps on my PC’s does not mean you will not get all fixed this goes special with iobit find drivers, you most know if the computer runs well, so you can see if its stable with the new drivers.

other steam support issues / Network

other steam support issues
————————————
Programs Which May Interfere with Steam
[link]

Required Ports for Steam
[link]

some antivirus and firewall has a allowed list so game need to be added to that list.

another post thread,with blocking issue ( and again its your software that do it its not a game issue at all, its a antivirus program problem that cause it ) and we can all forget that sometimes
with so many helping program that is the real cause.
[link]

Pc and Mac cant play together and you still need same build verion number.
and same mod or no mod at all.

how to test and figureout if blocking is the problem.

maybe other player should try as host, and dont forget if router need configured to allow such if you cant get it to work
and dont forget isp firewall many forget that such could also be there.
see isp subscription, if you have such internet settings at the isp

also find a 3 person you both can test against then you can figure out who can host and who can only be a client if ( firewall or router still block ) some firewall still require a reboot after you turn it off. reason is the blocking list is still active..or has not been remove as they should and is still active ( with third person, its a test to narrow down the other two’s problem
worst case is if both have 1 problem each example one has firewall block and the other has a router that block then they will only could fix this if they know such things thats why a third person can eliminate 1 of them then they can test between them again.

steam error code 53
[link]
antivirus program might block it ( steam and/or the game )

other issue some games in part of the world is not sold or allowed ( some part of Asia its very odd its not a full blocking but part of that region )
so do check steam region area also, I have no idea where they check it
but its not just steam code that block it so there is no point try cheat to another area because each country has different rules for each games.
and then you buy other games you will also be affected by those rules. from wrong area

other antivirus program
watchout for link protections program to the browser
the game use ingame default browser and if that block it the game will crash at splash screen
and mcafee web site advisor seem to keep do this over many month, but any antivirus program or safe surfing program can do this. contact the develpoer of the antivirus program for a better solutions.

===========================================================
another steam user entry about mcafee webadvisor to make a allow rule

i dont have mcafee, but so many other seem to use it, i have added the entry
and semi same can be use in other antivirus app

((( Draconus entry has Total War: SHOGUN 2 5 Jun @ 3:56pm )))
If you Use McAfee try this
open up McAfee
Click on Web and Email Protection
Click Firewall
Click Internet Connections for Programs
Scroll down till you find Total War: Shogun 2
Select it then click edit
Turn Net Guard off
click save
thats how i got it to run on my system.
===========================================================

————————————
some windows7-8 need “run as administrator” this is not all PC’s, but some have upgrade to win8/8,1 and some need to re-install gfx driver after this also.

is “steam client service” running ?
This should be the same as “runs as administrator” either set it on files or re-install steam
recommend re-install steam overwrite steam same place.

and check again if service is running now ?

How to check … right click task-bar see service’s or control panel
administrator tools – services
or add “run as administrator” to “steam.exe” and the game “######.exe” file first
and watch out for desktop shortcuts they also need this set
restart steam

worst case is you missing “steam client service” in service
the you need to add it maybe on all games.exe file and that’s why i want you to re-install steam and overwrite current steam installation.

but that might not working as a fix it solutions, because games was install without this administrator rights set, so delete local content per game and re-install with administrator rights set or service running special older games can have such problem.

Maybe refresh steam files can help ?

refresh your Steam files
[link]

other example with difficult installations issue I have in a disk version.
a disk version, a none steam game, i had to add it on the install.exe file and compatibility mode to vista or was it xp before the installations was able to run at all, so that’s how complicated it can be.
—————————
msconfig test mode
—————————
( then all is tried and nothing seem to work, could also be the first one to try, if this work then you have a conflict with other software )

Disabling Background Applications
[link]

do remember to use normal mode after test, its for test only to see if program runs now.
its not a recommend mode as other security or service is not running

What part of the game do i have or own ?

What part of the game do i have or own ?
———————————————
dont trust that you see go inside game make new campaign to see what you own.
if its grayout, you dont own that campaign.

this is everyweek that someone ask about it
steam and CA has made a blob here.

game shogun2 (vanilla)
rots = rise of the samurai is a dlc to shogun 2 only ( require shogun 2 vanilla )
fots = fall of the samurai is a dlc to shogun 2, and also made as standalone version, and use same engine as shogun 2, and thats why many think they own shogun 2, and they dont own it.
—
solution , get disk version or buy as gift ( gold version with all dlc out now )
(warning there are 2 diffrent gold version they are not the same content.)

some bought the game as a gift and open the core game themself (vanilla version) that way
so normal shogun2 vanilla is there now.

dont forget add serial number also, so steam get the info typical box version information
or gold version now

———————————
right click game – properties – DLC
all the dlc is in properties under dlc sections check then there also for none campaign dlc

mod issue

no mod was working after that ?.

then i did a reset gfx option i click very high option and even nvidia experiance with optimale settings, and then my own settings again

then all mods working again.
so it seem our settings get forgotten or something, i hope this simple solutions can help others

tested in many turns but it seem to work atm im in realm divine atm.

use steam ingame fps counter
Steam Menu – in-game – and add (in-game FPS counter)
info added for pc, that dont have shadowplay or fraps running
i need it for the mods i have added maybe i have made game to heavy so i can keep a eye on it.

my old post forum before the guide was made….

my old post forum before the guide was made.
i keep it anyway if people wanna post there also
[link]

links to auto update tools for hardware and basic info

do not point and click and guess if you dont know your hardware and use wrong
driver or bios you can harm your computer if it even allow that ?

already found auto update tool for hardware links

MSI Mortherboard auto update tool
[link]

Asus Support
[link]

Asus Support For Notebook LiveUpdate
[link]

Fujitsu support – Auto Update Tool is called Deskupdate
[link]

GIGABYTE Download Center
[link]
newer pc have a app center (Intel 8/9/X99 series)
[link]

HP auto update tool
[link]

Dell Support Center’s automated update
[link]

[link]
Alienware Product Support for Systems before 2009
[link]
Alienware Support Site
[link]
Troubleshooting your Alienware System ( click get latest drivers )
[link]

————————-

basic info
all program that crash, and dont close as they should, either reboot pc or end process many know this and take it for granted, but new pc owner and lesser skilled people dont know this yet.

another basic info

all steam game can be verifyed
right click game – propertise validate game cache content or delete local content and then do reinstall ( warning if mod has been added. verify file location that all leftover is gone, or reinstall will still fail because mods leftover was still there )
browse local files always.

other steam basic info
if you change hardware
all steam game can fail, you need to enter each steam game REDIST folder and restart those install rutine if they are there for that game.
every steam game has its own configuration that is how they made steam back then
directx if game use that has its own per game if the game use that or they use system default
but many games has own settings and dont use system directx
so you cant just plug in new graphic’s card, unless they use same driver, ofcause.

Total War: SHOGUN 2 Guide

Overview

TOP 10 Solution

Original CA post, do this first

computer specification information

update windows system

Graphic card driver

Misc. issue

Laptop Special issue and other pc tweaks people forget about

Tools and programs that cleansing pc

pc custom build or named model – how to update

other steam support issues / Network

What part of the game do i have or own ?

mod issue

my old post forum before the guide was made….

links to auto update tools for hardware and basic info