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Jul 20, 2013
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  • Europa Universalis: Rome
  • Warlock: Master of the Arcane
I got Rome Gold from steam about a year ago, had fun, worked fine, etc. played for 400+ hours. I eventually uninstalled it to make space on my comp for something else.

I just re-installed it via steam to play some more but when I hit play, It won't load, I just get a message "Rome has stopped working. A problem cause the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available." I don't understand why this is and it won't give me any further fault details.

This is the same computer, same operating system, etc that it worked fine on last time...

Please help! Thanks in advance!
 
please post a dxdiag.txt (you can delete everything after the "Sound devices" section for brevity), settings.txt, system.log and error.log files (you'll need to rename the .log files to .txt to upload). Also open setup.log, search for "checksum", and paste that line only in here.
 
DXDIAG is a program you run from a command prompt or the Windows start menu 'run' dialog box (or 'search programs' in Windows 7). After running it will open a window and start collecting info with a progress bar in the lower-left corner. When it completes click the 'save all information' button and save it to a file then post the first part of that file (from the top down to include "Sound Devices" only) here.

The other files are in your Rome folder or the /logs/ folder under that.
 
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 7/21/2013, 17:53:21
Machine name: ELONA-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.101014-0432)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
System Model: VGN-NS30E_S
BIOS: BIOS Date: 05/09/08 11:12:06 Ver: 08.00.10
Processor: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU T4200 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2938MB RAM
Page File: 1806MB used, 4308MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
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_9045104D&REV_07
Display Memory: 1341 MB
Dedicated Memory: 128 MB
Shared Memory: 1213 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Driver Name: igdumdx32.dll,igd10umd32.dll
Driver Version: 8.15.0010.2202 (English)
DDI Version: 10
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/25/2010 21:28:22, 571904 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-6902-11CF-677B-4FB0A7C2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2A42
SubSys ID: 0x9045104D
Revision ID: 0x0007
Revision ID: 0x0007
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_C ModeVC1_B ModeVC1_C
Deinterlace Caps: {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------

and setup.log

Setup[rome_application.cpp:555]: Checksum is Rome v2.0 (QEGY) 998288580

and settings.txt

gui={
language=l_english
}
graphics={
size={
x=1024
y=768
}

refreshRate=0
fullScreen=yes
shadows=no
shadowSize=1024
multisampling=2
anisotropicFiltering=0
gamma=50.000004
}
sound_fx_volume=100.000000
music_volume=100.000000
scroll_speed=100.000000
camera_rotation_speed=50.000000
zoom_speed=50.000004
mouse_speed=50.000000
master_volume=100.000000
ambient_volume=50.000000
mapRenderingOptions={
renderTrees=yes
}
lastplayer="Mr Human"
serveradress="diplomacy.valkyrienet.com"
autosave="NEVER"
difficulty="NORMAL"
outliner={
9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 }

and system.log

Kernel Release[systemsettings.cpp:149]: System memory: 2048MB
Kernel Release[systemsettings.cpp:151]: CPU speed: 2404MHz
Kernel Release[systemsettings.cpp:158]: Number of processors: 2
Kernel Release[systemsettings.cpp:171]: CPU type: x86
Kernel Release[systemsettings.cpp:203]: OS: Windows XP Service Pack 2 Build: 2600
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:107]: Graphic Adapters:
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:112]: 0: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:112]: 1: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:129]: Checking for multi-sampling support:
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:140]: 2 samples supported.
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:140]: 4 samples supported.
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:140]: 8 samples supported.
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:155]: Using Adapter [0]:
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:161]: Succeeded to create a device [D3DCREATE_HARDWARE_VERTEXPROCESSING].
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:203]: Graphics device: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:204]: Graphics driver: nv4_disp.dll
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:209]: Driver version: 7824
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:226]:


Dumping all gfx info:
DeviceIdentifier: {D7B71E3E-46A1-11CF-6245-8B3200C2CB35}
VendorId: 4318
DeviceId: 1505
SubSysId: 310392898
Revision: 161
DriverVersion.HighPart: 393230
DriverVersion.LowPart: 728720


Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:276]: Instancing supported.
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:294]: Video memory amount: 1023MB
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:297]: Support for T&L found.
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:300]: MaxSimultaneousTextures: 8
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:301]: MaxVertexBlendMatrices: 4
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:302]: MaxVertexBlendMatrixIndex: 0
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:304]: MaxSimultaneousTextures: 8
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:305]: MaxTextureBlendStages: 8
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:306]: Support for Anisotropic filtering found.
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:309]: Max Anisotropic filtering: 16
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:310]: Anisotropic filtering set to: 0
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:314]: Vertex Shader version: 3.0
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:319]: Pixel Shader version: 3.0
Kernel Release[main.cpp:208]: Rome Version Nov 18 2008 : 10:08:50
Kernel Release[internationalizedtext.cpp:1170]: Create table
Kernel Release[internationalizedtext.cpp:1172]: Create text database
Kernel Release[dxmusic.cpp:39]: Init Music
Kernel Release[dxmusic.cpp:45]: Graph done 0
Kernel Release[dxmusic.cpp:51]: Control done 0
Kernel Release[dxmusic.cpp:57]: Seeking done 0
Kernel Release[dxmusic.cpp:62]: Event done 0
Kernel Release[dxmusic.cpp:67]: Music done 0
Kernel Release[DirectSound.cpp:36]: Init DirectSound
Kernel Release[DirectSound.cpp:54]: Sound initialised with result 0
Kernel Release[DirectSound.cpp:64]: Coop Level Set. Result: 0
Kernel Release[DirectSound.cpp:86]: Sound Init Done
Kernel Release[graphics.cpp:132]: Direct3D Created
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1024 768 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1152 864 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1280 768 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1280 800 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1280 960 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1280 1024 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1360 768 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1600 900 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1600 1024 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1600 1200 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1680 1050 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1920 1080 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1920 1200 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 1920 1440 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 2048 1536 60
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 2560 1600 59
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:626]: Usable res: 2560 1600 60
Kernel Release[graphics.cpp:213]: Using multisampling: 2
Kernel Release[graphics.cpp:247]: Creating device with: D3DCREATE_HARDWARE_VERTEXPROCESSING
Fullscreen=yes
RefreshRate=60
Resolution=1024x768
Kernel Release[graphics.cpp:327]: Done creating device.


and error.log

Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\interface\\VaeVictis\\bg_domestic_government_top.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\interface\\VaeVictis\\bg_domestic_decisions_top.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\interface\\VaeVictis\\bg_domestic_characters_top.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\test\\menu_tiles_1.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\test\\menu_tiles_2.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\test\\menu_tiles_dialog_2.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\test\\menu_tiles_line.tga.
Clausewitz Error[texturehandler.cpp:106]: Couldn't find texture file: gfx\\test\\slider_line.tga.
Clausewitz Error[sound.cpp:240]: Duplicate sound: land_event_02
Clausewitz Error[sound.cpp:240]: Duplicate sound: money_out


Hope this makes things clear. Thanks!
 
Firstly, you haven't patched the game, it's still on 2.0 and we are up to 2.32 . How that's possible on Steam I'm not sure, are you offline or have you turned off auto updates? You need to connect to Steam to patch it, then do a Steam Verify of the game.

Secondly, edit that settings.txt to sat refreshRate=60

Thirdly, update your video driver
Vista 64bit https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22167&lang=eng
Vista 32bit https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22165&lang=eng
 
Thanks for the pointers. I will start on them when I get off work today and see what happens. As to steam... I have been connected the whole time, and as far as I know, patches should download automatically, so not sure why it would be behind.

as for editing the settings.txt: if I change it in the notepad and then save it, it will change the game? or do I need to do something else?
 
Ok. I updated the drivers to current and changed the refresh rate to 60 in the settings.txt.

But I can't get the patched game. Steam says it is up to date with 2.0. I double checked and it is set to auto-update. internet connection is fine, etc. Not sure what to do. any ideas?

Edit: I tried to run it based off of the other changes, still the same error message.

Edit 2: After changing the settings.txt file to say refresh:60. I ran a steam Verify the integrity of game cache. It found that file, did not like it, and changed it back. no other files were found as an issue. still won't play with the same error message
 
Last edited:
Uninstall the game from Steam, then go in manually and delete the whole remaining Rome directories and files from under the Steam directory. Install the game in Steam again, verify it, and now see if it's patched up; IOW see if setup.log

Setup[rome_application.cpp:555]: Checksum is Rome v2.0 (QEGY) 998288580

says 2.32 now, and system.log
Kernel Release[main.cpp:208]: Rome Version Nov 18 2008 : 10:08:50

says Jul 9 2010. If not, I'd say Steam have a problem and you'd need to log a ticket with them on why its not updating, sorry.


Also I see you have a dual video setup, is that right? dxdiag.txt shows Intel but system.log shows
Kernel Release[graphicssettings.cpp:203]: Graphics device: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280

Make sure that video driver is updated from the nVidia site to the very latest also. And you may as well check that DirectX 9.0c is up to date, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 (If that doesn't do anything then http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109 )
 
Sorry, forgot to mention, I uninstalled and reinstalled before posting on the boards for help. It didn't change anything. (Although I wasn't checking for patch version).

As to the GPU, no, this computer does not have an nvidia card. (and I just did a windows start button search to double check and make sure it wasn't hiding on me). I'm not sure why the game thinks that it does. Could that be the issue? The game trying to delegate to a non-existent gpu?

DirectX is up to date.

One final thought. When I bought EU rome gold it also gave me a EU Rome VV file on steam that could be downloaded seperately. Last time I had the game, I had them both on the comp (as I do this time) and I could click "play" on either one, and it would bring me to the same game. Maybe something has changed this time and it is fighting itself? (if I click on either I get the same error message and crash).

Anyways, thanks for the constant replies. A lot of forums you post on with a "help me" would get you half a dozen idiotic "try this" and no further help or responses. So the follow-ups are greatly appreciated!
 
Sorry, forgot to mention, I uninstalled and reinstalled before posting on the boards for help.
Did that include deleting any remnants before reinstallling? If not, please try it again.

Just do me a favour and try downloading and running the appropriate one of these two
32bit http://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/63457
64bit http://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/63458

One final thought. When I bought EU rome gold it also gave me a EU Rome VV file on steam that could be downloaded seperately. Last time I had the game, I had them both on the comp (as I do this time) and I could click "play" on either one, and it would bring me to the same game. Maybe something has changed this time and it is fighting itself? (if I click on either I get the same error message and crash).
You have VV installed, that's what 2.0 indicates.
 
I have uninstalled now. I checked the steamapp/common folder and there are no EU Rome files there. is there anywhere else to check for remnants? (I didn't have to manually get rid of any as they were already gone).

In the process of running the nvidia driver update.

On an interesting and possibly related note. I downloaded Crusader Kings 2 Demo from Steam today. When I went to run it the same error message occurred as for EU ROME...

Please let me know where to check to clear any remnants and I will let you know what happens with the driver update.
 
Actually forget the nVidia video driver, I see now that your log files are probably the default ones the game come with; IOW it's crashing so early in the initialization process that it doesn't even try to create them yet. You can confirm this by deleting or renaming settings.txt and running the game, I suspect it won't re-create the file as it should.

BTW when you say "DirectX 90 is up to date", did you actually try running those two links? Please do so if not. f you did run them, did they actually do anything?

Have you tried manually running the .exe files? Go to the Rome directory under Steam and right-click on both rome.exe and romegame.exe and set them to run as Admin, and to disable desktop composition. Then double-click on each in turn and let us know what happens.
 
Ok. Sorry for the delayed reply but real life got in the way for a bit.

I ran the nvidia driver update, which as you noted, doesn't work as it couldn't find the hardware.

Yes, I ran the first DirectX link. which "downloaded and updated" but I tried the game after and still has the same issue. I haven't tried the .exe files yet, only the desktop shortcut and the play button in steam. will try and get back to you.
 
FIXED!!!!!!

So when I went into the file and found the .exe and ran as admin it came up with a menu that said something along the lines of: "thank you for playing EU Rome Gold. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it." this little window had an option that said check for updates. Which I clicked, and while it did not seem to do anything, I then clicked "play game" and it started loading. It took about 5 minutes (and I am not exagerating, so maybe applying updates?). It spent most of that time going through texturing the provinces.

But now the desktop shortcut and the steam play button also work. I am not exactly sure what it was, but it sounds like it just couldn't load the right update (setup log now states version 2.3.2 as well).

Thank you very much for the help AndrewT!!!!!!!! Now I just need to find many hours to waste (which may be harder than fixing it was!)
 
Glad to see we worked it out together.
It took about 5 minutes (and I am not exagerating, so maybe applying updates?). It spent most of that time going through texturing the provinces.
It's creating the map cache the first time it runs. It will be quicker to load now.