Known issues and solutions - FAQ

[Miles Jacobson]

i need to find where the installation log can anyone help

From the opening post in this thread - "Please check the ‘Football_Manager_2009_InstallLog.log’ located in ‘C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009’ and report any errors. If you do have errors can you please also report where you purchased the game from."

[Miles Jacobson]

Right Marc, new problem I think!

I got in (somehow, then tried to load my last game (didnt delete all files in the end) and it said 'Could not load save game' then booted me out of the game and I now cant get back in to the game as it has not appeared as a shortcut OR in my programs?

Cheers (AGAIN!) :P

Which operating system? If Vista, have a look in "start" then "games"

[Alexb1984]

Thank u marc. Really impressed by u guys.

[Marc Duffy]

Sorry Mark, but i'm having similar problems, installed game via Steam, then recieved error:graphics set failed as with a few others on here, followed the link you gave to microsoft website to download sdk, and now whenever i boot the game up it says fm:exe has encountered a serious problem and needs to close!
Then i followed the lnik back to microsoft to install the dot Net framework and it STILL doesn't work!
I've updated all my drivers as well!
What do i do next!!

Are you running the patch v9.1?

[Miles Jacobson]

Sorry Mark, but i'm having similar problems, installed game via Steam, then recieved error:graphics set failed as with a few others on here, followed the link you gave to microsoft website to download sdk, and now whenever i boot the game up it says fm:exe has encountered a serious problem and needs to close!
Then i followed the lnik back to microsoft to install the dot Net framework and it STILL doesn't work!
I've updated all my drivers as well!
What do i do next!!

What graphics card do you have?

[DanT193]

Are you running the patch v9.1?

I assume i downloaded the patch through Steam in the first place?

[villalad]

Can some1 help cus i keep gettin the internet connection problem and I have tried wat you av said in previous post but im not gettin any error once i av put in the link. please sum1 help cus i av bin tryin 4 hours

[BlythForever]

Which operating system? If Vista, have a look in "start" then "games"

Not in there (Yes, I am on Vista)

[Marc Duffy]

I assume i downloaded the patch through Steam in the first place?

Double check in-game.

[DanT193]

What graphics card do you have?

I think it's an ATI Radeon 9250. Don't say it's all because of this! You'll ruin the plans i have for the next 2 straight weeks and beyond!!!

[johno1]

I am still getting the "Steam server is unavailable" message. I have tried the solution mentioned in this thread but it is still the same.

What should i do?

[GoonerLife]

Nah, graphics system failed. I'm patched, updated drivers, done the SDK and updated directx. All that everyone's suggested, but my PC's over 4 years old so I wasn't really expecting it to work.

I'll probably treat myself to a new machine soon and then enjoy the fruits of your labour. Well done for trying tonight

[ipswichjon2]

I've got the patched version (9.1) on my steam downloaded version of FM2009
My computer has high end specs:
4gb ram
4.8ghz processer
Nvdidia Gforce 8600GT video card

The game continually freezes (at least once a week of game time so far) and I have to shut it down using the task manager and try again. Last night the game ran fine for an hour. I tried windowed mode but it's greyed out on the prefernces page. Is there a way to force windowed mode? Also are there any other pointers you could give me to solve this so I can have a go at playing the game (I've been trying for hours today and my misery was compounded by taking a break to see Ipswich play badly at Doncaster and I need to prove I know better than Jim Magilton how to get the team winning!) Thanks in advance for your help!

[DanT193]

Double check in-game.

But i don't get as far as the main screen in game though. Is there another way to check?

[Miles Jacobson]

Not in there (Yes, I am on Vista)

Through STEAM or Uniloc?

[Marc Duffy]

I am still getting the "Steam server is unavailable" message. I have tried the solution mentioned in this thread but it is still the same.

What should i do?

This was on my email recently to get looked at / fixed

[keane]

I am using Vista system. And I just get "football manager 2009 has stopped working" error when I tried to run it.

I think lots of people have the same problem with me.

what's the solution please?

[ronanos]

I've started installing the game and it's now 'updating stream platform...' but it's been stuck at 96% for about 30 mins.

Should I wait it out or what?

[villalad]

Marc, can you help me please?

[seldald]

Mark, can you take a look at this issue?

"When I try to start the game, Soft Anchor says my trial period has ended and asks me for key. I put my key in and the activation goes on fine. When I try to start the game I get the same message on and on and on. Seems like the activation process is bugged, because it wants me to activate every time I try to start. Anyone have any advice for this problem?"

Already tried reinstalling the game and deleting certificate files.

[Marc Duffy]

I am using Vista system. And I just get "football manager 2009 has stopped working" error when I tried to run it.

I think lots of people have the same problem with me.

what's the solution please?

Do you have the patch?

[Dudz]

I installed through Steam and now I get an annoying block of colour on my screen (bottom right hand corner)

Fix: In steam click the icon "settings", click the tab "in game" and untick the "enable steam community" and voila

Cheers pal all sorted

[Marc Duffy]

I've started installing the game and it's now 'updating stream platform...' but it's been stuck at 96% for about 30 mins.

Should I wait it out or what?

Wait it out for a bit.

[Wacks07]

I get the "unable to connect" message as soon as i enter my code and press next... its getting really annoying now.. but whats more annoying is that your fix doesn't even make sence, for a start points 1-5 don't happen for me as all i get when i go to that adress is a box asking for a password etc

seriously this is well annoying. what made you lot think it was a good idea to put all this encryption rubbish on this game? i really do hope you've saved yourselfs that 20p extra or what ever it is from stopping people having pirate copies... cos come this time next year, you aint gonna be seeing a penny from most of the loyal fans of the game... what a joke.

[johno1]

This was on my email recently to get looked at / fixed

Where is this email?

[Marc Duffy]

I get the "unable to connect" message as soon as i enter my code and press next... its getting really annoying now.. but whats more annoying is that your fix doesn't even make sence, for a start points 1-5 don't happen for me as all i get when i go to that adress is a box asking for a password etc

seriously this is well annoying. what made you lot think it was a good idea to put all this encryption rubbish on this game? i really do hope you've saved yourselfs that 20p extra or what ever it is from stopping people having pirate copies... cos come this time next year, you aint gonna be seeing a penny from most of the loyal fans of the game... what a joke.

As I said a few posts up, the URL is wrong. I'm waiting for a new URL and we can get you moving.

There was no need for the 2nd paragraph. I appreciate you are annoyed but that doesn't get us anywhere.

[Marc Duffy]

Where is this email?

It's gone to people at Uniloc and SEGA

[keane]

If you mean 9.1.0 patch, yes I have already installed.

But just got this error window without giving out any causes.

Lots of people are complaining about this problem at technical forum as well.

I have even tried " compatible with windows xp sp2", but don't work too.

[jaygo1984]

any news on the correct address for the anchorsoft authentication problem yet marc?

[Marc Duffy]

If you mean 9.1.0 patch, yes I have already installed.

But just got this error window without giving out any causes.

Lots of people are complaining about this problem at technical forum as well.

I have even tried " compatible with windows xp sp2", but don't work too.

Can you tell me the exact error please.

[ross123456789]

As I said a few posts up, the URL is wrong. I'm waiting for a new URL and we can get you moving.

There was no need for the 2nd paragraph. I appreciate you are annoyed but that doesn't get us anywhere.

i am afraid that second paragraph is right though

[Marc Duffy]

any news on the correct address for the anchorsoft authentication problem yet marc?

Nope, sorry still waiting.

[villalad]

As I said a few posts up, the URL is wrong. I'm waiting for a new URL and we can get you moving.

There was no need for the 2nd paragraph. I appreciate you are annoyed but that doesn't get us anywhere.

Marc, for the internet connection one, are you sayign the one you have given is wrong and you are waiting for a new one, cus i was trying that site for ages.

[Marc Duffy]

i am afraid that second paragraph is right though

It has no place in this thread where I'm doing my best to get people up and running.

[Marc Duffy]

Marc, for the internet connection one, are you sayign the one you have given is wrong and you are waiting for a new one, cus i was trying that site for ages.

Yep! That is exactly it.

[Wacks07]

same problem as comment 35. is the address provided correct?

[villalad]

Nope, sorry still waiting.

marc, do you know when you will recieve the new URL?

[Marc Duffy]

marc, do you know when you will recieve the new URL?

No but I assure you, as soon as I have it you guys will be first to know.

[BlythForever]

Through STEAM or Uniloc?

Uniloc because when I try STEAM it says it cant load the library.

[keane]

Can you tell me the exact error please.

Sorry, forget to quote your reply.

My error is getting "football manager 2009 has stopped working" when I tried to launch.

the system is not giving any cause, just doesn't work

9.1.0 patch has been installed already.

[Wacks07]

sorry, Marc wasn't trying to annoy you, just the fustration of the bizzareness of this situation... i mean has there ever been such a big problem with a game before?

[vinesy56]

Anyone still got the [-703] error? Or anyone who did have it, up and running yet? Should i un-install Steam and do it the UNILOC way?

[Marc Duffy]

Sorry, forget to quote your reply.

My error is getting "football manager 2009 has stopped working" when I tried to launch.

the system is not giving any cause, just doesn't work

9.1.0 patch has been installed already.

Ok, if this is in the technical forum I'll leave it to those guys.

[Marc Duffy]

Anyone still got the [-703] error? Or anyone who did have it, up and running yet? Should i un-install Steam and do it the UNILOC way?

Can you try now. Seems Uniloc cant see any 703 errors in their logs so I'd like you to try again please.

[Big Steve]

Marc,
Ive got the DVD version of the game, when installing it asks me where i want to save to, then comes up with the error message "Insert New Media, Incorrect media volume,
Please insert FM2009 or browse to locate it manually" The DVD is still in the drive and ive tried manually browsing to the cd drive with no success. Dud DVD?

[villalad]

No but I assure you, as soon as I have it you guys will be first to know.

Why was this activation code put on the game cus it stops loads of people playing it for ages?

[CrashOverride]

Mine was working and then I saved and come out. Tried to relaunch and got fm.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.

Decided to remove from steam and install direct onto my pc. Game worked fine, installed patch and now constantly get fm.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.

I have repaired .net 2 and have the latest Direct X download installed?

Anyone any ideas?

[Scott1992]

Hi Mongo.

Patch download : http://rapidshare.de/files/40902317/...9.1.0Patch.exe
SDK download :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=5493F76A-6D37-478D-BA17-28B1CCA4865A&displaylang=en

try those for starters.

Done that still no joy! Aaargh. Will i have to re-install? If i do will the same problem keep happening?

[Vynal Seven]

Any fix for the game freezing when you try to view the information screen or go to a match?

[ipswichjon2]

Also forgot to add earlier the doppelganger effect - doesn't stop you playing but is very annoying, I'll email you a screen shot so you can see what I mean!

[BlythForever]

Any fix for my problem?

[Marc Duffy]

Any fix for my problem?

You receive the ‘Error: Application was unable to connect to the internet. Please check your connection.’

Fix:
1) Open IE and go to: https://fm2009.sa01.softanchorinsight.com

2) Here if you are using IE7 it will prompt you – “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate.”

3) Next, Click – “Continue to this website (not recommended)”. However – this is okay, it is safe.

4) Look up top at your IE address bar – you will see “Certificate Error”. Click this box, then click “View Certificates”.

5) Press, “Install Certificate…”

6) Select the “Place all certificates in the following store”.

7) Press “Browse”

8) Select “Trusted Root Certificate Authorities”. Not this will install the Go Daddy (a reputable) certificate into your trusted root certificate authorities if it is not there.

9) Press OK

10) Press Next

11) Press Finish

Close IE, then Reopen it and to go to https://fm2009.sa01.softanchorinsight.com/.
Note: on this visit, you will be allowed without trouble.


From here –

1) Reopen your FM2009 game
2) Enter your key into the Activation Dialog
3) Select the “Online” activation
4) Press Next

You game should activate immediately.

If you are install the certificate incorrectly, the error message will still be visible – for more help on installing correctly, please visit:

http://www.thebitguru.com/articles/13-Importing%2520a%2520Trusted%2520Root%2520Certifica tion%2520Authority%2520in%2520Windows%2520Vista/188-Installing%2520the%2520Certificate

Please note: You will require your system clock to be set correctly, failure to do so will cause an error with HTTPS. Please therefore ensure your system time and date are set correctly.

[keane]

Ok, if this is in the technical forum I'll leave it to those guys.

Could you give some status?

Do those guys working on this problem or at least acknowledge it.

I only saw people are complaining about the problem but no SI people reply to confirm.

[villalad]

You receive the ‘Error: Application was unable to connect to the internet. Please check your connection.’

Fix:
1) Open IE and go to: https://fm2009.sa01.softanchorinsight.com

2) Here if you are using IE7 it will prompt you – “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate.”

3) Next, Click – “Continue to this website (not recommended)”. However – this is okay, it is safe.

4) Look up top at your IE address bar – you will see “Certificate Error”. Click this box, then click “View Certificates”.

5) Press, “Install Certificate…”

6) Select the “Place all certificates in the following store”.

7) Press “Browse”

8) Select “Trusted Root Certificate Authorities”. Not this will install the Go Daddy (a reputable) certificate into your trusted root certificate authorities if it is not there.

9) Press OK

10) Press Next

11) Press Finish

Close IE, then Reopen it and to go to https://fm2009.sa01.softanchorinsight.com/.
Note: on this visit, you will be allowed without trouble.


From here –

1) Reopen your FM2009 game
2) Enter your key into the Activation Dialog
3) Select the “Online” activation
4) Press Next

You game should activate immediately.

If you are install the certificate incorrectly, the error message will still be visible – for more help on installing correctly, please visit:

http://www.thebitguru.com/articles/13-Importing%2520a%2520Trusted%2520Root%2520Certifica tion%2520Authority%2520in%2520Windows%2520Vista/188-Installing%2520the%2520Certificate

Please note: You will require your system clock to be set correctly, failure to do so will cause an error with HTTPS. Please therefore ensure your system time and date are set correctly.

is that the new url?

[Marc Duffy]

Could you give some status?

Do those guys working on this problem or at least acknowledge it.

I only saw people are complaining about the problem but no SI people reply to confirm.

Can you give me a URL in there?

[Ctgs]

Hi, Ive installed a boxed version of fm 09 on my vista laptop, it installed fine, but when i try and open editor a message comes up, which is....


c:\users\christopher\appdata\local\microsoft\windo ws\gameexplorer\{BE416EA4-4...\rundataeditor.lnk

The application has failed to start because its side by side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log for more detail.


I then installed the patch and this message still comes up.


As marc has said, as of yet he doesnt have a solution for this problem, is it worth me just uninstalling the game, and then reinstaling?

[Marc Duffy]

is that the new url?

That is the updated steps to fix

[villalad]

is that the new url?

Mark, I av tried dat agen and Im beign asked for a password and stuff, wats going on?

[BlythForever]

No Marc, the problem is that I got thegame loaded and thought I was in, but as soon as I tried to load my game, it chucked me out and the CD wont autorun and there is no way of getting to the game to make it run!!!

Cheers

[simonbyrneno.4]

Guys i've figured out what the problem is when the game keeps coming up....

the game loads perfectly and everything is fine until it comes to my first match, and as soon as i try to make a substitution the game crashes and a message comes up saying that a file has been created in the fm09 folder. this folder is a crash dumps folder and the files that are in there all read "FM 2009 v9.1.0.26064". after that comes up, the game automatically shut it's self down.

I'm willing to bet that everyone that is suffering this problem did exactly what i did and put the "graphics" folder into the C\sports interactive\fm...etc instead of into the my documents sports interactive file like they are supposed to. I was about to uninstall when i noticed this mistake, corrected it and now everything is working perfectly.

Just want to say sorry to the si programmers who i've been harrassing about this. it was my mistake, my fault. great work on a good game guys!!!!!

[geordieliam83]

Hi Marc,

Apologies if this isn't the way to do it (i've set up an account on here just yesterday so havent made any posts yet).

I'm having numerous problems. if i install 'offline', i get fm.exe has encountered problems, and if i install through steam and then the update gets to 100% then i press 'play game', absolutely nothing happens.

to solve the first problem, i've tried to download the windows 2.0 framework or whatever thing which hasnt worked, and i have no idea how to olve the issue via steam.

literally nothing happens (yet curiously, my mate is also on steam, and it says 'liam is now playing football manager 2009' on his computer when clearly im not.

by the way, a lot of people on here seem to be being unreasonable, i think its commendable you are trying to help everyone.

thanks

Liam

[Marc Duffy]

Hi, Ive installed a boxed version of fm 09 on my vista laptop, it installed fine, but when i try and open editor a message comes up, which is....


c:\users\christopher\appdata\local\microsoft\windo ws\gameexplorer\{BE416EA4-4...\rundataeditor.lnk

The application has failed to start because its side by side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log for more detail.


I then installed the patch and this message still comes up.


As marc has said, as of yet he doesnt have a solution for this problem, is it worth me just uninstalling the game, and then reinstaling?

I'd just bypass the editor for the next couple of days till the dust settleson the activation issues.

[Marc Duffy]

Mark, I av tried dat agen and Im beign asked for a password and stuff, wats going on?

That page is only to check if you have a certificate error. If you don't see any error you should be good to go.

[Truby89]

hey im still getting the 'cannot connect' problem. ive dun it all thru steam. http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=62568 the solutions suggested here dont hrlp because i clicked on the link and on the soft anchor website it asked for a username and password ? Do you have an idea or a solution so that i can play? lol, kind reagrds.

[Miles Jacobson]

Any fix for the game freezing when you try to view the information screen or go to a match?

Have you tried playing in windowed mode, and seeing if that sorts it for you?

[Vynal Seven]

Any fix for the game freezing when you try to view the information screen or go to a match?

Yes? No? Maybe?

[Marc Duffy]

Hi Marc,

Apologies if this isn't the way to do it (i've set up an account on here just yesterday so havent made any posts yet).

I'm having numerous problems. if i install 'offline', i get fm.exe has encountered problems, and if i install through steam and then the update gets to 100% then i press 'play game', absolutely nothing happens.

to solve the first problem, i've tried to download the windows 2.0 framework or whatever thing which hasnt worked, and i have no idea how to olve the issue via steam.

literally nothing happens (yet curiously, my mate is also on steam, and it says 'liam is now playing football manager 2009' on his computer when clearly im not.

by the way, a lot of people on here seem to be being unreasonable, i think its commendable you are trying to help everyone.

thanks

Liam

Liam, some new issues on me here. Have you thought about uninstalling and not going the Steam route?

[Marc Duffy]

hey im still getting the 'cannot connect' problem. ive dun it all thru steam. http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=62568 the solutions suggested here dont hrlp because i clicked on the link and on the soft anchor website it asked for a username and password ? Do you have an idea or a solution so that i can play? lol, kind reagrds.

Yes, visiting that page is just to get an idea if you see a certificate error.

[Vynal Seven]

Have you tried playing in windowed mode, and seeing if that sorts it for you?

No I have not tried that.

[DanT193]

i'm clutching at straws here but any idea on what i do next?

[villalad]

That page is only to check if you have a certificate error. If you don't see any error you should be good to go.

mark, I keep typing in my product code but stil i keep getting, it could not be activated because it could not connect to internet. what do i do?

[Ctgs]

Hi, Ive installed a boxed version of fm 09 on my vista laptop, it installed fine, but when i try and open editor a message comes up, which is....


c:\users\christopher\appdata\local\microsoft\windo ws\gameexplorer\{BE416EA4-4...\rundataeditor.lnk

The application has failed to start because its side by side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log for more detail.


I then installed the patch and this message still comes up.

As marc has said , he currently has no solution for this problem as of yet, so is it worth me just uninstalling then reinstalling, and hoping it works.

[Damrock]

mark, I keep typing in my product code but stil i keep getting, it could not be activated because it could not connect to internet. what do i do?

I'm in the same boat dude

[cm0215]

hey all, stressed to the max here!! have been trying to install this damn game all day!

getting the Error: [-821] message but can't find any certificates in the places mentioned. Installed copy through Steam and running on Vista.

also tried closing the applications on task manager and have totally reinstalled whole thing several times but don't seem to be getting anywhere.

bought my copy in glasgow this morning... please help

[jaygo1984]

marc, any word on the new address yet for authenication problems yet?

[Scott1992]

Have you tried playing in windowed mode, and seeing if that sorts it for you?

I've been trying for over six hours to sort this problem, my windowed option in greyed out so i cant select or de-select it, i have followed the advice given by marc still no joy, this is a joke. The game keeps freezing do you know how to sort it, yes or no?

[Marc Duffy]

As marc has said , he currently has no solution for this problem as of yet, so is it worth me just uninstalling then reinstalling, and hoping it works.

You could do, but I doubt it will work.

[Marc Duffy]

marc, any word on the new address yet for authenication problems yet?

I posted the amended steps above but I dont think this is having any effect. Do you get any certificate errors on that website?

[Loons]

I've installed FM2009 on to my laptop and when I go to launch it I get the following message :

fm.exe - unable to locate component

this application has failed to start because d3dx9_37.dll was not found. re-installing the application may fix this problem.

I've re-installed it several times but it still doesn't work. I've downloaded the patch but that doesn't help either.

I've loaded it on to my old base unit pc and it works ok, so any ideas why it won't work on my more up to date laptop ?

[totty2009]

Fix:
1) Open IE and go to: https://fm2009.sa01.softanchorinsight.com

2) Here if you are using IE7 it will prompt you – “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate.”

3) Next, Click – “Continue to this website (not recommended)”. However – this is okay, it is safe.

4) Look up top at your IE address bar – you will see “Certificate Error”. Click this box, then click “View Certificates”.

5) Press, “Install Certificate…”

6) Select the “Place all certificates in the following store”.

7) Press “Browse”

8) Select “Trusted Root Certificate Authorities”. Not this will install the Go Daddy (a reputable) certificate into your trusted root certificate authorities if it is not there.

9) Press OK

10) Press Next

11) Press Finish

Close IE, then Reopen it and to go to https://fm2009.sa01.softanchorinsight.com. Note: on this visit, you will be allowed without trouble.


From here –

1) Reopen your FM2009 game
2) Enter your key into the Activation Dialog
3) Select the “Online” activation
4) Press Next

You game should activate immediately.

Please note: You will require your system clock to be set correctly, failure to do so will cause an error with HTTPS. Please therefore ensure your system time and date are set correctly.

This still doesn't work Marc, it activated first time on my main PC but no luck after about 400 trys on laptop. Why on earth have we been asked to go through this crazy process? All we want to do is install the game and play. Its such a shame that a brilliant game has lost all credibility, it saddens me.

[villalad]

mark, I keep typing in my product code but stil i keep getting, it could not be activated because it could not connect to internet. what do i do?

A;;. i wanna do is play the game

[Roberto45]

Hey guys
I've got onto the game, and it looks really good. I'm just having a few problems. Well one main one really.
For no apparent reason, while playing, at random intervals, the game decides to minimise itself, and my laptop goes into 'hibernation' mode.
My spec is above the required needed, and it doesn't happen at any other time, only when playing the game. It is also quite random. However, when it does happen, and I try to make my laptop return to the normal state to return to the game, it gets back to the main screen, and then returns straight to the 'hibernation' mode. Again, its never happened before, and it only happens while I'm on the game. Its very frustrating and I don't know if there actually is anyway to fix it?!
Also, I bought the game physically, not downloading it. But I don't have to have the CD in the drive to play the game... is this normal?
Any help would be most appreciated. I'm not very good with computers, all I know is that it must be something to do with the game, because as I said, its only occured since I started playing the game. And only occurs when I'm on it.
Thanks a lot, I hope you can help!
Rob

[BlythForever]

No Marc, the problem is that I got thegame loaded and thought I was in, but as soon as I tried to load my game, it chucked me out and the CD wont autorun and there is no way of getting to the game to make it run!!!

Cheers

[Marc Duffy]

This still doesn't work Marc, it activated first time on my main PC but no luck after about 400 trys on laptop. Why on earth have we been asked to go through this crazy process? All we want to do is install the game and play. Its such a shame that a brilliant game has lost all credibility, it saddens me.

It saddens me too that your laptop is not working. I can assure you I've raised this with the relevant people.

[longuspoddius]

Hi Marc, I have had the same problem as a few others, I installed the DVD and registered via uniloc. However when I try to run it I get a "fm.exe has encountered a problem and has to close " message.

I re-installed the .Net framework thing like you mentioned elsewhere. I have updated the DXSDK thing. I have downloaded the patch, but my computer says it doesn't know what programme to use to open the patch. I thought it should talk me through how to install it?

You seem to be doing a grand job, keep it up.

[Marc Duffy]

Hey guys
I've got onto the game, and it looks really good. I'm just having a few problems. Well one main one really.
For no apparent reason, while playing, at random intervals, the game decides to minimise itself, and my laptop goes into 'hibernation' mode.
My spec is above the required needed, and it doesn't happen at any other time, only when playing the game. It is also quite random. However, when it does happen, and I try to make my laptop return to the normal state to return to the game, it gets back to the main screen, and then returns straight to the 'hibernation' mode. Again, its never happened before, and it only happens while I'm on the game. Its very frustrating and I don't know if there actually is anyway to fix it?!
Also, I bought the game physically, not downloading it. But I don't have to have the CD in the drive to play the game... is this normal?
Any help would be most appreciated. I'm not very good with computers, all I know is that it must be something to do with the game, because as I said, its only occured since I started playing the game. And only occurs when I'm on it.
Thanks a lot, I hope you can help!
Rob

best to post this in the technical forum. http://community.sigames.com/forumdi...ysprune=&f=114

[Marc Duffy]

Hi Marc, I have had the same problem as a few others, I installed the DVD and registered via uniloc. However when I try to run it I get a "fm.exe has encountered a problem and has to close " message.

I re-installed the .Net framework thing like you mentioned elsewhere. I have updated the DXSDK thing. I have downloaded the patch, but my computer says it doesn't know what programme to use to open the patch. I thought it should talk me through how to install it?

You seem to be doing a grand job, keep it up.

The patch should be a .exe which means it should open with a swift double click.

[jaygo1984]

no i dont get any certificate errors on the page, just a screen asking for a username and password. it still wont let me activate through the softanchor activation screen on the game launch screen??? HELP

[villalad]

Marc, it still says unable to connect to internet. What do i do? i just want to play the game

[Alexb1984]

marc i am afraid that fix still does not work for internet connection :s

[villalad]

The patch should be a .exe which means it should open with a swift double click.

Marc, it still says unable to connect to internet. What do i do? i just want to play the game

[Alexb1984]

Same as Jaygo and villalad i miss FM

[Marc Duffy]

I know, still working on it!

[geordieliam83]

Liam, some new issues on me here. Have you thought about uninstalling and not going the Steam route?

Hi Marc,

Firstly, thank you for replying, im genuinely impressed (altho i;d rather my game was working! haha).

I have tried not going the steam route but as i probably poorly explained before, when i go to launch it (at this point everything seems fine), it comes up with an error message that 'fm.exe has encoutered a problem and must close' (im paraphrasing to be fair). i read the suggested FIX on here earlier but when i go to download the thing from the microsoft link you have posted before, it won't let me install it on my machine.

i am surprised that no one yet has said that nothing happens upon launch in steam tho.


'Fix: This can be resolved by updating the Microsoft Dot.Net framework, please visit the following URL to download:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en'

that is the thing i tried but have failed to get working.

any other suggestions?

do you think its likely that the game will be re-released with all the info just packed onto a cd/dvd as in previous times?

Thanks again

Liam

[cm0215]

hey all, stressed to the max here!! have been trying to install this damn game all day!

getting the Error: [-821] message but can't find any certificates in the places mentioned. Installed copy through Steam and running on Vista.

also tried closing the applications on task manager and have totally reinstalled whole thing several times but don't seem to be getting anywhere.

bought my copy in glasgow this morning... please help

Hey guys.. any thoughts??

[Marc Duffy]

I'm offline now guys. Miles and Neil should be able to look after you for the rest of the evening. Mails are flying around concerning the issues you are facing and we hope to have good news soon

[Scott1992]

HELLO still waiting for help the game still keeps freezing followed the advice no joy. Does anyone have an answer? Yes or No.

[totty2009]

Fix: This happens because the original key entered was incorrect and the phone line cannot validate the request. Please recheck the original 26 character key entered, you should validate your key (if possible) via the following URL: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

Marc, this happens to all of us and we are putting in the correct code after checking it via the 'check site'. So many problems, Why? Its always on the 3rd code.

[ipswichjon2]

I've been trying for over six hours to sort this problem, my windowed option in greyed out so i cant select or de-select it, i have followed the advice given by marc still no joy, this is a joke. The game keeps freezing do you know how to sort it, yes or no?

Earlier on I posted a similar issue - I've got it running in windowed mode and okay for two weeks game time no freezes - to get windowed mode

1 - right click FM2009 exe start up icon and then properties
2 - in the target field add a space and "-windowed -small_screen"
3 - click apply/ok

thanks to the guy on the PC/Mac discussion section who posted this

[jaygo1984]

thanks for trying to help marc, much appreciated.