Known issues and solutions - FAQ

[conshaldo_bonaldo]

i put up a thread days ago but still i havent got any help...i try to install the patch but it gets a certain way through it and then says out of memory. what does this mean and how can i sort it out? there shouldnt be a memory problem.

[Neil Brock]

Could you answer this question please nbrocky or anyone?

We released a 'day one' patch because there were some issues within the game we felt people we disappointed with when playing the demo - we just want people to have the best game-playing experience so it was felt a first day patch would help with that.

There is currently no news on any second patch or any potential release date.

[Neil Brock]

i put up a thread days ago but still i havent got any help...i try to install the patch but it gets a certain way through it and then says out of memory. what does this mean and how can i sort it out? there shouldnt be a memory problem.

I'd suggest deleting that patch and re-downloading it from a different source, there are a few links here - http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=60961

[Neil Brock]

Hello. I was one of those with an error -51 message. I downloaded the fix zip, unzipped, activated the vbs file, entered the code, waited, got the activation successful message and tried to run the game. At this point Steam launched and took me to the online activation screen, which unsurprisingly told me that I had already activated the code. And the game didn't launch. Help appreciated!

It sounds like you need to delete the certificates and re-activate the game

1) On receiving the error, please uninstall the game

2) Please navigate to the following directory:

XP users: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

Vista users: C:\Program Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

3) Please ensure that it is the \certificate directory you are located in

4) Delete all content

5) Reboot the machine

6) Re-run the installation programme and retry activation - ensuring you have 'verified' your key using the following website: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

7) You should now be activated

Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

[iamweesel]

What is the date of your crash - is it always the same? Is there anything in particular you are doing when it crashes? Let me know. Thanks.

Well,after re-installing and fiddling with the game files,it seems to have stopped

Anyways,I'll still give you information,if it happens again.The error came up when the game was just started.At the Warchild ad,clicked ok,and then it closed

Thanks though,again,I seem to have fixed the problem after trying,but thanks again

[speccyleccy]

It sounds like you need to delete the certificates and re-activate the game

1) On receiving the error, please uninstall the game

2) Please navigate to the following directory:

XP users: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

Vista users: C:\Program Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

3) Please ensure that it is the \certificate directory you are located in

4) Delete all content

5) Reboot the machine

6) Re-run the installation programme and retry activation - ensuring you have 'verified' your key using the following website: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

7) You should now be activated

Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

FAIL!

Exactly the same thing happened. The activate.vbs file opened the dialogue box and accepted my code and said my game had been activated, but when I tried to run the game Steam took me to the online softanchor validation screen, which told me I was already activated.

[Neil Brock]

Hmm, sorry about that - What I suggest is this - If you are not successful - please email us the error code at errors@uniloc.com and we will continue to try and help you.

I suggest emailing them and hopefully someone can get to the bottom of your activation issue. Thanks.

[daveyhopdot]

This post lists all current known issues and their solutions. If you have an issue not listed please post here and we will attempt to get you up and running. Please note that this thread will be moderated tightly and any stray posts or abuse will be removed.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 09 – FAQ GUIDE

Please read the information below, the suggestions have been confirmed as fixing the issues you are experiencing.

I own a MAC – what’s the problem?

Mac users have nothing to worry about there is no activation on the game for MAC users, just the normal disc check. Mac Book Air users will need an external Optical drive in order to play – we are currently looking into options for this.

ALL USERS PLEASE DO THIS FIRST

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.

When I try to activate, it says I'm not connected to the internet / other activation problems

We have created a small activator script that should help anybody having trouble activating the game online.

Step 1 – Download the activator from http://www.footballmanager.com/fixv2.zip

Step 2 – Unzip the contents of the activator to your desktop.

Step 3 – Double click the activate.vbs file. Note the screen shot below.

Step 4 – Next you will see a dialog box prompting you for your license key.

Step 5 – Enter your license key into the dialog. Remember – to check your key at http://keycheck.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com

Step 6 – Press OK - then wait 30-60 seconds and you will receive a second message. If you are successful – the message will read:

If you get this message, open the game and run it.

If the activation fails, the message will read something like:

The number in this message will help us understand the problem. For example, In this case the number -1003 indicates that your license key. If the error is -1003 enter your license key into the form at: http://keycheck.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com

If it is something besides -1003, please send Muzchap or JMordetsky a PM and they will do their best to help!

I’m receiving the Error [-10] what can I do?

Fix: The error 10 is related to not being able see the server correctly; this could be due to a firewall blockage or ‘proxy’ issue. We are investigating further, but do have a workaround – please can you call one of the Customer Services numbers below and an Operator will talk you through activation:

UK* - 0871 010 8002

FR - 08 20 37 61 58

*

All other number for support and their territories can be found here:

*

http://www.sega.co.uk/support/

I’ve installed the game where are the files located?

Fix: C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009

You are receiving a [-703] error: ‘We were unable to process your unlock request. To receive a new key please visit sigames.com’

Fix: This indicates that the server is busy and has been unable to fulfill your request, please do keep trying, it will authenticate.

Phone activation fails - Drops out after 3rd key issue

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/

ERROR: Cannot run game:Failed to set up graphics system

Fix: Please download the following update from the Microsoft Direct X SDK: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=5493F76A-6D37-478D-BA17-28B1CCA4865A&displaylang=en

You should also check that you are running the latest graphics driver, you can do this by visiting the computer manufacturer website, or by visiting the graphics card manufacturing website.

You are receiving an Error [-821]

Scenario: Install and activate with activation code on Steam and it works then launch the game, SoftAnchor asking to re-enter activation code.

Fix: You need to delete the certificates and re-activate the game

1) On receiving the error, please uninstall the game

2) Please navigate to the following directory:

XP users: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

Vista users: C:\Program Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

3) Please ensure that it is the \certificate directory you are located in

4) Delete all content

5) Reboot the machine

6) Re-run the installation programme and retry activation - ensuring you have 'verified' your key using the following website: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

7) You should now be activated

You are receiving an Error [-1003]

Fix: You are entering the key incorrectly please visit the following URL to correctly identify your key - http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

Error: You are receiving the Error ‘Product Key already Active’ message

Fix: You need to delete the certificates and re-activate the game

1) On receiving the error, please uninstall the game

2) Please navigate to the following directory:

XP users: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

Vista users: C:\Program Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

3) Please ensure that it is the \certificate directory you are located in

4) Delete all content

5) Reboot the machine

6) Re-run the installation program and retry activation - ensuring you have 'verified' your key using the following website: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

7) You should now be activated

Error: You are receiving the Error [-51] / [-52] message

Fix: You need to delete the certificates and re-activate the game

1) On receiving the error, please uninstall the game

2) Please navigate to the following directory:

XP users: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

Vista users: C:\Program Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

3) Please ensure that it is the \certificate directory you are located in

4) Delete all content

5) Reboot the machine

6) Re-run the installation program and retry activation - ensuring you have 'verified' your key using the following website: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

7) You should now be activated

Note: If the above does not fix it – please check the following:

• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data is not set to read only.
  

• Also check that C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive and C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate are not set to read only!
  

To check if a file or folder is read only, please right click the folder and select ‘Properties’ from the dropdown, you should the see a box at the bottom called Attributes – please ensure this is unticked or does not have a green square inside.

• Another way it could happen is if there is another instance of FM.exe or Activator.exe holding onto our certificate. In this case - the user should check the process list to see if another instance of FM.exe is open. If so - close it first.
  

To do this you need to open Task Manager (right click TaskBar, or CTRL+ALT+DEL), sort the Image Name column by clicking on it and identifying if Activator.exe or FM.exe are running. If they are highlight and click ‘End Task’

You launch the game via Steam and nothing happens

Please raise a support ticket at the Valve website: https://support.steampowered.com/

When launching the game you receive the following Error: “FM.exe application error. The application has failed to initialize correctly (0xC0150002). Click on OK to stop the application.”

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

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=en

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%2520Certification%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.

I installed through Steam and cannot start the game or create a shortcut, or running without Steam being active

Fix: If installed via Steam, you can find the game executable (exe) at the following location:

C:\Program Files\Steam\Steamapps\Common\Football Manager 2009

If you double click this the game will launch, you can also create a shortcut to this location on your desktop.

I installed through Steam and I can't find my Data Editor Or Resource Archiver.

These are both located in the following directory:

C:\Program Files\Steam\Steamapps\Common\Football Manager 2009\Tools\

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

You receive an error when trying to install the Patch - digital signature issue (Vista)

Fix:

1. Create a shortcut on the desktop to cmd.exe (if you don’t know how to see guide below)

2. Right-click on the shortcut and select Run as administrator

3. When the command window opens, type or paste the following and press ENTER:

Bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks ON

4. Reboot and then try installing the driver.

Quick Guide to Creating a shortcut:

1. Right click on an empty space on the desktop to open the context menu

2. Select New

3. Select Shortcut with a left-click

4. In the location box type cmd /k Bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks ON 5. Select Next

6. Name your shortcut and push Finish

You are receiving the error: ‘FM2009 could not run as ‘facegen’ was unable to initialize!’

Fix: Please install the Patch, and ensure your graphics drivers are up to date

You are receiving the error: ‘This application has failed to start because saAuditMD.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem’

Fix: Please download the file from here and place in the following folder: C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009

http://downloads.sigames.com/download/saAuditMD.zip

I can't play the game due to an XML parsing error

If you have a shortcut on your desktop you can do the following:

• Right-click on the FM shortcut.
  
• Choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
  
• In the "Target" field, add the --reset_preferences command line option after "fm.exe", so it should look like this:
  "C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\fm.exe" --reset_preferences
  
• Press OK and then try to run the game as normal, using the shortcut.
  

You'll want to remove the command after you run the game, as otherwise it will continue to reset your preferences every time you launch.

If you don't have a shortcut you can make one and then perform the instructions on the shortcut you've made.

• If you purchased and installed the game through Steam you should be able to find the fm.exe in the following directory:
  C:/Program Files/Steam/SteamApps/Common/Football Manager 2009/
  
• If you purchased and installed the game from a boxed DVD copy you should be able to find the fm.exe in the following directory:
  C:/Program Files/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2009/
  

Temporary fixes for users having their game freezing

One solution to this is playing the game in Windowed Mode. Instructions on how to setup the game in windowed mode can be found in another thread:

http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=64936

Another solution could be to turn off stadiums and shadows.

I purchased game through steam and the game constantly freezes when I try to play a match and now I constantly get a 'xml parsing error' I have tried what you have suggested above but it still does it I have yried contacting both steam and sega and I have got to say both customer support stinks or doesn't exist at all

[SJE]

i keep getting fm.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience up every time i try to start it

I am getting exactly the same message coming up. I completed the advanced installation with no issues, but the above message comes up each and every time. My laptop isn't connected to the internet and i haven't got a clue how to fix it. i have never had issues with FM games before...:confused:

[Douglos]

Installation: Successfulwith errors.

10 Successes

1 Warnings

1 NonFatalErrors

0 FatalErrors

Execute Uninstaller: $USER_INSTALL_DIR$$/$Uninstall $PRODUCT_NAME

Status: ERROR

Additional Notes: ERROR - No uninstaller existed in the directory

And I Got FM from Game

[CBV]

.........................

[Neil Brock]

I purchased game through steam and the game constantly freezes when I try to play a match and now I constantly get a 'xml parsing error' I have tried what you have suggested above but it still does it I have yried contacting both steam and sega and I have got to say both customer support stinks or doesn't exist at all

XML Parsing Errors

When suffering from XML errors we advise downloading a newer version of XML Parser from Microsoft, this can be done so from this link:

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

Whenever I load or attempt to start a game. I get this message:

'not well informed (invalid token) at line 1 of profile. '

It means one of your 'Profiles' has been corrupted. Shut down FM, delete the cache files and this should solve this issue (but you'll also lose stored profiles that are selectable from the drop down menu when you start a new game).

Details on how to delete your cache files can be found above.

Other XML Errors

"not well-formed (invalid token) at line 1 of last_saved_game.xml"

The game says it cannot be loaded

This can sometimes be resolved it by defragmenting the hard drive.

Open and run Disk Defragmenter by doing the following:

Windows XP

1: Click “Start”

2: Click “My Computer”

3: Right Click the local Disk that contains the FM2009 installation.

4: Go to “Tools”

5: Click “Defragment Now”

6: Click “Anylise”

7: Click “Report” – Check to see if the saved game that is not loading is listed as having missing fragments.

If it does have missing fragments then move the save to an external source (USB Memory Key, External Hard Drive) and try loading the game fro there. If the game works from the external source then running a full Defrag on the Drive should allow you to load it again. If not then your game is probably corrupted.

Windows Vista

1: Click “Start”

2: Click “Computer”

3: Right Click the local Disk that contains the FM2009 installation.

4: Select “Preferences”

5: Select “Tools”

6: Select “Check Disk”

7: Select “Start”

If the Save Game was showing any missing fragments then try to load the game again as Check Disk would have attempted to fix the problem. If that does not work follow the steps from Windows XP. Copy the file to an external source and attempt to run it from there. If successful defrag the Hard Disk and then try again.

[Neil Brock]

Purchased a boxed copy of the game today. Activated via STEAM, no problems there. Tried to launch the game via STEAM and I encounter the problem below.

Window pops up saying 'launching via STEAM...'

That disappears then another window pops up with the following message 'Football Manager 2009 has stopped working'

'A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.'

Searches. No Fix. Close window.

Any help would be much appreciated. I'm using Windows Vista aswell.

Thanks

First of all try running the game with Steam closed.

To do this obviously make sure Steam isn't running, then go to:

C: Program Files - Steam - Steam Apps - common - Football Manager 2008

Inside this folder you will find the FM09.exe

Create a shortcut here, and drag it onto your desktop

Double-click it and see if your game runs.

Please let us know either way and we'll try and help. Thanks.

[Neil Brock]

Installation: Successfulwith errors.

10 Successes

1 Warnings

1 NonFatalErrors

0 FatalErrors

Execute Uninstaller: $USER_INSTALL_DIR$$/$Uninstall $PRODUCT_NAME

Status: ERROR

Additional Notes: ERROR - No uninstaller existed in the directory

And I Got FM from Game

Try removing the game in it's entirety and try installing again. If this fails, I would suggest not using the disc and just the activation code by downloading it from Steam. This can be done by following these instructions:

Download Steam from here - http://store.steampowered.com/about/

Install Steam on your computer

Once installed, open up Steam

Go to My Games

Go to Activate a product on Steam

Enter your Activation Code found on the back of the manual. (Use http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/ to see you got all the 0's and o's right)

Steam should now download your game.

[Neil Brock]

I am getting exactly the same message coming up. I completed the advanced installation with no issues, but the above message comes up each and every time. My laptop isn't connected to the internet and i haven't got a clue how to fix it. i have never had issues with FM games before...:confused:

What are your system specs? Please tell me what graphics card, processor, memory and operating system you have.

It may also be worthwhile trying to run the game in windowed mode by looking, look at this thread for details - http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=64783

Thanks.

[CBV]

First of all try running the game with Steam closed.

To do this obviously make sure Steam isn't running, then go to:

C: Program Files - Steam - Steam Apps - common - Football Manager 2008

Inside this folder you will find the FM09.exe

Create a shortcut here, and drag it onto your desktop

Double-click it and see if your game runs.

Please let us know either way and we'll try and help. Thanks.

Thank you for your reply.

I followed the instructions above and attempted to run the game without STEAM.

I still get the same error message i'm afraid.

I don't think STEAM is the problem to be honest, I may be wrong, but I had the same problem with the demo, and I downloaded that from the sun (The Newspaper) website directly to my PC. Installed fine, as the full game has, but when I attempt to run, the game just will not start.

:confused:

[joerowlands]

I've installed the game, no problem.But halfway through installing the patch it says "Error reading file block 40"...Anyone know what that's about and how to get round it???

[Neil Brock]

Thank you for your reply.

I followed the instructions above and attempted to run the game without STEAM.

I still get the same error message i'm afraid.

I don't think STEAM is the problem to be honest, I may be wrong, but I had the same problem with the demo, and I downloaded that from the sun (The Newspaper) website directly to my PC. Installed fine, as the full game has, but when I attempt to run, the game just will not start.

:confused:

I'd suggest trying this, it has been known to solve certain issues in the past

Fix: Please download the following update from the Microsoft Direct X SDK: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

When downloading this file please use the Firefox browser as some people have encounter difficulties when using Internet Explorer

You should also check that you are running the latest graphics driver, you can do this by visiting the computer manufacturer website, or by visiting the graphics card manufacturing website.

How to Update your Graphics Drivers

This depends on your graphics drivers.

Some Computer manufacturers insist you download drivers from their own sites. Please refer to the website of your computer manufacturer before reporting issues with graphics drivers.

Here are the websites of the largest graphics cards and chipset manufacturers:

Nvidia (Gforce/Legacy)

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk

ATI (Radeon)

http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.html

Intel (Onboard Chipsets)

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/

There are other manufacturers of graphics card drivers. If you can not find drivers for these cards they may have been discontinued. Please ask in this case as we may still be able to help.

Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

[Neil Brock]

I've installed the game, no problem.But halfway through installing the patch it says "Error reading file block 40"...Anyone know what that's about and how to get round it???

Have you got the correct patch for the version of your game?

I would certainly suggest re-downloading the patch from one of the links found here - http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=60961

It sounds like a corrupt download to me. Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

[itachi85]

sorry i just brought the game and i been trying to type the correct keycode but still invalid,any1 can help?

[Neil Brock]

sorry i just brought the game and i been trying to type the correct keycode but still invalid,any1 can help?

Make sure you are using the correct activation code here - http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

[dutchfmaddict]

Have you used the data editor at all? What I would suggest to you is uninstalling both Steam and FM2009, then going to the Steam folder found in your program files and manually removing that as well. Once that is completely done, try reinstalling the game.

Let me know how you get on.

Thank you for your quick reaction. I've done exactly as you said, but I still get the same error and when I press OK, the screen turns blue with white text, disappearing after a second and then restarting my computer automatically... :s Then when it's restarted, it says: 'The system has recoverd from a serious error'.

Please help me!!

[daveyhopdot]

XML Parsing Errors

When suffering from XML errors we advise downloading a newer version of XML Parser from Microsoft, this can be done so from this link:

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

Whenever I load or attempt to start a game. I get this message:

'not well informed (invalid token) at line 1 of profile. '

It means one of your 'Profiles' has been corrupted. Shut down FM, delete the cache files and this should solve this issue (but you'll also lose stored profiles that are selectable from the drop down menu when you start a new game).

Details on how to delete your cache files can be found above.

Other XML Errors

"not well-formed (invalid token) at line 1 of last_saved_game.xml"

The game says it cannot be loaded

This can sometimes be resolved it by defragmenting the hard drive.

Open and run Disk Defragmenter by doing the following:

Windows XP

1: Click “Start”

2: Click “My Computer”

3: Right Click the local Disk that contains the FM2009 installation.

4: Go to “Tools”

5: Click “Defragment Now”

6: Click “Anylise”

7: Click “Report” – Check to see if the saved game that is not loading is listed as having missing fragments.

If it does have missing fragments then move the save to an external source (USB Memory Key, External Hard Drive) and try loading the game fro there. If the game works from the external source then running a full Defrag on the Drive should allow you to load it again. If not then your game is probably corrupted.

Windows Vista

1: Click “Start”

2: Click “Computer”

3: Right Click the local Disk that contains the FM2009 installation.

4: Select “Preferences”

5: Select “Tools”

6: Select “Check Disk”

7: Select “Start”

If the Save Game was showing any missing fragments then try to load the game again as Check Disk would have attempted to fix the problem. If that does not work follow the steps from Windows XP. Copy the file to an external source and attempt to run it from there. If successful defrag the Hard Disk and then try again.

I'll try what you have suggested my xml parsing errors are ;

not well formed (invalid token) at line 1 of highlights.xml

not well formed (invalid token) at line 1 of speed.xml

and will i lose my saved games

[Neil Brock]

Thank you for your quick reaction. I've done exactly as you said, but I still get the same error and when I press OK, the screen turns blue with white text, disappearing after a second and then restarting my computer automatically... :s Then when it's restarted, it says: 'The system has recoverd from a serious error'.

Please help me!!

That sounds like a system error to me rather than a game error, the blue screen is known as windows way of showing a critical error. I suggest running some of the programs found here to see if that narrows down the cause - http://www.sigames.com/sibase.php?type=view&id=142

[CBV]

I'd suggest trying this, it has been known to solve certain issues in the past

Fix: Please download the following update from the Microsoft Direct X SDK: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

When downloading this file please use the Firefox browser as some people have encounter difficulties when using Internet Explorer

You should also check that you are running the latest graphics driver, you can do this by visiting the computer manufacturer website, or by visiting the graphics card manufacturing website.

How to Update your Graphics Drivers

This depends on your graphics drivers.

Some Computer manufacturers insist you download drivers from their own sites. Please refer to the website of your computer manufacturer before reporting issues with graphics drivers.

Here are the websites of the largest graphics cards and chipset manufacturers:

Nvidia (Gforce/Legacy)

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk

ATI (Radeon)

http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.html

Intel (Onboard Chipsets)

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/

There are other manufacturers of graphics card drivers. If you can not find drivers for these cards they may have been discontinued. Please ask in this case as we may still be able to help.

Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

My PC is about two/three weeks old, it's brand new. All available updates for the PC, and all the software on it, are in place. Should anything become available, then it will be downloaded automatically. It's a DELL PC anyway, so everything it configured ready for use when you take the PC out of the box.

As for using Firefox, sorry, i'm not doing it. I currently use Internet Explorer, and I have no problems with it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your help, but i'm not willing to go through all of that to get this game running. When I installed the demo, it installed the latest version of DirectX anyway. Why do I need to go through this again?

To be honest mate, I don't want you to waste any more of your time now, because i'm selling my copy of the game, hopefully someone else can make better use of it. I can safely say, I will never be buying Football Manager again, which is a shame really, because i'm a big fan of the series.

Nevermind.

[daveyhopdot]

next question which one of the downloads do i need at the microsoft website?

[Neil Brock]

next question which one of the downloads do i need at the microsoft website?

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

This one. Let me know if it helps.

[Neil Brock]

My PC is about two/three weeks old, it's brand new. All available updates for the PC, and all the software on it, are in place. Should anything become available, then it will be downloaded automatically. It's a DELL PC anyway, so everything it configured ready for use when you take the PC out of the box.

As for using Firefox, sorry, i'm not doing it. I currently use Internet Explorer, and I have no problems with it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your help, but i'm not willing to go through all of that to get this game running. When I installed the demo, it installed the latest version of DirectX anyway. Why do I need to go through this again?

To be honest mate, I don't want you to waste any more of your time now, because i'm selling my copy of the game, hopefully someone else can make better use of it. I can safely say, I will never be buying Football Manager again, which is a shame really, because i'm a big fan of the series.

Nevermind.

That's up to you, I was just offering the support I thought would help, if you're not willing to do it to get the game running that's as said up to you and fair enough. Sorry I couldn't be any more help.

[daveyhopdot]

I bought mine downloaded through steam at least you can resell yours as I am the same as you loved the fm2008 but want my money back as I've had nothing but trouble with this

[CBV]

I bought mine downloaded through steam at least you can resell yours as I am the same as you loved the fm2008 but want my money back as I've had nothing but trouble with this

I can't be arsed with it to be honest mate as I say.

Think i'd rather go to the pub, then i'm off to the Villa/Man Utd game.

[daveyhopdot]

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

This one. Let me know if it helps.

is this the corrrect 1 this is direct x i'm having xml parsing errors

[Neil Brock]

is this the corrrect 1 this is direct x i'm having xml parsing errors

XML Parsing Errors

When suffering from XML errors we advise downloading a newer version of XML Parser from Microsoft, this can be done so from this link:

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

[abir14]

haha i just managed to get it running, about to play my first match and it froze. this is a joke.

how did u manage to get it running?

[Neil Brock]

For people with XML ERRORS:

Delete the following folder:

XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\settings

Vista: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\settings

This may help remove some of the errors you have been receiving.

[Martyn1]

everytime i try to load my game up now it asks for the activation key when i have already activated it. What should i do? The error tht comes up is error 821 but when i tried following the instructions it comes up with error 819. plz help me

[Neil Brock]

everytime i try to load my game up now it asks for the activation key when i have already activated it. What should i do? The error tht comes up is error 821 but when i tried following the instructions it comes up with error 819. plz help me

Error: You are receiving the Error ‘Product Key already Active’ message

Fix: You need to delete the certificates and re-activate the game

1) On receiving the error, please uninstall the game

2) Please navigate to the following directory:

XP users: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

Vista users: C:\Program Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009 Certificate

3) Please ensure that it is the \certificate directory you are located in

4) Delete all content

5) Reboot the machine

6) Re-run the installation program and retry activation - ensuring you have 'verified' your key using the following website: http://keylookup.fm2009.softanchorinsight.com/

7) You should now be activated

[superbladeash]

Hi i tried using your help to create a desktop shortcut. This is so that i could try accessing the windowed mode. Due to my Game crashing on tactic screen. I got this error when clicking on the shortcut:

"This application has failed to start because saAuditMD.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix the problem"

This followed by the error window, "FM has stopped working"

ALSO can i ask, have SI and SEGA done any testing on the NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS... As I believe this is the problem. The g-card is powerful enough to use the game. Can you please tell me if you have or will be testing the g-card???

[daveyhopdot]

XML Parsing Errors

When suffering from XML errors we advise downloading a newer version of XML Parser from Microsoft, this can be done so from this link:

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

theres 6 files to download on here i've tried the first 1 game still crashes

[Neil Brock]

theres 6 files to download on here i've tried the first 1 game still crashes

Ignore that, try this:

For people with XML ERRORS:

Delete the following folder:

XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\settings

Vista: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\settings

This may help remove some of the errors you have been receiving.

[daveyhopdot]

i have vista game on steam where is the folder located

[frenchy89]

I've installed the patch had my activation come through as a success but i'm still having the problem where it won't run the game, comes up with 'A problem caused the program to stop working correctly' , but i can get into the data editor though, anybody that can give me any help on this issue?

Thanks in advance

[Neil Brock]

i have vista game on steam where is the folder located

Don't worry about Steam the file patch will be the same, what you do need to do is turn on your hidden files and folders. To do this, open up My Computer and go to 'Folder Options' at the top. The click on the 'View' Tab and click on what says 'Do show hidden files and folders'

Then you will be able to find the path I stated earlier. Sorry I should have been clearer with that. Good luck and let me know how you get on. Thanks.

[superbladeash]

nbrocky can you take a look at my post... number #2438

[daveyhopdot]

Don't worry about Steam the file patch will be the same, what you do need to do is turn on your hidden files and folders. To do this, open up My Computer and go to 'Folder Options' at the top. The click on the 'View' Tab and click on what says 'Do show hidden files and folders'

Then you will be able to find the path I stated earlier. Sorry I should have been clearer with that. Good luck and let me know how you get on. Thanks.

there is no my computer on vista

[Neil Brock]

Hi i tried using your help to create a desktop shortcut. This is so that i could try accessing the windowed mode. Due to my Game crashing on tactic screen. I got this error when clicking on the shortcut:

"This application has failed to start because saAuditMD.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix the problem"

This followed by the error window, "FM has stopped working"

ALSO can i ask, have SI and SEGA done any testing on the NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS... As I believe this is the problem. The g-card is powerful enough to use the game. Can you please tell me if you have or will be testing the g-card???

Sorry for not spotting this.

Right basically there are a number of things you should do. First of all completely remove all traces of FM2009 and Steam (if you have steam installed).

You'll also need to delete cache and registry files to do this do the following:

How to delete your Cache files

First of all you need to turn on hidden files and folders. Go to My Computer and at the top select 'Tools' the 'Folder Options'. The go to the 'View' tab and select 'Show hidden files and folders'

Then do the following:

Windows XP:

1. Open “My Computer”

2. Navigate to : “Documents and Settings\<Username>\Application Data\

3. Go into the “Sports Interactive” Folder.

4. Delete the “Football Manager XX” Folder.

Wndows Vista:

1. Click “Start”

2. Click your username on the start Menu

3. Click on “AppData” and then “Roaming”

4. Go into the “Sports Interactive” Folder

5. Delete the “Football Manager XX” Folder.

Mac OSX

1. Open Finder.

2. Select <User>

3. Navigate to Library\Caches\Sports Interactive

4. Remove the “Football Manager XX” Folder.

How to Delete your Registry Files

Windows XP:

1. Click “Start”

2. Click "Run"

3. Type in "Regedit"

4. Go into the HKEY_CURRENT_USER Folder

5. Go into the 'Software Folder'

6. Delete the Sports Interactive Folder

7. Go into the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Folder

8. Go into the 'Software Folder'

9. Delete the Sports Interactive Ltd Folder

Windows Vista:

1. Click “Start”

2. Type in the search box "Regedit"

3. Go into the HKEY_CURRENT_USER Folder

4. Go into the 'Software Folder'

5. Delete the Sports Interactive Folder

6. Go into the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Folder

7. Go into the 'Software Folder'

8. Delete the Sports Interactive Ltd Folder

Once this is all done completely reinstall the game. Once that is done add the patch (it should be done automatically if done via Steam)

Once this is done, see if the game runs and get back to me. Also if you've added any custom graphics, skins or anything else to your game please remove them for now.

Let me know how you get on. Thanks.

[Neil Brock]

there is no my computer on vista

Yes there is:

If you are missing the My Computer icon from your desktop in Vista don't worry it will only take two seconds to put it back. First, click the start button and then right click on Computer and click Show on Desktop. Now you should have the My Computer Icon back on your desktop. To get rid of the My Computer Icon from your desktop simply repeat the same steps.

[SteC1611]

I entered My activation code and it was accepted first time, I thought great!! Try to run the game but the disk will not load up?

Can anyone help?

My computer does have right spec also that shouldnt be a problem

thanks

[Neil Brock]

What happens when you try to run the game?

Also do you have the 9.1 patch installed? This can be downloaded via links in this thread - http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?t=60961

Let me know.

I entered My activation code and it was accepted first time, I thought great!! Try to run the game but the disk will not load up?

Can anyone help?

My computer does have right spec also that shouldnt be a problem

thanks

[SteC1611]

When I try to run the game nothing happens, I dont have the game installed yet because the disk wont load up,

By the way I am using XP Pentium4 Processor with 2.80GHz and 512 Ram

[superbladeash]

on vista i don't know how to get up the hidden folders nborcky...

can't find the tools option on there