"Unspecified Error"

[atticman]

I've seen this error mentioned quite a bit online, but I have yet to find a successful resolution for it.

System: Windows 7 64-bit
Platform: Steam

Problem: Program crashes upon clicking the "Play" button on the start-up screen. Delivers the message: "Medieval II has encountered an unspecified error and will now close."

DXDiag

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601)

Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130318-1533)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: To be filled by O.E.M.
BIOS: BIOS Date: 08/21/12 14:37:34 Ver: 04.06.05
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.8GHz
Memory: 16384MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 16274MB RAM
Page File: 2502MB used, 30044MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 64bit Unicode

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

System Log

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

10:54:00.860 [system.rpt] [always] CPU: SSE2
10:54:00.861 [system.rpt] [always] ==== system log start, build date:

Jun 25 2007 version bld-medieval2-update2.1-30 (43169) ===
10:54:00.864 [system.io] [always] mounted pack packs/data_0.pack
10:54:00.864 [system.io] [always] mounted pack packs/data_1.pack
10:54:00.865 [system.io] [always] mounted pack packs/data_2.pack
10:54:00.866 [system.io] [always] mounted pack packs/data_3.pack
10:54:00.867 [system.io] [always] mounted pack packs/data_4.pack
10:54:00.867 [system.io] [always] mounted pack packs/localized.pack
10:54:00.874 [system.io] [warning] open: preferences/player.txt is missing
10:54:00.874 [system.io] [warning] open: preferences/keys.dat is missing
10:54:00.874 [system.io] [warning] open: preferences/keys.dat is missing
10:54:00.905 [system.rpt] [error] Medieval 2: Total War encountered an unspecified error and will now exit.

Failed Solutions (Gathered from Internet)

- Clean install (attempted 5-6 times with no luck)
- Disabling the UAC
- Adjusting the day light saving's time settings on clock
- Running as admin
- Running in Windows 7 Compatibility Mode
- DirectX updates (Can someone please tell me if DirectX 9 is the only version that this program will work with? I use this computer primarily for editing and HD video, so I would rather not downgrade the system)
- Driver Updates

Any help is much appreciated, I wouldn't have posted, but I can't find a solution that works anywhere and I really want to give the game a shot.

[atticman]

Full DxDiag attached as text file as the board will not allow me to post it in full.

[irishron]

Your graphics card is not good for 3D gaming. Too slow on a good day. You do have enough vram though.
In Nvidia Control Panel, the game's profile try it integrated only. The i5 can handle it alone.

DX9, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl...ils.aspx?id=35 logged in as Administrator and UAC disabled. It won't uninstall/modify anything dx11 related.

[atticman]

That seems to have cleared up the issue. Thank you!

[irishron]

Good to hear. Enjoy playing.