Can't play the game; freezes on startup

**SadPanda** · 03-16-2013, 04:06 PM

I downloaded the game from Steam and I've been trying to play it on a new build. The launcher loads, and I can change the settings, but when I launch it just goes to a black screen and I have to ctrl-alt-delete to get out.

I got the game to start in windowed mode, which got me as far as the main menu, but when I started a new game it froze at the loading screen.

I've tried every troubleshooting step that was applicable to me to no avail.

Specs:
Intel Core i5-3570K
Radeon HD 7870
Windows 8 Full (64bit)

**plutomaniac** · 03-16-2013, 05:13 PM

something is blocking it, some background program most probably. Check the known programs that cause problems at the troubleshooting guide but there are definitely more that are not there.

**SadPanda** · 03-16-2013, 05:49 PM

I double checked the known background processes, and I don't have any of those running. I also turned off my Windows Firewall and Antivirus, and it still didn't work. What else could it be?

**plutomaniac** · 03-16-2013, 05:52 PM

Go to Documents and delete the folder Amnesia. Try again to launch the game with the stock settings at the first run.

**SadPanda** · 03-16-2013, 06:00 PM

No luck. Tried it in windowed mode as well, and it still freezes on the loading screen when I click "start new game". I can still hear the music, though.

**plutomaniac** · 03-16-2013, 06:31 PM

Something is causing it troubles but I can't know what that is. I have a similar system (3570K, Win8 x64, 660Ti = 7950) running the steam version with no problems at all. It has to do with your operating system and the programs installed/running. Maybe disable steam overlay and other similar stuff?

Do you have any overclocks(gpu or cpu)? If yes try disabling them, maybe the gpu one is causing issues in case it is not stable. Are your AMD drivers fully updated?

**SadPanda** · 03-16-2013, 08:24 PM

Tried disabling Steam overlay with no luck. What would the similar stuff be?

I'm not overclocking anything, and my AMD drivers are up to date.

Here is a complete list of every background process if it helps:

Spoiler below!

**plutomaniac** · 03-16-2013, 11:13 PM

1) Have you tried Problem J of the troubleshooting guide concerning steam local content deletion and file integrity check?

2) For testing purposes only, stop these services from Task Manager and try the game(if you run into problems, just restart and they should automatically load again after boot):

Spoiler below!

Judging from the services above, the problem occurs most probably due to an Asus program/service or PowerDVD. Hydra is an AMD thing, maybe that causes issues as well. All the services I chose have to do with Asus programs, PowerDVD and AMD Hydra.

**SadPanda** · 03-17-2013, 06:53 AM

I have already tried that troubleshooting step, but I just did it again for good measure.

I deleted the Amnesia folder from documents, disabled my firewall and virus protection, and ended every single process that you listed. Still no luck.

**plutomaniac** · 03-17-2013, 01:37 PM

Attach a new hpl.log file, no need to rerun the game. The last time after step 1 and 2 should be good. Maybe something changed that can actually help...