Counter Strike 1.6 + Win 7 64bit = Black screen

[Rokass]

Hello, I have a problem with windows 7 ultimate 64 bit, which is killing me! I've managed to fix it but after this new update its back again! The problem is: then I start counter strike 1.6 it always crashes and gives me black screen (I can only hear while scrolling through menu buttons). I've managed to fix this problem by adding "-d3d" in launch options, but not it doesn't work as they removed d3d mode... Also I've tried running with compatibility mode, as administrator, with -nofbo etc. But it gives me same result ALWAYS. Also I've tried to contact steam support, but they don't know anything and just said that I should ask in this forum... I don't find any working solution, can you help me out?

Thanks.

[ghost]

Are you in "Beta"? What is your desktop resolution and color depth?

[Rokass]

I've tried both, beta and not, but none of them works. My desktop resolution is: 1920x1080 and color depth is True Color (32 bit)

[ghost]

Try to join beta and download the latest version (don't forget to verify the game cache), it should be fixed.
If it doesn't help, try to add -soft -w 640 -h 480 into Launch Options

[Rokass]

I've just tried but it still doesn't work. Although it works on software mode, but it's impossible to play cs with software mode, I need to play at least with OpenGL mode.

Thanks.

[ghost]

I'm not trying to find a solution for you, I'm trying to find out what's wrong :)
Post your system specs please. Go to Steam->Help->System Information.
And try -gl -nofbo -sw -w 640 -h 480 +gl_vsync 0

[Rokass]

Here is whole system information:
http://pastebin.com/A4g9zcqu

I've tried with those settings and it gave a little bar with nothing inside (I still hear while scrolling menu).

[ghost]

Okay. Have you tried to get the latest video driver?
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18228&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%207%20(64-bit)*&DownloadType=Drivers

And try to play with 3D settings in Intel® graphics properties window

[Rokass]

Just updated and restarted PC, but it didn't fix the issue. What do you mean by play with 3D settings? I've opened Intel 3D settings, but what to change there?

[ghost]

Try to change 3D preference to Perfomance, Balance, Quality.
If it won't help, try to enable "Custom settings" and force Vertical Sync to Off, then to On, etc.

Also, try to launch the game, open console(~), type "map de_dust" and press Enter. I know you see nothing but black screen, but try. Or you can add +map de_dust to Launch Options, but I'm not sure.

[Rokass]

I don't have that kind of control panel, I've attached how it looks. Cs seems to work (map launches, console work etc.) but there is no display.

[ghost]

Right, your driver uses old interface.
Try to turn On Asynchronous Flip
then launch the game, if it doesn't help, try to set Flipping Policy to Blit, if it doesn't help, turn Off Asynchronous Flip, launch the game, still doesn't help? Restore defaults.
Try to add this into launch options:

-gl -full -nofbo -w 1920 -h 1080 +_set_vid_level 1

[Rokass]

Tried both and with recommended settings, but it doesn't fix the issue.

[ghost]

try to launch the game, open console, paste gl_texturemode GL_NEAREST_MIPMAP_NEAREST and press Enter. If it doesn't help, try to add +gl_texturemode GL_NEAREST_MIPMAP_NEAREST into Launch Options.

And one question. It worked fine until a update a few days ago, or it broke week(s) ago?

[ghost]

Simple workaround for you. Go to \steamapps\common\ rename folder Half-Life to Half-Life1, then go to \steamapss\AccountName\, copy your counter-strike folder to \steamapps\common\ and rename it to Half-Life, launch the game. It's downgrade, not solution. You should wait for Alfred-valve to find out what's the problem and fix it,

[Rokass]

Nope, it still does not work.

Here is the thing. I've used Windows Vista and it worked well with OpenGL mode (70-90FPS), after that I installed Win 7 64bit and OpenlGL mode didn't work (black screen appeared) I've changed graphics to d3d and it worked like a charm (100FPS most of the time). And then that damn update came out and removed d3d graphics, so I it doesn't work, only on software mode which is big BS.
(Btw I've played cs for more than 6 years and it overs now :| )

Thanks for your help, I hope they will fix this error sometime...

[ghost]

@Rokass try a workaround I described above. It should return D3D mode.
Do you use Windows update?

[ghost]

Try this:
Click Properties on the \steamapps\common\Half-Life\hlds.exe, then on the compatibility tab check: Disable desktop composition then start the game. It disables the Windows 7 aero theme when you run the game which will allow you to capture your screen.

[Rokass]

Yes, I use windows update. After setting up compatibility mode I get a bar with fatal error and saying: "Could not load library".
BTW downgrade method worked perfectly, although I doubt that its compatible with EAC, but I may play in public servers.

Thanks.

[ghost]

@Rokass Could you attach screenshot with fatal error please?
I don't think EAC will ban you because you "forgot" to update your game :)

[Rokass]

EAC won't ban me, but they force to close cs and requests me to update cs :)
I've attached screen of error.

[ghost]

Try to backup your files (copy to another directory folders /steamapss/AccountName/counter-strike, /steamapps/Half-Life, etc), delete Half-Life and Counter-Strike 1.6 in Steam, then delete /steamapss/AccountName/counter-strike and /steamapps/Half-Life, then install Counter-Strike 1.6 again.
"could not load library" is a fixed issue

[Rokass]

Same error, but now no "OK" button.

[Rokass]

Anyone have any ideas?

[ghost]

Do you use any form of antivirus software?

Some people recommend to delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Valve folder in Windows Registry.

• Exit Steam
• Press win + R
• Type regedit, press OK
• Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software
• Find Valve, right click -> Export, save it, it's a backup.
• Delete this folder ( Valve )
• Launch Steam and cs 1.6

If it didn't help, execute the saved file

Try to launch the game in compatibility mode with Windows Vista or Windows XP

Add into Launch Options -dev, run the game, open console and... try to copy console output (focus output window, press ctrl+A, press ctrl+C, alt-tab and try to paste)

[alfred-valve]

We have just released a beta update to CS 1.6, try that out and see if it helps.

[Rokass]

Nope, it still gives the same result (black screen). Also I've tried MaxKorz method but it didn't worked out. I'm using microsoft security essential as antivirus software.

[ghost]

@Rokass Add into Launch Options -dev, launch the game, open console and try to copy the output (focus the output frame, press ctrl+A, press ctrl+C, alt-tab and try to paste)

[Rokass]

Here is the output: http://pastebin.com/7La7zf2N

[ghost]

What is

The Cyberathlete Professional League - Play Hard. Go Pro.
   On the web at: http://www.thecpl.com

===============

CPL CS 1.6 GUI Loaded
Developed for: The CPL Summer Championships 2006

Are you sure you use a clean client for tests?

[Rokass]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I haven't downloaded anything else. I'm surprised too, because now there is a "2006 championship" background when I launch it with software mode. It never have happened. I'll make a clean install.

[ghost]

Yes, I'm pretty sure I use win 7 64bit drivers, not vista.

but your system info report says you're on Windows Vista

Operating System Version:
Windows Vista (64 bit)

and you've installed drivers for Windows 7:
Driver Version: 8.15.10.1930

To confirm the version of Windows, open "Run" box (win + R), type msinfo32 and press OK, you will see something like this:

take a screenshot please

[Rokass]

Here are those.

[Rokass]

Maybe it has some problem with recognizing windows 7 64bit? Also in task manager processes there is "hl.exe *32", so I assume there is no 64bit version.

[vjatseslav]

It's all about your nonexistent video card. Intel G33/31 is very weak GMA, so I wonder, how can you run 1920x1080 with it; and even if you get the game to work, you will have 30-50 fps at best.

Btw, have you tried changing your desktop resolution, e.g. on 1024x728 and run the game?

[Rokass]

No, thats not the case. As I said previously, just before update I've played on d3d mode with stable 100fps. Also with the same PC on windows vista I've played with OpenGL mode with 80-100fps. And its not a resolution problem, I've tried it and it does not help either.

[Rokass]

Any news guys?

[Rokass]

Any news guys?

[jsellis01]

Having the exact same problem as @Rokass ... Running Windows 7 Home Premium x64 and CS, CS-Cond Zero, and CS-Cond Zero Del Scenes all do the same thing. Open to a black window but you can hear the menu tones as you scroll around. If someone could find a resolution to this problem it would be greatly appreciated! As of now, I just pissed away more money on software that's as useless as tits on a bull!

[alfred-valve]

Condition Zero Deleted Scenes has not been updated (it is still using the old engine and the old Steam 2 content system), so if it isn't working for you then your problem is not new, and probably related to your video card or its drivers.

[jsellis01]

You have been of no help...thanks

[fabiocastro]

Dude, i was having the same problem.
Try this "-console -dxlevel 90 -windowed", it worked for me!

[Rokass]

Nope, still same result :| thanks for ruining cs, valve.

[MaximiIian]

I had the same problem on Windows 7 64bit. Changing the desktop resolution to 800x600 before launching the application - which is set to 800x600 before the updates - worked. I did not change anything in the graphic card settings. I use nvidias 311.06 driver. It's pretty old I guess.

[Rokass]

it does not work.

[sewin]

hey,maybe this works.(Worked for me)
Steam(not folder) -- games--cs---right click---properties--set launch option--- type: -nofbo -nomsaa

[kovan]

Just adding -nofbo to launch options works for me.

[marimus]

@sewin
Steam(not folder) -- games--cs---right click---properties--set launch option--- type: -nofbo -nomsaa

It worked for me! thank you sooo veery much!

Ur 4-5 month duscussion accually helped me inn 10min ;) i love this forum, cs 1,6 in on for me!

[jitendrac]

I have the same problem with black screen. it is not working,, (Win 7 64 bit ultimate edition)

[Jonathanr27]

WOW!!! I was reading this post, I typed "-nofbo -nomsaa " in "set launch options" under CS properties, and boom it worked!!! Thank you!

[bglion]

Hey everyone. I have the same issue with the black screen, but the problem with me is that Im running cs 1.6 through steam on MSI GX60 , AMD A-10-5750M, Radeon HD 7970M, 8 GB Ram, Win 8.1 64 bit. I have dual graphics where the 7970m is the high perf. and the 8650G is the power saving GPU. I only get the blackscreen when I set the dual graphics option for hl.exe to high performance GPU (7970M) , I have no problems running CS with the power saving GPU ... apart from that it's running like sh_t, fps are so low especially when someone throws a smoke grenade. The funny thing is when I update to the latest AMD catalyst BETA 13.5 the issue goes away but then I can't use my brightness adjusting button and that is really annoying the cr_p out of me.. Can someone please help?

Thanks..

[Hemachander]

I have the same issue with the black screen .... game is running for few minutes without any problem then it back to same black screen only audio can hear.... win 7 64 bit oS

[Hemachander]

is there any one tried with graphics card....

[Hemachander]

i thought it was a memory problem so i tired by increasing the virtual memory also still same issue

[greg-kennedy]

Same issue here.

Windows 7 64-bit SP1, Intel GMA950 graphics with latest driver v. 8.15.10.1930 dated 9/23/2009. Latest non-beta vanilla hl.exe client. No mods, add-ons, nothing extra.

The issue seems to be that the window opens, but OpenGL is unable to "draw into" it. Everything else is working (e.g. sounds while moving the mouse around) - just the display portion is gone. Maybe the GL handle / context is getting lost somehow and the game is unable to update the screen any more. Symptoms are a "black screen" (in full-screen) or a "see-through" window (in windowed mode) on startup. It's not so much a crash, as just a failure of the video renderer.

No variation of -nomsaa, -nofbo, -gl, -window / -full, -widescreen, -w / -h seems to have any impact. Compatibility mode settings do nothing (disable compositing, run as admin, previous Windows version...). Disabling Steam Overlay also does not help. Changing desktop color depth (both 16 or 32) does not help.

Software mode still works (obviously).

I can provide more info if needed - any kind of GL or other dump logs.

[greg-kennedy]

After much digging, I've found a solution to my problem. Actually, I found other OpenGL applications that failed with the same symptoms, which hinted that it was more widespread than just a GoldSrc issue.

This appears to be a combination of Windows 7 (specifically, 64-bit) display compositing, and Intel's OpenGL support on GMA cards... even an updated, modded driver like Chell 1.8b exhibits the problem. But, it ONLY happens when I have Aero disabled - e.g. by using a Windows "Classic" theme, or disabling all Visual Effects for maximum Performance.

Try this: Right click the Desktop -> Personalize... -> choose an Aero theme (like "Windows 7", "Architecture" etc) to turn on Aeroglass compositing, and suddenly OpenGL starts working again.

My options at this point are to either nuke 64-bit and install 32 (nope), or live with it and just enable an Aero theme before launching an OpenGL game. Hope this helps anyone else with the same problem.

EDIT: Further testing shows that you can enable an Aero theme, then go into "Performance Information and Tools" -> "Adjust Visual Effects", and then safely disable anything except the two options shown below.

[di57inct]

Why would you not use Aero?

[greg-kennedy]

The Windows 7 "Personalize" themes are divided into two categories - Aero, and Basic. I don't like the Aero translucent glass so I was just using a Basic theme. It's not immediately clear from that control panel, but this also completely disables Aero compositing and so on. So, by just changing the look of the desktop, I also inadvertently broke OpenGL.

You can tell if Aero is running by going to the Task Manager and look for a process called "dwm.exe". This is the Desktop Window Manager.

[AkiraJkr]

I've been having issues with Sven Co-op and other goldsrc titles starting...and surprisingly this was the only fix...it will have some impact on performance but welp, better than nothing.