Same thing happened to me, I compleatly uninstalled the game, and redownloaded the whole thing and it fixed it..

In that case it must have something to do with an old file that is not updated with the patch...

I'm getting the same error as well. Hate to do an uninstall but if that's what it'll take to fix it...

Same issue here, will try the uninstall, reinstall

GW

I just upgraded to the beta and took a look at Options before starting a new game. Under Game Options on the Game tab, there are six instances of "String not found" in the options themselves. I'll see if I can get a screenshot in here.

I have all those same problems. I dont want to reinstall to fix it though! I'll wait and see if the next beta fixes it.

I had GC2 open while I was posting the above. When I closed it, it faulted and I got a dump (submitted). I'll stick it in here and maybe someone can see something. Some things that leap out at me:

Just after the Initializing Game message (5th line past), it has a pathname with slashes near the end instead of backslashes:

"Debug Message: No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods/Data/*.str"

Those seem to be the same as earlier version dumps, though.

Where things seem different (and this is cursory) is just following the Reading Star Names lines:

"Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsModsWnd String Name: CurrentDirLabel
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsModsWnd String Name: ChangeBtn
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsWnd String Name: AutoFocus
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsWnd String Name: ScrollToSelectedPlanetInColonyManager
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost"

The bits with the Tables are new (as are the apparently lost primary buffer, but that's where it all died and might just be due to whatever faulted in my case).

My full Smart Exception .CRA file follows:

[SmartException]
LastEx=GALCIV2.EXE
File=C:\Program Files\Stardock\SmartException\GALCIV2.EXE_1148829872.CRA
LastEx2=C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\galciv2.exe
CrashAddr=7c918fea

Stardock SmartException Logging Information
https://www.stardock.com/products/smartexception
-----------------------------------------------

OS version : Windows XP Service Pack 2 - (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Video card : RADEON 9800 PRO
Sound card : SB Audigy 2 Audio [B800]
Date : 05/28/06
Application Exception code: C0000005 ACCESS_VIOLATION
Crash Addr: 7C918FEA 01:00017FEA C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntdll.dll

Processor Registers (x86):
EAX:00000000
EBX:00000000
ECX:0000016C
EDX:00174FD4
ESI:00174FC4
EDI:00000000
CS:EIP:001B:7C918FEA
SS:ESP:0023:0012FB58 EBP:0012FBCC
DS:0023 ES:0023 FS:003B GS:0000
Flags:00210246


Current Application Call Stack:

Addr Frame Logical addr Module Name
---------------------------------------------
7C918FEA 0012FBCC 0001:00017FEA C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntdll.dll
7C90104B 0012FBFC 0001:0000004B C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntdll.dll
007FB363 0012FC18 0001:0002A363 C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\d3dx9_27.dll
007FCAF5 0012FC24 0001:0002BAF5 C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\d3dx9_27.dll
0067EAA3 0012FC80 0001:0027DAA3 C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\galciv2.exe
77D48816 0012FCE8 0001:00007816 C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
77D4C63F 0012FD18 0001:0000B63F C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
77D4E905 0012FD38 0001:0000D905 C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
4FDF6407 0012FD60 0001:00025407 C:\WINDOWS\system32\d3d9.dll
77D48734 0012FD8C 0001:00007734 C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
77D48816 0012FDF4 0001:00007816 C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
77D489CD 0012FE54 0001:000079CD C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
77D496C7 0012FE64 0001:000086C7 C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll


Debug information for each stardock app follows ....

Debug.err info follows
Debug Message: Version v1.2 Beta 1 last updated on: Fri May 26 19:38:18 2006
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 5/28/2006, 10:09:34
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: 865PE
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INC.
System Model: MS-6728
BIOS: Version 1.00
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Physical Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 421MB used, 2041MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: RADEON 9800 PRO
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: RADEON 9800 PRO AGP (0x4E48)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4E48&SUBSYS_00021002&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: SONY SDM-X82 DVI
Monitor Max Resolution: 1280,1024
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6606
Driver Date: 3/21/2006 22:56:42
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: SB Audigy 2 Audio [B800]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0004&SUBSYS_10021102&REV_04
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Provider: Creative
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.1164
Driver Date: 12/8/2005 12:55:46
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0



Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_4_SAMPLES
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (hw vp): RADEON 9800 PRO
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 b2d2a7f0
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsModsWnd String Name: GenericDescription
Debug Message: No string tables in C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods/Data/*.str
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Movies\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Movies\techs\*.bik
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Gfx\Race\*.png
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\sfx\*.wav
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Event Music\*.mp3
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: * Collectors Edition *
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Techs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipComponents\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask D:\Dave\Dave's Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\ShipDefs\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask D:\Dave\Dave's Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\*.raceconfig
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetImprovements\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\TerrainColorSchemes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PlanetDescriptions\*.xml
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for PirateShip. ***
*DEBUG ERROR: ***Unable to find required tech ImpossibleTech for Starbase. ***
Debug Message: No files found matching mask D:\Dave\Dave's Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipclass
Debug Message: No files found matching mask D:\Dave\Dave's Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Anomalies\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Events\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\UPIssues\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\Invasions\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\PoliticalParties\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarTypes\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Data\StarbaseModules\*.xml
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsModsWnd String Name: CurrentDirLabel
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsModsWnd String Name: ChangeBtn
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsWnd String Name: AutoFocus
Debug Message: Error. String Not Found. Table: OptionsWnd String Name: ScrollToSelectedPlanetInColonyManager
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: Error flipping back buffer to primary buffer.
Debug Message: Device lost
Debug Message: OptionsWnd: Quit Btn
Debug Message: Posting WM_CLOSE message.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clearing Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy: Completed
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A uninstall-reinstall fixed the problem for me.

I have the same "string not found" problem (German Version 1.2b.009).
It appears nearly everywhere:
-graphic menu: every clickable point
-new game -> no minor races, no tech trading and so on is not present (instead "string not found")

The game works quiet good but this problem bugs me . Have a look:

Great. I am playing on my laptop away from the house (read that as the CDs are at home) and now I need to re-install? Talk about a nuissance.

re-installing didn't solve the problem in my case

You can never find a piece of string when you need one and now we have lots....or not as they aint found

Same here. Reverted to v1.1

It would appear that installing 1.2b1 as a patch screws things up, whereas installing it from scratch turns out fine. I had the game working fine after a reinstall, but then I remembered that I needed to reinstall the Collectors' Edition bonus content. Since doing so reverts your game version back to 1.0.X or whatever, I had to reinstall the 1.2b1 patch... Which put me right back at square one.

Seeing as how I'm not going to bother with the whole "uninstall the game and then download and install the whole flipping thing through Stardock Central" thing a second time, it would appear that I'll have to do without Gal Civ II this week, and pray that the second 1.2 beta fixes the issue. I need to spend some quality time with Sim City 4 anyhow

Okay, update:

I had nothing better to do today, so I actually did do the whole reinstallation dance a second time. Once I downloaded and installed the whole thing as 1.2B1, sans Collectors' Edition content, I checked and saw that the game worked (as expected). I then made backups of the string files for an experiment, installed the Collectors' Edition content, and then updated the game back up to 1.2B1.

I was going to see if tossing in my copied "functional" string files would make it work, but when I went to do the control test for my little experiment, expecting to see lots of "string not found"... I found the game working fine.

As such, it appears it may be a matter of just reinstalling the game until it starts working right, or something.

I'd provide my "working" string files in the Library, to let someone else see if some goof-up along that line could be the culprit--but seeing as how it's only days until 1.2 beta 2 is out, there's not much point. I did search the screens.str file for any would-be new content in it, and found [TABLEALIAS OptionsModsWnd]; you could open up your file and do a search for that, and know that there's a problem with at least the screens.str file not updating properly (although finding the table's present doesn't mean there can't be some other problem with the file).