[HOWTO] solve the error "Can not initialize 3D Engine"

[REV_BL!TZKR!EG]

WHAT THIS MEANS:   It tells you that your GFX-card can not initialize the resolution as it is configured currently for your local SH3-installation.   WHAT THIS IS NOT ABOUT:   This error has nothing to do with what Windows-version you run, and neither with 32/64bit or anything like that.

Here are some ways to fix this problem after you have made sure you have DirectX9 installed and read about modified "d3d9.dll":

• ALTERNATIVE A:
  
  • Change the resolution OF YOUR WINDOWS DESKTOP to 1024x768
  • Run SH3.exe to start the game
  • Go to... MAIN MENU > OPTIONS > VIDEO SETTINGS
  • In the video setting menu, uncheck the full screen option
  • Apply the changes to save your game settings and exit the game
  • Return the resolution OF YOUR WINDOWS DESKTOP to its normal value
  • Re-run the game and it will then appear in a 1024x768 window
• ALTERNATIVE B:
  
  • In data/cfg/main.cfg, section [VIDEO], set Fullscreen=No
    You find this file by going into the root-directory of your local SH3-installation and then folders > data > cfg
  • Run SH3.exe to start the game
• ALTERNATIVE C:
  
  • Look into the root-directory of your local SH3-installation.
    Does a file called 'd3d9.ini' exist there? That is the DIRECTX-configuration, often used by WideScreen-mods.
  • If yes, open it and change:
    [ENGINE]
    ForceResOverride=true
    DisplayWidth=1024
    DisplayHeight=768
• ALTERNATIVE D:
  
  • Keep the refresh rate in Hz lower than 75, if is higher than 75, try to set it down to 75!
• ALTERNATIVE E: Something that is 'dangerous for noobs', but may well be worth some 'last ditch effort' if all else has failed: DownScaling RegEdit

[REV_Grey Eminence]

More POSSIBLE solutions, BUT yet unconfirmed:

Try to fix it by enabling GPU Scaling/Maintaining Aspect Ratio in the driver menu of your GFX card.

Also unconfirmed: open Main CFG file in My Documents with Notepad change Synchronized=No to Synchronized=Yes

Better yet, make sure "disable fullscreen optimizations" is unchecked in the compatibility tab.

CHECK ON: Override high DPI scaling behaviour. make sure that the checkbox for "Override high DPI scaling behavior. Scaling performed by: Application" is checked.

Try deactivating the second monitor. the active monitor has to be monitor 1

Possible solution, yet unconfirmed: Your d3d9.dll file may be outdated. Make a backup of it first!
Step 1 - Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64
Step 2 - locate and copy the d3d9.dll file
Step 3 - Navigate to your SH3 folder
Step 4 - Paste and replace the d3d9.dll file


Run dxdiag.exe, it shows the version.