Aces High Bulletin Board
Help and Support Forums => Technical Support => Topic started by: AKpizzle on April 03, 2026, 08:26:53 PM
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Hello gents,
Recently I installed 2026-03 Update (KB5086672) (26200.8117) on April 1st with Windows Auto-Update feature. Last week, the game ran fine. I went to boot it up tonight for FSO and all I get is a white screen with loading (spinny wheel) icon for just a split second before it closes/crashes.
No error code and I can't even open it long enough to perform a memory dump. I've tried to uninstall/reinstall the game and no joy. It won't run either DX version normally or as administrator.
I can't revert back to the previous version of Windows either. I'm at a loss.
I know more about hardware than software. I'm not experiencing this issue with any other program than Aces High. I'd like to get it fixed before the scenario kicks off, otherwise I'm out.
Any help is appreciated!
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I'm updated too, no issues.
Check your firewall make sure it's not blocking it.
Doesn't sound like GPU, but ya never know.
Sometimes windows update reset defaults in certain areas.
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There are crash dumps within the AH folder, trying to remember where it is
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I've given it full permissions on the firewall and still not working.
GPU drivers are up to date, and I haven't had an issue since upgrading about 4 months ago. I'm running a 9060XT 16gb OC if it helps. I feel like it's done this a long time ago when I was still on my old 6500XT and eventually resolved on it's own. It's just weird that I can't narrow it down. Frustrating knowing I'll miss tonights FSO as well. :(
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I found the DMP files in the temp folder, but they all look corrupted. Definitely some characters I've never seen before.
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I found the DMP files in the temp folder, but they all look corrupted. Definitely some characters I've never seen before.
it won't look normal...but somewhere there are some legible wording. Look for it, you may find an error code too
Post to google AI and see if it sparks something
I wonder if it's a memory thing.
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Sorry about your FSO I know it's a big deal for your tribe.
I just got done moving and pure mental mush after being up 46 hrs. Trying to fumble my way through this with ya... sorry
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I don't really even know how to use the AI stuff these days. I can try to attach the most recent DMP file here if that helps. Whenever I copy and paste it to the AI stuff, it says the file is too long. If I try to attach the DMP file, it says incorrect file type. I don't have a subscription to save it as a word file.
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Sorry about your FSO I know it's a big deal for your tribe.
I just got done moving and pure mental mush after being up 46 hrs. Trying to fumble my way through this with ya... sorry
Thanks for the help man. I do appreciate it! I may crash out soon myself, but I'll be around tomorrow and maybe we can get some stuff figured out. Get some rest!! Let me know if I need to attach that file or if it will even let me.
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Well I worded that poorly, shocking, I
Know.
I meant go through the file and see if something is a readable. OR attach it here.
Depending on type of dmp there may be clues in there. There may be. Jst because error code didn’t show up in a popup box, doesn’t mean its not in the file. The crash may prevent it appearing.
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You can use WinDbg (Windows Debugger) or "BlueScreenView" to read a dmp file. I have found that it doesnt give much useful information. I would think Hitech uses something better to read them so can pin point errors better. You can try it, it may give more detail due to the issue your having verses the one I had.
You said you uninstall/reinstall the game, did you completely remove the folder or did you do an install over the existing game? Did you use the windows "add/remove programs" app?
Also, what is the sequence of the game loading?
White Aces High III window
splash picture shows
clipboard shows asking you to sign in
if you sign in you get the clipboard with the game credits.
and so on. When is yours crashing?
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You can use WinDbg (Windows Debugger) or "BlueScreenView" to read a dmp file. I have found that it doesnt give much useful information. I would think Hitech uses something better to read them so can pin point errors better. You can try it, it may give more detail due to the issue your having verses the one I had.
You said you uninstall/reinstall the game, did you completely remove the folder or did you do an install over the existing game? Did you use the windows "add/remove programs" app?
Also, what is the sequence of the game loading?
White Aces High III window
splash picture shows
clipboard shows asking you to sign in
if you sign in you get the clipboard with the game credits.
and so on. When is yours crashing?
It crashes at the white aces high window. Never makes it to the splash screen. I did do a clean sweep when I uninstalled it. Made sure all the files were removed. I also ran a RAM check and everything came back fine.
I'm having a hard time uploading the DMP file since it's so large, and I can't upload it directly. I do however see that there is legible text in the DMP file, but I don't know how to read it.
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Just a wild idea, since you haven't provided any information about your system: Do you use a laptop (maybe some desktops have it too) with dual GPU? If so, double check that you've assigned AH to run on the (most likely) Nvidia chip instead of the Intel chip.
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It crashes at the white aces high window. Never makes it to the splash screen. I did do a clean sweep when I uninstalled it. Made sure all the files were removed. I also ran a RAM check and everything came back fine.
I'm having a hard time uploading the DMP file since it's so large, and I can't upload it directly. I do however see that there is legible text in the DMP file, but I don't know how to read it.
To me that means the game isnt even finish the load up (Crashing on the white screen). I would make sure all files for Aces High were removed. Then grab a fresh download from hitechcreations.com and do a completely new install. Either the install you have is corrupt, or the download is corrupt to my thinking.
The dmp files are huge and you need a file hosting site that takes large files. It would be easier to goto the windows store, or use this link https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/#install-windbg-directly and install the windows program to read the file. Install it, point it to the dmp file and let it check it. It will give you a summery of what the dmp file contains and you might be able to trouble shoot from there.
The third option is to call Hitech at (817) 431 - 8840 and ask him about it.
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Just a wild idea, since you haven't provided any information about your system: Do you use a laptop (maybe some desktops have it too) with dual GPU? If so, double check that you've assigned AH to run on the (most likely) Nvidia chip instead of the Intel chip.
im on a PC with a single GPU, but integrated gfx CPU.
its an intel i5-12600 paired with an RX 9060 XT 16gb OC and 32gb DDR4
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To me that means the game isnt even finish the load up (Crashing on the white screen). I would make sure all files for Aces High were removed. Then grab a fresh download from hitechcreations.com and do a completely new install. Either the install you have is corrupt, or the download is corrupt to my thinking.
The dmp files are huge and you need a file hosting site that takes large files. It would be easier to goto the windows store, or use this link https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/#install-windbg-directly and install the windows program to read the file. Install it, point it to the dmp file and let it check it. It will give you a summery of what the dmp file contains and you might be able to trouble shoot from there.
The third option is to call Hitech at (817) 431 - 8840 and ask him about it.
heres what windbg had to say about it
************* Preparing the environment for Debugger Extensions Gallery repositories **************
ExtensionRepository : Implicit
UseExperimentalFeatureForNuge tShare : true
AllowNugetExeUpdate : true
NonInteractiveNuget : true
AllowNugetMSCredentialProvide rInstall : true
AllowParallelInitializationOf LocalRepositories : true
EnableRedirectToChakraJsProvi der : false
-- Configuring repositories
----> Repository : LocalInstalled, Enabled: true
----> Repository : UserExtensions, Enabled: true
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Preparing the environment for Debugger Extensions Gallery repositories completed, duration 0.000 seconds
************* Waiting for Debugger Extensions Gallery to Initialize **************
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Waiting for Debugger Extensions Gallery to Initialize completed, duration 0.453 seconds
----> Repository : UserExtensions, Enabled: true, Packages count: 0
----> Repository : LocalInstalled, Enabled: true, Packages count: 46
Microsoft (R) Windows Debugger Version 10.0.29547.1002 X86
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Loading Dump File [C:\Hitech Creations\Aces High III\temp\aceshigh11_030604_2026_4_4_13_24_18.dmp]
User Mini Dump File: Only registers, stack and portions of memory are available
Symbol search path is: srv*
Executable search path is:
Windows 10 Version 26200 MP (16 procs) Free x86 compatible
Product: WinNt, suite: SingleUserTS Personal
Edition build lab: 26100.1.amd64fre.ge_release.2 40331-1435
Debug session time: Sat Apr 4 13:24:18.000 2026 (UTC - 4:00)
System Uptime: 0 days 6:02:39.683
Process Uptime: 0 days 0:00:01.000
............................. ............................. ......
............................. ...........................
This dump file has an exception of interest stored in it.
The stored exception information can be accessed via .ecxr
(ac8.551c): Access violation - code c0000005 (first/second chance not available)
For analysis of this file, run !analyze -v
eax=00000001 ebx=00000000 ecx=00000005 edx=00000000 esi=769915b0 edi=1f2b05e8
eip=77a9a18c esp=001ad04c ebp=001ad058 iopl=0 nv up ei pl nz na po nc
cs=0023 ss=002b ds=002b es=002b fs=0053 gs=002b efl=00000202
ntdll!NtGetContextThread+0xc:
77a9a18c c20800 ret 8
0:000> !analyze -v
............................. ............................. ......
............................. ...........................
*******************************************************************************
* *
* Exception Analysis *
* *
*******************************************************************************
KEY_VALUES_STRING: 1
Key : AV.Type
Value: Write
Key : Analysis.CPU.mSec
Value: 765
Key : Analysis.Elapsed.mSec
Value: 4082
Key : Analysis.IO.Other.Mb
Value: 28
Key : Analysis.IO.Read.Mb
Value: 1
Key : Analysis.IO.Write.Mb
Value: 53
Key : Analysis.Init.CPU.mSec
Value: 515
Key : Analysis.Init.Elapsed.mSec
Value: 48060
Key : Analysis.Memory.CommitPeak.Mb
Value: 234
Key : Analysis.Version.DbgEng
Value: 10.0.29547.1002
Key : Analysis.Version.Description
Value: 10.2602.27.2 x86fre
Key : Analysis.Version.Ext
Value: 1.2602.27.2
Key : Failure.Bucket
Value: INVALID_POINTER_WRITE_c000000 5_aceshigh11.exe!Unknown
Key : Failure.Exception.Code
Value: 0xc0000005
Key : Failure.Exception.IP.Address
Value: 0x65fca7
Key : Failure.Exception.IP.Module
Value: aceshigh11
Key : Failure.Exception.IP.Offset
Value: 0x25fca7
Key : Failure.Hash
Value: {e856d3bd-c20c-81e6-30ed-b17471d08bf0}
Key : Failure.ProblemClass.Primary
Value: INVALID_POINTER_WRITE
Key : Faulting.IP.Type
Value: Paged
Key : Timeline.OS.Boot.DeltaSec
Value: 21759
Key : Timeline.Process.Start.DeltaS ec
Value: 1
Key : WER.OS.Branch
Value: ge_release
Key : WER.OS.Version
Value: 10.0.26100.1
FILE_IN_CAB: aceshigh11_030604_2026_4_4_13 _24_18.dmp
APPLICATION_VERIFIER_FLAGS: 0
CONTEXT: (.ecxr)
eax=01d9018c ebx=00000004 ecx=00000005 edx=00000000 esi=000000e5 edi=000000e5
eip=0065fca7 esp=001ae8a4 ebp=001ae8a8 iopl=0 nv up ei pl nz na po nc
cs=0023 ss=002b ds=002b es=002b fs=0053 gs=002b efl=00010202
aceshigh11+0x25fca7:
0065fca7 83a7b8000000df and dword ptr [edi+0B8h],0FFFFFFDFh ds:002b:0000019d=????????
Resetting default scope
EXCEPTION_RECORD: (.exr -1)
ExceptionAddress: 0065fca7 (aceshigh11+0x0025fca7)
ExceptionCode: c0000005 (Access violation)
ExceptionFlags: 00000000
NumberParameters: 2
Parameter[0]: 00000001
Parameter[1]: 0000019d
Attempt to write to address 0000019d
PROCESS_NAME: aceshigh11.exe
WRITE_ADDRESS: 0000019d
ERROR_CODE: (NTSTATUS) 0xc0000005 - The instruction at 0x%p referenced memory at 0x%p. The memory could not be %s.
EXCEPTION_CODE_STR: c0000005
EXCEPTION_PARAMETER1: 00000001
EXCEPTION_PARAMETER2: 0000019d
STACK_TEXT:
WARNING: Stack unwind information not available. Following frames may be wrong.
001ae8a8 004c00fa 000000e5 00000001 00000000 aceshigh11+0x25fca7
001ae97c 004db3b3 0206edb8 00000001 00000000 aceshigh11+0xc00fa
001af278 004dc5ff 00000000 003c6000 03622160 aceshigh11+0xdb3b3
001aff28 006ea96c 00400000 00000000 0390291b aceshigh11+0xdc5ff
001aff74 76975d49 003c6000 76975d30 001affdc aceshigh11+0x2ea96c
001aff84 77a8d83b 003c6000 9324f409 00000000 kernel32!BaseThreadInitThunk+0x19
001affdc 77a8d7c1 ffffffff 77ad47cb 00000000 ntdll!__RtlUserThreadStart+0x2b
001affec 00000000 006ea9f0 003c6000 00000000 ntdll!_RtlUserThreadStart+0x1b
STACK_COMMAND: ~0s; .ecxr ; kb
IP_IN_PAGED_CODE:
aceshigh11+25fca7
0065fca7 83a7b8000000df and dword ptr [edi+0B8h],0FFFFFFDFh
SYMBOL_NAME: aceshigh11+25fca7
MODULE_NAME: aceshigh11
IMAGE_NAME: aceshigh11.exe
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID: INVALID_POINTER_WRITE_c000000 5_aceshigh11.exe!Unknown
OS_VERSION: 10.0.26100.1
BUILDLAB_STR: ge_release
OSPLATFORM_TYPE: x86
OSNAME: Windows 10
FAILURE_ID_HASH: {e856d3bd-c20c-81e6-30ed-b17471d08bf0}
Followup: MachineOwner
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the one thing i have noticed is that my vram clock speed goes to 2502mhz when trying to launch AH. its almost maxed.
also should be noted that it says my OS is windows 10 in the debug, but im running windows 11
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I ran the "exception analysis portion through chatgpt and in summery it said this....
🧪 Summary (Plain English)
The program:
Tried to modify a field inside an object ([EDI+0xB8])
But the object pointer (EDI) was invalid (0xE5)
This caused a write to an illegal memory address (0x19D)
Windows terminated the process with an access violation
🛠️ If you're debugging this
Focus areas:
Where EDI is set before this instruction
Object lifetime (allocation/free)
Any recent changes involving:
pointers
structs/classes
memory management
Helpful tools:
Enable Application Verifier
Use PageHeap (gflags)
Reproduce under debugger (WinDbg)
🧾 One-line diagnosis
Crash caused by dereferencing an invalid (likely uninitialized or corrupted) pointer and attempting to write to it.
To me it looks like a corrupt file in the game itself. Again, delete all Aces high file, or atleast move them from the root folder. Get a fresh download and install it again.
If that doesnt work, Id give Hitech a call.
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ive tried a clean sweep and fresh install twice now. so im probably just going to conference call him with AKkillz. hes my dad and knows a lot more about IT and software than i do, so hopefully he will be able to help me hammer through this.
i appreciate the help. you guys have taught me a lot already. my brain feels like swiss cheese lol
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Most crashes are a memory issue. A Stack violation is usually memory.
This is what I’m looking for
ERROR_CODE: (NTSTATUS) 0xc0000005 - The instruction at 0x%p referenced memory at 0x%p. The memory could not be %s.
The 0xc0000005 error is an access violation exception indicating that a program attempted to access memory it did not have permission to use or that is invalid. This usually occurs due to faulty RAM, corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or buggy software. Initial troubleshooting steps include running SFC scans, checking RAM, and disabling overclocking.
Key Troubleshooting Steps
Run System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
Check/Replace RAM: The error is frequently caused by faulty hardware. Test RAM stability or reseat memory modules.
Disable Overclocking/XMP: Overclocked RAM timings can cause instability. Revert to default BIOS settings.
Disable DEP (Data Execution Prevention): Though not recommended for long-term use, temporarily turning off DEP can determine if it's blocking a legitimate program.
Check Recent Updates/Drivers: If the error started after a Windows update or driver change, consider rolling back.
Reinstall Application: If the error occurs only with a specific program, reinstalling that software can fix it.
To check for bad RAM in Windows 11, use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start menu, select "Restart now and check for problems," and the PC will scan for errors upon rebooting. Results appear automatically after logging back in or via Event Viewer.
Microsoft
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ive tried a clean sweep and fresh install twice now. so im probably just going to conference call him with AKkillz. hes my dad and knows a lot more about IT and software than i do, so hopefully he will be able to help me hammer through this.
i appreciate the help. you guys have taught me a lot already. my brain feels like swiss cheese lol
Before you call him make sure you run a process of elimination first. Don’t weight him down with things you can try yourself
Run memory diag.
If it narrows down to AH issues then call him.
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the one thing i have noticed is that my vram clock speed goes to 2502mhz when trying to launch AH. its almost maxed.
also should be noted that it says my OS is windows 10 in the debug, but im running windows 11
This may be where your Stack violation occurs.
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This may be where your Stack violation occurs.
i ran memory diag this morning and had no issues. i also play a few other games that utilize more vram/ram and have no issues with those games on ultra settings. im just hoping i can get it fixed before the scenario. im registered for a yak3 :(
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S O L V E D!!!!
Finally.
After a boat-load of running my PC down through the ringer, checking RAM, and CPU stability with multiple loads. FEARING THE ABSOLUTE WORST.
I did research on the c0000005 error and found out, get this.. it was a damn USB adapter for a 3rd party controller. When I first plugged it in, I had absolutely ZERO issues. I found out that the EZFRD64.DLL for vibration support in the controller causes conflict with some games. I guess both fortunately and unfortunately, the only game I play that is affected is AH. After a ton of wipes, SSD trims, and clean installs.. I unplugged the damn thing and the game loads fine.
Thank you Fugitive and Animl for helping me out here. If I hadn't found that code with all the diagnostics, I never would've guessed or even had an inkling of a thought to run that code down.
So yeah... now it's off to map my joystick again and get my settings zeroed back in.
WHAT A MASSIVE HEADACHE
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S O L V E D!!!!
Finally.
After a boat-load of running my PC down through the ringer, checking RAM, and CPU stability with multiple loads. FEARING THE ABSOLUTE WORST.
I did research on the c0000005 error and found out, get this.. it was a damn USB adapter for a 3rd party controller. When I first plugged it in, I had absolutely ZERO issues. I found out that the EZFRD64.DLL for vibration support in the controller causes conflict with some games. I guess both fortunately and unfortunately, the only game I play that is affected is AH. After a ton of wipes, SSD trims, and clean installs.. I unplugged the damn thing and the game loads fine.
Thank you Fugitive and Animl for helping me out here. If I hadn't found that code with all the diagnostics, I never would've guessed or even had an inkling of a thought to run that code down.
So yeah... now it's off to map my joystick again and get my settings zeroed back in.
WHAT A MASSIVE HEADACHE
Beat me to it. Had a similar problem a cpl weeks ago with a player. Same result. I’m too busy here, didn’t have time to look for the thread.
Put some strain releif on the cables so the weight isn’t on the connection.
I was gonna look fir the post about now. Sorry you went through that. Happy scenario!
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Congrats! Im glad you got it sorted!