can not create m_prtScreenNormal color surface SOLVED with text/UI scaling

[Boomotang]

I couldn't find the solution here, so I thought I'd post it.

 

Upon starting the Mission Editor I would get these errors and a crash every time.

 

can not create m_prtScreenNormal color surface

can not create m_prtScreenDepth color surface

can not create m_psurfScreenDepth depth surface

 

I thought it might be because of a 4k display but it turns out it's just Windows text/UI scaling in display settings. You have to sign into Windows with it set to 100%. You can change it back to 200% or whatever you want after, and the mission editor UI actually scales too, but it won't start if you signed into Windows with it set above 100%. So just set it back to 100%, sign out, sign back in, and you can change it back above 100% if you want.

Edited July 12, 2017 by Boomotang

[TP_Jacko]

Run the editor repair file. It normally fixes any errors

[Boomotang]

Run the editor repair file. It normally fixes any errors

 

I did many times, plus went and edited the registry manually. It didn't do anything for this problem.

Edited July 12, 2017 by Boomotang

[TP_Jacko]

Hi now I see you posted the answer to the problem

[unreasonable]

Well done, Boomotang - this has been frustrating me for a while, your solution works for me: at least if I log on once scaling is set to 100% the error is gone and the map textures load normally.

 

The part I still do not get is "You can change it back to 200% or whatever you want after, and the mission editor UI actually scales too, "  since when I change the setting back to say150% the PC informs me that it requires me to log out to apply these changes. (Windows 7).

 

So I can use the editor but seem to be stuck with microscopic text (on a 4K screen).  

 

I wonder if the developers can fix the problem at the editor level?

[Boomotang]

That might be a Windows 7 thing. I'm on Windows 10. I think I get warnings that some applications may need a restart for it to take effect, but it still lets me change it without logging out and it works fine with a lot of apps.

[unreasonable]

Must be Win 7 - I cannot find a way around the requirement to log out.  Not sure that I am yet prepared to move to Windows 10 just for this....

 

Not to worry - at 100% the text on the GUI is just about usable, so I have no excuse now not to get to work.

[Boomotang]

A workaround for the small UI could be to change your desktop to a lower resolution, like 1080p, if you were using something like 4k. I use an app called DesktopOK to save the locations of my desktop shortcuts and folders. I don't usually play games at 4k, and the resolution changes often toss them everywhere randomly. Putting them back is just a few clicks away.

Edited July 14, 2017 by Boomotang

[unreasonable]

I will look at desktopOK. Having your icons all rearranged is a pain.  

 

Wait a few years and you will just be able to tell the PC what you want, and it will do it, while making you a bacon sandwich at the same time.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to post the solution. I will pass it on to anyone else I see who mentions this problem.