Huge shadow problem

[Zanwolf]

Hello everyone,

 

Sorry if this has already been answered, but I have searched everywhere to find a fix to the shadow problem I am having, and I haven't found anything.

 

I have recorded a video and uploaded it to YouTube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAmFfYW3seg, so that everyone can see the problem rather than have me describe it.

 

Here is what is in the YouTube description;

 

"A problem I am having with my Skyrim game. Problem happens regardless if it's a new game started, or if I am continuing an older game (ignore the 'save file corrupt' message at the beginning, shadow problem still happens on a new save).

Problem still persists even after a fresh install. By fresh I mean I have deleted every possible file and/ or registry key attached to Skyrim.

The game has no mods installed via Nexus Mod Manager or WyreBash (nor any mod files in the folders).

I do have the unofficial Dawnguard, Dragonborn, Hearthfire, HD Pack mods installed through Steam Workshop. Having these unofficial mods turned off, as well as the official HD pack turned off makes no difference, either.

System Specs;

4GB RAM

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

nVidia GeForce 9600M GT

Intel Core2 Duo CPU T9600 2.80GHz

If anyone has run into this problem before, or knows how to fix it, please, please, please share your wealth of knowledge, and thank you in advance!"

Thank you to anyone that can help.

Edited April 6, 2013 by Zanwolf

[Mazuffxi]

Does the problem occur sometimes after you alt+tab out of Skyrim, then back, or is it a constant issue?

 

If the former, hit escape to pause Skyrim, then ~ to further pause Skyrim when you alt+tab. This will stop the problem from happening.

 

If the latter, there's something you can change in the .ini file that outright stops this problem. My brother had the same problem (constantly, irregardless of alt+tab), and that solved it. Unfortunately I can't remember which shadow option in the .ini file this was...

 

An alternative fix might be a realistic lightning mod. Since downloading one, I've yet to have this issue (in alt+tab) even once. Maybe it'll do the same for you.

 

http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/30450/

[Zanwolf]

Thank you for the links and info Mazuffxi. I have tried this mod, and the problem is still there. The problem is constant as well, I never alt-tab out.

[Zanwolf]

Anyone know how to fix this?

[Georgiegril]

Are you using anything like enhanced cities? That might be the issue.

Also may be your shadow settings. Can you post the display section of your prefs.ini?

[Zanwolf]

I don't have that mod, no. I have no mods installed other than the unofficial patches.

 

 

.ini files;

Skyrim.ini

[Display]

fShadowLODMaxStartFade=1000.0

fSpecularLODMaxStartFade=2000.0

fLightLODMaxStartFade=3500.0

iShadowMapResolutionPrimary=2048

bAllowScreenshot=1

SkyrimPrefs.ini

[Display]

iBlurDeferredShadowMask=1

fInteriorShadowDistance=3000.0000

fShadowDistance=2500

iShadowMapResolutionSecondary=1024

iShadowMapResolutionPrimary=2048

iShadowSplitCount=2

iMaxAnisotropy=1

fLeafAnimDampenDistEnd=4600.0000

fLeafAnimDampenDistStart=3600.0000

fTreesMidLODSwitchDist=3600

fGamma=1.0000

fDecalLOD2=1500.0000

fDecalLOD1=1000.0000

fSpecularLODStartFade=500

fShadowLODStartFade=200.0000

fLightLODStartFade=1000

iTexMipMapMinimum=0

iTexMipMapSkip=0

iWaterMultiSamples=0

iMultiSample=4

iShadowMode=3

bTreesReceiveShadows=0

bDrawLandShadows=0

bFull Screen=1

iSize H=900

iSize W=1440

fMeshLODFadePercentDefault=1.2000

fMeshLODFadeBoundDefault=256.0000

fMeshLODLevel2FadeTreeDistance=2048.0000

fMeshLODLevel1FadeTreeDistance=2844.0000

fMeshLODLevel2FadeDist=3072

fMeshLODLevel1FadeDist=4096

iScreenShotIndex=2

bShadowMaskZPrepass=0

bMainZPrepass=0

iMaxSkinDecalsPerFrame=3

iMaxDecalsPerFrame=10

bFloatPointRenderTarget=0

sD3DDevice="NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT "

bFXAAEnabled=1

iShadowMapResolution=1024

fShadowBiasScale=0.3

iShadowMaskQuarter=3

iAdapter=0

iPresentInterval=1

 

Edited April 7, 2013 by Zanwolf

[Georgiegril]

Hi,

 

Your graphics card is a step below mine, and you have only a dual core processor. I suspect at least part of your problem is that you are trying to force your graphics beyond what they are capable of.

You may find this site helpful (rookieNoob;s Tweak Guide), as it explains how various tweaks affect lower end rigs.

The first thing I would do, though is disable FXAA and AA. Then take a look at your shadow resolutions. I could give you the specific settings that work for me, but I think the link will help more for you to figure out how to optimize your particular system.

[Zanwolf]

Thanks Georgiegril for the link.

 

I should have mentioned that I've been playing Skyrim just fine for about a year, then suddenly a day after I install 'Convenient Horses' this problem happens. I'm not saying it's this mod, but I am at a loss as to why the game has been fine for so long, then just randomly started with that shadow problem. Never had, or seen, that issue before while playing on this computer.

Edited April 8, 2013 by Zanwolf

[Georgiegril]

Well, I use Convenient horses too, never noticed a shadow-related issue. It could be coincidental.

Not to beat a dead horse (forgive me!) but I am really surprised that your computer would play well with the settings you list.

Of course I don't doubt you, but Is there any chance that any of them were reset recently, inadvertently (for example by allowing a steam/skyrim update or going into the "options" menu on the steam loader?)

 

I do hope you take a look at that link.

 

A couple of your settings I would suggest changing (of course make a backup first.)

iBlurDeferredShadowMask=7 (between 5 and 7) changes the angle at which shadows appear.
fShadowDistance=4000.0000 or 8000.0000 (your setting may be adding to the problem you see--farther out may reduce pop-in)

fShadowBiasScale=0.5 (more affects problems like striping, though.)

[Zanwolf]

I followed the link provided and tweaked my .ini files via that walkthrough, yet the problem was still there. After searching around, I believe I have found a fix, though. Watching this YouTube video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVQL3XJDvAc, and downloading the nVidia fix, the problem is no longer apparent.

The file consists of the d3d9.dll for the anti-freeze variant.

 

Still makes me wonder what the issue was however.

 

As for my system, I'm playing Skyrim via Boot Camp on a 2009 MacBook Pro but the game was/ is-now running fine. I can even manage to get the settings on high presets with a few adjustments. I don't know why I can play it on those settings with very little lag, but it's always been like that. I can play Fallout: New Vegas with Project Nevada and Nevada Skies installed, all settings etc at ultra. I'm starting to think that's it's just my systems' way of saying it's getting old. Either way, from now on I'll play Skyrim with medium presets, and a few tweaks to the graphics via the .ini file(s).

Edited April 9, 2013 by Zanwolf