Lorene Melone
How to Fix the Schedule I Black Screen Issue on PC
Experiencing a black screen issue while playing Schedule I on your PC can be frustrating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps that can help resolve the problem. Whether you’re unable to launch the game or facing issues after the prologue, following these steps will improve your chances of getting back to gaming smoothly.
Before you dive into the solutions, ensure that your Windows operating system is up-to-date, your graphics drivers are current, and you have administrative permissions on your PC. You might need to access your BIOS settings, disable certain overlays, and check your network settings. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
The first step in troubleshooting any software issue is to restart your computer. This simple action can resolve many temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the black screen. Once your system has rebooted, try launching the game again.
Step 2: Start a New Game and Skip the Prologue
If you’re able to launch the game but encounter a black screen, start a new game and check the option to skip the prologue. This can help you bypass any issues related to the initial game loading sequence.
Step 3: Ensure All Friends Are Added on Steam
For multiplayer modes, ensure that you have added the friend who hosted the game to your Steam friends list. All players in the lobby should also be on your friends list to avoid connection issues.
Step 4: Update Your BIOS
Updating your BIOS can resolve compatibility issues with newer hardware or software updates. Visit your computer manufacturer’s website, navigate to the support section, and find the latest BIOS version for your specific model. Make sure your laptop’s battery is charged above 10% and that it’s plugged into a power source during the update process.
Step 5: Disable Any Proxy Settings
If you’re using a proxy, it can interfere with your internet connection while playing online. To disable it in Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and ensure that the proxy option is turned off.
Step 6: Rename Save Game Files
Before renaming your save game files, create a backup to avoid losing progress. Navigate to the appropriate folder in File Explorer, typically found under C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\TVG GS. Rename the folder (e.g., to “old”) to see if this resolves the issue.
Step 7: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart your system afterward.
Step 8: Disable V-Sync (If Applicable)
If you can access the game settings, turn off V-Sync. This can sometimes help with display issues. You can find this setting under the graphics options in the game menu.
Step 9: Run Command Line Commands
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands one by one to refresh your network settings:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
After executing these commands, reboot your computer.
Step 10: Try Launch Options -dx11/-dx12
In Steam, right-click on the game, select Properties, and under Launch Options, try adding -dx11 or -dx12 to see if it resolves the black screen issue.
Step 11: Run the Game as Administrator
Navigate to your game installation folder, right-click the game executable, and select Run as administrator. Additionally, you can set it to always run as an administrator through the properties menu.
Step 12: Verify Game Files on Steam
In Steam, right-click on the game, select Properties, then go to the Local Files tab and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. This will check for any corrupted files that may need to be replaced.
Step 13: Allow Game through Antivirus and Firewall
Ensure the game executable is allowed through your antivirus software and Windows Firewall. You can do this by searching for Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection and adding the game to the allowed apps.
Step 14: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Driver
To ensure that your graphics drivers are not causing the issue, perform a clean installation. For NVIDIA users, visit NVIDIA Driver Download. For AMD users, go to AMD Driver Support. Follow the instructions to uninstall the current drivers and install the latest version.
Step 15: Run the Game on a Dedicated Graphics Card
If your PC has both integrated and dedicated graphics, make sure the game is utilizing the dedicated graphics card. You can set this in your graphics settings in Windows.
Step 16: Install Visual C++ Redistributables
Ensure you have the latest Visual C++ Redistributables installed by visiting the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable page and downloading both x86 and x64 versions.
Step 17: Disconnect External Devices
Unplug any unnecessary external devices such as controllers, hotas, or additional monitors. These devices can sometimes interfere with game performance. Disable any overlays from applications like Discord, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner.
Step 18: Increase Virtual Memory
To adjust your virtual memory settings, go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings. Under the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance, then go to the Advanced tab and click Change. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives,” then set:
- Initial Size: 1.5 times your total RAM
- Maximum Size: 3 times your total RAM
Click Set, then OK and restart your computer.
Step 19: Reinstall the Game
If none of the previous steps work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the game. Ensure you delete the game folder from your installation directory and consider installing it on the C Drive or a different SSD to see if that resolves the issue.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
During troubleshooting, remember to keep your PC’s drivers and software updated. If you encounter issues with specific steps, consult your system’s manual or online forums for assistance. Common mistakes include forgetting to restart your PC after changes and not backing up data before modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the game runs but I still get a black screen?
If the game runs but you experience a black screen, check your graphics settings and ensure your hardware meets the game’s requirements. Adjusting the graphical settings might help.
How can I know if my graphics card drivers are up to date?
You can check your graphics card manufacturer’s website or use tools like GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to ensure you have the latest drivers installed.
Is it safe to update my BIOS?
Updating your BIOS can improve performance and compatibility, but it should be done carefully. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions precisely. A failed update can cause serious issues.