[FIXED] The Next Big Thing (PC Game) Fixes to Crashes, Crash to Desktop (CTD), Errors, Bugs, Cannot activate, Flickering, Mouse glitches, Blackscreen, Dual monitor crash, Launch problems, Resolution settings, Configuration tool, Cut-scene crash

After having played the demo, I found The Next Big Thing to be quite entertaining, so I bought the game today. The Hollywood twists and adventures are pretty nutty and cool, and I like how the game characters are charming (Dan Murray, Carolin Petit, and Liz Allaire!).

Unlike the demo, though, I had problems getting The Next Big Thing running. I encountered some blackscreens, crashes, and activation issues so I posted some hotfixes that helped me along the way. I also threw in a few bonus configuration and tweak tips and fixes for those experiencing other game problems.

Be sure to read it through, and if you’re experiencing issues not covered here, please comment below and I’ll be glad to help you out.

First things first! Make sure you meet The Next Big Thing (PC Game) Minimum System Requirements:

• OS: Windows XP SP2, Vista SP1 or Windows 7
• CPU: Intel/AMD 2.0GHZ equivalent or better
• RAM: 1 GB (XP)/2GB (Vista/7)
• HDD: 8 GB free disk space
• Graphics: 256  MB Graphics Memory
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
• DirectX: Version 9

Supported Graphics Cards:

At least ATI Radeon X800/Intel GMA 3000/Nvidia GeForce 6800

Problem #1 The Next Big Thing (PC Game) immediately crahses, blackscreens after the launch.

This issue is probably related to the 6 core processors. You can use the following workarounds if you are using a 6 core processor:

Possible solution #1:

You can use Startaffinity (Google it) or similar tools to launch the game.

Possible solution #2:

If you are using OS other than windows 7 then you can add /numproc=4 in the windows boot.ini file. Or, (For advanced users ONLY) You can try disabling 2 cores from the BIOS options

Possible solution #3:

If you cannot run the game or you are experiencing stuttering, please close any background applications that could be the cause of this like the virus scanners, optimization tools etc.

Possible solution #4:

Your drivers (nVidia/ATI/IntelHD GPU and sound card) should be up to date. Check that your OS is updated by Windows Update. You can also try rolling back your graphics drivers to previous versions with stable performance.

Possible solution #5:

If you have two graphics cards connected either with Crossfire or SLI, disable one GPU from the control panel and try running the game.

Possible solution #6:

Try pre-configuring the The Next Big Thing’s graphics and resolution settings. You can use the display tool to adjust screen resolution. To find this tool:

• Click Windows Start button then All Programs.
• Click Pendulo Studios then click The Next BIG Thing.
• Click The Next Big Thing – Config.

Problem #2 Configuration Tool Won’t Work/Crashes

Possible solution:

Launch the tool as administrator (right click > run as administrator). According to some forums, this easily solves the problem.

Problem #3 The Pointer and Subtitles keep on flickering

Possible solution:

For ATI users, uncheck “use applications settings” in “SMOOTHVISION HD antialiasing” option. Problem is not known to occur among nVidia users. If it does, please comment below to verify.

Problem #4 Problems activating The Next Big Thing; Cannot activate The Next Big Thing

Possible Solution #1:

For F-SECURE antivirus or firewall users: you will have to disable the DeepGuard feature

Possible Solution #2:

Put your anti-virus or firewall software in silent mode, or temporarily disable them. You can enable it again once the game has been activated. Be sure to turn them back on after playing.

Problem #5 Can’t run the game with two or dual monitor screens

Possible Solution:

Disable dual screen mode (secondary display) of your monitor. Unfortunately, The Next Big Thing is known to have issues with multiple displays. A probable patch is in the works to address this.

Problem #6 How to access the Save files of Next Big Thing

For Windows XP:

• Click Windows Start button then My Computer.
• Open Local Disk (C:).
• Open Documents and Settings folder then All Users folder.
• Open Application Data folder. If the Application Data folder is hidden, click Tools then Folder Options. Click View tab and check Show hidden files and folders from Advanced settings. Click OK.
• Open Application Data folder then Pendulo Studios folder.
• Open TNBT folder then SAVEGAME folder.

For Windows Vista/Windows 7

• Click Windows Start button then Computer.
• Open Local Disk (C:).
• Open ProgramData folder. If the ProgramData folder is hidden, click Organize then Folder and search options.
• Click View tab and check Show hidden files, folders, and drivers from Advanced settings. Click OK.
• Open ProgramData folder then Pendulo Studios folder.
• Open TNBT folder then SAVEGAME folder.

Problem #7 Cannot play the cut-scenes in The Next Big Thing (PC Game)

Possible solution:

You can try reinstalling the game. If this doesn’t work then manually re download the game without using the downloader.