I just got the GalCiv2 beta. Here's what happens on my laptop:
1) Start the GalCiv2 application
2) Choose New Game option
3) Choose some galaxy options
4) Choose any race
5) Start the game
The "Loading..." thing appears for awhile, then I get a dark grey screen, followed by "an unexpected error has occurred in your application" popup. When I click the OK button, it goes to a bluescreen for a second, then the computer reboots. On the bluescreen, it says something like NO_PAGE_IN_AREA_FAULT (it doesn't stay up long enough to read it -- sorry).
I am running the game on a Sony VAIO laptop, model PCG-V505DC2. That model has a ATI Mobility Radeon card in it.
I hope an update comes soon that can fix this. I want to sample the beta!
- Proud Canadian