since the update i was getting black squares where map & planes /pilot images should of been, then game would crash if i tried to start mission.....
Managed to get mine working last night; tried everything re-install directx from redist folder update to lasted beta nvidia driver, still no joy.
i added this to registry:
Start - Run
regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\GraphicsDrivers
Edit - New - DWord
Name = TdrDelay
Value Data = 12
then;
I Got rid of the opening ubisoft splash screen
In your Steam folder, go to "SteamApps\common\il-2 sturmovik cliffs of dover\parts\core\GUI". Rename "Logo.wmv" to any random name and it wont appear anymore
Restarted my laptop and boom, happy days
Good luck, i hope it works for you all having this problem.