If you launch Build 40 and see a black screen, follow these steps:
Open options.ini with Notepad.
Change the renderer:
Force resolution:
Save the file and relaunch.
If you are hosting a server, or if Steam no longer offers Build 40 in the dropdown, you need to download the game files directly using the RCS (Raccoon City Server) repository, which archives all PZ builds.
Downloading an older version of a game like Project Zomboid can be a bit tricky, but here's how you can do it: