windows xp issue

cfisher · #1 11-21-2003, 07:15 PM

I'll start with the issue. My machine will work perfectly when I'm doing normal applications such as IE, VB, Flash, etc. But it seems when I go into graphics-intensive games and play that after a while of playing, say anywhere from 15-30 minutes, the game will freeze, and my machine will hard lock, I was hoping to get a stop error message so I could continue troubleshooting, but it just sits there and the only thing that will resolve it is a reboot. At first I thought it may be my new video card Geforce2 MX 440 because I found bad capacitors on the card itself, too bad for me it was already out of warranty at this point, but afterwards I swapped it with my old Voodoo3 3000 16 meg, still has the same issue, I have a Windows XP machine with an Amd Athlon XP 1700 ~ 1.5ghz, with 256 MB. I was running directx version 9.0a, updated it to 9.0b and so far the issue isn't presenting itself, but I wanted some other get some other input to help continue my troubleshooting of this issue, it really seems like it's going to be a software issue. Oh well, additional input would be really beneficial.

TAB · #2 11-21-2003, 08:15 PM

cfisher,

It may very well be your memory filling up. Clean your computer before playing the games and see what happens. Also, go to Control Panel / System / Advanced Tab / Performance Settings / Advanced Tab / Virtual Memory Change / click on System Managed Size / Set

Also, go to your power settings and turn off hybernation, since XP does not always handle hybernation well. Why it makes a difference while running, I am not really sure, but when I did this (at Gateway's suggestion) I have not had a problem with my computer freezing up again.

Regards,

TAB

lj50 · #3 11-21-2003, 10:30 PM

Can you upgrade to 512MBs of RAM sometimes that helps. Try looking in the Event Viewer.To get there go to Start\Control Panel\Performance and Maintainance\Adminstrative Tools\Event Viewer. Pay particular attention to Application and the System folders. You should see red x's for any problems that occurred, open them up you get a Information Properties box. If you scroll down the main message body there will be a link to the microsoft KB web site. Hope this helps you and good luck in search for a solution to your problem

Play_The_0dds · #4 11-22-2003, 02:05 AM

being you have a nvidia card, something to try, go to services
start>run>services.msc
disable the nvidia driver helper
then go to
start>run>msconfig>startup
disable the nvidia startup items, mine had two.
being i play games also, and have had the same trouble, what i believe this issue is: windows and the nvidia software are trying to adjust for quality and performance at the same time, disabling the nvidia was the better way to go for me, system acted screwed when i tried disabling the windows aspects of this.

CaTMaN · #5 11-22-2003, 02:31 AM

I had a similar problem(Game Freeze) on my machine (Winxp,Athlon1800,Winfast Geforcemx440).This occurred after I installed Directx 9.0b.
NVIDIA have released a new universal driver (52.16),which I've installed and haven't had any problems since!
Hope this helps.

cfisher · #6 11-22-2003, 12:11 PM

Thanks guys, I made all the adjustments that were suggested besides the update for the nVIDIA driver, as I mentioned there were bad capacitors on my GeForce and I've been working too much to get a chance to purchase a replacement, but I did notice for some odd reason I did set a custom size to my virtual memory?? No idea. Anyways, I disabled the hibernation, disabled the nVIDIA driver help service, also checked but there were no additional nVIDIA software that loaded on start (I tend to just load the drivers for the device and not necessarily any of the tools, keeps thing cleaner that way). But I really do appreciate the timely response, I wasn't expecting to get any results this soon. Anyways, I'll give these new settings a try and if it still freezes, I guess I'll ask again. Thanks for the help.

cfisher · #7 11-22-2003, 03:17 PM

Guess I spoke too soon with the last post, i was able to play for about an hour straight, got off, took a shower, came back, played for about another 30 min. locked up again. Back to the drawing board, any other advice?

Play_The_0dds · #8 11-22-2003, 03:30 PM

seems like you gained some ground, went from 15-30 min to a hour and a half of play, i would check for the video card driver update, motherboard bios, (only add it if it addresses issues you are having or you feel comfortable doing it). check the site for the game mfg. to see if any patches are in order. just being curious, what is you system and cpu temp when you reboot from the lock up, how many running processes do you have. and a for what its worth, my games run better with system restore disabled, this is not a recommendation, it is a for what its worth.

cfisher · #9 11-22-2003, 10:17 PM

As far as updates are concerned, I've updated all driver files available for video card and monitor, the BIOS is maxed out as fair as flash updates, the system temp on bootup after the lock ups is at the average 30-40 celsius. Also happen to have a version of PC Doctor, ran diags on all devices, everything passed. I did a software overhaul, I disabled my virtual memory, deleted my page file, defragmented approx. 5 times with the windows degrament, then I used norton's speed disk to optimize, scanned for any registry errors, then re-enabled virtual memory. At this point I believe the issue may be resolved *fingers crossed*

TAB · #10 11-23-2003, 08:55 AM

cfisher,

If I were in your situation I would do the following (if you have not already): You need to turn off all programs running in the background which are not necessary. As you probably know, Windows XP, by default, has many programs running at startup which use up memory and thus slow your computer down. The best way to do this is as follows:

Go to Start / Run / type msconfig / OK / Startup Tab / then copy on a piece of paper all of the programs running on your computer. (Just copy the first few letters or word description). Exit the Startup Tab by clicking "Cancel." Then go to the web site listed below -- scroll down and find all your programs -- note the symbol beside each one as to weather you can safely un-check the program. Then go back to the Startup Tab, exactly as before, and uncheck those programs which Pacs Portal suggested. Click Apply / then close out / restart your computer / a window will come up stating you have changed the startup configuration / just check "do not show this window" -- otherwise this window will come up each time you restart. This "tweak" is also the most effective manuever you can do to decrease your startup time.

Please note: if you do find some programs listed on the website, and if you do not recognize what they are, then uncheck them anyway. They may be spyware already on the computer (causing the problem) and if they happen to be a needed program, you will find out when something does not run -- you can then go back and check that particular program.

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup...tartup_all.php

Hope you get things worked out.

Regards,

TAB

Play_The_0dds · #11 11-23-2003, 09:59 AM

speed disk?? many problems with speed disk and xp, but this means you have norton system works, if you have goback installed, n-protect, or clean sweep running in the startup/and active in processes this could be the glitch. any or all of these can cause performance problems.

cfisher · #12 11-24-2003, 04:22 PM

Thanks for both of these tips, known_criminal, I just found out the issue with speed disk and xp, I work in a tech support center and was floating my issue around, I mentioned speed disk and someone informed me about the conflict, and come to think of it, the issue could have in fact be caused by the systemworks. If I remember correctly the issue never arose until after I installed that particular piece of software. I'll try uninstalling the system works and just use the antivirus, any known conflicts with that? TAB, also, I'll check out that site as well and see if I can come up with any other solutions. I'm planning on upgrading my entire cooling system as I believe that may be the issue, upon further inspection the CPU was operating at 68 degree celsius upon reboot after the hard lock, I rerouted my case fans and was able to get it down to 56, which is still high, but it's a lot better than 68, so I'm planning on adding more fans and cleaning out what little dust buildup. Thanks for all the help guys, I'll post my final resolution to this issue with I come up with one.

Play_The_0dds · #13 11-24-2003, 04:50 PM

i dont think the anti virus, which is on many systems i deal with will cause any problems. norton firewall 2002 has a problem lately, the program just crashes, it's one of the updates from norton that causes this on some systems. now this is just my opinion, removing norton is a difficult situation, once a system has had it , and the speed disk used, undoing what was done is a uphill battle. i usually, to save time and mental breakdown, remove all norton products, live reg, live update...everything it uses, even the anti virus, delete the folder, and clean out the reg of all traces, then reinstall xp over it's self, no format. then reapply the service pack and windows updates that are needed install norton anti virus, and firewall, if this is wanted, or needed. systemwork, if they want it back, do a custom install, remove, n-protect, speed disk and quick clean from the install,and i dont install goback on xp. and also i have missed something, you posted temps of 30-40 celsius and now 56 from 68????

jsmcbn · #14 11-24-2003, 05:40 PM

If you can play that long before it locks up it has most likely is a heat issue, both AMD and Nvidia card gets hot, if it was a software or firmware it would lock much sooner. Possible power supply prob, many of the less expensive ones can get hot a screw up. One other note, I believe Nvidia has a lifetime warranty on their cards, go to their site and get the support phone number, I blew out my Ti4200 and lost my receipt, they replaced it anyway in less than a week!

polobunny · #15 11-24-2003, 09:59 PM

Damn that's hot! Mine run at 32-35. Okay I only have an Nvidia TNT 2

Maybe cleaning the dust could help too