Author Topic: Ok, My Predicament (Read 958 times)

DoNKeY · « **on:** July 21, 2007, 01:49:08 AM »

Ok, so there are two computers in the house. The first one is mine, I saved the money and bought it. It's mine and I can do anything I want to it, upgrade it however I see fit. The thing is though, it's also about three years old.

The second computer is the rest of the families computer. I can't just go around freely making whatever changes I want to it, but I can play AH2 on it, and the picture is pretty good and I get a consistent 50-60 frames, sometimes dropping to 30's when there are a lot of people. It also happens to be brand new, bought within the last 3-4 months.

Ok, now thats out of the way. My problem is that my families computer has Norton installed on it, (I uninstalled Norton off of my computer) so while I can play offline play nicely, online suffers badly as you might expect, with warping occurring constantly. With my computer, online is fine, there's no warping and I can play my little heart out. The problem with that the computer is old, and the graphics card (if you can call it that) is horrible to say the least). The picture on screen is ugly, I get around 10 frames with multiple people, and get 15-20 if I'm flying just by myself with no one around. The worst part is that if I try to shoot anything other than a single 30mm round in a short amount of time the game freezes up and I have to restart my comp. So as you can tell I am very frustrated.

I am almost certain that the reason I have warps on my families computer is because of the stupid Norton (which may I add their customer support sucks), but I am not sure that my dad will let me uninstall it and put a more resource friendly anti virus on. They are really anal about online threats and the stuff.

So I am here to ask you guys what you think I should do. PS, I will post the dxdiag for both pc's at the end so don't worry about that lol. Should I just upgrade the graphics card, perhaps sound card, and add some RAM to MY computer and hope that it will work fine and give me no problems (even if it is somewhat dated), should I continue to press the issue with my dad and see if I can get him to let me uninstall Norton, and then maybe upgrade the graphics card on that PC if you guys think I need it, or should I just go down to Costco, but a somewhat middle range system, upgrade to what I need to be able to play and be done with it (which I would rather not do, I'm 17 and have insurance/gas and other stuff to pay for so a computer wouldn't help the issue)?

Just looking for what you guys think would be the best option to get me up and running so I can play the game with you all! 8)

Ok, dxdiag below.

DoNKeY · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2007, 01:50:26 AM »

MY PC's dxdiag: (Let me know if you need more).

System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 7/20/2007, 22:45:21
Machine name: BRIANSROOM
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: PC111A-ABA a645c
BIOS: Phoenix - Award BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 3200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 448MB RAM
Page File: 192MB used, 863MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: VIA/S3G UniChrome IGP
Manufacturer: VIA/S3G
Chip type: VIA/S3G UniChrome IGP
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_7205&SUBSYS_81181043&REV_01
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: hp f1703 Flat Panel Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1280,1024
Driver Name: vtdisp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.0194 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 12/7/2004 20:08:48, 3448192 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: vtmini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 12/7/2004 20:08:58, 172672 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71FE6-3145-11CF-3173-12A1A0C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1106
Device ID: 0x7205
SubSys ID: 0x81181043
Revision ID: 0x0001
Revision ID: 0x0001
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_810A1043&REV_60
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5730 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 10/1/2004 10:24:02, 2279424 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 33, 32
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 33, 32
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5730 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 10/1/2004 10:24:02, 2279424 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xFFF

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Realtek AC97 Audio, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x1106, 0x3038
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 8/3/2004 22:08:42, 57600 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/29/2002 04:00:00, 4736 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ HP PS2 Keyboard (2K - 3)
| Matching Device ID: acpi\pnp0303
| Upper Filters: PS2
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 8/3/2004 22:14:36, 52736 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 8/3/2004 21:58:32, 24576 bytes
| Driver: PS2.sys, 6/4/2001 13:00:00, 14112 bytes
| Driver: ps2.bat, 10/16/2002 15:57:10, 81920 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 8/4/2004 00:01:07, 40840 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 8/3/2004 21:58:32, 24576 bytes
|
+ PS/2 Compatible Mouse
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0f13
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 8/3/2004 22:14:36, 52736 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 8/3/2004 21:58:32, 23040 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 8/4/2004 00:01:07, 40840 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 8/3/2004 21:58:32, 23040 bytes

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.2180)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.2180)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM3
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Local Area Connection - IPv4 -

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s

DoNKeY · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2007, 01:55:08 AM »

Ok, my families PC's dxdiag (Let me know if you need more).

System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 7/20/2007, 23:51:09
Machine name: RANGER
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: RC650AA-ABA a1647c
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+, MMX, 3DNow (2 CPUs), ~2.6GHz
Memory: 958MB RAM
Page File: 428MB used, 1884MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 6150 LE
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0241&SUBSYS_2A34103C&REV_A2
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8208 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/9/2006 08:50:00, 3955200 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/9/2006 08:50:00, 3535680 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4101-11CF-9C53-3E0A03C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0241
SubSys ID: 0x2A34103C
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek HD Audio rear output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0888&SUBSYS_103C2A34&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5268 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 6/14/2006 04:04:12, 4299264 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 8000, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 33, 32
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 33, 32
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Line in/Mic in
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5268 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 6/14/2006 04:04:12, 4299264 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xFFF

Description: Conexant Falcon Audio Capture
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name: cxfalcon.sys
Driver Version: 2.00.0048.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 4/20/2006 07:35:16, 82048 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xCC0

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Saitek AV8R Classic Stick
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x06A3, 0x0461
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

Kami · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2007, 01:58:17 AM »

your norton is probably configured to check every file being used first. Go into it's options and put ah or its folder into the exceptions, then it won't check it every time it calls for a file to be read. Might help, I have norton on an old machine w/ no problems.

Condor · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2007, 06:25:47 AM »

I have Norton Internet Security on my machine and don't have the problems you are seeing. It must be a configuration problem as Kami suggests. I do know that right after booting the machine the Norton updater runs and hogs 25-50% of CPU resources. Once it settles down. which takes a few minutes, AH runs fine. I did have somw problems similar to yours (not as bad) but traced them to my Linksys router. With it removed from my connection the problems went away.

The Fugitive · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2007, 09:03:23 AM »

I'm only guessing because I don't know the specs of your mother board, but a gig of RAM is $50, and an ATI 9800 pro video card is about $100. While its not top of the line, these added to your computer would get it playable, and most likely be better than a "middle range " CostCo unit.

As for tweaking Nortons, I can't answer that. I dumped mine a long time ago, and have never looked back. It could be possible to tweak it, but I just don't know.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2007, 09:31:23 AM »

yea replace /add a video card on your pc and you'll have a very capable gamer .

it looks like its onboard . yuk yuk

USRanger · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2007, 10:00:40 AM »

One more thing. I see you have a Pavillion. I learned this the hard way with mine and have helped several other Pavillion owners out with a similar warping issue. Go into Control Panel. Go into Power Option. Make sure it is set to Desktop and not Energy Star. Seems on Pavillions that Energy Star is the default power setting and causes AH to warp. Took me 5 months and a looooong help thread to finally figure it out. I was going to write up a separate thread as a warning to anyone getting a Pavillion explaining the deal with em and hopefully getting a sticky from Skuzzy. This issue has plagued (and then fixed) 5 different Pavillion PCs that I know of. Me, a squaddie, and 3 others who I found in this forum having that horrible warping/timing issue. Check it out. Good luck.

DoNKeY · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2007, 10:12:18 AM »

Thanks for that ranger, I'll try it out. And thanks everybody else for the suggestions, I see what I can do so far.

EDIT: Do you know why it causes it to warp, that seems really strange lol?

Hoarach · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2007, 10:41:16 AM »

My system is very similar to yours except for a few things. I have a AMD 64 3200+ and 512MB RAM. However I have a PNY 7600GS AGP 512MB which I got for $150 at compusa but you can get for $100 online at newegg and tigerdirect. I think this video card would make all the difference as then your system would be very similar to mine except I also have a SB Audigy 2 soundcard. I am able to run high res textures, graphic sliders all the way up, and still get no lower than 70 frames. Just have to make sure you have a big enough power supply. Have a 500W Ultra X-Finity in my system.

DoNKeY · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2007, 10:47:56 AM »

OMFG Ranger I think you did it, you're my new hero!! Went to my families pc and changed the power options. I logged on to 8 player and followed someone and they didn't warp. I got my hopes up, and I mean really high, so I checked my net status, and where my variance used to me a "mountain range" its now almost perfectly straight. I'm screaming like a girl right now no joke I'm so happy. You should definitely post this and try to get it sticked because (even though I only tried to like 2 minutes) this seemed to fix everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So if this continues to work as it did in those two beautiful minutes, I guess my next question would be what graphics card should I get for my FAMILIES pc that is in the 150-170 range that is pretty good, a sound card if you think i need it(type and price please) and would another gig or RAM do me good?

Omg ranger thank you so much.

Oh and if I wanted to get a mike to talk would I just go down to bestbuy and get one with a usb plugin?

Thanks everybody!!!!!!!!!!!

-Donkey

EDIT: How can I tell how big my power supply is?
And ranger did I say that your my new hero?

USRanger · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2007, 09:51:47 PM »

Glad to hear it worked bro:D Good for you!