Aces High Bulletin Board
Help and Support Forums => Technical Support => Topic started by: Maverick on August 20, 2001, 12:59:00 PM
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This is a repost frm DX8 forum in case it isn't DX8 related. Please help.
If you feel the need to post a funny or sarcastic note please refrain. This isn't a situation I am enjoying right now.
Here is the problem. I get minor to severe hesitations and stutters when playing with other players in the arena. If I am by myself it seems to all but disappear. I have polished my field taking all I want. I'd like to get into the main arena.
Here is what happened the last time I got in the MA. I was able to fly but noticed the screen hesitated EVERY time a new sound came in. The screen froze briefly (about a half second or more) ten started up again. When I got into combat the freezes got MUCH worse. I was prety much frozen in place and then only notice I had of enemy action was seeing the tower. I could see him about D1.5 then tower scene after the screen froze. I had been trying to maneuver but the damn thing stopped.
I get screen freezes when I fire too which makes leading a target all but impossible.
Please let me know what I can do to get rid of this problem. Below I will outline my system and what I have done to date to correct this problem. This has been going on for over a month now.
P3 500MHZ 128 Megs RAM
Voodoo 3 3000 AGP 16 Megs latest drivers
Win 98 with latest updates
DX8.0a
AH both the regular version and beta 11.
DSL connect at 640k with Intell DSL modem, Line tested clean.
I have done a removal and installation of AH several times. I defragged the HD after each uninstall.
I have changed my sound card. (now using a SB16)
I have installed DX8 3 times. (Twice v8.0a)
I have formatted my HD and installed Win 98 after fighting this with Win95.
I have installed and uninstalled the "ultimate sound pack" more than once.
I have shut down ALL online filters (ZoneAlarm and MacAfee) before logging on. I do the Ctr Alt check to make sure nothing else is running in background. System at 80+% free.
I am out of ideas. Please help with suggestions for a cure. At this rate there is not much reason to keep my subscription open.
Mav
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I get screen freezes when I fire too which makes leading a target all but impossible.[/b]
I have this problem also. When I hit the trigger the thing "hiccups".
Athlon 1.3 gig
512 MB RAM
Voodoo 5AGP latest drivers
Win 98 with latest updates
DX8.0a
AH (non-beta)
cable modem
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I bet I know what it is. Check your IRQ's, I bet your video card and your sound card are sharing.
Same thing is hapening to me.
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Go to
Control Panel, multimedia, Audio Tab, playback advanced properties, Performance tab.
Move the slider to the left 1 notch and try the game. If that doesn't fix it, try one more notch to the left.
Old problem, the above has solved it for alot of users
SKurj
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I have MASSIVE framefrate problems whenever the action gets nasty.
System:
Dell 1.7G P4, 256M RAM, 64M GeForce3, Windows ME, unknown DirectX but probably 7.xx
AH Settings:
FPS limited to 45
Resolution: 600x800
Color: 16-bit
Connecting via 28.8k dial-up
History
Initially, I didn't have the FPS limiter set. All video settings were default (800x600, 16-bit color, unlimited FPS, all details on, max horizon distance). When flying, the FPS meter said 60 and never changed. But when I'd saddle up on a lone nme plane at alt, nothing on the ground cluttering up things, I'd go into serious stutter mode. Then I heard about limiting FPS in the Video settings and that solved this problem. FPS meter now says 45, sometimes dips to 43, and I have no FPS problems vs. single nmes at say 5k+ AGL.
Current Problem
Smoke utterly destroys my FPS. This happens with smoke from burning target planes but is especially bad near burning buildings on the ground. For instance, manning a gun or vehicle at a damaged airfield. When I traverse the gun across the smoke of a nearby burning building, my FPS drops to zero. The video freezes when the sight touches one edge of the smoke cloud and doesn't start going again until continued control input has moved the sight to the other edge of the smoke. Then the video jumps the sight to that position and all bullets, planes, etc., also jump to the positions they've reached during my frozen video time. During the frozen time, even the FPS meter is frozen so continues to read 43+ FPS despite it really being zero.
I find this all rather strange. Previously I was flying with a Celeron 450, 128M RAM, and a TNT 1. I had nothing resembling this sort of problem, although I did have to run with medium horizon distance. So why does going to a way faster machine result in much worse video performance?
[ 08-20-2001: Message edited by: Bullethead ]
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Bullethead, try running Aces at the same resolution and colour depth as your desktop.
I'd recommend at least 1024x768x32bpp
SKurj
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Skurj-
That seems to have helped. My desktop is 1600x1200 and that seemed to have been a bit much for AH. FPS got down into the mid-teens when traversing across smoke. However, using the next highest resolution seems to be perfect, staying up around 38 or so in the same situation.
I guess it's a case of idle hands being the Devil's tools. If you don't give all your video horsepower something to do, it screws things up :).
And BTW, it's SO MUCH easier to read the text in the load-out hangar now :)
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Originally posted by SKurj:
Go to
Control Panel, multimedia, Audio Tab, playback advanced properties, Performance tab.
Move the slider to the left 1 notch and try the game. If that doesn't fix it, try one more notch to the left.
Old problem, the above has solved it for alot of users
SKurj
Skurj,
No help on this one. I went all the way to the left and still have the stutters as soon as I fire, enemy fires or a new sound starts up.
Mav
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A common issue with the voodoo cards and online gaming that always resulted in this type of fault is caused (believe it or not) by the little connection icon on the taskbar. I would try removing it. To do it: My computer > dial up networking > connections menu > settings > uncheck "show an icon on taskbar when connected."
Since you also mention a sound issue I would also recommend checking for IRQ conflicts and updating your sound drivers.
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Originally posted by bloom25:
A common issue with the voodoo cards and online gaming that always resulted in this type of fault is caused (believe it or not) by the little connection icon on the taskbar. I would try removing it. To do it: My computer > dial up networking > connections menu > settings > uncheck "show an icon on taskbar when connected."
Since you also mention a sound issue I would also recommend checking for IRQ conflicts and updating your sound drivers.
Bloom,
I checked for IRQ conflicts on all systems. I found none. I'll try the icon bit.
Mav
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You have tried without Zonealarm running I see.
I'd just like to mention, I used to run Aces with a V3 3000 AGP. When ZA was running I would get annoying frame stutter. Without ZA running it was fine.
Once I replaced the V3 with a GF2 MX I am able to run AH with ZA and get no frame stutter because of it.
Its definitely a system problem you are having Mav, have u considered upgrading your video and ram? You can likely get into a GF2 MX and 256mb of ram for around $100 US
Oh hey... what motherboard chipset are you running?
SKurj
[ 08-20-2001: Message edited by: SKurj ]
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Two other questions have cropped up. Which specific motherboard do you have, and is it Win 98 SE (second edition) that you are running?
:cool:
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Skurj and Voss,
I am running a BrilliantX mobo with award bios. Latest drivers and bios.
It is win 98 V1 not SE. I have updated the windows as well.
This is a problem that came up well after I went to 98 and after DX8. I was running just fine then one day this came u[p. Nope there is no virus. I scan regularly with MacAfee. Red worm isn't a factor either as it hits Cisco DSL cards and I have an Intel based modem. The problem isn't internet related as it does this offline too.
Mav
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Mav, it does happen even without the ultimate sound pack installed right?
Can you check to see if the Soundcard is sharing an IRQ with another card. It may not show as a conflict. (if u've already done this srry, check again +)
Try putting the soundcard in a different slot...
hmm if its ISA... get rid of it and go get a PCI one.
Oh btw the sound acceleration u tried adjusting due to an earlier post I made, is the same thing as SW's latest post, its just done thru a different interface. Won't make a diff.
SKurj
[ 08-21-2001: Message edited by: SKurj ]
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Skurj,
here is latest attempt. Some success but not much. I removed the sound card and deleted te drivers including the joystick. Restarted system 2 timesd after that. Reinstalled my Avance card, it's much newer than the SB16. I reinstalled the drivers for the card and then reinstalled DX8.
I get less hesitations on firing. Now I get hesitations without any changes in sound. there is a harsh buzzing sound that happens when it hesitates without firing.
I went online and tested it. Online is worse than offline. I suppose netlag would help there. So far it is unplayable at this time. Dunno what else to do. Don't have money to upgrade system.
Mav
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Your soundcard isn't in the slot nearest to your video card is it? (It shouldn't be.)
Does your motherboard use a via chipset? (I'm too lazy to try to look up your brand MB. ;) ) If it does I'd go and get the irq miniport routing and AGP drivers from www.viahardware.com. (http://www.viahardware.com.)
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Bloom,
Nope sound card is 3 slots away from video. Avance card is also a PCI card. Old sound blaster is an ASI card.
Here is what I have done.
I just uninstalled AH again. deleted ALL AH folders and emptied the trash can. I then did a full defrag of the HD. I reinstalled the game without any DX betas. On going into the TA I still had the harsh buzzing sound at hesitations and stutters. There are NO outside files in the game. They are all from the install.
I am getting REAL freaking frustrated by this. I am beginning to think it's time to save $15.00 a month. :(
Mav
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You don't remember what you last did before this started happening?
Install software? Drivers? New DX? New hardware?
-SW
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Did u put soundcard in a different slot? u should try it as this will change its IRQ.
You have an isolated prob Maverick, i doubt its related to the AH software...
SKurj
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I have been having the same problem. I did two things that has stopped it. First I found a bad ram chip set and replaced this and it helped somewhat. Then I turned off roger-wilco (never got it to work on here anyway) and this stopped it and the game plays good now.
I am real new here so I don't know if this will help anyone but it did me.
ab8aac - out
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Maverick, what kinda stick are you using?
I used to get "laggy views" trigger would freeze screen, hiccups and all. I bought another joystick and it cured the problem. (after pulling my hair out forever)
Try it, you may be surprised.
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A propos nothing, what happens if you play without the sound card?
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Here is the latest attempt to fix this thing.
I deleted ALL sound card drivers from the system. Removed the sound card and let the system boot up a few times to make sure it was clear. I then reinstalled the old SB16 card and got nowhere.
I removed the old SB16 card uninstalled sound drivers and let system run without them.
Installed an Avance sound card with minimal drivers. None of the fancy mixer drivers just the basic sound and joystick driver set. Left the joystick off and ran AH. Got buzzing sound and stutters using keyboard and mouse to fly. As soon as a "new" sound started over the engine the stutters would start. The stall warning buzzer would do it same as firing guns.
Installed the stick and calibrated it. No change.
I then played musical card slots with all the PCI cards in my system. No change in the AH performance. Got LOTS of experiance setting up my periferals but no help in playing AH.
AH is the ONLY program this happens in. This cannot be a systemic problem that ONLY affects AH. I have other games, including online, that this does not happen in. There have been too many others complaining about stutters for this to be an individual computer problem. It's not net related as it happens offline just as much and as bad as online. I clear off everything in the background to make sure I have enough RAM open to run the game. Before I start I have over 85% of my system available with 128 megs RAM. I'm not bogging down the machine.
I'm out of ideas. Thanks for those who contributed, I tried every one of the suggestions you posted. If anyone, ESPECIALLY THE AH CREW, has any more suggestions I am open. :(
Mav
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Perhaps your AH download was corrupted somehow? :confused: Without actually getting my hands on the system I'm at a loss frankly.
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Mav,
Since youve tried everything you can think of... I recommend you give HTC a call. I bet HT would talk to you abut this. Try that next.
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Ya still didn't say if u played AH without soundcard installed.
Mav your stutter problem is the most extreme i've seen. Every other complaint of this type I've seen was easily solved.
SKurj
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I know this is most likely a stupid question... but when was your last system cleanup? Have you defragged it lately? I've seen ALOT of wierd problem get cleared up vie doing this...
xBAT
P.S. Also... could this be a winsock problem?
It happens when on-line playing.Perhaps deleting your dial up..shut down, bootup then reinstalling will redo your socket to default.
These are abit off key from other suggestions but you've tried pretty much all the "common" solutions
xBAT...again
[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: batdog ]
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Originally posted by SKurj:
Ya still didn't say if u played AH without soundcard installed.
Mav your stutter problem is the most extreme i've seen. Every other complaint of this type I've seen was easily solved.
SKurj
Skurj,
I swapped sound cards altogether. Went from PCI back to old SB16 then back to PCI card again. no help.
Batdog,
I have switched to a new HD recently. New Win98 setup on a fresh format of the new HD. The problems didn't start right aftr this. The system was real stable and AH ran fine. Seems to have gone off the deep end all by itself. :(
Mav
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try aces without a soundcard if u can.
have u Virus scanned lately?
sorry if u answered this above.
SKurj
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Mav, had same thing happen to me. Drove me nuts.
Ended up running my cpu at a slower speed untill I got a new video card.
Try cranking it down to see what happens.
Sax
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Maverick,
Was having same prollem till today...know how ya feel.
Spoke with Pyro who suggested lowering frame rate to 45 & reinstalling vid card drivers. Did both; problem gone...for now anyway.
DMax
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Ok gents,
This is the latest installments of the search for good game play. I think I might have solved it on my system.
I did a couple of things in this last attempt.
First I looked at my vid card settings. After downloading the latest drivers some time ago I saw there was a new icon on the lower right corner of the screen. It was a hot button to the Voodoo 3 3000 3DFX tools subprogram. When I brought it up I saw there were several choices for screen resolution. Since 1024 X 768 is my comfortable resolution I selected that one again. Now the interesting thing is this is in the AGP listings. I also selected the 32Bpp setting which caused my screen to reset. The screen looked good so I set it. Yeah, I know AH won't run in 32 bit mode with a Voodoo and I didn't change my AH settings.
I tried to play AH and the stutters and nasty buzzing sound was gone. Only on the first attempt to play. Later when I went back to te game it was the same. I did notice a little improvement.
The next thing I did was to follow Gunthr's advice on the msconfig settings in win98. I had been closing all my security / virus programs before trying to play AH. (ZoneAlarm and McAfee) I saw at times that a McAfee icon would pop up after I loaded and dropped out of AH even offline.
In msconfig I saw there were several subprograms for McAfee that DIDNOT show when I did the ctr alt del program check to shut things down. I unchecked ALL the security programs for startup and tried the game.
Now I tried offline and online. So far now more hesitations and stutters. This is a short test period but it looks promising.
I did another test. I reset the Voodoo back to the 16Bpp setting and the stutters came back but greatly reduced in severity. After resetting to 32Bpp they were gone again.
So far, on my system at least, this seems to have solved the problem. I hope it helps, expecially anyone who has a Voodoo 3 3000 AGP as I do.
Here are my system specs.
P3 500 Mhz - 128 megs RAM (133 I believe)
DX8.0a
Legend QDI mobo (BrillianX 1S) w/ Award Bios. IRQ set automatically by bios, PNP enabled, not by OS
Win 98 first version with SP2 installed. (BTW loading SP1 also was done about the same time the problems started up. The win security protocalls MIGHT be working a conflict with McAfee and the voodo card.)
Voodoo 3 3000 APG 16 meg card w/ latest 3DFX drivers from factory authorized site.
Avance sound card with basic drivers (no synthesizer software installed, just SB16 emulator and game port)Drivers updated from Avance Logic site for win98.
Mav
PS please note I am playing a fresh install of AH without any DX8 beta.
[ 08-28-2001: Message edited by: Maverick ]
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Thanks, Mav! With the desktop and the AH video set to 32-bit, I don't get stutter. I still haven't tested this with the DX8 build, but I like what I see so far.
:cool:
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Look for a proggie called enditall perhaps there is more running than you realize.
SKurj
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Glad you got the fix figured out. But, curiosity quesiton Mav. Did you run DirectX diagnostics and testing? With 7?> How about with 8. What were your rest results. Any problems with hardware or softrware acceleration?
Very Curious about this
:confused:
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Well it looks like I was premature in thinking I had this problemn fixed. It's back and as bad if not worse than before.
Here is tha latest issue of problems. I had a total system, crash on Tuesday night. I spent Wedsnesday putting it all back together with a fresh format, fdisk and install of winblows. I had also done a fresh load of AH. Wednesday it ran fine. Today it is stutter city with that nasty buzzing sound back.
I have reinstalled zonealarm and mcafee. Both are off when I play AH. With a resource of 90% of my system available I still can't play this game.
I'm out of ideas and patience. At this point I see no reason to continue my subscription. I can't play online at all and offline play isn't an option. I haven't heard word one from HTC on this problem and don't have any more fediddleing ideas to try.
Mav
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I have found a solution to my stutters and freezing up. Control, ALT, and Delete, look for Devldr16.exe....if it is there close it. I have sent a message to creative labs to see why this is happening. Since I closed it everything is smooth. I tried to use msconfig and take it off of the start up but it just puts it back, soooo I just have to close it everytime. HOPE THIS HELPS
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I may be being premature again. I think I found the problem.
It is McAfee antivirus. Even though you do a ctr alt del and close out all McAfee programs at least one stays up and running. Only solution is to use the msconfig system and keep it from coming up at bootup. I will run nekid and game goes fine in DX8 beta 11 and the regular version.
Anyone having stutters whith McAfee programs loaded on the computer, even if not runing may have the same problem. Drop them from the boot up when you go to play AH. There is a major conflict twixt AH and McAfee.
Mav
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Mav.. look for Enditall, it may show things that ctrl-alt-del miss
SKurj
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Well, SKurg helped me out with a similar problem. Severe stutters and only about 19 FPS. Unplayable game. He suggested vidcard settings, especially Vsync.
I'm running a 1.4 GHz Athlon on Win2k with a GForce 2 MX, 16Meg RAM and I leave ZA on but not McAfee and a DSL modem. Anything like this system should kick bellybutton in AH, I routinely get 80 FPS now.
The Solution: I took a hard look at all of my vidcard settings, turned on Vsync, etc and kept fiddling until it was working fine. Took about 10 min. Did the resolution reset too, it helped but not significantly. It was definately the vidcard settings.