Aces High Bulletin Board

Help and Support Forums => Technical Support => Topic started by: ODBAL on February 24, 2009, 10:25:46 AM

Title: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 24, 2009, 10:25:46 AM
My computer is freezing up constantly in AH.  Seems to happen whenever I leave the tower to take off. Started about a month ago.  I may get one or two flights at the most.  Sometimes none at all.  My machine freezes up and I cant alt+tab to my desktop so I have to power off.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Animl on February 24, 2009, 11:57:53 AM
What have you changed, or did it always freeze up?

There are probably several different reasons it could be. Last time I had this issue I had two pieces of hardware using the same IRQ. I think it was a NIC card sharing with Video. But it could always be something else.

Somehow I feel a need for a DX Diagnostic report will be needed.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on February 24, 2009, 12:10:51 PM
Ya post your first third of your dxdiag report....up to and including the sound devices. Also hit cntrl, alt,delete and check and see how many processes you have running. Have you added any software of changed any setting since it started giving you any trouble?
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 24, 2009, 04:45:59 PM
I can not think of anything I have added, just started doing this out of the blue.  I'm not much of a computer guy so I have no idea how to do these diagnostic reports you speak of.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on February 24, 2009, 05:54:31 PM
start/run/type in dxdiag, and hit ok. It will build a report, might ask if you want signatures checked, say yes/ok. Once its finished, in the lower right corner it has a save as button. save it to your desktop. Close out the dxdiag, and double click the report you saved to the desk top. You can open it with word, or notepad which ever doesn't matter. Click and drag your mouse over the first third of the report at least to the USB devices header, and copy and paste it here.

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/24/2009, 18:48:00
       Machine name: DAD-XHD5FC9SIO0
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
       System Model: P5K-E
               BIOS: BIOS Date: 03/21/08 09:56:22 Ver: 08.00.12
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU     E6850  @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
             Memory: 3328MB RAM
          Page File: 368MB used, 4842MB 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 8800 GTS
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 8800 GTS
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0193&SUBSYS_C8293842&REV_A2
   Display Memory: 640.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
  Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7779 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 7/26/2008 14:48:00, 6047360 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: n/a
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 7/26/2008 14:48:00, 6097536 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-42D3-11CF-9145-22E803C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0193
        SubSys ID: 0xC8293842
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
 Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) 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
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) 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: SB Live! Wave Device
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0002&SUBSYS_80641102&REV_07
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: emu10k1m.sys
         Driver Version: 5.12.0001.3300 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: n/a
          Date and Size: 8/17/2001 11:19:26, 283904 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Microsoft
         HW Accel Level: Full
              Cap Flags: 0x0
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: Yes
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
               Registry: OK
      Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: SB Live! Wave Device
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: emu10k1m.sys
         Driver Version: 5.12.0001.3300 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 8/17/2001 11:19:26, 283904 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x0
           Format Flags: 0x0

            Description: Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000.
  Default Sound Capture: No
  Default Voice Capture: No
            Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
         Driver Version: 5.01.2600.2180 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 8/3/2004 22:07:56, 59264 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x0
           Format Flags: 0x0

-----------
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
                  SB Live! MIDI UART, Hardware (Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External
                  SB Live! MIDI UART, Hardware (Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External
                  SB Live! Wave Device, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
                  Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
                  B: SB Live! MIDI Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
                  A: SB Live! MIDI Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
                  SB Live! MIDI UART [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External
                  Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
                  SB Live! MIDI UART [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External
        Registry: OK
     Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------

Heres mine, so thats what your looking for.

The other thing to check is hit the keys ctrl, alt, and delete at the same time. It will open another window, click on the "processes" tab at the top, look in the lower left corner of that windows to see how many processes you have running. CPU usage should be 0-1% with no other windows open. If it spikes find which one is using all the extra horsepower by watching the list.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 24, 2009, 08:22:34 PM
OK FUGI, here you go.....

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/24/2009, 19:19:55
       Machine name: XCS640
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: PCCHIPS
       System Model: P53G
               BIOS: Default System BIOS
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU    Q6600  @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs)
             Memory: 2046MB RAM
          Page File: 394MB used, 3544MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
  DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 2: 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 8600 GT
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 8600 GT
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0401&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1
   Display Memory: 512.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (75Hz)
          Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
  Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7516 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 5/2/2008 21:46:00, 6108160 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 5/2/2008 21:46:00, 6554496 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4741-11CF-EC7E-0B2000C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0401
        SubSys ID: 0x00000000
      Revision ID: 0x00A1
      Revision ID: 0x00A1
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
 Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) 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
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) 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: C-Media USB Headphone Set 
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: USB\Vid_0d8c&Pid_000c&Rev_0100&MI_00
        Manufacturer ID: 65535
             Product ID: 65535
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
         Driver Version: 5.01.2600.5512 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 4/13/2008 23:15:14, 60032 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Microsoft
         HW Accel Level: Full
              Cap Flags: 0xF5F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
               Registry: OK
      Sound Test Result: Not run

            Description: HD Audio rear output 2
 Default Sound Playback: No
 Default Voice Playback: No
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1106&DEV_1708&SUBSYS_10191349&REV_1007
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: viahduaa.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1240 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 6/5/2007 19:38:54, 201216 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: VIA Technologies, Inc.
         HW Accel Level: Full
              Cap Flags: 0xB5B
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 44100, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
               Registry: OK
      Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: C-Media USB Headphone Set 
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
         Driver Version: 5.01.2600.5512 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 4/13/2008 23:15:14, 60032 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x41
           Format Flags: 0x440

            Description: HD Audio rear input
  Default Sound Capture: No
  Default Voice Capture: No
            Driver Name: viahduaa.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1240 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 6/5/2007 19:38:54, 201216 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
                  USB Audio Device, 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

I will have a lookie at the ctrl alt del thingy now..
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 24, 2009, 08:25:18 PM
38 Processes and like you said 0%-1%

And one more thing I just remembered.  A couple of months ago my windows Media player started freezing up my system also, this began before AH started having problems..
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 25, 2009, 12:09:57 AM
I'm afraid you're going to be on your own on this one.  These types of bugs can be exceeedingly difficult to find but one thing I can guarantee you is that you did do something to the system that created this bug.  You're going to have to think back hard to figure out what it might have been then try different things until you find it.

I've had a couple like this and they can be very frustrating.  I had a disco bug that took me a week of getting discoed in the game to find.  The worst part was it only happened in bombers, only after I dropped, only on a city and only online which meant I had to go on bomber runs to enemy cities after each change to test it until I found the bug.  I can't tell you how sick of flying bombers I was after a week of that.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Chalenge on February 25, 2009, 12:50:05 AM
Over the last week I have had small delays for the first one or two times when I go into flight. Then there are times when I am porking a field and cons come up that I get tiny freezes that last just a frame or two. I chalked it up to the internet and now Skuzzy has the pingplot topic going.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on February 25, 2009, 07:50:21 AM
Hey Odbal, that all looks pretty good to me, but hey what do I know !  :D

Next thing, download Ping Plotter. There is a free version. Install it and in the up left box under "address to trace" 206.16.60.38 make sure the "dots" are in there. Set "# of time to trace" unlimited, "Trace delay" to 1 second, and "samples" to 60 and hit trace. Let it run for a few minutes. What its doing is sending a packet of info to HTC servers and HTC serves are replying.

What your looking for is your pings to stay steady with little or no packet loss. Any red showing up is a bad thing. Hit "print screen" on your keyboard and save the picture as a jpg and post it so we can see it here on the board if your not sure of what your looking at. You may be getting dumped due to connection issues.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Denholm on February 25, 2009, 08:48:01 AM
Did you recently update your Video Card drivers? WMP freezing sounds similar to an issue I had until recently.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 25, 2009, 09:31:51 AM
Did you recently update your Video Card drivers? WMP freezing sounds similar to an issue I had until recently.

Negative, I havent updated my video drivers for a while.  I think I have the pingplotter downloaded I'll give that a shot.  I tried playing Counter Strike the other night and it froze up too (I havent played CS for years). Not sure, but if it is something I can't figure out I will have to cancel my account.  I'm not savvy enough to figure it out on my own, and don't have the $$ to pay someone to fix my machine.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 25, 2009, 09:51:38 AM
Can you describe the freeze up in more detail?  Does the screen freeze with a full graphic or is it grey, black, BSOD, etc.?

You say you can't alt-tab out of the game.  Can you move your cursor?  Can you control-alt-delete to re-boot (of course try this a few times if it doesn't work the first time)?

Does it do the same thing watching a movie or playing a video as it does in these two games?

Are you running a firewall, anti-virus or anti-spyware application?  What other applications run in the background (outside of the standard Windows services)?

Have you checked to be sure the video card and CPU heatsink/fan are seated properly and all cables are connected securely?  Are the fans running?

Have you checked the device manager to make sure there are no system conflicts?

Do you have a dual nic card?  If so is one disabled?

Well, there's a few things that might help us figure this out.  I'm sure I've missed a few but this will help get us started.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Wobbly on February 25, 2009, 10:26:03 AM
try it without the usb headphones plugged in, could be these drawing power/interfering

could also be the psu failing, the only problems I have ever had have been with psus giving up
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on February 25, 2009, 10:40:11 AM
when was the last time you cleaned the fans out on your computer? Sounds more like its something over heating when you crank up the graphics. Fan might be dead on the graphics card. Did your computer have an odd squealing sound for away then go away  :D
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 25, 2009, 12:28:07 PM
My guesses are heat, failing memory (graphics or system), hardware conflict or driver conflict not nessesarily in that order.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Chalenge on February 25, 2009, 12:38:10 PM
Odbal have you tried removing and cleaning the video drivers and installing them fresh?
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 25, 2009, 01:29:37 PM
All of my fans are working fine, the computer is fairly new and has the clear side on it so I can see inside the computer.  I cleaned the fans out not to long ago, I don't think it is a heat problem. 

I have always used the USB headphones in AH, not saying this couldnt be it, just saying I don't know why it would suddenly be it.

When it freezes it stops everything in its tracks, captures the screen like a picture (no greying out).  Nothing moves.  Ctrl+alt+Del will not work, I have to push the reset or power buttons.

I will have to check what other programs I am running.  Do I do this with the ctrl, alt, del? And is there a way to save that window as a file and put it on here?

Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 25, 2009, 02:01:45 PM
All of my fans are working fine, the computer is fairly new and has the clear side on it so I can see inside the computer.  I cleaned the fans out not to long ago, I don't think it is a heat problem. 

I have always used the USB headphones in AH, not saying this couldnt be it, just saying I don't know why it would suddenly be it.

When it freezes it stops everything in its tracks, captures the screen like a picture (no greying out).  Nothing moves.  Ctrl+alt+Del will not work, I have to push the reset or power buttons.

I will have to check what other programs I am running.  Do I do this with the ctrl, alt, del? And is there a way to save that window as a file and put it on here?



Yes, you can use control alt delete, then do screen captures (print screen button) of the applications and processes tabs.  You can expand the box to get all the processes in one screen shot, then post it.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Animl on February 25, 2009, 04:49:56 PM
All of my fans are working fine, the computer is fairly new and has the clear side on it so I can see inside the computer.  I cleaned the fans out not to long ago, I don't think it is a heat problem. 

I have always used the USB headphones in AH, not saying this couldnt be it, just saying I don't know why it would suddenly be it.

When it freezes it stops everything in its tracks, captures the screen like a picture (no greying out).  Nothing moves.  Ctrl+alt+Del will not work, I have to push the reset or power buttons.

I will have to check what other programs I am running.  Do I do this with the ctrl, alt, del? And is there a way to save that window as a file and put it on here?



1) Have you scanned for viruses or spyware lately?

If not, that would be the next thing I would consider. My red flag is that Ctrl+alt+Del doesn't work. Unless you don't have Administrator privileges and someone else disabled it on you. Disabling applets like this is SOP for spyware\viruses as it prevents you from finding their stuff and disabling it. Just a guesss. Eliminate that possibility and scan it for both Viruses and Spyware.

If you're not sure if the software you use is any good the below are good free products for spyware.
http://www.superantispyware.com/ (http://www.superantispyware.com/)
http://www.safer-networking.org/ (http://www.safer-networking.org/)  (SpyBot)

2) In another post I noticed you said 38 processes were running>?. If this is under Windows XP that's too many for gaming >IMO<. The more you have running, the more chances you have for glitches. When I run a game I have between 7 and 11. Especially if some of those items are Virus\Spyware software.

We can tackle that next, after #1 above checks out.

3) Always make sure your system and\or drive where your game exist,.. is cleaned and defragged. Many glitches are born from a fragmented drives, especially loading graphics. However, I don't think that is your issue.

I have a few ideas, but *I* would think that a good place to start. OR Unless Skuzzy spots something in your posted DX Diag.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: 20mmrain on February 25, 2009, 05:30:18 PM
I recently Up dated My video card and Drivers and am having problems like this!!!! WHat did you do to fix this???? (asking the guy who posted Video card Driver upgrade?)DEnHolm Thanks:)
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Animl on February 25, 2009, 06:42:00 PM
I recently Up dated My video card and Drivers and am having problems like this!!!! WHat did you do to fix this???? (asking the guy who posted Video card Driver upgrade?)DEnHolm Thanks:)

Depends on your video card model.

If that's all you did was change drivers then I would try rolling back to the older version previously installed. Especially if it's an older Nvidia card. Some of the older Nvidia cards conflict with new drivers. Sometimes the new driver is asking the older card to do something it can't,... AND then you have some companies turn out bogus updates.

If you roll back it's always a good measure to get a driver cleaner and clean out all of the updated\removed driver bits and pieces.

The rule of thumb is to always keep up on current driver versions,...but once in a great while you get exceptions depending on the model\age of the card.

Did you get the updated driver from the card manufacturer website, or from the chip set company like Nvidia? just wondering.

Just guessing.

Animl
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 25, 2009, 07:09:11 PM
OK, I did the print screen thing, or I brought up my Task manager and hit the print screen button but it didn't do anything?  What am I missing?
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on February 25, 2009, 07:20:13 PM
you have to open an art program like paint, or gimp, or photoshop, clip the "paste" selection under the "open" tab of the program and as long as its still saved in the memories it will put it up. Then you'll have to post is at photobucket .com
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: K-KEN on February 25, 2009, 07:21:34 PM
There is always setting the System Restore in motion and going back to a known good time it worked!  Just as a last resort. Just did that to my new builder because the nVidia 181.22 drivers hosed me. <shrugs>
I haven't got enough running on the PC yet as far as programs, but I do have a lot compared to some. (games) I have all my antivirus running, one joystick configured, and basically thats it....
System Restore is simple and can be your friend.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: TwinBoom on February 25, 2009, 07:25:00 PM
38 processes runnin in back ground is to much
16 to 19 is good for xp
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 25, 2009, 07:30:08 PM
Here is my process screen.  Which ones can I shut down and still use my computer for AH and general internet browsing?  Running pingplotter now.

(http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q461/kevlq/Processes.jpg)
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 25, 2009, 07:35:39 PM
Here is my pingplotter.  Been running for a few minutes...

(http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q461/kevlq/pingplotter.jpg)

And here is one of me shooting my bow.  Not sure if this helps either? If not, I have one of me shooting dual pistols, or Halle Berry in her underwear.


(http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q461/kevlq/l_9d4ebc8bffda7360cf00bae03a474376.jpg)
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Anodizer on February 25, 2009, 08:28:03 PM
Hey dude...  Honestly (because I've had problems with many PCCHIPS brand motherboards) I'd guess that there's an issue with your board..  I've had the same things you're talking about..
PC CHIPS are pretty cheaply made boards..  I think they're made in China IIRC.  I remember reading something about the caps they use undervolting or overvolting after awhile..
I'll search for it..  It was a few years ago..  Anyhow, I guess it's pretty common in their boards..  I'd bet ya that if you switched mother boards, you'd solve the problem...  I know it's a big deal and am quite aware of what's involved..  But in the long run, I think it's what you'll have to do anyway..  I've never heard good things about PC CHIPS boards..  And my experiences with them have not been good either..  Best of luck in this situation...  Up The Irons!! :rock
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 25, 2009, 10:56:50 PM
I recently Up dated My video card and Drivers and am having problems like this!!!! WHat did you do to fix this???? (asking the guy who posted Video card Driver upgrade?)DEnHolm Thanks:)

Did you uninstall the old drivers first?  If you didn't they probably left behind a file or two and it's now causing a conflict with the new driver.  If you didn't, uninstall the new driver, reinstall the old one then uninstall it, then reinstall the new one or, uninstall the new driver then run driver cleaner then reinstall it.


ODBAL, could you zoom the file in a little more before posting it?   :rofl  Or you can go here www.blackviper.com to see what's safe to turn off for your O/S.  Anything not listed at Black Viper is something you installed and isn't needed to run your sytem.

The ping plot can be saved as a file and just copied and pasted onto the BBs.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 25, 2009, 11:07:09 PM

ODBAL, could you zoom the file in a little more before posting it?   


The one of me shooting my bow or Halle in her underwear?

I went to Black Viper, how do I know if I am running 64bit or 32 Bit?
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 25, 2009, 11:15:27 PM
You are running 32 bit.  Just trust me.  You probably have 4 Gb of RAM in your sytem and it's only seeing 3328MB.  If you had a 64 bit O/S it would see all of it.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Denholm on February 26, 2009, 01:05:51 PM
Dxdiag is amazing, isn't it? ;)
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 26, 2009, 01:32:27 PM
Dxdiag is amazing, isn't it? ;)

No, what is truly amazing is nobody wants to see a big picture of Halle Berry in her underwear.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: strong10 on February 26, 2009, 02:57:02 PM
Share the picture man!  I want to see her.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 26, 2009, 04:34:00 PM
Share the picture man!  I want to see her.

Ooops, I thought it was Halle in her underwear, but its really Halle in her underwear holding a gun!! Extra hot!

(http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q461/kevlq/Halle_Berry_pictures5.jpg)

Now somebody fix my computer so I can play!
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Denholm on February 27, 2009, 07:59:48 AM
*Slaps forehead*

Didn't anyone get the memo? We techies are Pornoholics Anonymous members!!! Thanks man... :mad:
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: DktrEvil on February 27, 2009, 08:36:02 PM
Having the same problem here.  I notice we have one thing in common, XP SP3.  I just loaded SP3 a few weeks back, hmmm.  

Here is my report:
P.S. I downloaded and installed the latest ATI drivers (seen below) and that didn't help.  I had to cut out some information to make it fit the post.


------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/27/2009, 20:15:05
       Machine name: NUMBER1
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ECS
       System Model: M922
               BIOS: Default System BIOS
          Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.00GHz
             Memory: 2048MB RAM
          Page File: 487MB used, 3456MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 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: ATI Radeon 9550 / X1050 Series
     Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
        Chip type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x4153)
         DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4153&SUBSYS_0200174B&REV_00
   Display Memory: 256.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
  Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
      Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6912 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 2/3/2009 22:55:01, 324096 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 2/4/2009 01:27:21, 3488768 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-0213-11CF-FB6F-0A22A1C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x1002
        Device ID: 0x4153
        SubSys ID: 0x0200174B
      Revision ID: 0x0000
      Revision ID: 0x0000
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV8_B ModeWMV8_A ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
 Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: 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
                   {552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: 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

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
+ PCI bus
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0a03
| Service: pci
| Driver: pci.sys, 4/13/2008 12:36:44, 68224 bytes
|
+-+ Standard Game Port
| | Matching Device ID: *pnpb02f
| | Service: gameenum
| | Driver: gameenum.sys, 4/13/2008 12:45:29, 10624 bytes
| |
| +-+ Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect)
| | | Matching Device ID: gameport\sidewindergamecontroller
| | | Service: msgame
| | | Driver: hidclass.sys, 4/13/2008 12:45:26, 36864 bytes
| | | Driver: hidparse.sys, 4/13/2008 12:45:22, 24960 bytes
| | | Driver: hid.dll, 4/13/2008 18:11:54, 20992 bytes
| | | Driver: msgame.sys, 8/17/2001 14:02:40, 35200 bytes
| | | Driver: sw_effct.dll, 8/17/2001 22:36:32, 41472 bytes
| | | Driver: sw_wheel.dll, 8/17/2001 22:36:32, 53760 bytes
| | |
| | +-+ HID-compliant game controller
| | | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_game


------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
      Drive: C:
 Free Space: 24.4 GB
Total Space: 38.2 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: ST340016A

      Drive: D:
 Free Space: 22.0 GB
Total Space: 57.2 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: ST3200822A

      Drive: G:
 Free Space: 47.9 GB
Total Space: 133.5 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: ST3200822A

      Drive: H:
      Model: LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1633S
     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 12:40:46, 62976 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
     Name: Linksys LNE100TX Fast Ethernet Adapter(LNE100TX v4)
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1317&DEV_0985&SUBSYS_05741317&REV_11\3&61AAA01&0&40
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\an983.sys, 2.17.1025.2001 (English), 8/3/2004 22:31:20, 36224 bytes

     Name: VIA CPU to AGP Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_B091&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00\3&61AAA01&0&08
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\VIAAGP.SYS, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 12:36:40, 42240 bytes

     Name: VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter #2
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3065&SUBSYS_01021106&REV_74\3&61AAA01&0&90
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\fetnd5bv.sys, 3.83.0000.0468 (English), 12/4/2008 07:18:00, 43520 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\vuins32.dll, 1.07.0000.0012 (English), 10/27/2006 08:26:56, 69632 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\difxapi.dll, 2.01.0000.0000 (English), 11/1/2006 23:21:54, 319456 bytes

     Name: Vinyl AC'97 Codec Combo Driver (WDM)
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_41611106&REV_50\3&61AAA01&0&8D
   Driver: n/a

     Name: ATI Radeon 9550 / X1050 Series
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4153&SUBSYS_0200174B&REV_00\4&26E5833C&0&0008
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\ati2mtag.sys, 6.14.0010.6912 (English), 2/4/2009 01:27:21, 3488768 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\ati2erec.dll, 1.00.0000.0018 (English), 2/3/2009 21:52:01, 53248 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2dvag.dll, 6.14.0010.6912 (English), 2/3/2009 22:55:01, 324096 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2cqag.dll, 6.14.0010.0410 (English), 2/3/2009 21:46:18, 626688 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2mdxx.exe, 6.14.0010.2495 (English), 2/3/2009 22:43:55, 26112 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati3duag.dll, 6.14.0010.0643 (English), 2/3/2009 22:30:55, 3884768 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ativvaxx.dll, 6.14.0010.0215 (English), 2/3/2009 22:14:05, 2645504 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atiicdxx.dat, 10/29/2008 16:13:33, 180720 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ativva5x.dat, 9/29/2007 02:36:06, 3107788 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ativva6x.dat, 2/3/2009 22:13:21, 887724 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\amdpcom32.dll, 6.14.0010.0022 (English), 2/3/2009 21:58:46, 49664 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atiadlxx.dll, 6.14.0010.1026 (English), 2/3/2009 21:53:04, 122880 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ativvaxx.cap, 2/3/2009 22:13:29, 121808 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ATIDDC.DLL, 6.14.0010.0008 (English), 2/3/2009 22:40:30, 53248 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atitvo32.dll, 6.14.0010.4200 (English), 2/3/2009 21:52:53, 17408 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ativcoxx.dll, 6.13.0010.0005 (English), 11/9/2001 15:01:04, 24064 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2evxx.exe, 6.14.0010.4220 (English), 2/3/2009 22:41:55, 602112 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2evxx.dll, 6.14.0010.4177 (English), 2/3/2009 22:43:29, 155648 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atipdlxx.dll, 6.14.0010.2547 (English), 2/3/2009 22:44:16, 196608 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\Oemdspif.dll, 6.15.0006.0002 (English), 2/3/2009 22:44:03, 155648 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2edxx.dll, 6.14.0010.2513 (English), 2/3/2009 22:43:45, 43520 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atikvmag.dll, 6.14.0010.0096 (English), 2/3/2009 21:54:38, 471040 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atifglpf.xml, 8/31/2007 08:20:49, 7167 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ATIDEMGX.dll, 2.00.3321.43090 (English), 2/3/2009 22:56:22, 442368 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\aticaldd.dll, 6.14.0010.0186 (English), 2/3/2009 20:40:14, 3244032 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\aticalrt.dll, 6.14.0010.0186 (English), 2/3/2009 20:43:04, 45056 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\aticalcl.dll, 6.14.0010.0186 (English), 2/3/2009 20:42:57, 45056 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atibrtmon.exe, 2.00.0000.0000 (English), 10/21/2008 12:51:43, 118784 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atiok3x2.dll, 6.14.0010.8494 (English), 2/3/2009 23:03:34, 290816 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atioglxx.dll, 6.14.0010.8494 (English), 2/3/2009 23:57:13, 11702272 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\atiiiexx.dll, 6.14.0010.4006 (English), 2/3/2009 21:44:13, 307200 bytes
   Driver: C:\WINDOWS\atiogl.xml, 12/29/2008 13:35:28, 15485 bytes

Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on February 28, 2009, 01:03:28 AM
I've been running SP3 on XP Pro for a couple of months now without issue.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 28, 2009, 09:09:55 AM
I've been running SP3 on XP Pro for a couple of months now without issue.

Well loddy frickin dah! :P
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: TwinBoom on February 28, 2009, 10:01:16 AM
skuzzy advised me to stay away from SP3
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on February 28, 2009, 10:47:52 AM
Odbal, try this. Take the cover off your computer and put a floor fan in front of it (...and seeing its you I have to say "turn it on!"  :D ) . Then try the game. See if it runs longer. It just sounds to me like you have some part over heating causing the shutdown. The extra cooling should make it run longer.

DktrEvil

Yours looks like a weak system. What settings are you running the game at? What texture size, what preloads? Also, if your computer is trying to do too much at the same time as run the game you will have problems. Hit cntrl, alt, delete at the same time and click on the processes tab. How many do you have running? Lower is better, and on an XP system under 20 is good.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: Animl on February 28, 2009, 01:47:03 PM
skuzzy advised me to stay away from SP3

Why?
I've been using it for months without any problems at all. I think the issues come into play with AMD. As far as Intel CPUs I have not heard a single problem....yet.

The below doesn't sound like the current problem being discussed here, although it could be. Regardless the below is the only issue I heard of from SP3.

From softwarepatch.com
Windows Service Pack 3 patch for AMD processors to prevent STOP: 0x0000007E error on boot.

WindowsXP-KB953356-x86-ENU.exe

If you have an AMD processor and are considering upgrading to Windows Service Pack 3 (SP3), then it is important that you apply this patch before SP3. Otherwise, your system may possibly get stuck in a loop of reboots that will stop Windows XP from starting.

On a technical level, there is a problem with the way that the System Preparation (Sysprep) image is created. According to one explanation offered by Microsoft "The problem may occur if the original Sysprep image for Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), for Windows XP SP2, or for Windows XP SP3 is created on a computer that uses an Intel processor and is then deployed on a computer that does not use an Intel processor. In this configuration, the Intel processor driver (Intelppm.sys) may try to load after the computer is upgraded to Windows XP SP2 or to Windows XP SP3. The driver does this because an orphaned registry key remains from the original Sysprep image." In these cases you may also see the following error messages:

A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer...

Technical information:

STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC0000005, [number1], [number2], [number3])
SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_H ANDLED

When Physical Address Extensions (PAE) is enabled, you may receive the following error message: STOP 0x000000FC (ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUT E_MEMORY)

[number1], [number2] and [number3] listed above will be random, alphanumeric and 10 digits long. However, 0x0000007E and 0xC0000005 will always be present for this type of error. Note 0x0000007E errors have multiple causes, but if it is an AMD processor and you have just installed SP3, there is a good bet that this patch will fix the issue. Ideally the patch should be applied before the Windows XP Service Pack 3.


Still curious as to why Skuzzy says to stay clear of it. Not saying he's worng or anything, would just like his view.
Animl
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: TwinBoom on February 28, 2009, 05:15:46 PM
said it made his test system unstable
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on February 28, 2009, 10:51:38 PM
Odbal, try this. Take the cover off your computer and put a floor fan in front of it (...and seeing its you I have to say "turn it on!"  :D ) . Then try the game. See if it runs longer. It just sounds to me like you have some part over heating causing the shutdown. The extra cooling should make it run longer.

DktrEvil

Yours looks like a weak system. What settings are you running the game at? What texture size, what preloads? Also, if your computer is trying to do too much at the same time as run the game you will have problems. Hit cntrl, alt, delete at the same time and click on the processes tab. How many do you have running? Lower is better, and on an XP system under 20 is good.

Weak system? Really?  This computer is not that old, not that it was the latest and greatest when I bought it.  And AH doesn't seem to be that graphic intense of a game.  I have like 36 processes running but I have no idea which ones I can turn off. 
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: BaldEagl on March 01, 2009, 02:49:56 AM
Weak system? Really?  This computer is not that old, not that it was the latest and greatest when I bought it.  And AH doesn't seem to be that graphic intense of a game.  I have like 36 processes running but I have no idea which ones I can turn off. 

Did you go to blackviper?  They spell it out pretty clearly.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on March 01, 2009, 10:32:12 AM
Weak system? Really?  This computer is not that old, not that it was the latest and greatest when I bought it.  And AH doesn't seem to be that graphic intense of a game.  I have like 36 processes running but I have no idea which ones I can turn off. 

NO! your system isn't weak, DktrEvils system is weak. Your I think has a heat problem, thats way I want you to try the fan idea. If you were locking up after a half hour, the fan might push it to a couple of hours. If it works like that then we have to find out if its your video card, or motherboard thats over heating.

BlackVipers page is a great help in figuring out which to kill and which to leave alone. He list most of the common ones and what to do with them. For those he doesn't mention, google it. The first couple of hits on google usually is enough to let you know if you should kill it, or leave it alone.
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: ODBAL on March 02, 2009, 09:31:51 AM
NO! your system isn't weak, DktrEvils system is weak. Your I think has a heat problem, thats way I want you to try the fan idea. If you were locking up after a half hour, the fan might push it to a couple of hours. If it works like that then we have to find out if its your video card, or motherboard thats over heating.

BlackVipers page is a great help in figuring out which to kill and which to leave alone. He list most of the common ones and what to do with them. For those he doesn't mention, google it. The first couple of hits on google usually is enough to let you know if you should kill it, or leave it alone.

I hate computers.... On an unrelated topic, I got up and flew around a bit without any problems the other night.  I did go to Black Viper, but only shut off 1 thingy majig.  I don't think it is a heat problem as I can turn my computer on and fly right away with the same results, plus it has fans out the wazoo that are working and cleaned out regularly.  As to black viper.  Do I just look down the "Safe" column and anything labeled "disabled" on that list I can highlight and click "end process" and be OK?
Title: Re: Computer Freezing Up
Post by: The Fugitive on March 02, 2009, 01:28:54 PM
If you have a cap or chip going bad it doesn't take a lot of heat to get it to screw up. Blowing air strait onto the MB reduces temps a lot, but really isn't practical, but for a test you might see a difference.

Going to THIS PAGE (http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm) has the 32 bit WinXP suggested settings. I've never heard of any probelms coming out of BlackVipers stuff so any of the three columns on the right are "good" settings. If you are nervous about turning off the wrong thing, get FSAutoStart (http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/FSAutoStart-Download-14374.html). and use it to turn things off. If you turn the wrong thing off with FSautostart all you have to do is reboot your computer and everything is reset to the way it was.