Gaming Sputters

[speedracer]

When I play a game with decent graphics (America's Army) my PC tends to go through the "sputters". Basically, it's like the game is hooked to a strobe light (no the monitor doesn't blink).The action seems to be very jittery with stops and starts. I have a 1 gig pentium III processor, 256 RAM, lots of free space on my hardrive (25 gig), and a Geforce 4 TI video card. A friend thought there were items on my PC that were competing for memory. Is this the right direction and how do I solve?

[AnnMarie]

We would have to have a look at your startups for you speedracer to see if that could be the problem. Go here (http://www.spywareinfo.com/files/hijackthis.zip) and download and run a scan with Hijack This. Dont make any changes, just click on Save Log, copy it and post it back in this thread.

[Tweaker]

After completing what AnnMarie suggest if you still have issues, here are a few more things you might want to consider doing to help alleviate the problem.

*Run the Disk Cleanup utility and then Disk Defragment your hard disk.

*Update your audio card drivers.

*Update your video card drivers

*Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

*Disable Scheduled Tasks and Anti-virus software

*If your running Windows XP change the compatibility of the program to Windows 95 / 98 or 2000.

*Reduce Video Acceleration

*Reduce Audio Acceleration

Just some tips I have used in the past for gaming problems. :cool

[speedracer]

Here is the log. Thanks for your help!!!!! Tweaker, I'll be taking your advice on those changes.

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Personal Firewall\NISUM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton Personal Firewall\ccPxySvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\John\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~2\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NVMCTRAY.DLL,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Free Surfer (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Free Surfer (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

[AnnMarie]

Hi speedracer - you do have some unnecessary startups that may be disabled. Go to Start > Run and type:

msconfig

then OK. Click on the Startup Tab and consider unchecking the below entries after reading the explanation. All the below information is provided by Pacman's Startup Pages.

Nero Check - Associated with "Nero Burning Rom" CD writing software. Used to install/control Nero driver nerocd2k.sys. Required only if you use Win2K/XP and login without admin privileges.

NvCplDaemon - Intializes the clock and memory settings on nVidia based graphics cards. Disable if you overclock your card.

nwiz - Associated with the newer versions of nVidia graphics cards drivers. Allows you to immensely improve desktop layouts by setting preferences and optimizations. However, this isn't necessary for the operation of your system.

LXSUPMON - Lexmark Printer. The printer should work fine without it.

Advanced Tools Check - Checks when you install a new version of a Norton product that you have uninstalled all previous versions. Serves as a reminder if you forget.

You can also remove the below links from your global startups. Rightclick on your Start Button and choose "Open All Users". Doubleclick on Programs and scroll down to Startup and delete the below shortcuts.

Acrobat Assistant - If you want to create a PDF using Acrobat Distiller, you can execute this program manually just before doing so.

Microsoft Office - Resource hog that launches common MS Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. Some users claim there's no difference with or without it but it isn't required anyway.

If this doesnt help, Tweakers suggestions should make a difference.

[speedracer]

Thanks AnnMarie! As far as disabling the Nero start item, I normally log in as an admin and am running XP. Should I consider setting up a new user account without admin rights? For the NvCplDaemon, not sure what "overclock" my card means. I'll do it if it's cool!
Also, I've update my NVIDIA driver. However, I'm having trouble determining what audio card driver I have and therefore, can't update it. How do I do this?

Thanks for all your help! I tell my friends about this site all the time.

[AnnMarie]

Hi again speedracer - go to our Downloads Page here (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/html/downloads/index.php) and download and run Aida32. It will report all your system information.

Re creating another user without admin privileges, to help secure your PC, it is recommended that WinXP users only login with admin privileges when maintenance is required.

Basically "overclocking" is tweaking your hardware for maximum performance but this can also cause problems. If you want more information, it would be advisable to post a question in our Hardware and Overclocking Forum.

[Tweaker]

I'm having trouble determining what audio card driver I have and therefore, can't update it. How do I do this?


Start--Control Panel--Sounds and Audio Devices--Hardware Tab. Highlight each device and select Properties--Drivers Tab--Driver Update.

[speedracer]

Tweaker,

By following the process of:
Start--Control Panel--Sounds and Audio Devices--Hardware Tab. Highlight each device and select Properties--Drivers Tab--Driver Update

- Will this automatically go out to the web to find the newest drivers, or just search for what has been placed on my pc? Having Windows automatic updates turned on, will this find the latest versions of Microsoft drivers and download?

[Tweaker]

I would first go and get the updated driver for your specific sound card, download it to your pc and then run update driver, then select where you placed the driver and update that way. Hope that makes sense. :D

[speedracer]

Tweaker,

Thanks, that does make sense. I wasn't sure if that option searched the internet. When I would chose to "automatically search for an updated driver" my firewall would give a warning that something was trying to access the internet (can't remember the actual warning). Can you recommend a site to download audio drivers?

Also, I have done all of the above updates except the audio drivers. I still have the sputtering problem. I noticed when I have Windows Task Manager open that the physical memory reads:
Total 261616k
Available 84456k
System Cache 131880k

Does this indicate that I do not have enough available memory and therefore will have a problem in gaming? This reading comes when I have just this site and Windows Task Manager open.

[Tweaker]

Ok, first check -Start--Control Panel--Sounds and Audio Devices--Hardware Tab and find what sound card you have. Also have you tried any of the other suggestions mentioned in this thread? You have enough memory, your resources is what can cause you problems if you have too many programs running at once.

Anyway, post back the name of the sound card you have listed in your system and we'll go from there. :)

[speedracer]

Tweaker,

Yes, I have tried all the updates in this thread except the audio card driver update. Also, I noticed that with just the game America's Army and Windows Task Manager running, my CPU Usage was peaked at 100% the entire time. Not sure if that means anything.

Under the Audio Adapter it lists VIA AC'97 Audio Controller.

[Tweaker]

I see that is an onboard sound device.

I see you system meets the minimum requirements.

Do you have the latest DirectX running (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=141D5F9E-07C1-462A-BAEF-5EAB5C851CF5&displaylang=en)?

Also do you have the latest patch for that game?

http://www.gamershell.com/download_2026.shtml

One other thing I forgot to ask, is this the only game that is happens in?

[speedracer]

I have the latest version of the game v1.9.0

Do you recommend Directx 9.0? Seems like I saw info about that version causing several issues.

No, I also have problems with Rogue Spear. Not sure if this is also a related problem, but there are times that I have issues scrolling up and down webpages even though my internet speed is 1.7 megs.

[Tweaker]

I would recommend using DirectX 9b, I use it and have no problems, I haven't heard of any issues with ver. 9b. It might just help that graphic issue.

[speedracer]

I have the latest version of the game v1.9.0

Do you recommend Directx 9.0? Seems like I saw info about that version causing several issues.

No, I also have problems with Rogue Spear. Not sure if this is also a related problem, but there are times that I have issues scrolling up and down webpages even though my internet speed is 1.7 megs.

I have updated to DirectX 9.0, but that doesn't seem to make a difference. I tried playing the America's Army game last night and it was at it's worst. It seems that there are items that are hogging all my memory and not leaving enough for the game to function properly. Does my post about Windows Task Manager on 9/13/2003 6:34 pm mean anything for this issue? I noticed that the resource meter indicated 100% CPU Usage while just navigating through this website.

[speedracer]

I was just trying to play America's Army and of course the game was sputtering. Then my screen went black and my desktop flickered up (the game was closed). I had the following message and think this is related to my sputtering problems:

No Label

OS: Windows XP 5.1 (Build: 2600)
CPU: GenuineIntel PentiumPro-class processor @ 998 MHz with 255MB RAM
Video: NVIDIA GeForce2 MX/MX 400 (1240)

Ran out of virtual memory. To prevent this condition, you must free up more space on your primary hard disk.

History: FMallocWindows::Malloc <- FMallocWindows::Realloc <- 00000000 1980948554 FArray <- FArray::Realloc <- -1157009371*2 <- UCanvas::execDrawText <- (HUDPlayerID Transient.HUDPlayerID12 @ Function AGP.HUDPlayerID.DrawPlayerID : 0125) <- UObject::ProcessEvent <- (AGP_HUD Bridge.AGP_HUD12, Function AGP.AGP_HUD.PostRender) <- FPlayerSceneNode::Render <- UGameEngine::Draw <- UWindowsViewport::Repaint <- UWindowsClient::Tick <- ClientTick <- UGameEngine::Tick <- UpdateWorld <- MainLoop

I checked my C: drive and it has 22 gigs of free space on it.

[barryhal]

Is your virtual memory system managed or have you set custom size? To check, Right click on My Computer, click Properties, click on advanced tab, click on performance button, click on advanced tab, Click on Change button. If its not on System managed size, try that setting. If its on Sytem managed size, try setting a custom size a little larger than what the system managed size is.

[speedracer]

Barryhal,
My virtual memory was set on custom (364m), so I changed it to system managed (383m). I'll test it out and let you know if that worked.

[speedracer]

Adjusting my virtual memory had no impact. I even went back in and set it on custom with a minimum of 700M and max of 1 gig and it still didn't give me better performance. My gaming is still studdering pretty bad. Any more advice is greatly appreciated.