Matrix Games Forums

Ok, some of the regulars are starting to have problems, so that's why I'm posting it here, rather than on the Tech Support subforum.

I am NOT a tech-geek, and my PC isn't top of the line. I disable all non-essential programs from the start-up menu when I reboot my PC. This includes any background anti-virus programs.

With IE7 having many security safeguards incorporated into it, I see no need to have Norton or whatever running constantly.

I DO use the PC Pitstop online utility to test my PC, and it's reliable. This describes what is running at the time the test is done, and will tell you what the essential routines are.

Other games can also install non-essential programs into your PC. We all know about the hated Starforce, but there are others (automatic online game updaters and that sort of thing). Also, if you have the Quick-Time video player, it installs a background routine called "QT.task". You don't need it.

I have my startup stripped to the bare bones. As a disclaimer, this might not work for everyone, so don't blame me if something gets screwed up, OK? I'm just telling you what works for me, and prevents SPWaW from crashing.

Here's a screenshot of one of the things the PC Pitstop utility does: note that the UOSU utility is running (which allows me to get the screenshot). This doesn't interfere with running SPWaW. There's also that ctfmon thing, which allows use of the speech module. I DON'T need that. I have just one game that can use it. Therefore, I can cut it out of my startup. The SoundMax monitor is OK with me. This monitors my audio drivers. I leave that one running. It also doesn't interfere with SPWaW.

The Blackscreen issue seems to be a major problem these days, and I am now getting it..
[:(]

ORIGINAL: Alby

The Blackscreen issue seems to be a major problem these days, and I am now getting it..
[:(]

What's changed, Alby? New programs, updated drivers, what?

my Anti virus, Grisofts 'free version' was ending support for the version I had, so I had to upgrade to a newer version.
ever since I get the intermitant "blackscreen' even afetr shutting down all the running anti virus asscociated programs i can see.
[&:]
seems to happen when the game flickers or "refreshes" it seems to me.
I have long since got rid of the CTFMON thing.

ORIGINAL: Alby

my Anti virus, Grisofts 'free version' was ending support for the version I had, so I had to upgrade to a newer version.
ever since I get the intermitant "blackscreen' even afetr shutting down all the running anti virus asscociated programs i can see.
[&:]
seems to happen when the game flickers or "refreshes" it seems to me.
I have long since got rid of the CTFMON thing.

OK, that's gotta be it. You use XP? <Ctrl-alt-del> task manager and see what's running. You MAY have to uninstall the whole AV suite and look for an alternative.

I do that and I shut down evrything I see thats associated with AVG (the anit viurs thing)
heres my screenshot
WTF is this Omni pass?????

Omni-pass? I have no idea, Alby. Get rid of it.

ORIGINAL: KG Erwin

Omni-pass? I have no idea, Alby. Did you d/l anything from "Softex"? Who are they? Get rid of it.

Aagh -- double post. Sorry. That may be what I was earlier talking about -- "piggy-backed" crap that you don't need.

What it is:
&nbsp;
http://www.softexinc.com/main.asp
&nbsp;
and how to get rid of it.
&nbsp;
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=74501&goto=nextoldest
&nbsp;
Do you guys know the word 'Google'?[:'(]
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Goblin

Dr. Göblin strikes again. Stomp that Softex stuff into oblivion, Alby.

ORIGINAL: Goblin

What it is:


Do you guys know the word 'Google'?[:'(]


Goblin

Yes, that's the sound my wife makes when her mouth is full of ... oh, crap, nevermind. [:'(]

ok made some adjusmnts
got less going on now

ORIGINAL: Goblin

What it is:

http://www.softexinc.com/main.asp

and how to get rid of it.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=74501&goto=nextoldest

Do you guys know the word 'Google'?[:'(]





Goblin

Here's to hoping that Alby gets this issue resolved.

Dear Alby:
&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp; Have you shut off your MS auto downloads ? If you haven't you may have not notice MS has been updating every day for the past week, after download it (MS) wants to install and if you have auto install selected SPwaw and MS now fight for control, hence possible reason for Black screen. I use AVG until I tturn on game, then I shut everything down except&nbsp;SP unless I come on line for gaming purposes. I haven't had any problems except the MS info above.&nbsp; GOOD LUCK&nbsp;

I had to upgrade AVG as well with no problems. I was told IE7 had a bug and reverted back to version 6 though FYI.
Ken

ORIGINAL: chief

Dear Alby:

Have you shut off your MS auto downloads ? If you haven't you may have not notice MS has been updating every day for the past week, after download it (MS) wants to install and if you have auto install selected SPwaw and MS now fight for control, hence possible reason for Black screen. I use AVG until I tturn on game, then I shut everything down except SP unless I come on line for gaming purposes. I haven't had any problems except the MS info above. GOOD LUCK

Have you gotten the AVG "upgrade"
I shut down all the AVG stuff too, I never had too until the "upgrade" but now that doesnt even help.

ORIGINAL: ken.ennis

I had to upgrade AVG as well with no problems. I was told IE7 had a bug and reverted back to version 6 though FYI.
Ken

Hmmm I dont use IE, I use Firefox, but I did install IE7 just to check it out.. but not sure how that could affect anything..

ORIGINAL: Alby

Success!!! Eliminating those top 3 items in blue has solved the problem...[:)]
Dont know how but it did, I dont even have to shut down my anti virus now, no more black screen...
[:D]
Got rid of that Musicmatch diagnostics too, got rid of it at start up using MSCONFIG.