System lock ups

[Marc von Martial]

Guys try this please:

In Windows XP and 2000:
1. Open the Display Properties window:
-- In Windows XP, choose Start > Control Panel, click Appearance and Themes, and then click Display.
-- In Windows 2000, choose Start > Settings > Control Panel, and double-click Display.
2. Click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.
3. Click the Troubleshooting tab.
4. Move the Hardware acceleration slider one notch down.
5. Click OK to accept the new setting, and then click OK to close the Display Properties window.
6. Restart Windows.

note: if it doesn´t help try again one notch down.

In Windows Me or 98:
1. Right-click My Computer, and choose Properties.
2. Click the Performance tab, and then click Graphics.
3. Move the Hardware acceleration slider one notch down, and then click OK.
4. Restart Windows.

note: if it doesn´t help try again one notch down.



Let me hear if this helps, I had to do it for a few other games/applications.

[Bernd Hesberg]

I have observed some strange behaviour during the startup of the game. It shows the screen 'Your files are being organized' and with the progress bar at approx. 20% all activity freezes.
I tried to find out how to avoid this and was partially successfull (lucky me ).

Now, before telling about it I have to mention my systems configuration and how glad I am that it's sufficient to run the game. It's a PII 233, 64 MB (don't laugh!, there have always been more important targets to invest my money in than an upgrade to my comp), onboard graphics and sound (latest drivers d/l-ed and installed), with Win95b and Direct-X 8.0. All in all, an underdog at it's best, but with enough free HD space.

Ok, back to my observations.
During the update phase for the drivers I was using the DxDiag tool just to ensure they are all approved.
I even started the sound and graphics tests, that may be performed by this tool and everything was okay.
Then I installed the game and had the lock up several times until ....
I did those tests again. After that the game started and was running fine.
Some more tests brought me to the conclusion that it was only related to the sound options. I noticed a message from the DxDiag, telling that the sound hardware wasn't able to use a hardware buffer but only software buffers. Obviously this test had some influence on the way the Direct-X drivers work.

I hope this helps. If anymore info is needed, just post a reply.

[Marc von Martial]

on a side note:

It is possible to "uninstall" DirectX to reinstall an earlier version. You would need the DirecXbuster app.

http://www.directxbuster.de/index_e.html


Read the instructions very carefully.

note: I´m not recommending going down to an earlier version of DirectX for Uncommon Valor, just want to point out that it is possible to do so.

[Marc von Martial]

What just came to my mind, please check also if your mouse manufacturer provides driver updates. For example Logitech does that frequently.

I recall that I wasn´t able to play Max Payne without the latest drivers from my manufacturer.

[Behemoth]

Thx for the replys by the way. I was playing a little today and I think I can reliably recreate my lock ups. It seems all is well until I zoom in and that is when all hell breaks loose. I'm trying to recall what I did before the earlier lock ups and I do recall zooming in each case. Maybe this bit of info might help the diagnostics. I've played in both resolutions and it's the same in each case. Not a show stopper as long as I know what to avoid, this is really a nice piece of work(the game). I'm happy I bought the game with the funds I had left in my bank account, well worth it.
-B

[GrahamFife]

Marc

Your suggestion about reducing the level of hardware acceleration, combined with keeping the music turned down to zero, seems to have worked for me, so far.

Many (interim) thanks.