Vista 64 Crashes During Games

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

Hello Vista users,

I am new in this forum and would like to have your opinions in a problem that I have.

Currently I just purchased a new Dell XPS 730, and I did a clean install of Vista Ultimate 64.

However, it crashes everytime I am playing games or watching DVD, I have looked at this thread "http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/177101-help-vista-keeps-crashing.html" but I do not see any nTune in my computer.

I have also installed the latest Nvidia driver and directX

Any idea what causes this?

My pc spec is
-Intel Q9450
-Nvidia 9800GTX2
-8 GB ram
-1000 watt power supply.
-X-fi Creative sound card.

thank you very much in advance!:D

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

In the search panel type in msconfig, allow it and then click the startup tab. List what you have checked? It might also be helpful if you ran this and then listed everything: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/176785-vistaforums-sysinfo-tool.html

What games are you trying to run and what software are you using to watch DVD's?

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

thanks for the reply Fumz:

in the msconfig startup, I got:
-Windows defender
-Nvidia NVRAID
-Nvidia Compatible Windows Vista Display Driver 175.19
-Nvidia Media center library
-Messenger
-Daemon tools lite
-Weather Eye
-MS Operating System
-Creative Volume Panel
-Creative Updreg
-AVG Internet security
-Java SE 6 U7
-SMSTray
-Quicktime
-Winamp agent
-CTXfiHlp Application
-Adobe acrobat
-Adobe Systems

for the Sysinfo tool, which output spesifically do you need ?

thanks!

ps: The game that I have tried so far only Crysis and Company of Heroes.And the software to watch the DVD are Media Player and VLC

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

pummumu said:
... for the Sysinfo tool, which output spesifically do you need ?

Everything.

Another question: are you running a raid array?

Right off the bat I can tell you that you can uncheck both Adobes, CTXfiHlp, WinAmp, Quicktime (although you might have to open it up and tell it to not load at startup or it will keep re-appearing), Java SE 6 U7 and Creative Updreg.

There are other things you can remove too, but it's up to you dependent upon how you use them? SMSTray (uncheck unless you use this messenger a lot), Daemon tools lite (unless you like to boot up with an image in place, this isn't "needed" at startup), Messenger (useless "feature" meh, i hate messengers), Nvidia Media center library (if the machine is primarily used as a media machine and you use this ms app, then it's not really required that it load at startup... it will load just as fast double clicking).

After removing the first set of items, before deciding which of the second set to remove, I would update your DirectX as both the games you've listed are DX10 titles (ok ok, technically CoH is DX9 but there is a DX10 patch): http://www.vistax64.com/gaming/162064-latest-directx-update.html

Get back with the rest of that info too.

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

Hello Fumz,
I have disabled some of the programs that you suggested for Startup and have also installed DirextX from the link you gave me. Yes, my system uses RAID.

I still havent been able to test it with game( will do it when I get back from work tonight.)However, I left the PC running all night, and it didnt crash.

Also, it might be worth mentioning that I got this Dell xps 730 about 2 weeks ago, it came with Vista home 32 with 4 gig RAM, but last week, I did clean install of Vista 64, and completely replace all the RAM with new 8 gig RAM. I did call Dell support and the technician confirmed the compatibility of the Corsair XMS ram before I bought them.

Attached is the Sysinfo.txt

thank you very much for helping me out Fumz!:D

bruce2 · Aug 25, 2008

Hi Pummumu, of course Fumz is point to the right direction. But I would consider uninstall Company of Heroes to see if it helps. Both CoH and Oblivian plus patches gave me lots of problems.

Another thing you may like to look into is that the video card may be problematic:
Nvidia G92s and G94 reportedly failing - The INQUIRER

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

hi bruce2,
thank for your reply.
Even before I installed CoH, my vista has crashed many times when I was watching DVD from Windows Media Player. I really hope it is not because of my bad video card

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

pummumu said:
Hello Fumz,
I have disabled some of the programs that you suggested for Startup and have also installed DirextX from the link you gave me. Yes, my system uses RAID.

I still havent been able to test it with game( will do it when I get back from work tonight.)However, I left the PC running all night, and it didnt crash.

Also, it might be worth mentioning that I got this Dell xps 730 about 2 weeks ago, it came with Vista home 32 with 4 gig RAM, but last week, I did clean install of Vista 64, and completely replace all the RAM with new 8 gig RAM. I did call Dell support and the technician confirmed the compatibility of the Corsair XMS ram before I bought them.

Attached is the Sysinfo.txt

thank you very much for helping me out Fumz!:D

I'm loving that Sysinfo Tool. It save a lot of time with the back and forth.

I noticed that you have UAC disabled. You should seriously reconsider that choice. It's irritation factor diminishes over a short period of time while it's ability to keep the system safe is invaluable and lasting.

I also noticed that you did not have Service Pack1. You should make getting that your first priority; after it's installed, then defrag and try out your games. Download details: Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone for x64-based Systems (KB936330)

I highly recommend Auslogics Defrag Tool over the Vista default defrag: Defragment and Compact the Registry to Speed Up Your Computer. It's an app that also has the blessings of these forums: http://www.vistax64.com/software/115872-free-software-list-vista.html

When all this is done, before you run your games, refresh your Windows Index Score... just to humor me because seeing a 1 isn't right when you have a 9800x2. Right click on Computer, select Windows Experience Index, click Update my score. When it's done, play CoH.

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

Oh wow, I thought I had Sp1 installed already from the disc.
The Vista Ultiamte 64 that I got said on the box that it already has SP 1.
A question on this, when I go to WIndows update menu in Control Panel, it doesnt not list SP 1 as a choice, but when I go to my wife's vista 32 laptop, it has that option. That is why I thought I already had SP1 installed?

What is UAC and do you mind telling me how to enable it? ( I am such a newb when it comes down to deal with my PC.)

Also, my Nvidia is called 9800X2, not 2 pieces of 9800. people seem to always get confused by the "X2" :D

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

pummumu said:
Oh wow, I thought I had Sp1 installed already from the disc.
I will do that first thing before I do anything else.
A question on this, when I go to WIndows update menu in Control Panel, it doesnt not list SP 1 as a choice, but when I go to my wife's vista 32 laptop, it has that option. That is why I thought I already had SP1 installed?

What is UAC and do you mind telling me how to enable it? ( I am such a newb when it comes down to deal with my PC.)

Also, my Nvidia is called 9800X2, not 2 pieces of 9800. people seem to always get confused by the "X2" :D

Yeah, sometimes the update doesn't show SP1, not sure why, but it's KB936330, listed in Control Panel/Programs/Programs and Features/View Installed Updates as Service Pack for Microsoft Windows.

UAC = User Account Control. The short answer is that it prevents applications from running unless you approve; which is good, because it prevents malware from running without your knowledge. To enable it, go to Control Panel/User Accounts/ and for each account, at the bottom of the menu, turn on User Accounts Control.

Yeah, lol, I know what card you have, that's just my short-hand, sorry...

2x9800 is two cards, 9800x2 is the card you have.

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

thanks so much for your fast reply Fumz!
Actually, i jsut edited my post above saying that I just checked the Vista box saying that it came with SP1 already?Not sure whter I shuld still download the update?

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

Right click on Computer, select Properties. If SP1 is installed, it will say so up top under the heading: Windows Edition.

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

Hi Fumz,
I just checked under Systems, and I do indeed have SP1 installed

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

OK, then you can skip that step and proceed with the next. Report back on gameplay.

Adrian Wainer · Aug 25, 2008

Hi I am not expert like the other folks round here but my hunch is that you have issues with your Graphics card or your sound card or possibly your RAM . As most systems have pretty decent on-board sound, it might be worth trying the system without the sound card, just to eliminate it as a possibility. I would also think about the extra 4 Gigabytes, there are lots of things which are supposed to work and don't actually when it comes to the real world. Bye the way are updating your computer because MS gives out patches about once a week or more. But maybe the changes already suggested by the folks here will do the job so try them first.

Best and Warm Regards
Adrian Wainer

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

thanks Fumz :
So, first thing is for me enabling the UAC, and defrag using that software that you recomend and see if the game still crashes.

Adrian: thanks, I will do a memory check if Fumz's suggestion still don't work. On the extra Ram, I really do need it for the work I do, besides there isnt really a point for me to go 64 if I dont have 8 gb ram:D
If the RAM check is a success, then I will try disable the sound card.

Fumz · Aug 25, 2008

About the Creative card... Creative updated (finally) their Vista 64-bit drivers last month, so far, I'm loving them. If you have an older version, then I'd highly recommend the latest. Having said that, Creative + Vista do not always play nice nice, so it's still possible sound drivers may be an issue.

There's another "possible" issue as well, but I'd like to get the simple stuff out of the way before we start exploring other avenues... avenues which are going to require a technical expertise greater than mine. We're going to have to consult scsiraidguru to sort that one out?

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

hi Fumz,

actually, yeah, I will install that Creative driver first, before the defraging.
Just wondering will the sounds card only affects the game and DVD? since it seems my PC doing just fine, no crash or anything if I dont play games or DVD.

I used 3D studio Max and Photoshop for a few hours before playign Company of Heroes, and no crashed. Then crashed 1/2 hour into the game.

In my very newbie opinion, that the RAM shuld be fine, so the sound card might be the problem here? Anyway, I will still do the defraging, I am just thinking out loud here :D

Adrian Wainer · Aug 25, 2008

pummumu said:
hi Fumz,

actually, yeah, I will install that Creative driver first, before the defraging.
Just wondering will the sounds card only affects the game and DVD? since it seems my PC doing just fine, no crash or anything if I dont play games or DVD.

I used 3D studio Max and Photoshop for a few hours before playign Company of Heroes, and no crashed. Then crashed 1/2 hour into the game.

In my very newbie opinion, that the RAM shuld be fine, so the sound card might be the problem here? Anyway, I will still do the defraging, I am just thinking out loud here :D

Well it would seem like there is not a problem with the RAM as I would presume the 3D Studio max would be heavy user of RAM and presumably aswell your graphics card came in to play with those two programs, so it looks as if the sound card is the culprit.

Best and Warm Regards
Adrian Wainer

pummumu · Aug 25, 2008

Seems like my memory is fine, I did mem check, and there was no error. I have also defragged my PC.

I am wondering, is there a way to just disable the Creative cards while having sound from my speakers? I went to Control Panel and disable the Xfi, as a result, I couldnt hear a thing

I have a strong feeling that this Sound card might be the problem here.

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