Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: help requested!
  • Subject: help requested!
Subject: help requested!
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Anyone who can give me a few pointers, your help will be greatly appreciated!!

Firstly, while experimenting with the UT2004 demo that is available for download, i realized that, quite frankly, my comp kinda sucks. I asked some technical service guy from Atari about this problem (which i will explain), and he requested that i run a program called DxDiag (the direct X diagnostic tool)

The problem: While playing the UT2004 demo, i started noticing that my mouse took a lot of time to respond (the controls for everything are basically the same as halo, with the keyboard controls and mouse controlling looking) When i would push buttons on my keyboard, things would happen instantaneously, but when i moved the mouse, things consistantly lagged worse and worse, until i realesed the mouse (then it would continue moving and firing and completing my commands for a few minutes). so i thought it was a mouse problem, but when i looked and thought about it more, it was probably a problem with the 3D processor or something (pardon, i dont know the diference between a motherboard and a monitor (ok i know THAT but i dont know the more intricate details)).

DXDIAG results:
(i think these tell about my hardware specs)
Time of this report: 11/2/2004, 18:11:44
Machine name: **CONFIDENTIAL**
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp2.030422-1633)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 2400
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A03
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.53GHz
Memory: 510MB RAM
Card name: Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 82845G Graphics Controller

(please feel free to request more information)

final note: I would like to ask what people would recommend getting, the Atari guy said to upgrade my chipset, but i want to find out from the community, instead of the manufacturer (so to speak) So any and all comments are welcome!

P.S. where would people recommend downloading halo CE?

[color=green]THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/color]

  • 01.12.2005 2:52 PM PDT

* Pr: ĭnʹtərnĕts: "I hear there's rumors on the uh (pause), Internets...

weird same thing happened to me a while back, nuthin helped but a format of my HD

d/l HALO CE!!!!

  • 01.12.2005 3:30 PM PDT
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Reformatting can help. It solved my keyboard issues - pressing any key would stop motion on the screen for a split second, so my pc gaming was sidelined for a while. Go to tomshardware.com for advice about it. Be warned that it will remove EVERYTHING from your hard drive, though. You can also pick up a do it yourself guide for reformatting at CompUSA.

Ouch. Dells are notorious for bottlenecks here and there. However, that's probably not the issue...the real issue is....

You have NO graphics card - and to play any game today, you NEED one. This may have nothing to do with your mouse, but you really should consider this. Intergreated graphics suck poopoo, which is what you have. You need to get a graphics card. Depending upon your budget, there are a number of options. To ge a card that is sufficient but not top of the line, you need about 130 bucks. The ATI Radeon 9600XT is a very nice card and will improve your performance.

But, since you are not very skilled with pc's, as I ascertained from your post, the best is to take it to a CompUSA or similar store, have them open it up, examine the parts, run diagnostics, etc., to see what your slowdowns are and find a way to get your graphics spiffy and performance up. No matter what, tell them you want a graphics card, but they'll probably tell you. Again, 9600 series is good, with, in my opinion, the best value card, 9600XT. Just have them help you, though they are a big retail chain (ahhh!!!!), they usually have very skilled staff in the repair and installation center.

My suggestion is a reformat of your hard drive(s?), which will take a bit of know-how(you'll need to read up). Severely consider a graphics card - your computer will run faster and you'll experience the game much better.

  • 01.12.2005 4:29 PM PDT
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Heyyo,

I have this prob, it's the keyboard. Most likely, this's caused by something else in the background sapping your computer's ability to use the keyboard. I notice when running winamp my keyboard messes up, but without it my keyboard's fine almost all the time (insept a few little slip ups that drive me insane...).

So no winamp, or anything like it running in the background.

And yeah, new graphics card would help a lot for game smoothness, probably won't fix your mouse n' keyboard probs, but at least help the overal gameplay.

Forget compusa, try and find a locally owned computer shop. They're the best ones, cause they actually care aboot what they do (well, most do at least).

  • 01.12.2005 9:50 PM PDT
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thanks guys, i think ive now got it confirmed that i need a graphics card (thats what the Atari Tech service said too) and i'm getting the picture that the ATI Radeon 9600XT is a good deal. Some guy at school told me about Tiger Direct online, would that be a good deal for a video card? or should i look at a local computer store?

and what website would be the best to download Halo CE? cause i really want it. And what maps do people play on the most, or which ones should i download?

THANKS A BUNCH!!!!

[color=blue]:)[/color]

  • 01.13.2005 10:25 AM PDT
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Heyyo,

TigersDirect PWNS! You can get crazy deals there. I bought a tub of Philips 100 Pack of DVD+R's for $30 CDN! THAT'S FREAKIN' INSANE! I paid $50CDN for a pack of 100 CD-R's at staples for the staples brand. TigersDirect >>>>>>>> Staples. ;)

If you're in canada, even better, in Vancouver BC, go to http://NCIX.com They're like 2 blocks away from metrotown, and they're a computer warehouse so you can get some great deals there too. Now as incredible as TigersDirect, but still good.

Btw, http://www.tigerdirect.ca/. :)

And for HaloCE? http://www.muffmeister.co.uk Muff's a good man, hosts a HaloCE DS every once inna while, and comes on this forum too. =D

[Edited on 1/13/2005 12:20:52 PM]

  • 01.13.2005 12:20 PM PDT