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XP/Windows Setup, System Optimizing and Drivers (Read 66679 times)
Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:12am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 
SEE O&O DEFRAG v8.6 or v11 2 POSTS BELOW THIS ONE

WARNING: WITH VISTA I NOTED THE AREAS YOU SHOULD NOT DO


---------------------USE AT YOUR OWN RISK-------------------------

---------------------DO NOT USE FOR WINDOWS XP SP1/SP1a OR a web updated SP2 system----------------------

What I list here CAN be applied to VISTA as well, use at your own risk if you do


--------------DELL AND ALL SYSTEMS THAT UPDATED XP TO SP2 VIA THE WEB, BE CAREFULL WITH THIS LIST------------

Web updated and patched XP systems to SP2 may have a bug whereby the entire hard drive can become corrupt from a Microsoft web SP2 update glitch.

ANY system install CAN have the SAME problem.. Dells are not the only computers that can be affected by this issue!

This IS NOT A O&O ISSUE>>> IT IS A MICROSOFT ISSUE

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941715/en

As long as you installed WindowsXP SP2 from a Windows SP2 Install disk and did not web update, you should be safe


START - RUN type: regedit

click OK

Regedit will open. Find the following keys in the tree:

Browse to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SYSTEM
\CurrentControlSet
\Control
\FileSystem ----> Look for the following key in the right pane…



NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate



(It probably is not there)

Assuming it is there, right click that key and select MODIFY. In the box that appears, make sure there is a bullet in: HEX and enter in the Value Data box: 1 then click OK

If that line above IS NOT in the list, right click the right pane and select DWORD. Copy the name of the value EXACTLY as I posted it above and paste it into the name. Once complete and you have a key named NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate

Right click that new key you just made and select MODIFY. In the box that appears, make sure there is a bullet in: HEX and enter in the Value Data box: 1 then click OK


close Regedit

-----------------------------------

Browse to CONTROL PANEL -
SYSTEM - ADVANCED TAB- ERROR REPORTING BUTTON

Uncheck everything and place a bullet in DISABLE ERROR REPORTING

Click OK to close the box

-------------------------------------

Browse to CONTROL PANEL -
SYSTEM - ADVANCED TAB

Startup and Recovery, Settings button

UNCHECK Automatically Reboot and Send Administrative Alert

Click OK to close the box

---------------------------------


MY COMPUTER - TOOLS MENU - FOLDER OPTIONS - VIEW TAB

Scroll down and do the following:
Bullet in: Show hidden files and folders
UNCHECK: Hide Protected Operating system files
CHECK: Launch Folder Window In A Separate Process

Click APPLY, then OK to close the box

------------------------------



CONTROL PANEL – POWER OPTIONS

Make sure the system drop-down is set to ALWAYS ON and make SURE the settings for that in the lower drop-downs are set to NEVER for all devices, click APPLY

Click the HIBERNATE tab. If Hibernate is enabled, UNCHECK IT, click APPLY


-----------------------------


Right click the desktop, Select PROPERITES – ScreenSaver TAB

DISABLE ANY SCREENSAVE FOR NOW, set it to NONE


---------------------------------------


++++++
DO NOT USE THIS SECTION FOR VISTA
++++++++++++++++++




TYPE START - RUN type: regedit, click OK

Regedit will open. Find the following keys in the tree:
Browse to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction

Set "Enable" to: "N" (right click, select MODIFY change from “Y” to “N”) then click OK

Browse to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters

EnablePrefetcher

Right click select MODIFY change the setting from “3” to “2”) then click OK

Close REGEDIT

NEXT:
Browse to:

C:\Windows\Prefetch

Delete EVERY FILE IN THAT FOLDER. We will rebuild your boot system as we go. The first time you reboot after this has been done the computer will be VERY SLOW in booting, that is NORMAL. I will address that as we go below.

++++++++++++++++++++++++END +++++++++++++++++++++++++


=================================

SYSTEM - ADVANCED TAB

Performance Section - SETTINGS button – VISUAL EFFECTS TAB

IMPORTANT YOU UNCHECK ALL ITEMS IN THE LIST EXCEPT the following:

Show windows content while dragging
Smooth edges of screen fonts
Use common tasks in folders <-- Optional, I use this but you can deselect
Use drop Shadows for Icon labels on the desktop <--Optional, I use this but you can deselect
Use Visual styles on Windows Buttons

The above settings will keep windows looking sharp but without the memory drain.


===========================

Browse to CONTROL PANEL - SYSTEM - ADVANCED TAB - PERFORMANCE BUTTON - ADVANCED TAB - VIRTUAL MEMORY – CHANGE BUTTON

First we must clear the system of the old page file and build a new one. Select NO PAGING FILE, the SET and OK then APPLY. Close the System Properties box and you will be asked to reboot, select YES and reboot.


In some cases the old page file will remain on the hard drive. We want to delete that file before we rebuild a new one.

Go to C:\ and se if the following file is there in the root directory: pagefile.sys

If it is, right click and delete it.


Browse to CONTROL PANEL - SYSTEM - ADVANCED TAB - PERFORMANCE BUTTON - ADVANCED TAB - VIRTUAL MEMORY – CHANGE BUTTON

Rebuild the page file:

Select the drive Windows is installed on in the top list, then...

Place a bullet in CUSTOM SIZE then enter the following in BOTH MIN and MAX boxes: 3072


The page file ALWAYS goes on the boot drive with WindowsXP. Never move it.

Click SET then OK and the next box click APPLY and OK to close it.

The system may ask you to reboot, select YES


=====================================

Browse to CONTROL PANEL - SYSTEM -SYSTEM RESTORE TAB:

NOTE: THIS IS A SETTING YOU WILL NEED TO DECIDE ABOUT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT GET SHUT DOWN BUT THAT IS UP TO YOU

I do not use system restore. It’s a Resource HOG. However many people use this feature and rely on it. If you use system restore and cannot live without it, SKIP THIS STEP. If you want to shut it down, here is the process:

CHECK: TURN OFF SYSTEM RESTORE ON ALL DRIVES
If any warnings pop up, just say YES and click APPLY, then OK to close the system properties.


========================================

SERVICES SHUTDOWN


SEE THE END OF POST 2 FOR ADDITIONAL VISTA SERVICE KILLS



CONTROL PANEL - ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS - SERVICES

Each service I list below has the exact same procedure to shutting it down CORRECTLY. All you have to do is the following to each service on the list:

1. Double click the service.

2. STARTUP TYPE: if it is not already disabled, change it to DISABLED, click APPLY.

3. LOGON TAB: HARDWARE PROFILE BOX – double click your hardware profile and it should change the login under the SERVICE column to DISABLED, click APPLY and OK.

4. Go to the next service and repeat the process

Here is the list: (note: some of these may not appear in your service list)

ALERTER
CLIPBOOK
ERROR REPORTING SERVICE
HELP AND SUPPORT
INDEXING SERVICES
MESSENGER
NETMEETING REMOTE DESKTOP SHARING
NETWORK DDE
NETWORK DDE DSDM
PERFORMANCE LOGS AND ALERTS
REMOTE REGISTRY
ROUTING AND REMOTE ACCESS
SECURITY CENTER (IT’S ONLY THE NAG, NOT SECURITY)
SYSTEM RESTORE SERVICE (Unless you want it enabled)
TELNET (SOME PROGRAMS MIGHT NEED THIS BUT I DON’T USE IT)



Close the services list




============================================

NOTE FOR VISTA USERS.. THE FOLLOWING POST LINKS THE ITEMS IN VISTA THAT MATCH THE ONES FOR XP ABOVE


http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=30437&PID=174126#174126


The Windows XP Performance counters are not needed unless you are a network junkie and use them… here is how to shut them down and recover all those wasted CPU cycles:

Download this package from Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7ff99683-b7ec-4da6-92ab...

Run the installer: exctrlst_setup.exe

Once installed you will have no shortcut to the tool… simply browse to:

C:\Program Files\Resource Kit

Double click the file: exctrlst.exe

A box will appear. Make sure there is a bullet in “SERVICE”

There is a list of services showing in the lower pane of the box, simply click the top service in that list to HIGHLIGHT IT and CLEAR the check OUT OF THE BOX labeled: “Performance Counters Enabled”

Scroll down the list and repeat the highlight\uncheck until EVERY SERVICE in that list displays a cleared “check”, verify you got them all -but the two- I list below... then close the box


NOTE: MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A CHECK IN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS

PERFPROC
PERFOS

============================================


NEXT:

Internet Explorer browser settings…

Open the browser. Select TOOLS – OPTIONS

Browser History
Select DELETE FILES, Cookies and History

Click SETTINGS. “Check for newer versions of stored pages” Bullet in: AUTOMATICALLY
Amount of disk space = 1024
Click OK

TABS: Shut then DOWN (uncheck)

PRIVACY TAB:
The slider should be set to MEDIUM-HIGH unless you use a site that requires a lower setting. Click APPLY

ADVANCED TAB:
Scroll down to “SECURITY” and put a check in “Empty Temporary Internet Files Folder When the Browser is Closed” Click APPLY

Close the internet settings box and the browser.


=======================================


Click START – RUN

In the box that appears copy the following text and paste it in the run box EXACTY as I posted it below:

rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks

Click OK

NOTE:
You will be using that command line again as we clean up the system so keep it handy. Also, sometimes Windows gets a bit slow in booting.. This happens from time to time and when it does you can repeat the above step to optimize the system boot. It writes a file called LAYOUT.ini to the PREFETCH folder which tells Windows where all your drivers are on the hard disk for fast boot loading.


REBOOT THE COMPUTER

You have finished the Windows Settings Process

It’s time to clean up your hard drive and use the defrag software correctly. I want you to find and delete everything out of the following folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temp

C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

C:\Windows\Temp

There may be files that will refuse to delete. If that happens and the delete operation is halted, you can select all and while holding the CTRL key deselect the file(s) that refused to delete which should continue the operation. Repeat that process until you get rid of all the files in those folders that will allow you to delete them. The ones that remain and refuse to delete are harmless such as windows defrag data files.


If there is any other junk laying around on your hard drive that you have been wanting to get rid of, now is the time to delete it.

Empty the recycle bin, then right click it, select PROPERTIES and select "USE ONE SETTING FOR ALL DRIVES" set the slider to 1-2%, I use 1% but I have HUGE drives. It’s up to you but don’t set it over 3%

Click APPLY

======================================

NEXT:

MY COMPUTER, right click your C drive.

UNCHECK "allow indexing services to index this disk"...

When the box appears select YES for ALL SUB FOLDERS AND FILES.. the process will take a while.

Once complete repeat the same process for all the hard drives listed in MY COMPUTER.

If it stops for some reason, click IGNORE ALL so it will
« Last Edit: Oct 14th, 2011 at 12:38pm by Fly2e »  
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Reply #1 - Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:13am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 
LAST: MAKE SURE THE STARTUP SYSTEM IS CLEAN... GET RID OF PROGRAMS STARTING WITH WINDOWS YOU DONT NEED. YOU SHOULD HAVE RIGHT AROUND 30 PROCESSES RUNNING AT BOOT.. COULD BE A FEW MORE... LESS IS BETTER BUT IF YOU HAVE 38 OR MORE.. YOU HAVE TOO MANY

LOCATE, ATTACK AND DESTROY ALL ITEMS NON ESSENTIAL TO BOOT AND OPERATE.. IN EXAMPLE: MS MESSENGER CAN BE KILLED AT STARTUP. YOU CAN BOOT IT AS NEEDED, NOT WITH WINDOWS




===========================================


O&O DEFRAG

NOTE; IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE HARD DRIVE IN THE SYSTEM YOU MUST PERFORM THE SAME DEFRAG RUNS ON EACH DRIVE EXACTLY AS I OUTLINE BELOW.



If you do use version 10 of O&O Defrag, do DO NOT run the SPACE defrag past the first 2 defrag passes and never again... just the first runs... (you will see the list below) after that only run the COMPLETE\NAME defrag as I outline below

I recommend version 8.6... if you are on XPx64 or Vista x64 you need the X64 version of O&O Defrag. See several posts down for links to the product

NOTE: O&O v11 IS CONFIRMED TO WORK THE SAME AS v8.6. THE ONLY VERSION THAT MUST NOT RUN THE SPACE DEFRAG AS OUTLINED ABOVE IS VERSION 10


NEXT:
Boot O&O Defrag. The first time it is run a wizard will appear, just get rid of it and if possible, select to not have it run again (there may be a checkbox for that in the wizard that appears) Once you get rid of the wizard, do the following

Go to:
FILE MENU/OPTIONS: GENERAL TAB:
UNCHECK Create Reports

O&O DEFRAG VERSION 11: DISABLE THE TRAY SYSTEM (last option)

OFFLINE DEFRAG TAB:
LEAVE THIS ALONE FOR NOW but we will change it later.

TUNING TAB:
Bullet in “USE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES”
Bullet in “SEQUENTIAL”
CHECK IN: “LAYOUT.INI”


Click APPLY

O&O v11 ONLY: DISABLE 'MONITORING' ON THE MAIN SCREEN

CLOSE and RESTART O&O Defrag.

THE FIRST DEFRAG PASSES:

In the top pane click your C drive and highlight it. From the menu, select DEFRAGMENTATION then select SPACE.

Let it run and DO NOT TOUCH THE SYSTEM FOR ANY REASON WHILE IT IS RUNNING.

After it completes the first defrag pass, reboot the system and run the SAME SPACE defrag AGAIN. DONT touch the system while it is doing that. Reboot when it is finished.


------------------------------------------------------------


NEXT:

THE OFFLINE DEFRAG:

Before you do the offline defrag I want you to run a Windows Disk Check and have it repair any problems.

Go to MY COMPUTER - Right click your C drive, select PROPERTIES, then TOOLS TAB. On ERROR CHECKING, click CHECK NOW. In the box that appears place a check in "Automatically Fix File System Errors" nothing else. Click START.

A box will appear telling you the disk check cannot be performed.... click YES to have it performed at boot.

Reboot the computer. The disk check will run automatically while booting. Don’t touch anything and let it finish. Once done the system should automatically reboot back into Windows.

Once back in Windows:

Open O&O Defrag. Go to FILE - OPTIONS - OFFLINE DEFRAGMENTATION

Bullet in EXECUTE ONCE ON NEXT SYSTEM STARTUP
In the box below, click your C drive... then click ACTIVATE and APPLY
Close O&O Defrag and REBOOT the system. The O&O Offline Defrag will appear during the reboot. Let it finish. It will reboot the system automatically when complete.


-------------------------------------------------------------------


++++++++++++++++++++DO NOT USE FOR VISTA+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


EDIT: VISTA USERS. IF YOU ARE USING THE TWEAKS IN THIS POST:  http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973/271#271 you CAN use this section



Go to C:\Windows\Prefetch

You should now only see 2 files in there similarly named:

LAYOUT.ini
NTOSBOOT-B00DFAAD.pf

NOTE: If you DO NOT SEE THOSE FILES you probably shut down the TASK MANAGER which is a NO NO!! ONLY SHUT DOWN THE SERVICES I POSTED ABOVE IN THE LIST. UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING LEAVE THE REST AT DEFAULT

BLACK VIPER IS DANGEROUS... DONT TURN OFF SERVICES UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING! Many of the services posted at black vipers site should NOT be shut down!

If you have any other files in that folder, delete them now but leave the files NTOSBOOT and LAYOUT.ini alone.



Click START – RUN when the box appears, copy and paste this line EXACTLY as it is posted here:

rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks

CLICK OK

You will see hard disk activity for about 10-20 seconds.

++++++++++++++++++++++++END++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


-----------------------------------------------------------------

NEXT:

THE NAME DEFRAGMENTATION

This defrag run will place ALL the files on your hard drive in NAME order. As a reference, that means the files will be located on the disk in the same FOLDER\ alphabetical and numerical number as you see on the screen when you look at your C drive or open a folder.

START O&O Defrag. Click your C drive in the top pane, go to DEFRAGMENTION and select COMPLETE\NAME

DO NOT TOUCH THE SYSTEM WHILE O&O DEFRAG IS WORKING FOR ANY REASON

The NAME defrag is going to access every file on your hard drive and put it in order. That process may very well take 2-3 hours if it has never been done before.

Once complete, reboot.

EVEN IF THE GRAPHIC DISPLAY shows everything is in order in O&O Defrag that does NOT mean it is. Since this is your first time doing a COMPLETE NAME Defrag maintenance, repeat the defrag. If you have done a COMPLETE\NAME Defrag in the recent past you can skip the second run.

Click your C drive in the top pane, go to DEFRAGMENTION and select COMPLETE\NAME

Once complete, reboot your computer.


5. THE FINAL DEFRAG RUN(s)

Start O&O defrag and select SPACE. It should not take more than a minute or three to complete. Once completed, go to FILE – OPTIONS OFFLINE DEFRAG and activate the offline defrag by selecting EXECUTE ONCE, then making sure it says ACTIVATE in the box below, click apply and REBOOT.




++++++++++++++++++++DO NOT USE FOR VISTA+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Once back in Windows, Click START – RUN when the box appears, copy and paste this line EXACTLY as it is posted here:

rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks

CLICK OK
++++++++++++++++++++++++END++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++





The above may sound like allot of repetitive operations however in order to assure the disk is totally clean it must be done as I listed above. Defrag software will skip files on low memory systems (1gig or less) and usually does not defrag a hard drive in less than 3 passes.


If you touch the system for ANY REASON while the defrag is running you can force it to skip files... dont touch it, let it finish


ONCE A MONTH


Delete everything out of the following folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temp

C:\Windows\Temp

Go to Windows Update and get the monthly CRITICAL updates

Then:

++++++++++++++++++++DO NOT USE FOR VISTA+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Click START – RUN when the box appears, copy and paste this line EXACTLY as it is posted here:

rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks

CLICK OK. You will see hard disk activity for about 10-20 seconds.

++++++++++++++++++++++++END++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++




Start O&O Defrag and run a COMPLETE\NAME defrag and an offline defrag


ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS

… you should add to that list a WINDOWS DISK CHECK

RECAP FOR DISK CHECK:
Go to MY COMPUTER - Right click your C drive, select PROPERTIES, then TOOLS TAB. On ERROR CHECKING, click CHECK NOW. In the box that appears place a check in "Automatically Fix File System Errors" nothing else. Click START.

A box will appear telling you the disk check cannot be performed.... click YES to have it performed at boot.

Reboot the computer. The disk check will run automatically while booting. Don’t touch anything and let it finish. Once done the system should automatically reboot back into Windows.

Once back in Windows run a COMPLETE\NAME defrag


That will keep your system in top shape from this point on.




See if that does not light a fire under your system


As long as you do exactly as I outlined above AND DID NOT SKIP any steps or try and get -cute- or SMART with extra tweaks... and most of them other than what I posted ARE TRASH I assure you... you should now have a very optimized FSX rig


VISTA USERS

MAKE SURE TO ALSO DO THE FOLLOWING:

In Vista, disable the following:

1. Completely shut down the Defender Program/Service
2. Completely disable UAC
3. Completely disable Aero
4. Completely shut down the Indexing Service
5. (OPTIONAL but I WOULD) Completely shut down System Restore
6. (OPTIONAL) Completely shut down Automatic updates but only the GUI automatic update setting, not the service and manually go (browse) to Windows Update once a month.
7. Use NOD32 as the security software, just the AV product and NOT thier entire security suite product



As with XP you need to go through the start registry and make sure nothing is booting not needed... like Real player, MS messenger, etc.. those do not need to start with Windows and can be launched from a shortcut on the desktop if desired. Many software packages install unneeded startup keys. Adobe Acrobat is one, useless startup that does not need to be there.. and many software packages have "automatic monthly updating' features that are also not necessary and clog up the works. You should always enter the settings for newly installed software and check to see if it has 'auto update' and 'start with windows' enabled.. if so, kill those features.

You can still set up Vista by the list I provided. After that its a matter of selecting the right video drivers and using Nhancer as well. Then, calibrating FSX to the system without choking it so it renders clear and defined. In that, reducing the textures to DXTx is going to remove visual clarity and at that point you are working against yourself.





ALL USERS... www.eset.com  ONLY the AV, NOT the SECURITY SUITE

NOD32 only or there is NO way to tell if your security software is biting you in performance.

 


Last : FSX TUNING

SCROLL DOWN TO READ HOW TO UNDERSTAND HOW FSX WORKS AND HOW YOU CAN EASILY TUNE YOUR SYSTEM FOR BEST RESULTS
 

« Last Edit: Mar 20th, 2009 at 11:47am by NickN »  
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Reply #2 - Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:15am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 

O&O DEFRAG v11 is fixed in comparing use to the v8.6 version

I am sorry its taken so long to get a look at O&O v11 and put it through the paces however I have now confirmed that (at least in WindowsXP) v11 of O&O works exactly the same as v8.6

The massive freespace issue which was present in v10 of the product does not appear in the v11 product

There is no cluster free space between used clusters


As for settings.. there are minor additions from my original instructions located in this thread which I have also edited into the 'list' posts above


CHANGES IN SETTINGS FROM 8.6:

First, in the SETTINGS, under the GENERAL TAB disable the tray display as it is not needed (last item)


Next, make sure MONITORING is DISABLED on the main GUI as it too is not needed for a performance system



Otherwise everything I listed in the lists posted above about O&O setup and use is EXACTLY the same.
There is no restrictions on SPACE defrag use with v11 of the O&O Defrag product. You can use the SPACE defrag between regular maintenance NAME defrag intervals without any problems


As far as I can see there is no performance gains by switching to v11 from v8.6 so if you are already on v8.6 and its working fine for you, stay with it as there is no need to purchase O&O v11

If you may be having problems in Vista with 8.6 its possible v11 may resolve those issues.. that I do not know as I have not use v11 in Vista and can not comment on what it may or may not correct however in either case I see absolutely no reason to upgrade to v11 unless you are having difficulty with v8.6 and at that point I would try the TRIAL O&O v11 to confirm your issues are resolved. You should uninstall the version you are using before installing the trial.

I would say anyone on v10 should probably try the trial version of v11 and if it is working, upgrade.

If you are thinking of trying O&O and have never used it, v11 will work for you in the list that I posted without issue. v8.6 is no longer required but will work as well.







NOTE: VISTA users MUST use version 11   or   v8.6



you can get the TRIAL version of 8.6 or v11 (for XP or VISTA) both x32 and x64 here:

http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/download/archive/oodefrag86pro


http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/download/current/index.html


DO NOT PURCHASE v10  






NOTE:

For Boot Time visual interface corruption please note this fix from O&O:



This problem does happen when our graphics driver is not compatible with your graphics card. Please rename the following file:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\oobctm.sys

eg. to

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\oobctm.bak

This file is the grahics card driver for O&O Defrag. If the file is not there, the Windows default driver will be used for offline defragmentation instead.

Note: Don't open O&O Defrag after you rename the driver, this will cause to reinstall the driver again. Therefore change the settings for the offline defragmentation before.

Restart your computer and the offline defragmentation should run. If you can see everything correctly, do the following after Windows is loaded:

- close O&O Defrag if it was open

- delete the file C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\oobctm.sys

- create a file in this folder with notepad and name it "oobctm.sys"

(please take care that the file extensions are correct and are not hidden by Windows explorer)

- open O&O Defrag, it should not install the driver again

=====================================
« Last Edit: Jun 14th, 2009 at 11:25am by NickN »  
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Reply #3 - Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:16am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 
USING MORE/LESS or EQUAL to 2GIGS OF SYSTEM MEMORY IN WINDOWS XP x32 OR VISTA X32 with OOM

-OR-

HOW TO PROPERLY TUNE VIRTUAL ADDRESS SPACE IN WINDOWS (x32) FOR OUT OF MEMORY ERRORS

x64 operating systems do not need the following changes



PLEASE NOTE: This section is for anyone who sees out of memory error while using FSX. It applies to ALL circumstances.

to clear up confusion about this change.. the amount reserved for the cache is NOT and DOES NOT have anything to do with the amount of memory in the system or how much memory you are allowing access to the system!!

This change only tweaks the address space, relieving the OOM error. The 32bit system will use the physical memory installed up to 4GB regardless!





If you have FSX SP2, the exe file is already 2G+ aware

If you have XP or VISTA x32 and more than 2GB you need to MARK the OS for that use or it will ignore the sticks and never use them

x64 operating systems do not need the following changes


For XP:

disable hidden files and folder, then on the root C:\ you will find a file named: boot.ini

Open it in notepad and add the follwoing to the end of the OS boot line:


/3GB/Userva=2560

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows XP Professsional" /fastdetect /3GB /Userva=2560 <---- add it here


save and close the file

reboot

to set that back to default, simply remove the edit


If you are using XP SP2 and are running a dual, quad, OR a single core Intel HYPERTHREAD processor, make sure this update is applied
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8...

Systems running XP-SP3 does NOT need that update

For Vista:
WINDOWS VISTA ONLY:  

1. Open a command prompt with Administration rights. You find the command prompt box under "Programs-Accessories-Command prompt"  

2. Right Click the command prompt and select "run as administrator".  

3. Enter in the box at the prompt: (copy/paste if you wish)

bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVA 2560  

and press enter  

4. Reboot  

TO set that back to default in VISTA just start the command line prompt with Admin right again and type:  

bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVA 2048  

Hit enter and reboot  


Make sure you have the VISTA updates from Windows Update installed that address out of memory errors too.

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1188591122

As long as you have Vista up to date with Windows update... or SP1 for Vista installed, you should already have those patches



FSX RTM or SP1 requres the user mark the exe file manually using special software for 2GB+ use.









« Last Edit: Apr 14th, 2009 at 1:13pm by NickN »  
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Reply #4 - Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:20am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 
   

The primary perf killers in FSX and how to work them for your system

FSX TUNING

This post covers it ALL

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041&PN=1




« Last Edit: Jan 5th, 2009 at 9:26pm by NickN »  
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Reply #5 - Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:21am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 
Drivers, Nhancer and setting them up



NOTE: The post in the link below shows the new Nhancer GUI and a step by step in how to set it up based on the instructions below

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=27540&PID=156769#156769



it is usually best to run a DRIVER CLEAN program when changing drivers however that is NOT a requirement. I do it.

There are several on the freeware market.. DRIVER CLEAN PRO and DRIVER SWEEPER are the two I use. You must be careful with such software and ONLY flush the DRIVERS for video and not the chipset or other areas

You can find most of the latest beta drivers and older ones listed here:

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showforum=66\

the threads have the driver links in them

usually find all drivers there... you may or may not need the modified .ini file. The modded .ini file is designed for laptops but it also allows other cards to install the drivers..  I would try to install them first and if they refuse to install, download the modified .ini file and put it in the driver directory, then try the install.




and here: http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=255831

Also listed here: http://downloads.guru3d.com/


Nvidia and ATi will have the latest OFFICIAL drivers and that should be the ONLY source you get those from to ensure they are in fact WHQL and certified


http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.html





Install and run the latest version of Nhancer.


In XP in does NOT need to boot with Windows or have a tray icon When it is first run select NO to have it run with Windows or have it place an icon on the tray.

with VISTA you MUST ALLOW the ADMIN service to install or Nhancer will not work

« Last Edit: Jan 18th, 2009 at 9:09pm by NickN »  
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Reply #6 - Apr 25th, 2008 at 10:09am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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A NOTE ABOUT STORAGE PERFORMANCE






You do not need the best solution for good FSX perf however you do need to look at the list below and take heed of the precautions when setting up a system for FSX perf.

The storage system presents one of the greatest perf reductions to FSX simply because of the latency and CPU time they consume



MOTHERBOARD RAID0 WILL KILL FSX PERF and CREATE STUTTERS



-REPEAT-

MOTHERBOARD RAID0 WILL KILL FSX PERF and CREATE STUTTERS







The ONLY RAID that will enhance FSX is HARDWARD RAID on the RIGHT professional PCIe solution which allows a 256K BLOCK OR STRIPE with the RIGHT controller card settings to eliminate features such as NCQ

2 Velociraptors in RAID0 (256K STRIPE) on the right card are very close to SCSI performance

2 Velociraptors in RAID0 (or SCSI/SAS) on the right card are overkill for todays processors and memory subsystems in conjunction with the video adapter in FSX and will deliver very large amounts of data faster than the system can process/render it

Therefore the best solution for FSX with a Professional SATAII PCIe 256-512MB card based on highest to lowest perf

a. 2 VelociRaptors on RAID0

b. A single VelociRapor

c. 2 32MB Cache SATAII HDD in RAID0

d. A single 1st Generation 150GB Raptor

e. A single 32MB cache SATAII


All of which will do the job but the VelociRapor RAID0 configuration on the right card with those drives will do the job and then some.. very overkill

The OS drive should be on another single drive connected to the same card.. does not have to be RAID0 and does not have to be a VRap but should be a decent spec cache SATAII drive


MOTHERBOARD SOLUTIONS based on highest to lowest perf



The next step down is A single VelociRapor on Motherboard SATAII

The next step down is 2 VelociRapor in RAID0 on Motherboard RAID ... NOTE: Due to the Vrap design the single and RAID version of motherboard based storage is about equal

The next step down is A single 1st Generation Raptor on Motherboard SATAII

The next step down is A single 32MB cache large platter hard drive on SATAII

The next step down is 2 1st Generation Raptors in RAID0 on motherboard RAID

The next step down is 2 of any other drive in RAID0 on motherboard RAID



Notice where RAID0 sits on that list for Motherboard SATA RAID controllers




So there is your list to consider when planning for a FSX system


If you may be interested in high end storage solutions 3ware makes a great card for under 400 bucks. They have them in 256 or 512MB onboard DDR2 PCIe and you must use the battery backup for the card to ensure safe operation in 'high performance' mode as I assisted someone in this thread set up correctly on the 256MB model card

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=28350



You must have a motherboard with a 2nd PCIe x8 or x16 slot to use those cards

Standard PCI RAID cards are NO BETTER than Motherboard RAID



RULES:

DO NOT PARTITION A DRIVE AND PLACE A OS OR FSX ON A PARTITION OTHER THAN THE FIRST PHYSICAL PARITION OF THE DRIVE

ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS A MINIMUM OF 40-50% FREESPACE ON ANY PERFORMANCE DRIVE OR PARTITION

NEVER PARTITION A RAID ARRAY - EVER!

BEST SETUP IS TO PLACE FSX ON ITS OWN DEDICATED DRIVE WITH NO 2ND PARTITION





MYTH: NCQ and advanced BIOS SATA functions such as AHCI increase FSX performance

TRUTH: TRUE for network servers and workstations, UTTERLY FALSE for high performance drives such as the Rap, Vrap and gaming system use.



A Western Digital VelociRaptor is the best investment you can make for a FSX system. Even without an expensive controller card those drives will deliver the scenery where others can fall short





« Last Edit: Jan 3rd, 2009 at 11:33am by NickN »  
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Reply #7 - May 1st, 2008 at 11:04pm

raptorx   Offline
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There's too much confusion...
San Diego, CA

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Nick,  I see that Disktrix has a new Ultimate Defrag version 8 that seems to be new.  I've heard that this product allows some manipulation of the MFT for better performance.  What do you think?

-Jim
 

Rampage II Gene, i7 965 4GHz
Mushkin Redline DDR3 1600
XP x64 SP2
ASUS Matrix GTX285
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Reply #8 - May 2nd, 2008 at 4:21pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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raptorx wrote on May 1st, 2008 at 11:04pm:
Nick,  I see that Disktrix has a new Ultimate Defrag version 8 that seems to be new.  I've heard that this product allows some manipulation of the MFT for better performance.  What do you think?

-Jim


If it ain't broke, dont fix it
 
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Reply #9 - May 7th, 2008 at 11:42pm

N. Chapman   Offline
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Fremont, CA

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NickN wrote on Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:16am:
If you are using XP SP2 and are running a dual, quad, OR a single core Intel HYPERTHREAD processor, make sure this update is applied
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8...

With SP3 this update is no longer needed.
 

...
Click for Computer info overload!
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Reply #10 - May 10th, 2008 at 12:47pm

Sterk   Offline
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Made optimizations described in your first post-related to virtual memory and registry twicks...

FS perfomance is noticably WORSE now...
Before windows visual effects optimization you forgot to mention that after these optimizations one will loose all his settings for windows appearance-for example if somebody uses(like me) windows classic style instead of XP style and some twicks for colors,font etc., he is going to loose all this and return back to XP default appearance...

How many times I said to myself not to listen to all that is posted in forumes?Sorry
 

...&&&&
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Reply #11 - May 11th, 2008 at 9:49am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Sterk wrote on May 10th, 2008 at 12:47pm:
Made optimizations described in your first post-related to virtual memory and registry twicks...

FS perfomance is noticably WORSE now...
Before windows visual effects optimization you forgot to mention that after these optimizations one will loose all his settings for windows appearance-for example if somebody uses(like me) windows classic style instead of XP style and some twicks for colors,font etc., he is going to loose all this and return back to XP default appearance...

How many times I said to myself not to listen to all that is posted in forumes?Sorry


I dont doubt for one minute that things run worse... That list is a ALL or NOTHING change order. If you do one or two items and not follow the list to the end, you can expect no gain or poor performance


Quote:
As long as you do exactly as I outlined above AND DID NOT SKIP any steps or try and get -cute- or SMART with extra tweaks... and most of them other than what I posted ARE TRASH I assure you... you should now have a very optimized FSX rig



Every item in that list has dependencies on the proceeding steps. In example, ...  If made the registry change for boot optimize but did not clear prefetch, run the command line and THEN use O&O set up to address layout.ini in a correct defrag routine then your boot file system is a mess right now.

Then there are those that follow the list but think they don’t need to reboot between defrag passes.. or don’t need to repeat them, or, dont think my warning about NOT TOUCHING the system during defrag runs is important....  and then they come into forums and claim it doesn't work.

VM changes without understanding the system and what it does are a joke... If you run 2GB or more in memory you will never use the page file for anything. What I posted does 2 things...

a: Defragments it and b: moves it out of the data zone

There is NO miracle page file setting/layout that makes a -game- system run better. Page file optimizing is for network servers or systems that run 1GB or less in system memory.




For every person who follows that list incorrectly and claim it doesn’t work there are 1000 that did it right and see defined results. That list is SYSTEM TUNING, not MSFS TUNING. it represents ONE part of a correctly set up system for MSFS use.








 
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Reply #12 - May 11th, 2008 at 10:01am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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N. Chapman wrote on May 7th, 2008 at 11:42pm:
NickN wrote on Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:16am:
If you are using XP SP2 and are running a dual, quad, OR a single core Intel HYPERTHREAD processor, make sure this update is applied
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8...

With SP3 this update is no longer needed.



If you are running XPSP3, then all you will get during install of the patch is a message that says the update is already applied.

XPSP3 will not in any way shape or form make you system run any better if you have been keeping up with updates and have already applied patches as I outined
 
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Reply #13 - May 19th, 2008 at 11:08pm

Groundbound1   Offline
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On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU for taking the time to do all you do for us Nick, many of us (I at least) would be lost without your help.

Now I just noticed this new list, but I had followed the previous one to the letter, and though you may have had FSX users in mind while making it, I had great results in FS9 under XP Pro SP2. Would I see better results with these steps over the other set of tweaks, and would this new list be as effective in FS9 as they are for FSX?

 

Specs: Asus Crosshair nForce 590 SLI,
AMD Athlon X2 6400+ w/ZeroTherm BTF90, 
4GB G.Skill PI Series DDR2-800,
Sapphire HD4870 512MB,
PC P&C 750 Quad, in a CoolerMaster HAF932

...
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Reply #14 - May 20th, 2008 at 12:13am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Groundbound1 wrote on May 19th, 2008 at 11:08pm:
On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU for taking the time to do all you do for us Nick, many of us (I at least) would be lost without your help.

Now I just noticed this new list, but I had followed the previous one to the letter, and though you may have had FSX users in mind while making it, I had great results in FS9 under XP Pro SP2. Would I see better results with these steps over the other set of tweaks, and would this new list be as effective in FS9 as they are for FSX?



http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1211055375/0#7


« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 1:51pm by pete »  
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Reply #15 - May 22nd, 2008 at 12:35pm

drummer_tom   Offline
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Nick,

I have Nhancer version 2.3.4 (I Think it is it's the latest), and by clicking supersamplin for AA I can only got to 4x.

To get 8xs I have to go to combined. This ok?

Thanks

Tom
 

...
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Reply #16 - May 22nd, 2008 at 12:49pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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drummer_tom wrote on May 22nd, 2008 at 12:35pm:
Nick,

I have Nhancer version 2.3.4 (I Think it is it's the latest), and by clicking supersamplin for AA I can only got to 4x.

To get 8xs I have to go to combined. This ok?

Thanks

Tom


Quote:
Nhancer has a BETA available now which I am using. it ELIMINATES the need to DUPLICATE the profile.. you simply select the FSX profile and global to make settings.. no more duplicating


http://forum.nhancer.com/showthread.php?t=269



Also, AA in the beta is set to COMBINED 8xS, and NOT SUPERSAMPLE 8xS all other setttings are EXACTLY the same as posted above



They probably upgraded the release client to reflect the beta changes... so yes, that is correct
 
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Reply #17 - May 22nd, 2008 at 8:03pm

N. Chapman   Offline
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so how do i get around the SP3 and the multi core patch? is there something in the Registry that can be changed or some thing? or do i have to uninstall SP3 then install the patch then reinstall SP3?
 

...
Click for Computer info overload!
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Reply #18 - May 22nd, 2008 at 9:04pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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SP3 includes the patch... if you install Sp3 you dont need the patch
 
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Reply #19 - May 22nd, 2008 at 9:55pm

Bob70   Offline
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drummer_tom wrote on May 22nd, 2008 at 12:35pm:
Nick,

I have Nhancer version 2.3.4 (I Think it is it's the latest), and by clicking supersamplin for AA I can only got to 4x.

To get 8xs I have to go to combined. This ok?

Thanks

Tom


The latest version of nHancer and I think the final one is 2.4.1. I installed it yesterday.

Smiley  Bob
 

...
Camelback Mountain....Looking north from Sky Harbor Int.  KPHX Phoenix, Arizona  USA
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Reply #20 - May 27th, 2008 at 11:03am

raptorx   Offline
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Nick;

Two questions:

1)  In following your XP optimization list, you have turn off indexing service right before I start defraging.  I did that earlier than that, in fact, right before I started installing FSX.  That's the ONLY thing I did out of order.  Is that OK?

2) I installed nhancer but was not prompted for options during the install.  Now everything works but the nhancer service is running in my processes list.  Do I need to turn it off and if so, how (I already turned it off in the nhancer GUI options list but it still runs)?

Thanks,

Jim
 

Rampage II Gene, i7 965 4GHz
Mushkin Redline DDR3 1600
XP x64 SP2
ASUS Matrix GTX285
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Reply #21 - May 27th, 2008 at 11:27am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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1. No as long as its done it does not matter when

2. The most recent version of Nhancer should not have installed the service by default. Its not a problem its running however if you are on XP and want it off simply uninstall and reinstall Nhancer and select the CUSTOM install where you can select/deselect the option to install the service
 
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Reply #22 - Jun 3rd, 2008 at 6:23pm

AviationGuy   Offline
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Hey Nick, first of all, thanks for the time you spent putting this together.

I'm having some, what looks like, serious trouble with my computer after I did the O&O offline defrag. I followed your instructions to the letter so, I'm not sure what the problem is.

After the offline defrag, I noticed that I connected to the internet, and that a few things weren't working properly. (i.e. couldn't copy and paste, couldn't get the taskbar to show) I looked in My Network Places, and no networks were listed, so I looked in the Services tab in the System Configuration Utility, and noticed that, along with Network Connections, almost everything is stopped. I've tried enabling them, but it doesn't let me.

I tried going into Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Services, and nothing is listed under the Extended tab, but everything does seem to be under the Standard tab. However, it won't let me enable anything from there, or even let me go into the particular service properties.

I'm running Windows XP Service Pack 2. Any thoughts?

Thanks.
 
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Reply #23 - Jun 3rd, 2008 at 11:35pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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AviationGuy wrote on Jun 3rd, 2008 at 6:23pm:
Hey Nick, first of all, thanks for the time you spent putting this together.

I'm having some, what looks like, serious trouble with my computer after I did the O&O offline defrag. I followed your instructions to the letter so, I'm not sure what the problem is.

After the offline defrag, I noticed that I connected to the internet, and that a few things weren't working properly. (i.e. couldn't copy and paste, couldn't get the taskbar to show) I looked in My Network Places, and no networks were listed, so I looked in the Services tab in the System Configuration Utility, and noticed that, along with Network Connections, almost everything is stopped. I've tried enabling them, but it doesn't let me.

I tried going into Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Services, and nothing is listed under the Extended tab, but everything does seem to be under the Standard tab. However, it won't let me enable anything from there, or even let me go into the particular service properties.

I'm running Windows XP Service Pack 2. Any thoughts?

Thanks.



Yes.. you are displaying classic symptoms around this warning

Quote:
-------------DELL AND OEMS THAT UPDATE SP2 VIA THE WEB, BE CAREFULL WITH THIS LIST------------

You can do the tweaks but on DELL computers be carefull about the defrag.. some DELLS do not like that software unless you wiped the disk clean and installed XP without the DELL junk on the system


ALSO systems that use the WEB version of SP2 and NOT a full disk install CAN have the SAME problem

This IS NOT A O&O ISSUE>>> IT IS A MICROSOFT ISSUE


which is caused by this Microsoft issue/screwup

http://support.microsoft.com:80/kb/941715/en


Lets back up for a minute...

Is your system a Dell?

If so (or if not) is the install CD come complete with SP2?

If it has SP2 the install CD a Windows genuine disk or a home made slipstream version that had SP2 added to it?



here is the deal...

If you have an older Dell system with a Dell install disk that requires SP2 be added to it via the web, this issue WILL come up

Assuming its not a Dell, if your Windows install CD only has SP1 and you add SP2 from the web installer, this issue can come up

If you have a SP2 install disk that was made between August of 2004 and mid 2005 this issue can and usually will come up.. it was before Micorsoft changed certain files so a slipstream would upgrade the computer to a 'true' SP2 install.

Not all web based SP2 installs see this issue.. it depends on the version of SP1 they are running

 
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Reply #24 - Jun 4th, 2008 at 6:34pm

AviationGuy   Offline
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Hey Nick, this is actually a home built computer that was built around 4 years ago. I had downloaded SP2 from, I believe, Windows Update, as my XP CD didn't come with it.

Any cures for this, or is it time to reinstall Windows?

Thanks.
 
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Reply #25 - Jun 4th, 2008 at 7:46pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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Posts: 6317
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Sorry

no fix, wipe and start over. Corruption is fatal and not reversible

however.. if you know how to slipstream SP2 into the install disk you have, or, you have a more modern copy of Windows with SP2 on a genuine disk you can reinstall and then use the list I posted without a problem

Its the old install disk and the web based SP2 installer that caused this. You need to install Windows from a CD that already has SP2 on it and that will correct the issue

ity must be a CLEAN install.. not an upgrade or a repair install..  wipe the drive and start clean with the right Windows disk

 
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Reply #26 - Jun 4th, 2008 at 8:12pm

AviationGuy   Offline
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All right, well thanks for your help. I don't know how to slipstream SP2 onto the disk, so I'm thinking I'll buy a Windows disk with SP2 already on it for the reinstall.

And then, of course, start tweaking again! Wink
 
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Reply #27 - Jun 4th, 2008 at 8:25pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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That will work perfect

However there is quite a bit of info on the net about slipstream of Sp2 into a windows disk for a CD burn

It does require burn software such as Nero to do it and the nero site offers a trial that can be used to do it

If you do not feel comfortable doing that then the purchase would be the only other way to go.

Sorry, I wish I had better news, but once it is done you wont have any problems and the system will at that point be truly SP2 certified

Make sure to install all software and set things up before starting the tweaks.. thats the last thing done
 
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Reply #28 - Jun 8th, 2008 at 4:11pm

AviationGuy   Offline
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Hmm, I was thinking about maybe finding out how to slipstream it to save some money, but than I got to thinking, I'm pretty sure my XP disks already have SP2 on them. Could that be possible? And is there a way to check? I've actually been running XP Media Center Edition version 2005.

I remember having to reinstall Windows in the past, but never having to get SP2 again.
 
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Reply #29 - Jun 9th, 2008 at 2:46pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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Posts: 6317
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Hmmmm
Media Center I am not in tune with... 2005 may very well place that disk in the August 2004 to mid 2005 time frame for the issue to be on that disk too


I do know people who have use the list and the media center version of Windows without issue however I can not say exactly why they did not see any problem other than perhaps the date of the disk manufacture and or how they upgraded.. or dumb luck

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=25450&PID=144137#144137

The problem does not appear in every system even if the system meets the criteria I laid out which is why MS never addressed this as a critical error... to do so would have made a lot of people pretty mad they had to have a newer SP2 disk to assure no problem would pop up using 3rd party software like partition magic and O&O, etc


However this issue was just one of many reasons why back when SP2 started geting deployed regularly system admins would slipstream a new disk and wipe instead of patch or upgrade
 
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Reply #30 - Jun 9th, 2008 at 4:38pm

AviationGuy   Offline
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Hello!

Posts: 6
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So, would you recommend me buying XP Home, or maybe just reinstalling Windows with the disks I have, and skipping the offline defrag?

Thanks for your help.
 
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Reply #31 - Jun 9th, 2008 at 5:30pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 


That is going to have to be your call because I have no experience with Media Center and can not advise correctly around it

 
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Reply #32 - Jun 9th, 2008 at 8:46pm

FullSky   Offline
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Hi Nick,

When you go to the microsoft link you showed earlier in this thread that details this issue, there is a hotfix available there, dated 6-sep-2007.

Can we assume that this hotfix fixes this issue on systems that manifest this problem?

Thanks,

Carey

 

680i mb \ QX6700 @3Ghz \ 4GB PC2-6400 \ EVGA 8800 GTX 768mb \ WD320, WD250 \ Gigabyte Aurora 570 tower \ ViewSonic 22" VG2230wm \ PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W \ XP Pro SP2&&
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Reply #33 - Jun 9th, 2008 at 10:22pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 


There is no link to a hotfix for this.. you must contact MS to get the file they post

and

The hotfix file does not work for everyone.. the main problem is the HAL does not update correctly with the right filein that KB with the SP2 web upgrade if your Sp1 install falls under certain criteria.. so the fix is to use the web based SP2 download to create a WinXP SP2 slipstream disk and then wipe/ install clean to be sure it takes.

 
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Reply #34 - Jun 14th, 2008 at 12:36pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Copy of another post that links to just about everything one needs...


This was a joke.. but the linkage is good





==================================================================






The MSFS USER Commandments




Thou Shalt research and purchase the correct parts to do the job


http://blogs.msdn.com/ptaylor/archive/2008/05/21/holy-fps-batman.aspx






Thou Shalt not complain if thy hardware is cheap or incorrect





Thou Shalt set up thy computer hardware correctly


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197380641#2

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973#5

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973#3





Thou Shalt set up thy Windows version correctly


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973





Thou Shalt use good security software that does not hinder thy system


www.eset.com





Thou Shalt not tweak with things thy find on the internet without knowing what they do.
(and many of them do nothing)


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1163028653/15

Unless you know exactly what you are doing... Stay Away =
http://www.blackviper.com/






Thou Shalt install and set up MSFS correctly based on thy version and hardware


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197380641#1

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197380641#6

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1205673302#14

http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=121&topic_id=437378&mesg_...

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=26434






Thou Shalt update and maintenance thy computer and FSX install correctly and regularly as needed


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973#1

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973#2

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197380641#11

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/






Thou Shalt set the frame lock based on how smooth MSFS runs, not by the number








Thou Shalt NOT STARE AT THE FRAME COUNTER
or thy eyes will burn in everlasting torment
















...and if you are still having trouble... ask in the forums but if all else fails...

 
SEEK DIRECT PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM A SERVICE




UTX setup: http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=26434&PID=149961#149961

« Last Edit: Jun 14th, 2008 at 2:24pm by NickN »  
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Reply #35 - Jun 18th, 2008 at 3:30pm

NickN   Offline
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A good thread to read all the way to the end about settings and how LOWER settings can be WORSE than higher settings


http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1212634135
« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 2:01pm by pete »  
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Reply #36 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 10:50am

Daube   Offline
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NickN wrote on Jun 18th, 2008 at 3:30pm:
A good thread to read all the way to the end about settings and how LOWER settings can be WORSE than higher settings


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1212634135


Nick, I have a question concerning some of the advises you are giving in that topic linked above. You stated that you are using a Bufferpools set to 70.000.000 up to 100.000.000, because you have a 768 Mb RAM video card.

I have a 8800 GTX with 768 Mb of RAM on it too. My BufferPools is currently set to 8.000.000 and it works OK. However, as soon as I try to set it to 80.000.000, I get corrupted 3D models in the sim, as soon as in the preview window of the main menu. What could be the problem ?

Win XP SP2, motherboard drivers installed, DirectX 9.0c just updated (june 2008), forceware 169.44. The sim has quite good performance and no display or instability issues at all, so I was wondering what was happening...
 
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Reply #37 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 11:34am

NickN   Offline
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Daube wrote on Jun 22nd, 2008 at 10:50am:
NickN wrote on Jun 18th, 2008 at 3:30pm:
A good thread to read all the way to the end about settings and how LOWER settings can be WORSE than higher settings


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1212634135


Nick, I have a question concerning some of the advises you are giving in that topic linked above. You stated that you are using a Bufferpools set to 70.000.000 up to 100.000.000, because you have a 768 Mb RAM video card.

I have a 8800 GTX with 768 Mb of RAM on it too. My BufferPools is currently set to 8.000.000 and it works OK. However, as soon as I try to set it to 80.000.000, I get corrupted 3D models in the sim, as soon as in the preview window of the main menu. What could be the problem ?

Win XP SP2, motherboard drivers installed, DirectX 9.0c just updated (june 2008), forceware 169.44. The sim has quite good performance and no display or instability issues at all, so I was wondering what was happening...



Quote:
FSX will only use 512MB of memory.. the rest goes to other things like bufferpools and the 2nd monitor however you do need to make sure to not go too high with that setting because you can start to see graphic 'spikes' like a video card memory is overclocked too much. I run 70000000 to 100000000 because I have a 768MB video card and can do that.


Apparently something about the system does not like the increased reserved memory. That setting is a 'by system' adjustment too where some will see benefit and others will not. In your case it could be the drivers which are actually old, or, something about the chipset register/BIOS that does not work well with that setting so high. I suggest you find the highest value that works stable and test it. Multi monitor may not like higher bufferpool settings because you are cutting into the frame buffer with more than one.

Just because myself and others find the setting works does not mean everyone will. Its just like frame lock. I have seen slower systems run better with the frame lock set to unlimited all the time and others must remain locked at all times. There is nothing set in stone about this title because of the number of variables in systems and drivers out there and how they designed the software. What I posted is a guideline and directions to try in testing however the user must find the values that work best on their own. The testing routine I posted should get you where you need to be but it can be a royal pain in the arse for some hours while working it all out.
 
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Reply #38 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 1:37pm

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Ok I just wanted to check.
I tried the 175.80 drivers and the problem is still there. I switched back to the previous bufferpools value which works quite well anyway. I will perform some additionnal tests later to find a better value, but there's no need to hurry right now Smiley
 
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Reply #39 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:34pm

AviationGuy   Offline
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Hey Nick, I reinstalled Windows, applied the tweaks (skipped the offline defrag), and FSX is running like a dream, as you can see from this screenshot.

...

I've noticed you've told a few people, from what I've seen, to download this patch, and I'm wondering if it's something that would help my system as well. I'm running an Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo processor.

Thanks!
« Last Edit: Jun 23rd, 2008 at 9:43am by AviationGuy »  
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Reply #40 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:45pm

NickN   Offline
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If you are on XP SP2, yes install the patch.. if SP3 you already have the patch Media center I do not know.. it wont hurt to try to install it and if its already installed from a Windows update then it will tell you its not needed


BTW.. they dont allow linked images here.. you need to upload the pic to simV and use the code they provide to display


Great shot! and congrats!.. enjoy the sim performance
 
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Reply #41 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:51pm

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I accidentally put an extra nought into my bufferpool size in my cfg file.

At 240,000,000 it corrupted my 3D aircraft something horrible.  I wept, then found out what was wrong, had a relieving hysterical shriek of laughter and made the change back.

However I have found a number below 100,000.000 works better for me - even down toward the 8-10,000.000 range.
 
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Reply #42 - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:58pm

NickN   Offline
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macca22au wrote on Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:51pm:
I accidentally put an extra nought into my bufferpool size in my cfg file.

At 240,000,000 it corrupted my 3D aircraft something horrible.  I wept, then found out what was wrong, had a relieving hysterical shriek of laughter and made the change back.

However I have found a number below 100,000.000 works better for me - even down toward the 8-10,000.000 range.



triple monitors need larger frame buffer so you cant run that high

240MB???  LOL!!

I bet that was a shock!
 
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Reply #43 - Jun 23rd, 2008 at 10:05am

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NickN wrote on Jun 14th, 2008 at 12:36pm:
Copy of another post that links to just about everything one needs...


Thou Shalt use good security software that does not hinder thy system


www.eset.com



I followed the steps at the start of the thread. Thank you. I am no technical geek and you helped me to reach a system state I would be unable to attain otherwise, since it takes years of research, trial and error and experience to come to your recommendations.
Thank you again.
I'd like to ask it ESET is *the* scanner to use, or if there are any (free?) alternatives around.

Michael
 
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Reply #44 - Jun 23rd, 2008 at 11:11pm

NickN   Offline
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The ESET AV (NOD32) is the best money can buy... not the full security package, just the AV product is all you need. With that protection you will not get the footprint on the system most others place on it and with that, you get performance.. so its up to you

at the same time.. freeware, you get what you pay for is a good way of explaining however if I had to lower my standards it would probably be AVG or AVAST

but I wont lower my standards... if you trust the list I posted, trust my AV suggestion
 
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Reply #45 - Jun 24th, 2008 at 12:16am

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Trust him, NOD 32 is great, and it treads your system lightly.

Others like Norton may be fine, but they fight FSX for CPU time and slow it right down.

ESET's NOD is the best purchase I have made, and by the way I have absolutely no sign of invasion or malware.
 
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Reply #46 - Jun 24th, 2008 at 2:21am

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NickN wrote on Jun 23rd, 2008 at 11:11pm:
but I wont lower my standards... if you trust the list I posted, trust my AV suggestion


eset has another new customer.

Does it hurt if I did accidentally a space defrag after shaping up the system according to your advice ? I notice that a name defrag thereafter took again 2 hours or so, so I wonder if the space defrag somehow counteracts the name ordering.
 
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Reply #47 - Jun 24th, 2008 at 11:48am

NickN   Offline
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DocW wrote on Jun 24th, 2008 at 2:21am:
NickN wrote on Jun 23rd, 2008 at 11:11pm:
but I wont lower my standards... if you trust the list I posted, trust my AV suggestion


eset has another new customer.

Does it hurt if I did accidentally a space defrag after shaping up the system according to your advice ? I notice that a name defrag thereafter took again 2 hours or so, so I wonder if the space defrag somehow counteracts the name ordering.


That is the difference between version 10 of O&O and version 8.5 and 8.6

With version 10 of O&O you should not use the SPACE defrag option after the first time running it from my list. With 8.5 and 8.6 you CAN run a SPACE defrag after a small install like that just to clean things up and then do the NAME defrag at a regular maintenance interval based on my list for keeping things tidy over time.

Version 10 SPACE defrag will ruin the NAME defrag… version 8.5 and 8.6 will not

When ever you install a major add-on like UTX or GEX into FSX its best to do a NAME defrag because those items are huge and the NAME defrag will help quite a bit

I know it takes time to do that kind of optimizing but well worth the result
 
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Reply #48 - Jun 24th, 2008 at 12:12pm

DocW   Offline
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thanx again. Everything runs bloody well on my system now, booting is a charm and FSX has now a real nice aspect. You did a great job. I consider myself lucky that I stumbled across this thread. I remember very well pyaing at work "experts" 150$ the hour for jobs that aren't worth 1% of what you offer.That's what I'd call dedication.
 
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Reply #49 - Jun 26th, 2008 at 10:08am

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Hi Nick,

Why is Registry mechanic or Tuneup Utilities not needed anymore?

Thanks

Rik
 

...&&Q6600 (oc to 3.3ghz), P5KC, 4gb Corsair Dominator, Raptor 150gb, Seagate 500gb, XFX 8800GT
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Reply #50 - Jun 27th, 2008 at 11:20am

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Those tools are now a "by user" decision

I do use a reg cleaner every so often however I no longer 'compact' the regisry and have not for a very long time. WinXP and Vista have had changes made to them whereby the registry is kept in good shape automatically and therefore use of that feature in programs like RM are not necessary.

I would be very careful with 'tuneup tools"

Thay can do things that may hurt performance instead of help. The best "tuneup" you can do is the maintenance I posted in cleaning out/flushing temp files, checking and cleaning up new 'startup' items not needed and then running the defrags...
 
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Reply #51 - Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:45pm

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Nick, you've previously stated "The page file ALWAYS goes on the boot drive with WindowsXP. Never move it."

Well, per an IT knowledgeboard (http://www.petri.co.il/pagefile_optimization.htm) I have move my pagefile to another physical drive.  Would you suggest I undo that work and leave it on my System (C) drive rather than in its own partition on my 2nd physical hard drive?  (I'm currently running WinXPSP3 but have not started your system tweaks yet.)

Thanks.

Andy
 

CA SEL IFR
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Reply #52 - Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:48pm

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ajmilan wrote on Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:45pm:
Nick, you've previously stated "The page file ALWAYS goes on the boot drive with WindowsXP. Never move it."

Well, per an IT knowledgeboard (http://www.petri.co.il/pagefile_optimization.htm) I have move my pagefile to another physical drive.  Would you suggest I undo that work and leave it on my System (C) drive rather than in its own partition on my 2nd physical hard drive?  (I'm currently running WinXPSP3 but have not started your system tweaks yet.)

Thanks.

Andy

I second that, before I read your list I had it on another drive, too. I read as well that this should have improved performance in XP.

 
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Reply #53 - Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:49pm

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That IT tweak is for NETWORK SERVERS and old computers that have low memory. It started back in the days of Windows95/98 when the average system had 128MB of memory..

no gain in a modern system unless its a network server and the system admin has tuned that page for the 'calls' being made to the server

in other words, the tweak is USELESS for modern game systems and has been for at least 5 years
 
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Reply #54 - Jun 27th, 2008 at 2:10pm

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So I'll take that as an "if it ain't broke, leave it alone" and leave it in place.

Thanks.
 

CA SEL IFR
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Reply #55 - Jun 27th, 2008 at 8:31pm

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Thanks for your advice Nick about the Registry tools.

i have often wondered about such tools. I often think they claim to do much more than they actually do.

Everything you say is not Gospel, but a Bookmark.

Cheers Nick!!



Rik

 

...&&Q6600 (oc to 3.3ghz), P5KC, 4gb Corsair Dominator, Raptor 150gb, Seagate 500gb, XFX 8800GT
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Reply #56 - Jun 29th, 2008 at 7:42pm

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Nick, under the Internet Explorer Temp. Internet Files settings to set the disk space to 1200.  The allowed range is 8 to 1024 MB, so I set it to the max.

Are there any issues with that setting?  Why am I not allowed to set it to 1200 as you suggest?

Still working through the list...

Andy
 

CA SEL IFR
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Reply #57 - Jun 29th, 2008 at 8:38pm

NickN   Offline
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ajmilan wrote on Jun 29th, 2008 at 7:42pm:
Nick, under the Internet Explorer Temp. Internet Files settings to set the disk space to 1200.  The allowed range is 8 to 1024 MB, so I set it to the max.

Are there any issues with that setting?  Why am I not allowed to set it to 1200 as you suggest?

Still working through the list...

Andy


Opppss

Sorry

they changed that with IE7.

That setting is up to you. You should flush IE once a month manually anyway.

If you do a lot of surfing the higher value does help IE but that one is really a 'to taste' setting. There is no performance value to the 'system' in that, just IE if you browse a lot


 
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Reply #58 - Jul 13th, 2008 at 10:55am

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Nick,

When attempting to use the following "rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks" I get the following error: "Error in advapi32 Missing entry:ProcessIdle". I am not using quotes when entering that line.
Any ideas?
 
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Reply #59 - Jul 13th, 2008 at 11:46am

NickN   Offline
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Is the task scheduler enabled in the services list?

Almost sounds like a corrupt windows advapi32 file. Assuming the syntax was correctly copied that command should run as posted
 
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Reply #60 - Jul 13th, 2008 at 11:57am

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Yes, Task Scheduler is on. This is a recent XP Sp2 install with no tweaks applied.
 
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Reply #61 - Jul 13th, 2008 at 12:03pm

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This is one I have never come across

If you are sure you copy/pasted rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks correctly then my best guess is its either a corrupt windows file problem or a virus or bug keeping task manager from working correctly

 
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Reply #62 - Jul 13th, 2008 at 12:18pm

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Well, I got it to work. The only thing I can figure is that in following the setup list, I did not reboot after rebuilding the page file as the system did not ask me to. After rebooting just now it works as advertised. Thanks for your help.

P. S. I should have thought this through a little better, trying to do too many things at once.  Embarrassed
 
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Reply #63 - Jul 13th, 2008 at 12:55pm

NickN   Offline
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Alright, that makes sense too.

I was going to ask if you tried rebooting but assumed you did already

Yep, I did wirte the list in a certain order and expected people to follow not on the dirtections but the order in which I listed things
 
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Reply #64 - Jul 18th, 2008 at 5:47am

BAR993   Offline
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thanks for the tips but is it alright to the the windows defrag thing instead of 0&0
 
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Reply #65 - Jul 18th, 2008 at 5:53pm

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No

O&O defrag is a key player in that list and why several of the registry entries were made... it will not provide the same result and as a matter of fact it may even run worse
 
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Reply #66 - Jul 27th, 2008 at 1:36am

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I just built my father an FSX system using these guidelines (very similar to my own) and it came out SWEET!!!  Thanks Nick for giving me the tools I needed to do this! Smiley  I wish I could make a living building and setting up people's systems for FSX like this. 

-Jim
 

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Reply #67 - Jul 27th, 2008 at 1:08pm

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I have just completed optimizing using your guidelines and I am impressed Thank You
One small problem. My Boot file on C reads:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
which differs from the one posted. Will it matter if I add /3GB/Userva=2560 to my line?
My Sys :XP pro SP3/4x1G mem/Mobo Giga 965P-DQ6/8800GTX/Q6600
Kobus
 
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Reply #68 - Jul 27th, 2008 at 1:42pm

NickN   Offline
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Kobus wrote on Jul 27th, 2008 at 1:08pm:
I have just completed optimizing using your guidelines and I am impressed Thank You
One small problem. My Boot file on C reads:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
which differs from the one posted. Will it matter if I add /3GB/Userva=2560 to my line?
My Sys :XP pro SP3/4x1G mem/Mobo Giga 965P-DQ6/8800GTX/Q6600
Kobus



No problem.. the line I posted is a bit generic and was only used as an example..

simply add the /3GB/Userva=2560 to what you have
 
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Reply #69 - Jul 29th, 2008 at 8:24pm

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Nick,
Im really interested in trying your suggestions, heard too many good things not to.  But I have a quick question about your "Drivers, Nhancer and setting them up" section, I don't have an NVIDIA video card (I have an integrated Intel) nor Nhancer.  So I was just planning on making sure that I had the latest drivers and then skipping the specific instructions regarding the Nhancer setup.  By doing this would I nullify any gains by fallowing your other suggestions?
Thanks loads for all your input here,
Kirk
 
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Reply #70 - Jul 30th, 2008 at 3:19am

NickN   Offline
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You're going to run FSX on an integrated Intel video chip?

To answer your question, no.. skipping the use of Nhancer is not going to negate the benefits of the rest.

However FSX on a integrated chip is going to be very limited regardless of what you do.

The instructions I posted I use for any system not just graphics

 
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Reply #71 - Jul 30th, 2008 at 12:41pm

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I understand that I am really limited with this machine but for the time being Im stuck with it so Im trying to do the best that I can.  If I could move up I would in a heart beat.

Thanks for the help
 
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Reply #72 - Jul 30th, 2008 at 1:03pm

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I have a Matrox TripleHead2Go (Digital) with three 19" LCD displays
Res :3840X1024 in my setup

Would that be regarded as multi or single in the nHancer setup? (Only one DVI output of the GPU is used)

Kobus
 
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Reply #73 - Jul 31st, 2008 at 3:44pm

NickN   Offline
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Hmmmm good question and one I cant really answer because I do not use that system

If the matrox uses a single output from the video card and splits it I would think single but dont hold me to that because as I said, I dont use the system and do not know the configuration var's

I do know you must set to widescreen in the FSX.cfg file and there is something about the Matrox systems posted at fsinsider

http://www.fsinsider.com/tips/Pages/AccelerationandTripleHead2Go.aspx
 
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Reply #74 - Aug 6th, 2008 at 1:47am

Kobus   Offline
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Nick, I am planning a new FSX dedicated pc and need clarity on the following

Is FSX a x32 or x64 application?

If x32, is there any advantage in running it on XPx64 or Vistax64 except maybe
for their ability to recognize and use more memory?

Does FSX really need or use more than 2G  to run properly?

System: QX9650,X48,8800GTX   (?OS ?GB RAM)

Thank You

Kobus
 
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Reply #75 - Aug 6th, 2008 at 11:42am

NickN   Offline
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FSX is a 32bit application

x64 allows as much memory as you can throw at it to be accessed and yes, FSX runs better on 4gig than 2

You can use a 32bit OS and run the hacks as explained but the 64bit OS will not require any hacks.

The decision about x64 or x32 is also made based on your hardware and driver availability. You need to check that out

Personally I would not mess with Vista. Its getting replaced in a year or so. I use XP x64
 
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Reply #76 - Aug 7th, 2008 at 10:13am

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NickN wrote on Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:15am:
ANNOUNCEMENT




For those of you who are using O&O with my list, you know the benefits of following that list and the use of O&O Defrag as I laid out


After discussions with O&O engineering and management O&O has now recognized the v10 issues and the are working with Microsoft to correct the problem

Until then, O&O has agreed to offer a special for everyone... this special will allow you to have BOTH VERSION 8.5 now and upgrade to VERSION 10 when the issue is resolved...

THATS v10 FOR FREE with the purchase of v8.0 v8.5 (or 8.6)



I suggest you may wish to take advanatge of the offer



NOTE: VISTA users MUST use version 10   or   v8.6.

VISTA CAN NOT USE version 8.5. If you contact O&O they MAY allow you to get 8.6  in a special download from them because they now recognize the SPACE defrag probelm with version 10.

O&O v8.6 works EXACTLY like 8.5 and does not have the SPACE-NAME defrag problem v10 displays.





Also.. you can get the TRIAL version of 8.6 (for XP or VISTA) both x32 and x64 here:

http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/download/archive/oodefrag86pro





Hi guys,

Seeing that there are still requests for our 2-for-the-price-of-one O&O Defrag 10 and O&O Defrag 8.6 bundle coming in, I extended mentioned offer until the end of August 2008.

The link to our special offer - O&O Defrag 8 Professional Edition plus O&O Defrag 10 Professional Edition for just USD44.95 - has changed!
Please use the following link to purchase the special offer:

https://shop.oo-software.com/36/uurl-n6j7om1fy5

Thank you for the kind words about O&O.
Take care and many happy landings.

Andreas Blaeser

E-Commerce Manager
O&O Software, Berlin, Germany
 

Note: I am employed by O&O Software GmbH, Berlin, Germany. We manufacture O&O Defrag, and our opinion is therefore of course biased.
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Reply #77 - Aug 7th, 2008 at 1:22pm

NickN   Offline
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Thanks Andreas!
 
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Reply #78 - Aug 10th, 2008 at 4:08pm

Plugpennyshadow   Offline
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O & O Defrag CDs...

I would like CD copies of the O & O Defrag software...I would like to get the two-for-one bundle, but really am not comfortable with getting "electronic" versions of software that is to be such an integral part of my puter maintenance toolbox.

Any chance to get the CDs with the order?  I am willing to pay extra, of course.

Thanks
 
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Reply #79 - Aug 16th, 2008 at 10:24pm
An-225   Ex Member

 
Thank you for that RAM tweak Nick. Now that all 2.5 gigs of RAM are used, I get no blurries (also due to O&O defrag, and the fact that I set FSX to High priority in the task manager).

I have a few questions though.

First, with that RAM tweak, I get two bootup options, Windows XP Professional and 2560. Is there any way I can remove 2560, and still use 2.5 gigs of RAM?

Also, I recently got an Nvidia 8800GT. In Ntune, the tuning section shows the clock settings of my old Nvidia 6800, 450 MHz core, 700 MHz memory. Nvidia Monitor shows the same bus speeds. Am I getting the full potential of the 8800, or has it somehow underclocked itself to 6800 specs?

EDIT: Thats quite odd, I checked Ntune again, and it listed my GPUs clocks as 450 and 702, and just to make sure my bus speeds are really 450 and 702, I opened Nvidia Monitor, and it shows 702 and 950?
 
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Reply #80 - Aug 17th, 2008 at 5:12am

reider   Offline
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AndreasB wrote on Aug 7th, 2008 at 10:13am:
NickN wrote on Apr 23rd, 2008 at 10:15am:
ANNOUNCEMENT




For those of you who are using O&O with my list, you know the benefits of following that list and the use of O&O Defrag as I laid out


After discussions with O&O engineering and management O&O has now recognized the v10 issues and the are working with Microsoft to correct the problem

Until then, O&O has agreed to offer a special for everyone... this special will allow you to have BOTH VERSION 8.5 now and upgrade to VERSION 10 when the issue is resolved...

THATS v10 FOR FREE with the purchase of v8.0 v8.5 (or 8.6)



I suggest you may wish to take advanatge of the offer



NOTE: VISTA users MUST use version 10   or   v8.6.

VISTA CAN NOT USE version 8.5. If you contact O&O they MAY allow you to get 8.6  in a special download from them because they now recognize the SPACE defrag probelm with version 10.

O&O v8.6 works EXACTLY like 8.5 and does not have the SPACE-NAME defrag problem v10 displays.





Also.. you can get the TRIAL version of 8.6 (for XP or VISTA) both x32 and x64 here:

http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/download/archive/oodefrag86pro





Hi guys,

Seeing that there are still requests for our 2-for-the-price-of-one O&O Defrag 10 and O&O Defrag 8.6 bundle coming in, I extended mentioned offer until the end of August 2008.

The link to our special offer - O&O Defrag 8 Professional Edition plus O&O Defrag 10 Professional Edition for just USD44.95 - has changed!
Please use the following link to purchase the special offer:

https://shop.oo-software.com/36/uurl-n6j7om1fy5

Thank you for the kind words about O&O.
Take care and many happy landings.

Andreas Blaeser

E-Commerce Manager
O&O Software, Berlin, Germany


Can I just say that acts like this do not go unnoticed.  You have accepted their is a problem and worked on a remedy.  Posted in an enthusiasts forum and extended the offer too.  People notice these actions and hear about them.  From this a lot of trust develops and I`m sure future business.  Once again, a big thankyou to O&O and to Nick Needham for bringing it to their attention in the first place.  Respect where its due.

Reider
 
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Reply #81 - Aug 17th, 2008 at 2:54pm

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Nick, I was just wondering if you'll be putting out an optimizing guide like the first few posts, for Vista?

Smiley
 

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Reply #82 - Aug 17th, 2008 at 10:10pm

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Not anytime soon

As far as I am concerned, unless MS releases a serious patch for Vista I wont be bothering with it and will most likely jump to Windows7 when it is released instead. Just like I skipped WindowsME and went right to XP.

If there is some type of change made to Vista in the form of a SP update which truly debloats the OS and increases perf then I may consider going into it. Otherwise I consider Vista Windows
CE, ME, NT
combined

AKA:
Windows CEMENT
 
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Reply #83 - Aug 17th, 2008 at 11:50pm

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Nick, you have a knack of making me feel so bad.  I'm running Vista 64bit with full access to 4 gigs of fast but not the best RAM.  It sure seems to perform ok for me.

Fess up, you have in your various guides pointed to action needed in Vista.

Sure those with XP are maybe in the best place, but now purchasers of new machines have little option, Vista is OEM.  Like it or not, more and more simmers will have to live with it.  Windows 7, if it is an optimised version of Vista will be great, just as I think that FS11 only need be a fully optimised, fully threaded, SLI supporting version of FSX.

Therefore we need someone with your skills, brilliance and dedication to dive into Vista.
 
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Reply #84 - Aug 17th, 2008 at 11:55pm

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Incidentally. my lazy man's test is:

Can I run FSX using the Carenado Mooney out of a good detailed add-on country airfield to a similar rural field, with few stutters without turning anything else off?

And I can, AV and the lot in the background stealing CPU cycles. 

Of course over Seattle it all has to be turned off - even FSX sometimes!
 
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Reply #85 - Aug 17th, 2008 at 11:58pm

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so will XP be able to use/handle Nehalem and the fun stuff that goes along with it? or will those that want to have the Nehalem chips be forced to go vista?(for the same reasons that 3 and 4 way SLI is only supported in vista
 

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Reply #86 - Aug 18th, 2008 at 10:21am

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macca22au wrote on Aug 17th, 2008 at 11:50pm:
Nick, you have a knack of making me feel so bad.  I'm running Vista 64bit with full access to 4 gigs of fast but not the best RAM.  It sure seems to perform ok for me.

Fess up, you have in your various guides pointed to action needed in Vista.

Sure those with XP are maybe in the best place, but now purchasers of new machines have little option, Vista is OEM.  Like it or not, more and more simmers will have to live with it.  Windows 7, if it is an optimised version of Vista will be great, just as I think that FS11 only need be a fully optimised, fully threaded, SLI supporting version of FSX.

Therefore we need someone with your skills, brilliance and dedication to dive into Vista.



MS offers downgrades to XP for a reason and OEMs are not bound to sell only Vista.. that changed last year

And unless I wish to use a DX10 game I see no reason for Vista. FSX is not DX10 as far as i am concerned


And to respond to the question about Nellie.. no problem with XP

When it comes to platforms the greatest advantages are found in the software app being designed to take advantage of the platform and it is my understanding that is the plan with FS11. Phil Taylor mentions something about their WAVE09 tech developments and will be posting more about how they intend to look at hardware and use the platforms from a perf advantage standpoint and will be discussing more of that in detail as next year progresses



If I do dive into Vista I will of course post my findings however from a preliminary standpoint of tinkering with it, CEMENT is the correct description
 
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Reply #87 - Aug 19th, 2008 at 9:24pm

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Woe is me, and ashes are my lot!
 
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Reply #88 - Aug 20th, 2008 at 8:39am

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I might be misinterpreting your instructions (one time vs often), but this guy : http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000619.html

says that clearing prefetch does not improve performance. I'm not trying to debunk or flame or anything, I was just wondering if your instructions use it as a precursor for something else, as opposed to just clearing it for the sake of clearing it.
 
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Reply #89 - Aug 20th, 2008 at 10:35am

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There is nothing to debunk.

I have seen it all on the net and if you follow my instructions it will make a difference.

The instructions work as a system.

One element relys on another.

Simply clearing the prefetch cache
without
doing everything else in the list exactly as I listed and in the presented order won't make any difference and will not help



So yes, it is step set up as part of a predefined system of events which in turn will create a better platform for perf

it only needs to be cleared once. After that it will remain clear and the function of prefetch will swtich to O&O effectively removing the Windows CPU/memory load on the system.


« Last Edit: Aug 20th, 2008 at 1:35pm by NickN »  
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Reply #90 - Aug 30th, 2008 at 11:23am

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Nick,

I am about to change my motherboard so I can OC my Q6600. I already have 4gb of 800 DDR2 RAM. I have been using Vista 32 so I haven't been getting the full RAM as I should. I had planned to use Vista 64 when I change the MB.

Are you saying I should go to XP instead? Will my RAM be wasted? I'm not using DX10 now anyway in Vista.

What do you suggest?

Also, do you have the complete optimization in PDF form? I'd like to print it. I don't know which version of the guide to use.
 

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Reply #91 - Aug 30th, 2008 at 10:49pm

NickN   Offline
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You can get acces to the full RAM amount (up to 4GB) on Vista or XP x32 by applying the cache edit listed on the first page of this thread

The list is what it is.. copy/paste works and no I do not have a PDF version. Vista optimizing is listed at the end of the 2nd post and I do not use Vista so there is nothing else I have for its setup

You can not use the prefetch tweak I listed for XP in Vista.. it wont work or have any effect

You can use O&O v8.6 as I laid out which will help

 
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Reply #92 - Aug 31st, 2008 at 3:27pm

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Nick:  great to see that you are still with us.  I thought you had gone for good.  Keep up the suggestions.

But I will say this.  Vista 64bit accesses the whole 4 gigs, and lets FSX use as much as available.

With DDR3 and the new chips to come soon, then FSX will hum on Vista - its doing pretty darn good for me already.

It would be great if you could loosen up and dive into the Vista OS.  We need you there.  Remember many of us have chosen the latest system- some with no choice, and we'd really like to know how to cut out the unnecessary processes and cosmetics.

Nevertheless, my warmest regards,
 
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Reply #93 - Aug 31st, 2008 at 3:48pm

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macca22au wrote on Aug 31st, 2008 at 3:27pm:
Nick:  great to see that you are still with us.  I thought you had gone for good.  Keep up the suggestions.

But I will say this.  Vista 64bit accesses the whole 4 gigs, and lets FSX use as much as available.

With DDR3 and the new chips to come soon, then FSX will hum on Vista - its doing pretty darn good for me already.

It would be great if you could loosen up and dive into the Vista OS.  We need you there.  Remember many of us have chosen the latest system- some with no choice, and we'd really like to know how to cut out the unnecessary processes and cosmetics.

Nevertheless, my warmest regards,


LOL!   "Loosen up"

My time is on GEX europe right now so Vista tweaking is not a priority

As I have mentioned in the past I may dive into it but not until I see a real benefit. If the next gen platforms are better perf with Vista I may go at it then
 
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Reply #94 - Sep 2nd, 2008 at 3:28am

macca22au   Offline
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Yes it was a LOL, and thanks for taking it that way.

But sometimes you're a bit like the preachers I remember from my youth, stern and disciplined and unyielding in the face of developments they think will corrupt the young.

Good to read you again.
 
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Reply #95 - Sep 2nd, 2008 at 3:12pm

NickN   Offline
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ROFL

Well

being my Grandfather and several Uncles were southern Baptist ministers and my father was also involved the church I guess some of that rubbed off

It was: learn it, live it and don’t ever veer from it or there will be hell to pay. And when we get done with you God will take over.

You have a better chance with God than you did with them   Cheesy


Its like this…

Why screw with something that works?

I mean.. after all this time even Tom’s Hardware had to suck it up and post the truth about the video cards..

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-comparison,2007-18.html

originally they omitted the 8800GTX/Ultra from their list

Who needs the new cards? They run like dog-poop in FSX. The tried and true 8800GTX/Ultra with the 384bit memory interface is still the best bang for the buck although they did slip in the newer 8800 as the top dog… try those tests in real weather and you will see the 8800GTX/Ultra is still the champ. Nvidia does not want you to buy old stuff though.

So it’s the same with the OS. Why screw with what works best? Right now I will stick with XP x64


EDIT: I do have Vista installed to run tests and peek at DX10 games... I just dont use it for the primary install or FSX

« Last Edit: Sep 2nd, 2008 at 7:57pm by NickN »  
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Reply #96 - Sep 10th, 2008 at 6:18am

GabethePilot   Offline
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NickN wrote on May 2nd, 2008 at 4:21pm:
raptorx wrote on May 1st, 2008 at 11:04pm:
Nick,  I see that Disktrix has a new Ultimate Defrag version 8 that seems to be new.  I've heard that this product allows some manipulation of the MFT for better performance.  What do you think?

-Jim


If it ain't broke, dont fix it



Defragging regularly is a good idea.....I use Ultimate Defrag.....Folder Name Consolidation and it does make a difference.
 

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Reply #97 - Sep 10th, 2008 at 7:39pm

NickN   Offline
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GabethePilot wrote on Sep 10th, 2008 at 6:18am:
NickN wrote on May 2nd, 2008 at 4:21pm:
raptorx wrote on May 1st, 2008 at 11:04pm:
Nick,  I see that Disktrix has a new Ultimate Defrag version 8 that seems to be new.  I've heard that this product allows some manipulation of the MFT for better performance.  What do you think?

-Jim


If it ain't broke, dont fix it



Defragging regularly is a good idea.....I use Ultimate Defrag.....Folder Name Consolidation and it does make a difference.



UD will not make use of the list I posted. That list has strict dependencies on the O&O settings I listed. Without O&O set up and used as specified, several reg changes that list makes will not apply any benefit to the system, at all
 
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Reply #98 - Sep 11th, 2008 at 1:00am

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Thanks Nick,  It took me a little while to see that they were testing an over-clocked GTS, which doesn't seem all that fair, in that the GTX can be overclocked substantially too (though I haven't done so) and it would no doubt race ahead on the testbed.

Until the next gen cards come out the GTX 768 will do me fine.  Obviously like many I would look forward to your comments when the new 'tock' CPUs and videocards arrive in a few months.
 
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Reply #99 - Sep 15th, 2008 at 11:50pm

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Cardinal Nick Needham

Your Excellency:  O&O have come out with their version 11.   Are we permitted without fear of punishment, excommunication or burning to use this new version.

All ponderous jokes aside, has O&O resolved the problems that you found with version 10.
 
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Reply #100 - Sep 16th, 2008 at 8:58am

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Nick I have gone through your setup at the beggining  of this post using Vista 32. My system is pretty weak. Athlon 64 3400, Nvidia 7800GS. 2 gigs of ram. I have not had a chance to check out my performance in FSX since it is still doing the Full name defrag for the first time in O&O 10. ( my system shut downs and restarts have been 1000 times faster)  Now here is my question.

I have all ready owned version 10 of O&O for about 2 months before trying your settings in this thread.  I have only done the full system defrag and have probably done it 6 times. I had never used space defrag from the drop down menu or an offline defrag.  I went ahead and did the space defrag twice like your post said (never do more than 2 space defrag passes with version 10)  Should I have done that even though I had all ready used Version 10 before for defragging? What exactly is the space defrag problem in O&O 10. Did I do something wrong or was this still the correct order?

I started the full name defrag last night around mid-night and it was telling me I still had 5 hours to go when I left for work this morning (7am) . Does that seem like an excessive amount of time are is this normal for my first run after doing 2 space defrags and a defrag before bootup ( I believe when it came up to the blue defrag screen before startup it said Stealth).

Sorry for the questions but I am worried that I did something wrong by doing the 2 space defrags even though I had used the program before. I am jumping the gun because I havn't even had a chance to touch the computer to check performance but the little nagging voice in my head is saying I should have asked before doing the space defrags.



Thanks for everything you are an awesome man for putting the time in to help everybody out. Your paitence amazes me.



Chris




Now I read the post above me and version 11 is out. I am sure since I just bough 10 that I can upgrade ( at least I hope) should I and should I start the whole procedure again from the beggining?
 
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Reply #101 - Sep 16th, 2008 at 11:01am

NickN   Offline
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8.6 is OK for both XP and Vista, 8.5 is OK for XP



I am tied up with GEXeu right now so testing software is out of the question but as soon as I can I will check into it.

When it comes to defrag software, I cant see it giving you any boost assuming it fixed the issue v10 had. Their method of defrag in v8.5-8.6 was spot on and nothing I can think of is going to change that

I mean, think about it.. you are defragging in alphanumerical order with a Name Defrag.. the alphabet and a number line does not change

That is what makes the process work so nothing they may have done is going to change how that works

The problem with v10 was it left freespace between the clusters in a Name Defrag. Assuming they fixed that its still going to defrag using the same method as 8.5 and 8.6


If you are already on Version 10 just do not use the SPACE defrag after you run it the first 2 times.. after that the option is off limits for any maintenance runs later because it will destroy the NAME defrag job requiring the NAME defrag to run longer to fix what the SPACE defrag did. In 8.5 and 8.6 that is not an issue
 
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Reply #102 - Sep 16th, 2008 at 2:13pm

Mobayrasta1   Offline
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NickN wrote on Sep 16th, 2008 at 11:01am:
8.6 is OK for both XP and Vista, 8.5 is OK for XP



I am tied up with GEXeu right now so testing software is out of the question but as soon as I can I will check into it.

When it comes to defrag software, I cant see it giving you any boost assuming it fixed the issue v10 had. Their method of defrag in v8.5-8.6 was spot on and nothing I can think of is going to change that

I mean, think about it.. you are defragging in alphanumerical order with a Name Defrag.. the alphabet and a number line does not change

That is what makes the process work so nothing they may have done is going to change how that works

The problem with v10 was it left freespace between the clusters in a Name Defrag. Assuming they fixed that its still going to defrag using the same method as 8.5 and 8.6


If you are already on Version 10 just do not use the SPACE defrag after you run it the first 2 times.. after that the option is off limits for any maintenance runs later because it will destroy the NAME defrag job requiring the NAME defrag to run longer to fix what the SPACE defrag did. In 8.5 and 8.6 that is not an issue


Nick thanks for the quick reply.

I noticed when I got home and the first Complete-name defragging had finished, that there was now alot of space between the clusters as stated in your post. After my first 2 space defrags it looked so nice an tidy, LOL. I rebooted and it is now doing its second Complete-name defrag, it says it will take 3 hours. After that your post says to do one more offline defrag. Will that fix the spaces between my clusters? Should I keep doing name defrag until my clusters go back to having 0 space between them?  Any further help is greatly appreciated. I know you have a TON of stuff on your plate right now so if you don't have time to further explain I would totally understand.


Thanks again.


Chris
 
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Reply #103 - Sep 17th, 2008 at 1:25am

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Dear Nick,

Thanks lot for the information Regarding O&O Defrag and now they say they have Version 11 and some times ago I bought V10 and now use V8.6 for Vista( they gave free).
Is V11 is good for Vista?
 

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Reply #104 - Sep 17th, 2008 at 8:47am

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Mobayrasta1 wrote on Sep 16th, 2008 at 2:13pm:
NickN wrote on Sep 16th, 2008 at 11:01am:
8.6 is OK for both XP and Vista, 8.5 is OK for XP



I am tied up with GEXeu right now so testing software is out of the question but as soon as I can I will check into it.

When it comes to defrag software, I cant see it giving you any boost assuming it fixed the issue v10 had. Their method of defrag in v8.5-8.6 was spot on and nothing I can think of is going to change that

I mean, think about it.. you are defragging in alphanumerical order with a Name Defrag.. the alphabet and a number line does not change

That is what makes the process work so nothing they may have done is going to change how that works

The problem with v10 was it left freespace between the clusters in a Name Defrag. Assuming they fixed that its still going to defrag using the same method as 8.5 and 8.6


If you are already on Version 10 just do not use the SPACE defrag after you run it the first 2 times.. after that the option is off limits for any maintenance runs later because it will destroy the NAME defrag job requiring the NAME defrag to run longer to fix what the SPACE defrag did. In 8.5 and 8.6 that is not an issue


Nick thanks for the quick reply.

I noticed when I got home and the first Complete-name defragging had finished, that there was now alot of space between the clusters as stated in your post. After my first 2 space defrags it looked so nice an tidy, LOL. I rebooted and it is now doing its second Complete-name defrag, it says it will take 3 hours. After that your post says to do one more offline defrag. Will that fix the spaces between my clusters? Should I keep doing name defrag until my clusters go back to having 0 space between them?  Any further help is greatly appreciated. I know you have a TON of stuff on your plate right now so if you don't have time to further explain I would totally understand.


Thanks again.


Chris


Chris,

I hope you don't mind me butting into your conversation, however after reading your post, I'm having a flashback of when I used to use O&O v10.  The problem you're having is the very reason why v10 is flawed when used with Vista.  As Nick said, during the defrag free space will be left inbetween the clusters.  I used to be able to get the clusters a little closer together, but that was only after multiple consecutive name defrags.  However even after all that, there was still free space inbetween the clusters.  Save yourself the headache and switch to O&O v8.6 for use with Vista.  The people at O&O have been very helpful with the Simviation community and I'll bet they will send you a link to download v8.6, as you're already a customer who purchased v10.  They did for me.  

As for v11, I don't know if O&O addressed the v10 issues in v11.  If you decide to contact O&O, maybe they can answer that question.  Good luck.
 
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Reply #105 - Sep 17th, 2008 at 11:35am

Mobayrasta1   Offline
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Psovod-

Thanks. I took your advice and contacted them and just recieved vs.8.6 (and version 11 free) I am only going to install 8.6 for now. I guess I should just start at the first O&O step in Nicks thread.

I am hoping the page file will still be at the end of the data when finished.
 
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Reply #106 - Sep 17th, 2008 at 12:08pm

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If you are on Vista

turn OFF system restore and reboot before running O&O. SR in Vista locks that part of the partition and you will get that cleaned up.

If you want SR enabled, reenable it after all the defrag work (I dont as it takes resources)

If the page file does not move to the end, set Windows system properties for NO PAGE FILE.. apply and reboot and delete the file

C:\pagefile.sys

it may delete on its own and not require you delete it.. must also have hidden files and folders with hidden system files DISABLED to find it

If its not there, RUN the defrag AGAIN and allow that space to be used correctly.

Once complete,

...set the page file back up to

User defined: 3072 - 3072 on the Windows partition and you will find it is now at the end of the data set... run the offline defrag


all fixed
 
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Reply #107 - Sep 17th, 2008 at 7:36pm

Mobayrasta1   Offline
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NickN wrote on Sep 17th, 2008 at 12:08pm:
If you are on Vista

turn OFF system restore and reboot before running O&O. SR in Vista locks that part of the partition and you will get that cleaned up.

If you want SR enabled, reenable it after all the defrag work (I dont as it takes resources)

If the page file does not move to the end, set Windows system properties for NO PAGE FILE.. apply and reboot and delete the file

C:\pagefile.sys

it may delete on its own and not require you delete it.. must also have hidden files and folders with hidden system files DISABLED to find it

If its not there, RUN the defrag AGAIN and allow that space to be used correctly.

Once complete,

...set the page file back up to

User defined: 3072 - 3072 on the Windows partition and you will find it is now at the end of the data set... run the offline defrag


all fixed


Thank Nick

I have SR turned off.The page file is again at the end of the data set since running 8.6 on space mode . I have not used my desktop since I first started the steps in the first post in this thread, except for now defragging and restarting about 8 times. My hard drive should be in great shape! I am now on the comple/name defrag process for the first time using 8.6 and all seems well. I will continue the steps in the correct order after that finishes.

Thanks for everything, I will post my results when I get this sucker defragged correctly and can play some games!

On another note can't wait for GEX Europe!
 
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Reply #108 - Sep 22nd, 2008 at 9:06am

Mobayrasta1   Offline
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Nothing better than low
and slow!
NAS PATUXENT RIVER

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I am getting an average of 5 to 10 fps faster in all of my games. My computer boots up about 100 times quicker and everything just seems to run better.

Thanks Nick!!!!!!   

Also a big thanks to Psovod for kicking me in the butt and just telling me to scap O&O10 and go to 8.6. Even though Nick had all ready reccomended it I was determined to make it work. I guess I don't get any prizes for being stubborn!

Thanks again for a nice healthy FASTER computer.


Chris
 
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Reply #109 - Sep 28th, 2008 at 9:30am

Anxyous   Offline
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Does the guide for making XP32 recognize more than 2 gigs of RAM apply to Vista 32 as well?

Smiley
 

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Reply #110 - Sep 28th, 2008 at 10:35am

NickN   Offline
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Anxyous wrote on Sep 28th, 2008 at 9:30am:
Does the guide for making XP32 recognize more than 2 gigs of RAM apply to Vista 32 as well?

Smiley



Part 1 is for XP only,... part 2 is for Vista only as the post states
 
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Reply #111 - Sep 28th, 2008 at 11:41am

Anxyous   Offline
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Oh, wow... aren't I an idiot? Grin

Does it go for ReadyBoost as well?
 

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Reply #112 - Sep 28th, 2008 at 1:57pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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Readyboost has nothing to do with that post

Unless you have a fast SSD hard drive I see no point to readyboost at all
 
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Reply #113 - Sep 29th, 2008 at 11:00am

Anxyous   Offline
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I got a 2 GB USB stick...

I'm looking for any performance enhancement.
 

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Reply #114 - Sep 29th, 2008 at 11:50am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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USB 2.0 is slower than the data rate from the hard drive


With a SSD hard drive however that feature has value but then again, you must have a SATAII or 3GB/s interface to allow the SSD drive to have the data buss it needs for performance.. and, if you load Windows/FSX on that SSD drive readyboost is again not going to do much of anything for you.. that feature is really a joke

The only way RB will help is if you have 2 SSD drives in the system and one dedicated to RB which also requires the motherboard have 'Robson Technology' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Turbo_Memory embeded in the BIOS for the drives and RB though NAND flash on the PCie CARD or the SSD drive to take its place .

RB is a Vista 'fluf' feature.. full of hot air without the right hardware and even then its effect is questionable
 
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Reply #115 - Sep 29th, 2008 at 12:05pm

Anxyous   Offline
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Oh, okay, I guess I'll use it for something else then...

Thanks Nick! Smiley
 

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Reply #116 - Oct 6th, 2008 at 4:32pm

CDreier   Offline
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Nick,
I have some questions regarding the settings in nHancer for FS9.  I'll message you just in case this thread doesn't update.   Thanks.
 

My Specs:
i7 920 oc'd to 3.8
6gb Corsair RAM
ASUS P6T Deluxe v2,
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1TB WD 7200/32 Black
2x 750GB WD 7200/32 Black
Samsung 22" 1680x1050 LCD
Corsair 800D case
Windows 7 64-bit
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Reply #117 - Oct 7th, 2008 at 4:45pm

flavio   Offline
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Hi Nick,

You are the reason I registered in this forum. Let me first say thank you for your work and for making it available online.

I am having an issue with O&O defrag.

i did everything up to the name defrag to the word. First issue is when i ran the offline defrag, rebooted, and when it started, it was a weird black screen with some colors on it, and blinking white things, then the PC rebooted like you siad it would, but i "looked weird"

second is when i try to run the NAME defrag, O&O seems to freeze at a very early folder, differs, and then never continues, and stays at 0% the whole time, stops moving files, it just kind of stops defragging i guess.

I don't know what the issue could be. My hardware is working fine, i have a quad at 2.66 which i normally oc to 3.47, but is not right now, 3gb ddr2 ram, 7.2K barracuda, 2 8800gt sli, 680i mother board. all drivers up to date, windows XP sp3.

thank you
 

...
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Reply #118 - Oct 7th, 2008 at 5:02pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Issue 1 is because of the Nvidia video card.. well known and not a problem.. just let it do its thing and yes, I know it looks weird

Issue 2 I have no idea.. I have never heard of that problem. It sounds like it could be either some kind security software locking O&O from making changes or a corrupt download/install of the software itself. I assume this is O&O v8.6? I dont use 10
 
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Reply #119 - Oct 7th, 2008 at 5:11pm

flavio   Offline
Colonel
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hi Nick,

thank you for the fast reply, i appreciate it.

i am using o&o 8.6. I have a completely new install of retail xp sp2, did the critical updates and have nod32. there is nothing else installed except acrobat viewer and flash player. and of course, fsx acell. sp2 with utx, gex, some addon aircraft and sceneries, and xclass.

i installed in the correct order and rebooting between installs. everything in the list worked fine, expect now i cant even defrag with o&o anymore.

it just stops after moving some 20 to 40 files. for space and name.

i have no clue what to do. i really want to be able to use the defrag part, i know it's essential. i would also like to purchase it if it starts working Sad


OK UPTDATE!!

so i uninstalled o&o, rebooted, reinstalled it, rebooted this time doing a disk check, it found some errors (i think that was the problem) fixed them, ran a SPACE defrag and it woked (ufffff!!)

now im going to run disckcheck again and, do an offline, then try the NAME again. ill let you know how it goes, hopefully it works, at least i got o&o up and running again Smiley

UPDATE 2

how do i buy 8.6 now?
 

...
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Reply #120 - Oct 7th, 2008 at 5:52pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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I was going to say... did you run the CHKDSK I posted?

I think you found your problem!


As for purchase.. Go to the O&O site.. unfortunately you missed the sale on buy 8.6 and get 10 free deal... let me see if that link is still active but I think it ended in September

EDIT: Nope.. sale is over

you should be able to contact O&O directly and get a 8.6 license

http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/

I have no idea how well O&O 11 works as I have not had time to test it or work with it. If they fixed the freespace issue with the software leaving empty chunks  between the clusters with the NAME defrag then its fine as long as access to the setup for using 'layout.ini' in XP is still available
 
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Reply #121 - Oct 7th, 2008 at 7:14pm

flavio   Offline
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okay its all done now.

i gotta say, first thing i noticed is windows boots faster then i can say supercalifragiliciousexpielidocious LOL.

i got 27 processes at startup which i hink is good too, and xp is consuming ~200 mb in memory, which is NOTHING compared to vista's usual 600.

thanks for the support nick, and once again let me thank you for making this available.
 

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Reply #122 - Oct 7th, 2008 at 11:44pm

flavio   Offline
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Okay Im having some problems configuring FSX now.

If i leave it stock, im getting micro stutters all the time, even though my frames are anywhere from 30 to 50 on unlimited. setting it down to anything other then 30 makes it worse, so ive been leaving it at unlmt (ive been testing in Ft Lauderdale). i also get bigger stutters when i turn, like, a lot.

i tired to do what you pointed out in this thread

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1212634135


however, all this and the stuttering is so annoying i cant fly. do u have any suggestions?

UPDATE

ok ive been at it all night.

there is NOTHING i do that makes it better. ive tried every combo of bufferpool and TBm that i could, along with changes in AL, AG etc.

the sim with UTX, GEX, was running better in vista than it is on win xp with all those optimizations i did. i have no clue what to do. this if frustrating. for the most part, the frames are there, but the stutters are unbearable. ive spent so much time trying to get it right, and  it just hasnt worked. believe it or not when i had it in vista i got a constant 25 fps in city with an addon aircraft at night with everything on max terrain wise.

i dont know. also now the buildings and trees pop a lot, i mean a LOT more then before.

maybe you can help me nick, maybe u cant. whatever the case, im open to any suggestion at this point. would you reccomend a hardware upgrade? if so are we talking motherboard for ddr3 ram and a single, bigger card rather then the 8800's sli'd? and a 10K drive? and faster ddr 3 ram with faster FSB speeds?

at the poiunt of desperation right now. better sleep. ive spent the last 48 hours literally, on flight sim. to no end Sad Sad

LAST UPDATE I SWEAR

i cant sleep until ig et this flightsim bangin

made fsx make a new .cfg no tweaks. frames are better now, however i have a serious case of blurries, and thats why buildings and trees keep popping right around me (not far awaY) and teh textures keep loading while i fly and their blurry. also have a case of the stutters. if i can get this fixed and optimized for my ssytem ill be the happiest dude ever. until then i feel like crap lol.

« Last Edit: Oct 8th, 2008 at 4:47am by flavio »  

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Reply #123 - Oct 8th, 2008 at 9:27am

Birdiemaker   Offline
1st Lieutenant
Fly FS
Cologne, Germany

Gender: male
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Hello to this Forum.

O&O Defrag 8.6. still available (at least as of today)...

http://www.pearl.de/a-SA4661-3303.shtml


MfG Ralph
 
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Reply #124 - Oct 8th, 2008 at 9:55am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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flavio wrote on Oct 7th, 2008 at 11:44pm:
Okay Im having some problems configuring FSX now.

If i leave it stock, im getting micro stutters all the time, even though my frames are anywhere from 30 to 50 on unlimited. setting it down to anything other then 30 makes it worse, so ive been leaving it at unlmt (ive been testing in Ft Lauderdale). i also get bigger stutters when i turn, like, a lot.

i tired to do what you pointed out in this thread

http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1212634135


however, all this and the stuttering is so annoying i cant fly. do u have any suggestions?

UPDATE

ok ive been at it all night.

there is NOTHING i do that makes it better. ive tried every combo of bufferpool and TBm that i could, along with changes in AL, AG etc.

the sim with UTX, GEX, was running better in vista than it is on win xp with all those optimizations i did. i have no clue what to do. this if frustrating. for the most part, the frames are there, but the stutters are unbearable. ive spent so much time trying to get it right, and  it just hasnt worked. believe it or not when i had it in vista i got a constant 25 fps in city with an addon aircraft at night with everything on max terrain wise.

i dont know. also now the buildings and trees pop a lot, i mean a LOT more then before.

maybe you can help me nick, maybe u cant. whatever the case, im open to any suggestion at this point. would you reccomend a hardware upgrade? if so are we talking motherboard for ddr3 ram and a single, bigger card rather then the 8800's sli'd? and a 10K drive? and faster ddr 3 ram with faster FSB speeds?

at the poiunt of desperation right now. better sleep. ive spent the last 48 hours literally, on flight sim. to no end Sad Sad

LAST UPDATE I SWEAR

i cant sleep until ig et this flightsim bangin

made fsx make a new .cfg no tweaks. frames are better now, however i have a serious case of blurries, and thats why buildings and trees keep popping right around me (not far awaY) and teh textures keep loading while i fly and their blurry. also have a case of the stutters. if i can get this fixed and optimized for my ssytem ill be the happiest dude ever. until then i feel like crap lol.




This thread is not how to make FSX run better... its how to get the system in line so FSX has resources

I have no idea what hardware you use, what FSX settings you are using, what drivers you are using or if you are correctly set up with the video card. Without knowing the hardware and without going through it to find the culprit which could be many things, including IMPROPER installation or setup of an add-on, I cant suggest anything

The thread you posted is probably one of the best examples of how to set up FSX but the settings and suggestions I posted to Vic are based on his hardware and how clocked he was.

I have seen more problems from people not knowing how to install FSX with the service packs (correctly) and also how to install and setup addons like UTX than any other reason.

Unfortunately I do not have time to fix everyones FSX install. If you are seeing stutters with high frames I would have to look at Vsync and confirm Nhancer is correctly setup with the right drivers and also look at the hardware, its clock and what FSX settings are being used. If that checks out I would look at addons like UTX and others that may not be installed or setup correctly for the hardware.

I assume you installed EVERYTHING including ALL addons and confirmed they were working (regardless of performance) before running the defrag passes? If so then the problem is the install of FSX, the setup of FSX, the drivers or driver settings being used or an addon issue.


I dont want to hear about how Vista runs FSX better than XP after optimizing because I know thats BS ... if thats what you think then go back to Vista. If you had a smooth and great running sim in Vista as your post suggests, why bother to go the the extreme of reformatting and running XP then? That does not make any sense!


I am not going to get into a FSX tuning session with anyone in this thread. Tuning FSX is not what this thread is about and unfortunately I do not have time to fix everyones FSX for them.

If you want to start a thread in the FSX forum when I have time I will look it over and see if there is anything I can suggest however I need specific technical information... not some emotional post that suggests Vista is better than XP which gives me nothing to look at other than a RANT

In another thread I need to see ALL the FSX settings like Vic posted to me in his thread and I also need...

exact data:
FSX version (SP1, SP2 or Acceleration).. and how you installed it. ie; did you follow this list?

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197380641/0#1

or this one if you do not use Acceleration?

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197380641/0#6


CPU  and its clocked speed
Motherboard model
Memory type, amount and speed
Video Card and the driver revision being used, and, if its clocked
Hard Drive size, and, type if you have that information

addon list.. every single addon you have installed and what revision the addon is, in other words.. are the addons correctly updated

I also need to know if you updated DirectX too and if you went to Windows Update and installed ALL of the updates for XP




« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 2:19pm by pete »  
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Reply #125 - Oct 8th, 2008 at 2:59pm

flavio   Offline
Colonel
USA

Posts: 157
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Hi,

Im sorry, I was up all night, got frustrated, took it out on the wrong place Wink

Well, the windowsoptimization worked fantastic. My windows boots in less then 30 seconds and is lightning fast, everything I do gets done instantnaeously. If your considering doing the list, I would recommended, but follow it word by word.

I will make another thread for other issues. I am not experienced in forums, this is the second forum i have ever joined in my life, sorry mate!!!
 

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Reply #126 - Oct 8th, 2008 at 4:44pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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flavio wrote on Oct 8th, 2008 at 2:59pm:
Hi,

Im sorry, I was up all night, got frustrated, took it out on the wrong place Wink

Well, the windowsoptimization worked fantastic. My windows boots in less then 30 seconds and is lightning fast, everything I do gets done instantnaeously. If your considering doing the list, I would recommended, but follow it word by word.

I will make another thread for other issues. I am not experienced in forums, this is the second forum i have ever joined in my life, sorry mate!!!



I understand frustrations but ranting is not going to help and staying up all night makes for nothing but a tired user. If you post a thread in the FSX forum listing everything I requested I will look it over and see if I spot anything. I cant promise I will find the problem but I will take a look at what you posted and post back as soon as I can
 
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Reply #127 - Oct 8th, 2008 at 4:57pm

flavio   Offline
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wil do sir!

my girlfriend is so mad at me right now, after staying up 48 hours i didnt return any of her calls, then she came over and i was sleeping all day today lol. nothing good comes from desperation does it lol.
 

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Reply #128 - Oct 8th, 2008 at 5:21pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

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flavio wrote on Oct 8th, 2008 at 4:57pm:
wil do sir!

my girlfriend is so mad at me right now, after staying up 48 hours i didnt return any of her calls, then she came over and i was sleeping all day today lol. nothing good comes from desperation does it lol.


You want some real advice?

Advice better than anything else I have ever posted in this or any other thread on the net?

Go get some sleep.. take care of that girlfriend and make sure she is happy before you start playing video games

and stop staying up for 48 hours making all sorts of mistakes being overtired trying to get a video game working

Take that advice and I am sure you will be in a much better place for tweaking correctly and enjoying your sim
 
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Reply #129 - Oct 9th, 2008 at 11:42am

Birdiemaker   Offline
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Gender: male
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Nick, before I start with your procedure I would like to make sure that I understand your first post right:

>> DO NOT USE THE LIST DIRECTLY ANYMORE
>> http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1163028653/0#5  
>>
>>
>> USE THE FOLLOWING

This means that we should not use the procedure provided in the link but the one which follows the "USE THE FOLLOWING" - correct?

Thanks   Ralph
« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 2:20pm by pete »  
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Reply #130 - Oct 9th, 2008 at 1:19pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

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Quote:
author=Birdiemaker link=1208959973/120#129 date=1223566961]Nick, before I start with your procedure I would like to make sure that I understand your first post right:

>> DO NOT USE THE LIST DIRECTLY ANYMORE
>> http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1163028653/0#5
>>
>>
>> USE THE FOLLOWING

This means that we should not use the procedure provided in the link but the one which follows the "USE THE FOLLOWING" - correct?

Thanks   Ralph


yep

I just just posted the link so people who have used the infrom from the link in the past know not to use it anymore and to use the info in this thread only
« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 2:21pm by pete »  
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Reply #131 - Oct 12th, 2008 at 2:33pm

Orion66   Offline
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I was thinking of taking the plunge and go through all the steps you listed, Nick.  One question, is this meant to go through in one sitting?  Or if I need to stop in the middle of these steps, can I turn off computer and get back to it later?
If I can stop and start, are there any steps where I shouldn't stop?
Thanks alot.
 
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Reply #132 - Oct 12th, 2008 at 3:29pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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It takes about 10-15 minutes to do the first part... (system edits) perhaps a bit longer for someone who is not computer savvy

How long it takes to clean up the startup system depends on the user and their experience

The defrags can not be stopped and should never be interrupted or multitasked on the system... even to check email, and, they should be run just like I posted with no break to come back to them

On a new system that has a lot of software installed it can take a day to do it right. Typical systems probably about 4-6 hours

If you have Windows on one physical drive and FSX on another you must complete the Windows drive and then you can stop and do the FSX drive defrags another time.. otherwise I would not stop anything and commit to doing the job right


 
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Reply #133 - Oct 13th, 2008 at 12:53pm

CDreier   Offline
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Hello!

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Nick,
I see that the tweaks you suggest are for WinXP SP2.  I now have WinXP SP3, will the tweaks work, or what would you suggest?  Thank you for your continuing help!
 

My Specs:
i7 920 oc'd to 3.8
6gb Corsair RAM
ASUS P6T Deluxe v2,
EVGA 275GTX
1TB WD 7200/32 Black
2x 750GB WD 7200/32 Black
Samsung 22" 1680x1050 LCD
Corsair 800D case
Windows 7 64-bit
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Reply #134 - Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:25pm

Anxyous   Offline
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I can has cheezburger?

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Hi Nick!

I got a small problem...

I've used the trial O&O DeFrag over the last month, and it's run out now.

I can't really afford the paid version, so what would you suggest?

Vista 32 bit BTW.
 

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Reply #135 - Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:53pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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Posts: 6317
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CDreier wrote on Oct 13th, 2008 at 12:53pm:
Nick,
I see that the tweaks you suggest are for WinXP SP2.  I now have WinXP SP3, will the tweaks work, or what would you suggest?  Thank you for your continuing help!



same thing.. NO difference!
 
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Reply #136 - Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:54pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Anxyous wrote on Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:25pm:
Hi Nick!

I got a small problem...

I've used the trial O&O DeFrag over the last month, and it's run out now.

I can't really afford the paid version, so what would you suggest?

Vista 32 bit BTW.


I suggest you buy it becasue I have nothing else that will do this jobright
 
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Reply #137 - Oct 13th, 2008 at 11:02pm

macca22au   Offline
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A salutary lesson.


I have had increasing problems with FSX,  no matter what I tried the stutters continued unchanged.  Even with a flat earth - no scenery complexity and no autogen.

I use Acronis to take period images from my active drives and store them on a partitioned fourth drive.  My OS is on the C drive, and FSX is on the E drive.

I rolled back the C drive to a much earlier date and the problem disappeared.  Why?

I believe it was because I foolishly used the registry cleaner on CC cleaner.  This utility does a great job on the usual stuff - getting rid of temp files, emptying the Trash, etc etc. 

But as Nick has warned there is no known safe Registry cleaner for Vista, and I believe I caused irreparable damage - that without the imaging software would have required an OS reinstall.

Live and never learn, that seems to be me!
 
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Reply #138 - Oct 13th, 2008 at 11:43pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Reg cleaners are a thing of the past... they are no longer needed

With the changes they made to XP Sp2 and the improvements (cough) they made with Vista reg cleaners are more dangerous than they are helpful.

 
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Reply #139 - Oct 14th, 2008 at 11:32am

Anxyous   Offline
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I can has cheezburger?

Posts: 2670
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NickN wrote on Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:54pm:
Anxyous wrote on Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:25pm:
I can't really afford the paid version,


I suggest you buy it becasue I have nothing else that will do this jobright

 

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Reply #140 - Oct 14th, 2008 at 12:13pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

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Anxyous wrote on Oct 14th, 2008 at 11:32am:
NickN wrote on Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:54pm:
Anxyous wrote on Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:25pm:
I can't really afford the paid version,


I suggest you buy it becasue I have nothing else that will do this jobright



I saw you cant afford the paid version however my list specifcially uses the O&O boot optimize system and it defrags the MFT catalog as it defrags the files. If there was another alternative I would have posted them and how to use them... there isnt
 
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Reply #141 - Oct 14th, 2008 at 12:28pm

Anxyous   Offline
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I can has cheezburger?

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I was referring to O&O 10 or 11 trial...
 

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Reply #142 - Oct 14th, 2008 at 3:35pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Anxyous wrote on Oct 14th, 2008 at 12:28pm:
I was referring to O&O 10 or 11 trial...



I posted how to use 10 in this thread.. same proceedure except you can not use the space defrag after it has been run the first time and if you already ran 8.6 then just skip the space defrags

As for 11.. again , answered in this thread... I dont know because I have never tried it
 
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Reply #143 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 4:19pm

Orion66   Offline
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Thanks for taking all this time to make this post and keeping people informed.  I went through everything, boot up is much faster.  I gained about 6-8 fps in FSX.  I'm sure I'll see gains in other areas.
A couple of questions if you could answer them.
What great benefit exactly is it to use O&O defrag over the stock Windows defrag.  What does O&O do, that standard defrag doesn't to improve the system?  I'm just wondering if I should pay up the extra cash for O&O.

In msconfig, I stopped a few programs from loading on startup.  Each time I boot, I get the warning that I changed startup and should go back to normal startup, then it runs msconfig.  What is the best way to stop that.  Should I check the box in the message to not show me that anymore.  Or is there a way to make my current start up the normal startup?
And lastly, will Windows/Prefetch repopulate itself over time, as programs are used, or installed?  I've just read in other places that deleting the files in Prefetch can slow programs loading, etc.

Again, many thanks for your continued efforts here.
 
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Reply #144 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 8:35pm

CDreier   Offline
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Hello!

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Nick,
I did your complete Computer Tweak, and all is well.   Smiley  But, a question about 2 programs I have.  They are MemTurbo and O&O's Clever Cache.  Previously, I have run MemTurbo prior to starting FS9 and have kept Clever Cache running in the background.  Of course, MemTurbo is supposed to free memory and Clever Cache monitor memory use.  What do you think of these 2 programs, and are they of any true help?  Thanks....
 

My Specs:
i7 920 oc'd to 3.8
6gb Corsair RAM
ASUS P6T Deluxe v2,
EVGA 275GTX
1TB WD 7200/32 Black
2x 750GB WD 7200/32 Black
Samsung 22" 1680x1050 LCD
Corsair 800D case
Windows 7 64-bit
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Reply #145 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 2:01pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Orion66 wrote on Oct 16th, 2008 at 4:19pm:
Thanks for taking all this time to make this post and keeping people informed.  I went through everything, boot up is much faster.  I gained about 6-8 fps in FSX.  I'm sure I'll see gains in other areas.
A couple of questions if you could answer them.
What great benefit exactly is it to use O&O defrag over the stock Windows defrag.  What does O&O do, that standard defrag doesn't to improve the system?  I'm just wondering if I should pay up the extra cash for O&O.

In msconfig, I stopped a few programs from loading on startup.  Each time I boot, I get the warning that I changed startup and should go back to normal startup, then it runs msconfig.  What is the best way to stop that.  Should I check the box in the message to not show me that anymore.  Or is there a way to make my current start up the normal startup?
And lastly, will Windows/Prefetch repopulate itself over time, as programs are used, or installed?  I've just read in other places that deleting the files in Prefetch can slow programs loading, etc.

Again, many thanks for your continued efforts here.



I dont have time to explain how everything works however in a nutshell O&O removes CPU/memory cycles which were being eaten up by Windows and the system at boot. The defrag itself fixes part of that and the prefetch change does the rest. The experts on that subject are only 1/2 correct... and with the use of O&O they are flat out WRONG

what you have done is remove the memory footprint Windows places on the system at boot and replaced it with the O&O system of defrag for the boot files. In other words you still have prefetch, you just do not prefetch CRAP and only the files truly needed at boot

Do you need to prefetch MS Paint? Why use that crap system then. All you need to prefetch is what the system needs to boot and what you have done is set O&O up to use a system Windows does not enable by default and only call boot files, and NO your prefecth folder will NEVER have anything in it other than the 2 files I listed... the file LAYOUT.ini has ALL the boot file locations and will rewrite itself with hew information as the computer is used, or, you manually run the command line I posted. In that, you completely replaced the crap windows prefetch system with the one I posed in this thread.


As for startup... is there not a checkbox that allows you to tell the system to not show that message at startup?  Its been a long time so I do not remember

2 Ways to clean that list...

OPTION1
if you are sure you do not need the item, open the program associated with the line and see if there are any options in its properties to RUN WITH WINDOWS.. if so UNCHECK them... that should clear the item

Some software does not have that option, in that case..

OPTION 2

You can manually remove the items from the registry:

START – RUN, type REGEDIT and browse to the following keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run


For safety, right click each RUN folder and select EXPORT... name them RUN1.reg and RUN2.reg
If you screw up you can simply double click the reg files and restore the startup items in the registry.

Open the RUN keys and find the item in right pane, right click and delete it. On reboot the item will be gone from MSCONFIG


Also... shortcuts in the START folder in the START - ALL PROGRAMS - STARTUP list will appear in MSCONFIG... check the shortcuts in that folder from the All Programs menu and delete the ones you do not need... you can also back those up for restore as well if you remove something you should not have.

 
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Reply #146 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 2:03pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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CDreier wrote on Oct 16th, 2008 at 8:35pm:
Nick,
I did your complete Computer Tweak, and all is well.   Smiley  But, a question about 2 programs I have.  They are MemTurbo and O&O's Clever Cache.  Previously, I have run MemTurbo prior to starting FS9 and have kept Clever Cache running in the background.  Of course, MemTurbo is supposed to free memory and Clever Cache monitor memory use.  What do you think of these 2 programs, and are they of any true help?  Thanks....


NO

Waste of time and money

Cache optimizers are for Windows98 and very old Xp systems that have low memory

Do NOT use them
 
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Reply #147 - Oct 21st, 2008 at 5:07pm

larshall   Offline
Major
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Posts: 4
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First thanks for your continuing coaching of us all - powerusers and OC'ers well as the rest of us  Wink
Just a quick question (to which you may have given the answer - if so I regret asking, but I've been unable to find it).
Would running your tweaks WITHOUT the offline O&O 8.5 defrag make any sense? Or perhaps what should one avoid doing if the offline defrag is skipped?
Reason for my question - my system is an OEM (Medion) and got hosed when I first went through the list. At that time it wasn't evident why - at least not to me. So I've stayed with the obviously safer parts of your list.
For now - I'm waiting for Nellie to appear - to be able to make an informed cost/benefit decision ("bang for bucks") about my next system.
But I still wonder - what could I do - while waiting?
 
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Reply #148 - Oct 21st, 2008 at 7:48pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Your system was hosed because of this

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941715/en

its a Microsoft issue and the only fix is to have a full WndowsXP SP2 install disk.. you can NOT install SP2 from the web. It must be incorporated on the CD.

You can make a Sliptream SP2 disk and completely reinstall Windows clean with it.. you CAN NOT do a repair install, only a complete wipe and install with a WinXP SP2 CD.

Once that is done it is safe to use O&O or any 3PD application which uses the command and by the way, the offline defrag is not the only time O&O may use that operation... you can get hosed by using the NAME defrag as well.

Many different 3PD applications can cause the same problem, partition magic is just one of many

The only fix is to clean install the OS with a SP2 disk so the HAL and ntfs.sys are properly upgraded at the same time and a repair install or upgrade will not allow the HAL to be overwritten which is why the problem occurs for those using the SP2 web update


There were some older SP2 disks produced between Aug of 2004 and May of 2005 that have the error on them too. MS updated the SP2 file in April of 2005 to incorporate that fix and a few others they quietly added to SP2

The fix is to make a new Slipstream SP2 CD using the SP2 file postedat MS

should fix you right up   Smiley






 
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Reply #149 - Oct 23rd, 2008 at 3:17pm

WilliamH   Offline
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Fly FS
Derby UK

Gender: male
Posts: 10
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I have a fresh install of XP with all service packs and updates. At the moment I have a trial copy of Eset AV and Windows firewall. Before I have always had the bells and whistles of the full AVG paid system but wonder whether with what I have now (with Eset being purchased) will be sufficient. I get the impression from what I read that the more protection one has the more the system has to cope with. My system is purely for FS9 and FSX on separate partitions of a second HD. Storage of downloads is on an external Maxtor. Internet access is through a home hub.

Is what I have enough protection ?

Thanks
 

Best regards&&&&William
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Reply #150 - Oct 24th, 2008 at 12:49pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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WilliamH wrote on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 3:17pm:
I have a fresh install of XP with all service packs and updates. At the moment I have a trial copy of Eset AV and Windows firewall. Before I have always had the bells and whistles of the full AVG paid system but wonder whether with what I have now (with Eset being purchased) will be sufficient. I get the impression from what I read that the more protection one has the more the system has to cope with. My system is purely for FS9 and FSX on separate partitions of a second HD. Storage of downloads is on an external Maxtor. Internet access is through a home hub.

Is what I have enough protection ?

Thanks





Dont let the internet boogie man scare you..   with a router which comes with a NAT hardware firewall, the XP firewall and NOD 32 running its browser scanner which comes with the standard NOD product, your fine and dont need all that other crap

The only system than need more security are high level mission critical systems. Unless you are part of a corporation or a CIA agent, you dont need all that garbage. No one is going to attack you and anyone that would bother trying would not get very far unless they were high level hackers

you CIA or MI6? Do you have highly sensitive corporate records on the system?

LOL

Dont worry about it!


If a REAL hacker who is government trained wants in, hes getting in regardless of your security software. Real mission critical systems use hardware firewalls and trap wall security.. software is only their 2nd line of defense and if a real hacker can get through the primary line, they can get through the 2nd easier with enough time

So forget about the internet paranoia the security industry has festered and enjoy the system. Standard NOD 32 AV and the WinXP firewall will protect you just fine. I do suggest using Spybots Seach and destroy as well... just the IE Plugin, NOT the Tea Timmer feature. It will keep the browser protected from junkware and other crap. NOD deals with Virus and high level spyware only.



 
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Reply #151 - Oct 24th, 2008 at 1:03pm

CaptainG36   Offline
2nd Lieutenant
Fly FS

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Great tips Nick.  2 things though.  I don't have O&O defrag.  I have diskeeper 2008.  It defrags the MFT and does a good job of defragging the drives as well.  I think.
Good enough?
Also, I followed all the steps, with the exception of the defragging with O&O, to the letter.  Small problem.  The pagefile.  After changing it, FSX and FS9 would CTD.  They would run fine until then, BUT, everything else I am doing would slowly grind to a halt.  I sometimes watch movies on my PC DVD while FS is running or browse Youtube and the browser would be really slow in loading.  The menu bar would load slower and slower until the sim eventually crashes.  I'm guessing it was the pagefile mod.  I reverted back to system managed and all is well so far.
A sidenote, I have O&O clever cache and saw you dont recommend it at all.  Does it hog resources at all?  I don't really want to get rid of it as I paid good money for it.  However, if it does more harm than good, I will definitely toss it.
System Specs
E6750 Pentium
4GB dual channel ram
8800 GTS 512MB

Goran
 
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Reply #152 - Oct 25th, 2008 at 12:05am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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I have said it once I have said it 1000 times.. nothing you use will replace O&O defrag for my list and the settings I posted in that list rely on O&O defrag being used exactly as I specified.. otherwise, forget everything I posted




you are running 4GB... OOM or page errors can come from not using the edit for 4GB correctly on a 32bit OS. However system managed for PM will work fine as it expands the PF as needed but it will fragment the PF as well

It makes absolutely no sense that you would have problems with a 3072-3072 page file running 2GB or PM so I suspect something else is wrong


Smiley

« Last Edit: Oct 25th, 2008 at 10:45am by NickN »  
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Reply #153 - Oct 25th, 2008 at 6:10am

WilliamH   Offline
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Cheers Nick. Just what I wanted to hear.

Now I suppose you haven't looked at O&O 11 yet have you? I sent them an email asking them if they had fixed the problem with 10 but had no reply as yet. 11 is the only version I have. Is there any way I can tell if the error is sorted?

Just starting the big reinstall so will be a few days yet before I have everything installed properly then I can start optimising.

 

Best regards&&&&William
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Reply #154 - Oct 25th, 2008 at 10:48am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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No, I have not looked at v11

If v11 is what you have to be sure simply do not ever run the SPACE defrag after running the Complete Name defrag passes but do make sure to set it up to use layout.ini as I specified



 
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Reply #155 - Oct 25th, 2008 at 12:34pm

aeugli   Offline
Lieutenant Colonel
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Germany- Bavaria EDMA/EDDM

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Cheers Nick,

thank you for your whole work on tweaking XP/FSX; I did it to the point, everthing works fine/enhanced.
Just one question concerning your 4 GB RAM tweak: (multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows XP Professsional" /fastdetect /3GB /Userva=2560 <---- add it here)
you know!
How much RAM should XP SP 3 after this tweak be able to adress? (I am running 4 GB RAM)
Mine adresses 2,7 GB RAM (others say for example John Veneman around 3,2 GB).
Everything okay or should I do anything else?
Thank you  for your answer!
Exuse my german-styl (i.e. poor) english

Cheers Rainer

P.S.: I hesitate installing FSX SP 2, I´ve heard a lot of woers/difficulties/corruptions if you have not a "nacked" (i. e. origninal) FSX-installation. And I don´t need multiplayer issues; I´m just a "stand-alone" "bavarian" bush-flyer -Smiley. Nevertheless I prefer wine!

Specs:
Seasonic energy 80-Plus 650 Watt Power Supply
S-775 C2D nF680i Asus P5N32-E SLI ACPI Bios Rev 1404
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3,16GHz 1408FSB 6M L2 Cache LGA775
2x Corsair DIMM DDR2-800 2GB SDRAM
2x GeForce 8800GTS (SLI) 640MB EVGA GDDR3 PCIe
Creative SB X-Fi™ XtremeGamer
Eizo 1920x1200x32
2xSamsung HD 321KJ 16MB SATA2 320GB 7200RPM
WIN XP Pro SP3 FSX SP1 FTX Blue/Gold
Saitek X52 Pro Flight System, Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

 
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Reply #156 - Oct 26th, 2008 at 2:18am

WilliamH   Offline
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NickN wrote on Oct 25th, 2008 at 10:48am:
No, I have not looked at v11

If v11 is what you have to be sure simply do not ever run the SPACE defrag after running the Complete Name defrag passes but do make sure to set it up to use layout.ini as I specified

Thanks Nick - if I do ever get an answer from O&O I will let you know.
 

Best regards&&&&William
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Reply #157 - Oct 26th, 2008 at 4:48pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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aeugli wrote on Oct 25th, 2008 at 12:34pm:
Cheers Nick,

thank you for your whole work on tweaking XP/FSX; I did it to the point, everthing works fine/enhanced.
Just one question concerning your 4 GB RAM tweak: (multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows XP Professsional" /fastdetect /3GB /Userva=2560 <---- add it here)
you know!
How much RAM should XP SP 3 after this tweak be able to adress? (I am running 4 GB RAM)
Mine adresses 2,7 GB RAM (others say for example John Veneman around 3,2 GB).
Everything okay or should I do anything else?
Thank you  for your answer!
Exuse my german-styl (i.e. poor) english

Cheers Rainer

P.S.: I hesitate installing FSX SP 2, I´ve heard a lot of woers/difficulties/corruptions if you have not a "nacked" (i. e. origninal) FSX-installation. And I don´t need multiplayer issues; I´m just a "stand-alone" "bavarian" bush-flyer -Smiley. Nevertheless I prefer wine!

Specs:
Seasonic energy 80-Plus 650 Watt Power Supply
S-775 C2D nF680i Asus P5N32-E SLI ACPI Bios Rev 1404
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3,16GHz 1408FSB 6M L2 Cache LGA775
2x Corsair DIMM DDR2-800 2GB SDRAM
2x GeForce 8800GTS (SLI) 640MB EVGA GDDR3 PCIe
Creative SB X-Fi™ XtremeGamer
Eizo 1920x1200x32
2xSamsung HD 321KJ 16MB SATA2 320GB 7200RPM
WIN XP Pro SP3 FSX SP1 FTX Blue/Gold
Saitek X52 Pro Flight System, Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals



Windows XP x32 if it is properly marked and the application is correcly marked will allow the app to have up to 3.2GB of memory to that application regarless of what the usage says.. the readout is wrong

If you are not running FSX SP2 (marked by Aces) and do not mark the fsx.exe file for RTM or SP1 manaully using special software to allow >2GB use.. installing 4GB is a complete and total waste for FSX.

It will never use more than 2



 
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Reply #158 - Oct 26th, 2008 at 11:17pm

raptorx   Offline
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There's too much confusion...
San Diego, CA

Gender: male
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Hi Nick.  I have a question.  Can I disable the 'server' and 'computer browser' services if I have a stand alone system (no network, just internet)?

Thanks, Jim
 

Rampage II Gene, i7 965 4GHz
Mushkin Redline DDR3 1600
XP x64 SP2
ASUS Matrix GTX285
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Reply #159 - Oct 27th, 2008 at 8:01am

Raymond Keattch   Offline
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Posts: 2
****
 
I have owned all FS versions and used them all regularly - until FSX that is.  For a few months I went through tweaking, but never got a smooth FSX, so gradually stopped using it.

I know have a pretty decent computer, so a couple of weeks ago, I re-installed FSX and searched the web for FSX tweaking articles, and that is how I found this forum - thanks very much for the extensive advice given so far.

I have a home built 32bit Vista system with an Asus P5K-Pro motherboard, overclocked Q6600 at 3.4Ghz, an Nvidia 1Gb GTX 280 and  4Gb installed ram.

By following this article, I have at least got a system that runs FSX without crashing and freezing, but I have a couple of questions to ask.

1..  Disable UAC

If I do this, Nhancer will no longer run, throwing up errors about not being able to write to Nvidia folders.  Once UAC is disabled, what else should I be doing to make sure this doesn't happen?

UAC is not disabled at the moment, so no doubt clock cycles are being wasted (enough to make FSX stutter?

2..  Stutters

No matter what poolsize I use, or indeed removing the poolsize entry in FSX.CFG, I can't get rid of stuttering. I have tried setting it from 4000000 to 80000000 but it still stutters!

No doubt something else is amiss here - I have overclocked the graphics card, but I have been careful not to push it too far. I don't get any symptoms of a card being pushed too far.

I have tried FPS limit at unlimited and set it from 20 to 30 FPS - 26 and 28 are smoother settings, but stuttering is still evident. I am using NickN tests flight in the Baron from KSEA and back.

FSX is far better than I have ever seen it, but the stuttering is as annoying as ever (stuttering is not only during turns). As least I am using the sim now and flying online!

Ray Keattch
 
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Reply #160 - Oct 27th, 2008 at 9:39pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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This is not a diagnostic thread for FSX and hardware

However if you are using UTX USA/Canada disable moving traffic in the UTX interface. Setting it to zero in FSX after UTX patch 1.2 wont turn the CPU and memory load off car traffic. Runing higher than 8% for a very overclocked system can be a drag on a system. If you use UTX and have version 1.2 shut down moving traffic in the UTX tool

Anything else is more in line with diagnosing the hardware setup and FSX settings and unfortunately I do not have the time to go through it in another thread right now.

you can run through this post and the links and instructions for FSX setup in it and see if anything helps  http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=28244&PID=161186#161186

by the way, I dont use Vista  Smiley
 
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Reply #161 - Oct 27th, 2008 at 10:06pm

raptorx   Offline
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There's too much confusion...
San Diego, CA

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I'm sorry, I thought I was asking a set-up and optimization question.  Let me rephrase.  For those of us who have no networking, can we add to your list of disabled services:  'server' and 'computer browser'? 

-Jim
 

Rampage II Gene, i7 965 4GHz
Mushkin Redline DDR3 1600
XP x64 SP2
ASUS Matrix GTX285
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Reply #162 - Oct 28th, 2008 at 1:17am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

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raptorx wrote on Oct 27th, 2008 at 10:06pm:
I'm sorry, I thought I was asking a set-up and optimization question.  Let me rephrase.  For those of us who have no networking, can we add to your list of disabled services:  'server' and 'computer browser'?  

-Jim


Jim I missed your question

There is no reason to disable the services as they pose no memory or CPU footprint on the system if you do not have an internal network

File and Print Sharing is a common service needed by many and not just those on a network. Anyone who uses a hardware RAID card which ties into the card through the browser must have that enabled, therefore no, I will not add that to the list

As for Computer Browser, same as above however if one does not use any internal network connections neither service will impose any loss of perf and those who need the services require them to be on.

If there was any other service that I considered valuable to shut down I would have posted it



 
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Reply #163 - Oct 28th, 2008 at 10:50am

raptorx   Offline
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There's too much confusion...
San Diego, CA

Gender: male
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OK, thanks Nick.  I won't mess with them.  

-Jim
 

Rampage II Gene, i7 965 4GHz
Mushkin Redline DDR3 1600
XP x64 SP2
ASUS Matrix GTX285
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Reply #164 - Oct 28th, 2008 at 6:21pm

Raymond Keattch   Offline
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NickN wrote on Oct 27th, 2008 at 9:39pm:
This is not a diagnostic thread for FSX and hardware




Oops - sorry  Smiley

FSX and my PC have never run so good - I am flying everyday, it is just those stutters!

Raymond Keattch

 
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Reply #165 - Oct 28th, 2008 at 11:33pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Raymond Keattch wrote on Oct 28th, 2008 at 6:21pm:
NickN wrote on Oct 27th, 2008 at 9:39pm:
This is not a diagnostic thread for FSX and hardware




Oops - sorry  Smiley

FSX and my PC have never run so good - I am flying everyday, it is just those stutters!

Raymond Keattch



check for background activity... one of the reasons why I endorse NOD32 only as AV is becasue it leaves no footprint on the system that can cause stutters.
 
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Reply #166 - Nov 4th, 2008 at 7:10pm

Nashcat   Offline
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Nashville

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Hi Nick,

I've read this entire thread with great interest, and with a LOT of gratitude for someone to make such an unselfish effort to help others. Soon I will launch into this project with a newfound confidence. In all this thread, only one question comes to mind. I noticed no mention of Windows Defender as a primary or secondary means of protection. Presently I'm using McAfee and Defender. When I dump McAfee for NOD32 would it be ok to let Defender remain or not?

Thanks!
 
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Reply #167 - Nov 4th, 2008 at 10:26pm

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 


Windows Pretender?

Dump it!  Known for causing perf issues

You are fine with NOD32

Run Spybots Search and Destroy manually once a month to update it, immunize the system and scan for garbage if ou are worried about spyware
 
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Reply #168 - Nov 9th, 2008 at 7:30am

aeugli   Offline
Lieutenant Colonel
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Germany- Bavaria EDMA/EDDM

Gender: male
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*****
 
Hi Nick,

what do you think about this? I´ve read it in

http://orbxsystems.com/forums/index.php?topic=5553.30
page 2 from "faser"

Here's a detailed howto I found on SimForums.com.  There's plenty of similar articles if you google "FSX XP OOM 2560".


------------
I use WinXP; not sure about Vista. The instructions below reference WinXP Pro, but I've done this on WinXP Home.

The two steps are below. Remember, you do this at your own risk. Also do searches on this forum and Avsim's FS9 forum for "/3GB switch", "OOM", and "Out of Memory" to learn more. And search google for "/3GB switch" and "/userva" and you'll find the Microsoft tech pages describing this stuff.
________________________________________________________________
STEP 1 -
Here's how to enable the 3GB switch (thanx to Michael Swannick):

Adding the 3GB switch is very simple. You first need to locate your machines Boot.ini file which should be located in the root of your main system drive. (Be aware that this file may be hidden and marked as read-only initially.) You will want to open this file in a program such as Notepad to edit it properly.

Before adding the 3GB switch though it is important to note that the switch is very picky, and requires that every device and driver on your system be fully WinXP compatible in order to work at all. If anything in the system is not compatible, Windows will not load at all when restarting with the 3GB switch activated. The only way to then remove the switch from the Boot.ini file so that Windows can load is to either mount the drive in another system and manually change the boot.ini file, or reformat the drive and re-install Windows. Both solutions are far from ideal.

To safely add the 3GB switch we recommend adding a second instance of the OS in the boot.ini, and add the /3GB switch to that second version.

----- default boot.ini without 3GB Switch -----

This is what a default boot.ini file will look like. (This may differ from system to system.)

timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Pro"

----- updated boot.ini with 3GB Switch -----

This is what the updated version should look like. Notice the /3GB that has been added to the second instance of the OS line.

timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Pro"
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Pro with /3GB" /3GB

And if you have a 512MB or greater video card, you'll need to add the /Userva=?  also. I have a 512MB card, and 2560 works for me so:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Pro with /3GB" /3GB /Userva=2560

If you have a 640MB or 768MB card, you'll need to experiment.

Once you have updated your boot.ini file accordingly and have saved the changes, simply restart your system for the changes to take affect. When your system reboots you will be given the option to choose either the standard Windows XP version or the 3GB switch enabled Windows XP version. If you choose the 3GB version and it fails to allow Windows to properly load, just restart your system and you will be given the two options once again, where you can then choose the standard Windows XP version to load. Either way, if it works or doesn't, you can then remove whatever line you don't need in the boot.ini file. Alternately, you may wish to leave both settings so that you can choose to boot without the 3GB switch should you ever have problems with drivers installed in the future. The boot loader will default to the first option listed in the file. So you may want to put the /3GB option first. You may also wish to lower the timeout value to something quicker so that you don't have to wait for 30 seconds or press enter with each boot.

Is to add the 3GB term necessary? I believe you more than others, therfore the question.

Thank´s for your reply and comments

Cheers Rainer
 
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Reply #169 - Nov 11th, 2008 at 6:53am

NickN   Offline
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You can use that method if you wish

Bill Leaming posted the process at the FS Developer Wiki as I recall

I dont see any reason for it unless you have another application that crashes with the edit in the boot.ini file and you need the option at boot to run the software
 
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Reply #170 - Nov 11th, 2008 at 9:40am

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Thank you Nick for your answer!

Cheers Rainer

 
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Reply #171 - Nov 23rd, 2008 at 8:18am

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Nick.

Here's a list of processes running, before I boot FSX.

...

How many of these would you say, I could safely shut down, without it affecting my system? Or do they use too little CPU to bother shutting them down?

Vista 32.

Smiley
 

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Reply #172 - Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:36am

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The task manager says there are 63 running processes yet the list you are showing only has 20

whats up with that
 
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Reply #173 - Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:06am

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I found it weird, but I clicked 'Show processes for all users', and all the others appeared. Which is weird, since I'm the only user on the computer.
 

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Reply #174 - Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:23am

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No, its not weird.. and I knew what the problem was but wanted you to find it

Other users do not have to be other accounts from people.. the system itself is considered a user

63 processes is quite a bit

it seems to me you need to do some cleanup work. And going through 63 running processes at boot is a job I simply do not have time to look at right now

Vista will run more processes that xp. Typically one can get a XP boot down to between 23 and 33 processes which is good. In XP 38 and above is excessive. In Vista I dont know the cutoff for that right off hand cause I have not played with it in months, I dont use it

 
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Reply #175 - Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:34am

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Okay, thanks anyway Wink Smiley
 

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Reply #176 - Nov 27th, 2008 at 12:18am

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I DONT USE VISTA









I WONT USE VISTA







I CANT USE VISTA ... my basic intellect and logical engram programming wont allow such a DUMB decision to be executed








http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/technology/business-computing/29soft.html?th&e...

Its pretty bad when a company rep admits its trash in the NY Times






I knew this well before Vista was launched:

Vista is to Windows 7 as Windows ME is to Windows XP



It was a slam designed and poorly made OS and it needs to go away as quickly as possible



 
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Reply #177 - Nov 28th, 2008 at 1:45am

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Hallo Nick,
above in this post you sayafter settings in nHancer are done:
Open the Nivida Control panel (right click desktop, select Nvidia Control Panel) Show the ADVANCED settings. Under Managed 3D, make sure the Multi Display Mixed GPU is set to SINGLE DISPLAY MODE if you are ONLY using one video card and monitor. If you use more than one, leave the setting on default.

What do you mean with default? I don´t know?

I´m using two video cards (8800 GTS 640) and two monitors (but not in SLI) just first card with first monitor for FSX, second card and second monitor for (example) moving map or instructions etc.
What setting should I use in the Nvidia Controll panel under Multi Display Mixed GPU? I have:

single-display-performance-mode
multi-display-performance-mode
compatibility-performance-mode
single-gpu-multiple-display-performance-mode

At the moment I´m using single-display-perf-mode.

BTW I´m using nHancer 2.4.2 with your settings to the letter.

Thanks for your answer

Cheers Rainer
 
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Reply #178 - Nov 28th, 2008 at 1:49pm

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Single is fine in your case

you could experiment with multi-display-performance-mode too
 
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Reply #179 - Nov 29th, 2008 at 2:31am

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Thanks again Nick for your answer, I will the multi-mode give a try!

Just another question came up: I have heard that Vsync "on" would give a noticable decrease in framerate - others say there is no perf-impact.
What´s true  - and why (cause I want to learn)?
Thanks for your enlightenment.

Cheers Rainer
 
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Reply #180 - Nov 29th, 2008 at 12:18pm

NickN   Offline
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whats true is you should not listen to people who are clueless

Vsync will lock frames from exceeding the monitors refresh rate no matter what the frame loack is set to but on the flip side it removes tears and jitters in the image

The advice those people give is from running 3DMark in which Vsync locked reduces the score and they assume its a performace change when in fact performance is the same and they are simply enabling a frame throttle based on the monitors refresh rate to maintian image quality


crowned idiots..  every one of them who post that



the 3DMark score is based on how many frames get fired per test sequence not image quality. The test could care less if the image looks like crap which is why its usless for telling anyone anything



Although if one knows how to really use 3DMark and other benchmarks it can give some information about a system however for the most part and to most people, 3Dmark is designed to sell hardware



There are more complete nonsense rumors around computers and perf on the net than good information, especially around MSFS
 
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Reply #181 - Nov 30th, 2008 at 2:32am

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Hi Nick,

thanks again for your quick clearing - and a bit angry (not to me but of those "experts") - answer. I know from some of your former answers those "experts" are a kind of "red shirt" (in german we say "rotes Tuch") for you (and probably for all really experts).
Thanks also for your explanation, so I´ve learned again a little bit more.
Have a nice time
Cheers Rainer
 
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Reply #182 - Nov 30th, 2008 at 2:41am

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I´ve forgotten to mention, the single-display-perf-mode is better for my system than the multi-display-perf-mode. I mean to notice a slight decrease of frame-rate and the micro-stutters I have (if thats one) are always the same which kind of settings I ever use.
Cheers Rainer
 
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Reply #183 - Nov 30th, 2008 at 8:25am

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Just to add a follow up Nick to my crashing problems with the 3GB switch using 2x 2GB of RAM with XP 32bit SP3......eveything has been 100% perfect now I switched back to 2 1GB sticks of RAM and removed the 3GB switch command in the boot.ini file.

As a warning to anyone suffering the same problems as I did.....I'm running a Q6600 with a GTX 260 with driver 177.92.

Everything great until I stuck in 2 2GB sticks of Corsair RAM...and used the 3GB switch.

Tried everything to stop the resulting hangs...BSODS etc. All my other games were perfectly okay - so fundamentally, I deduce from that that the hardware per se, was just fine.

It appears that FSX may not like that particular setup. Or maybe it's just me !

Going to try the latest drivers again now...as I went back to the older one's thinking that was the problem.

So use the 3GB switch on XP 32, with caution. Be aware that if you have problems it may be...I say MAY be, the 2x2GB of physical RAM in your system - it was for me.
 

Q6600(G0) 3.4Ghz; GTX 260 (675/1275); 2GB Corsair XMS2 - DHX 850Mhz (5/5/5/15); Samsung 501, 16MB; Antec P180 & Truepower Trio 650W; P35C DS3R. XP SP3.
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Reply #184 - Nov 30th, 2008 at 8:46am

NickN   Offline
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aeugli wrote on Nov 30th, 2008 at 2:32am:
Hi Nick,

thanks again for your quick clearing - and a bit angry (not to me but of those "experts") - answer. I know from some of your former answers those "experts" are a kind of "red shirt" (in german we say "rotes Tuch") for you (and probably for all really experts).
Thanks also for your explanation, so I´ve learned again a little bit more.
Have a nice time
Cheers Rainer



LOL

Naaaa.. not angry at anyone

I said it with a smile   Smiley
 
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Reply #185 - Nov 30th, 2008 at 8:55am

NickN   Offline
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GabethePilot wrote on Nov 30th, 2008 at 8:25am:
Just to add a follow up Nick to my crashing problems with the 3GB switch using 2x 2GB of RAM with XP 32bit SP3......eveything has been 100% perfect now I switched back to 2 1GB sticks of RAM and removed the 3GB switch command in the boot.ini file.

As a warning to anyone suffering the same problems as I did.....I'm running a Q6600 with a GTX 260 with driver 177.92.

Everything great until I stuck in 2 2GB sticks of Corsair RAM...and used the 3GB switch.

Tried everything to stop the resulting hangs...BSODS etc. All my other games were perfectly okay - so fundamentally, I deduce from that that the hardware per se, was just fine.

It appears that FSX may not like that particular setup. Or maybe it's just me !

Going to try the latest drivers again now...as I went back to the older one's thinking that was the problem.

So use the 3GB switch on XP 32, with caution. Be aware that if you have problems it may be...I say MAY be, the 2x2GB of physical RAM in your system - it was for me.


Most should not have any problem using the switch however there can be exceptions. Most of those will lead back to some type of hardware issue in place

There can be advantages to applying the address space switch when running FSX SP2 and larger memory video cards without more than 2GB installed. The advantage is not in frames.
 
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Reply #186 - Dec 1st, 2008 at 2:00pm

Anxyous   Offline
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Hey, I was wondering, about clearing out the Temp folder.

Would the same go for Vista users, but the User / AppData / Local / Temp folder?

I'm a little hesitant about deleting all that.

And is there any performance gain to be had, if .NET Framework 2.0 was installed?

Smiley
 

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Reply #187 - Dec 1st, 2008 at 7:28pm

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you can flush your temp folders just not the prefetch

and Net Framework is for program support like Nhancer. There is no performance gained from it
 
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Reply #188 - Dec 2nd, 2008 at 9:37am

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Eeeeeehhh.... prefetch? (sorry! Grin)
 

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Reply #189 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 8:08am

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Hello Nick,

 I am preparing to get the AV you have recommended,and for a while now I have been using the AVG/spybot freeware combo for protection, my question is, will this new AV software do the job of both, or do I need to keep the spybot?

And one other small thing, I have my processes in the task manager knocked down to 38 when running my sims, I'm sure that will go lower after the AV switch, as a lot of them seem to be AVG related, I was wondering if you had posted a list anywhere of what is mandatory to leave running when simming. My system was built by me and I installed the OS so I know there is no OEM junk running around in here.
This is what currently runs when I sim, the ones with the red marks beside them are turned off when I fly,  I just had them running for the purpose of taking and posting this.

http://www.simviation.com/yabbuploads/ScreenHunter_2Dec.0307.4.jpg

Thanks for any help.
« Last Edit: Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:20pm by ShaneG »  
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Reply #190 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:23pm

NickN   Offline
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I see several things I would question like google updater and searh indexer ...many I cant read because the image is so bad

I really dont have time to go though process lists

You need to look them up
 
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Reply #191 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:32pm

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That I have done, and I know what most of them are ,sorry if you took why I posted the pic wrong but I didn't ask for you to go through them, I just wondered if you had a list of the essentials needed to be left running for the flightsim and thought you might say something like it's ok to shut down one's of a certain group. I didn't think that required a really hires image. But I think I get your point.
I've been looking through the forums for one you may have put up, and just havn't run across it yet, wasn't asking for a direct link either, just the knowledge that one was indeed here somewhere.
 
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Reply #192 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:37pm

NickN   Offline
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I would uninstall any google toolbar junk..  that stuff is nothing but data mining and you dont need it to be updated.. that kind of thing in background activity can cause problems if it trys to access the net while you are flying

As for essentials... its simple, my first post specifies exactly what can be shut down... anything else which is Windows default is left alone

If Windows installed a service and its running.. other than what I posted should be left alone



 
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Reply #193 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:52pm

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That's what I needed know! I was a little unsure as to the relation of the setup post and what all was running in the task manager, but you ansered that perfectly. Thank you once again! Smiley
 
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Reply #194 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:04pm

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*Nervously raises hand*


Anxyous wrote on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 9:37am:
Eeeeeehhh.... prefetch? (sorry! Grin)



Cheesy
 

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Reply #195 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:10pm

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Anxyous wrote on Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:04pm:
*Nervously raises hand*


Anxyous wrote on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 9:37am:
Eeeeeehhh.... prefetch? (sorry! Grin)



Cheesy


Grin Grin I guess my second post does make for harsh reading! I really hate the way a post can make it sound like I'm being a jerk, malice not intended whatsoever. Wink
( I guess that what all these smileys are for!  Cheesy )
 
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Reply #196 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:11pm

NickN   Offline
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Anxyous wrote on Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:04pm:
*Nervously raises hand*


Anxyous wrote on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 9:37am:
Eeeeeehhh.... prefetch? (sorry! Grin)



Cheesy



Windows\Prefetch

In Vista dont mess with it

In XP its flushed after making the reg changes I posted
 
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Reply #197 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:12pm

NickN   Offline
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ShaneG wrote on Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:52pm:
That's what I needed know! I was a little unsure as to the relation of the setup post and what all was running in the task manager, but you ansered that perfectly. Thank you once again! Smiley



Anything that appears after Windows was installed is 3rd party and needs to be evaluated for need to booat and run with Windows


 
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Reply #198 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:14pm

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Ah, thanks man Smiley

And naw Shane, nothing to do with that Cheesy
 

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Reply #199 - Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:20pm

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NickN wrote on Dec 3rd, 2008 at 3:12pm:
ShaneG wrote on Dec 3rd, 2008 at 2:52pm:
That's what I needed know! I was a little unsure as to the relation of the setup post and what all was running in the task manager, but you ansered that perfectly. Thank you once again! Smiley



Anything that appears after Windows was installed is 3rd party and needs to be evaluated for need to booat and run with Windows




That's what I thought, alot of it seemed to appear after installing the AVG, spybot, and the Google toolbar, which is why I want to get the AV you recommended. I try to keep as much junk off of here as I can, if it's not needed and isn't helping in any way, I feel it's gotta go now. Smiley
 
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Reply #200 - Dec 19th, 2008 at 9:40pm

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ADDED FSX TUNING TO THE END OF THE 2nd POST IN THIS THREAD

RECAP



 


FSX TUNING



http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=28735&PN=2

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=28735&PID=163716#163716


FOLLOW THE LINK(s) IN THE FIRST POST

SET UP FSX EXACTLY AS I POSTED THEN...

READ BOTH POSTS AND TUNE BY REDUCING SLIDERS AND EDITING THE FSX.CFG BASED ON WHAT I MENTION IN SETTINGS CHANGES FOR FASTER/SLOWER SYSTEMS


 

 
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Reply #201 - Dec 26th, 2008 at 11:55pm

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Is SP2 really needed for XP with DirectX9? Or is it only for Vista and DirectX10? I tried to install SP2 once a while back, but it killed my FSX and I had to reinstall.
 

...
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Reply #202 - Dec 27th, 2008 at 10:49am

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SP2 is required for DX10 however there are a lot of fixes in SP2 which make things like multicore/terrain/autogen run better

I never run FSX without SP2
 
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Reply #203 - Dec 28th, 2008 at 6:11pm

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Hi Nick,
          I have xp with SP3, it was a download update. Will I be ok doing these tweaks or should I create an xp install disc with sp3 on it?

Many thanks and keep up the good work.
 
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Reply #204 - Dec 28th, 2008 at 6:32pm

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Well, I just installed FSX SP2, and when I try to run it I get an error message saying "Flight Simulator was unable to load some program files and will now exit."

This is twice that SP2 has FUBAR'd my FSX.
 

...
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Reply #205 - Dec 28th, 2008 at 11:40pm

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CyberNerd wrote on Dec 28th, 2008 at 6:11pm:
Hi Nick,
          I have xp with SP3, it was a download update. Will I be ok doing these tweaks or should I create an xp install disc with sp3 on it?

Many thanks and keep up the good work.



Is you WindowsXP install disk SP2? Did it have SP2 on it and was installed with WindowsXP before the SP3 patch?
 
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Reply #206 - Dec 28th, 2008 at 11:41pm

NickN   Offline
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jieitai wrote on Dec 28th, 2008 at 6:32pm:
Well, I just installed FSX SP2, and when I try to run it I get an error message saying "Flight Simulator was unable to load some program files and will now exit."

This is twice that SP2 has FUBAR'd my FSX.



Wrong

SP2 did not FUBAR your FSX.. your system FUBAR’d your FSX

Something in your system does not comply with the SP2 update for that to happen
 
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Reply #207 - Dec 29th, 2008 at 12:05am

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Well sorry Microsoft for having an old computer  Angry

*sigh* technology.
 

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Reply #208 - Dec 29th, 2008 at 4:21am

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CyberNerd wrote on Dec 28th, 2008 at 6:11pm:
Hi Nick,
          I have xp with SP3, it was a download update. Will I be ok doing these tweaks or should I create an xp install disc with sp3 on it?

Many thanks and keep up the good work.


No the install disc only contained sp1, however I do have a copy of xp pro with sp2.
 
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Reply #209 - Dec 29th, 2008 at 7:43pm

NickN   Offline
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CyberNerd wrote on Dec 29th, 2008 at 4:21am:
CyberNerd wrote on Dec 28th, 2008 at 6:11pm:
Hi Nick,
          I have xp with SP3, it was a download update. Will I be ok doing these tweaks or should I create an xp install disc with sp3 on it?

Many thanks and keep up the good work.


No the install disc only contained sp1, however I do have a copy of xp pro with sp2.


If SP2 was web installed and especially if this is a Dell, your odds are not good. Its problematical.

If is a Dell, you can bet it will hose the system, if not you have about a 50-50 chance

So if you intend to try it without reinstalling Windows then make sure you are backed up first

If you install Windows clean from a true SP2 disk then you should be fine


DO NOT ATTEMPT UPGRADES, MUST BE A WIPE AND CLEAN INSTALL!
 
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Reply #210 - Dec 30th, 2008 at 10:47am

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Cool, I have now installed xp pro with sp2 from a disc.

Thanks again
 
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Reply #211 - Jan 1st, 2009 at 1:46pm

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Hi Nick, happy new year.

I just wanna ask, you say the tweaks can be apllied to Vista at own risk, which would of course go for any tweak.

But can the tweaks, that you haven't put up under 'not for Vista' be applied safely?
 

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Reply #212 - Jan 2nd, 2009 at 10:41am

NickN   Offline
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Anxyous wrote on Jan 1st, 2009 at 1:46pm:
Hi Nick, happy new year.

I just wanna ask, you say the tweaks can be apllied to Vista at own risk, which would of course go for any tweak.

But can the tweaks, that you haven't put up under 'not for Vista' be applied safely?



Your statement contradicts itself

Anything you do in tweaking you do at your own risk therefore nothing you do is not 'completely safe'

The completely 'safe' move is to not do anything    Wink


I marked the areas you should not do in Vista and the rest can be followed





« Last Edit: Jan 2nd, 2009 at 4:00pm by NickN »  
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Reply #213 - Jan 2nd, 2009 at 3:56pm

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Just what I was after, thanks! Smiley
 

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Reply #214 - Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:03pm

NickN   Offline
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New detailed posts added to first page about how to tune FSX and storage system selections and considerations
 
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Reply #215 - Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:06pm

Anxyous   Offline
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Just wondering if you would know the cause of this Nick:

If I try to run FSX whilst running Aero or Basic, my computer crashes as soon as FSX has to load a 3D object (like at the Free Flight screen).

I get a blue screen, and a message saying something like the screen driver couldn't be updated or something.

Not that much of a problem, as I always switch to Windows Standard before playing, but do you have an idea why?

Smiley
 

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Reply #216 - Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:45pm

NickN   Offline
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what does my list say to do in Vista?

VISTA USERS

MAKE SURE TO ALSO DO THE FOLLOWING:

In Vista, disable the following:


3. Completely disable Aero


FSX has the ability to disable it by itself however as far as I am concerned, when I was playing with Vista some time ago I found the feature annoying and nothing but a memory and CPU hog

Why you are having trouble, I have no idea

but I can tell you that FSX wants AERO DISABLED when it boots and if you are trying to force something.. I would say that would be the primary reason


 
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Reply #217 - Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:47pm

Anxyous   Offline
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That's what I'm saying, I switch to standard before playing, and I've also gone over to basic for everyday use.

But a long time ago, the theme would automatically switch to basic when booting FSX, and the game would play fine...

Now basic won't even work with it...

But thanks anyway.
 

...&&
&&
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Reply #218 - Jan 3rd, 2009 at 1:01pm

NickN   Offline
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Anxyous wrote on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:47pm:
That's what I'm saying, I switch to standard before playing, and I've also gone over to basic for everyday use.

But a long time ago, the theme would automatically switch to basic when booting FSX, and the game would play fine...

Now basic won't even work with it...

But thanks anyway.


no clue...  I dont use Vista

driver change recently?

Service disabled recently?

just guessing
 
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Reply #219 - Jan 4th, 2009 at 5:02pm

ml57   Offline
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Along with many others I'd like to thank Nick for the time and effort
in devising and writing up his excellent procedure at the head of this thread.

I've applied the tuning instructions to several machines now, and never had a problem: except for the nagging feeling that computers are supposed to automate tedious work.

Since you cannot get more tedious that a microsoft clickfest, I made up a batch file that takes care of some of the more tiresome stuff. 

You can read it here
http://www.geocities.com/ml_57uk/xp_tuneup.bat.html

and, if you are brave enough, download it and run it here
http://www.geocities.com/ml_57uk/xp_tuneup.zip

Although it does not follow the strict order of NickN's procedure,
I do not think that these settings could be order sensitive.  I could stand to be corrected though....

Ideas for improvement welcomed. 

Mike
 
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Reply #220 - Jan 5th, 2009 at 7:19am

harleyman   Offline
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Hello Nick...I have been following your tips here very clostly..Several times I have *almost* done what you have described above,but always felt slightly intimataded by it all..However,I actually think now I could follow it and make it work...My question to you is this...

I just built a new system...I use it for FS9 only now..It does a great job and is very steady and smooth....But I am unhappy with the way it displays auto-gen .It will build them before my very eyes most times at low level GA type flying that I do... I have done all the *config* tweaks and feel that I have it as good as it will get....

I am wondering if this set up you describe can help me,or am I just expecting to much from the FS9 engine?

My rig:

Case:  Thermaltake VH8000BWS BK

Power: ThermalTake W0178RU 850W RT SLI Edition

MoBo:  GIGABYTE GA-X48-DQ6 775 X48

CPU:   INTEL|C2D E8600 3.33G 775 6M

CPU Cooler:  Artic Pro 7

GPU:   VISIONTEK Radion 900250 HD4870X2 2G

Mem:   OCZ 2X2  @ 1066

HD1:   300 Gig VelociRaptor @ 10,000

HD2:   150 Raptor @ 10,000

HD3:   650 Gig Seagate @7,200 32Mb Cache  

OS:   XP Pro  SP  3

Thanks for all you do Nick...... Smiley


I have all sliders to the right,traffic at 100%
I run as you know..

AS6.5
GEPro
FSGenesis mesh
and all the MegaSceneries ,but not installed yet....
 
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Reply #221 - Jan 5th, 2009 at 10:49am

NickN   Offline
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You are seeing a normal function of the rendering engine. Its called "Alpha-fade' and what it does is build and remove the autogen in the LOD

They removed alpha fade in FSX and in FSX the autogen just 'appears' and 'disappears' from the screen instead of build in and out

The faster the system the less it is noticed however you will never get rid of it completely

and yes.. what I posted works and will increase perf
 
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Reply #222 - Jan 5th, 2009 at 12:00pm

harleyman   Offline
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Thanks for that sir..... Smiley
 
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Reply #223 - Jan 5th, 2009 at 1:36pm

NickN   Offline
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ml57 wrote on Jan 4th, 2009 at 5:02pm:
Along with many others I'd like to thank Nick for the time and effort
in devising and writing up his excellent procedure at the head of this thread.

I've applied the tuning instructions to several machines now, and never had a problem: except for the nagging feeling that computers are supposed to automate tedious work.

Since you cannot get more tedious that a microsoft clickfest, I made up a batch file that takes care of some of the more tiresome stuff.  

You can read it here
http://www.geocities.com/ml_57uk/xp_tuneup.bat.html

and, if you are brave enough, download it and run it here
http://www.geocities.com/ml_57uk/xp_tuneup.zip

Although it does not follow the strict order of NickN's procedure,
I do not think that these settings could be order sensitive.  I could stand to be corrected though....

Ideas for improvement welcomed.  

Mike



I do not have time to look at this right now however the "order' of importance can be important in a few key areas

If I have time later I will review the files however beteween now and then I can not endorse their use

 
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Reply #224 - Jan 5th, 2009 at 2:52pm

ml57   Offline
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NickN wrote on Jan 5th, 2009 at 1:36pm:
I do not have time to look at this right now however the "order' of importance can be important in a few key areas

If I have time later I will review the files however beteween now and then I can not endorse their use


Can't get fairer than that.  Smiley

Mike
 
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Reply #225 - Jan 7th, 2009 at 11:14am

Anxyous   Offline
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Hi Nick, me again Cheesy

Just wanna thank you, actually.

I went through your OS optimizing list, but didn't really see any results.

But then, I tuned FSX a little differently (which actually meant bumping some settings up), and now I get a perfectly smooth sim 90% of the time.

So thank you Smiley
 

...&&
&&
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Reply #226 - Jan 9th, 2009 at 10:38am

NickN   Offline
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Another source for a complete list is located here

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041

Basically the same information just all in one post
 
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Reply #227 - Jan 10th, 2009 at 5:44pm

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Hey Nick. Quick Question

What Codecs should i get? I ask this simple question because the dreamscenes don't work on vista when some of the different Codec Packs that are out there are installed.

I know it is a drain on resources but i use them when i have people over and am showing off  Cheesy. I would use VLC but i have 2 monitors and when it fits itself to the screen it fits to the "main monitor" and it would be a pain to have to change it every time.

Because this is vista i don't really expect you to know such a minor problem. In fact this is the only problem that i have ever had with some might be surprised to hear Smiley.



 
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Reply #228 - Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:49pm

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Wow. I just sat there and read 227 posts lol. i started when i posted that ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ finished now Tongue.
 
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Reply #229 - Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:51pm

Kingair   Offline
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Hello,

To clarify the whole Win XP web update to SP2 issue, it does not matter if the web update to SP2 was done recently (last month) since the problem on Microsofts end still exists?

I recently built an all new PC (after HD failure on the old one) and installed Windows XP from the the CD I purchased almost 6 yrs ago which did not have SP2 on it . I have done the web update to SP3 and just wanted to make sure I understand before possibly buying a new copy of Win XP and doing a fresh install.

Thanks Smiley

 
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Reply #230 - Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:54pm

NickN   Offline
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Kingair wrote on Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:51pm:
Hello,

To clarify the whole Win XP web update to SP2 issue, it does not matter if the web update to SP2 was done recently (last month) since the problem on Microsofts end still exists?

I recently built an all new PC (after HD failure on the old one) and installed Windows XP from the the CD I purchased almost 6 yrs ago which did not have SP2 on it . I have done the web update to SP3 and just wanted to make sure I understand before possibly buying a new copy of Win XP and doing a fresh install.

Thanks Smiley



No difference!

And its unfortunate because the problem is the HAL will not completly update and replace during a windows 'upgrade'


Sounds to me like you are a prime candidate for the issue
 
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Reply #231 - Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:54pm

NickN   Offline
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T1MT1M wrote on Jan 10th, 2009 at 5:44pm:
Hey Nick. Quick Question

What Codecs should i get? I ask this simple question because the dreamscenes don't work on vista when some of the different Codec Packs that are out there are installed.

I know it is a drain on resources but i use them when i have people over and am showing off  Cheesy. I would use VLC but i have 2 monitors and when it fits itself to the screen it fits to the "main monitor" and it would be a pain to have to change it every time.

Because this is vista i don't really expect you to know such a minor problem. In fact this is the only problem that i have ever had with some might be surprised to hear Smiley.





Codecs for what? I have no idea what you are asking for
 
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Reply #232 - Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:04pm

T1MT1M   Offline
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Sorry for being unclear Tongue. Different types of videos. usually i would download a codec pack with all the codecs that i would need in it. But that won't work for what i need because then dreamscenes won't work. No idea why it effects it but when we put a pack on my boss's computer at work suddenly dreamscenes stopped working.

Was just wondering if you had a specific program that you used to play videos with codecs built into it (which i failed to ask before sorry Cheesy), or whether you have a specific place where you get them after a format.
 
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Reply #233 - Jan 11th, 2009 at 1:40am

jwenham   Offline
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Nick, I am installing FSX on its own drive and want to know if I should turn off indexing on that drive as well?

Jim
 

Intel i7 940 2.93 clocked to 4.0ghz Asus P6T Deluxe 6gb OCZ 1600 8-8-8-24 EVGA GTX 260 Superclocked Edition Thermalright 120 CPU Cooler Power PC & Cooling 750w PSU 1 tb Seagate Barracuda HD 500 gb Seagate Barracude HD 22" Viewsonic Widescreen Track IR 4 XP Pro x64 www.fairtax.org
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Reply #234 - Jan 11th, 2009 at 9:50am

NickN   Offline
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Turn off indexing on all drives

 
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Reply #235 - Jan 11th, 2009 at 9:53am

NickN   Offline
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T1MT1M wrote on Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:04pm:
Sorry for being unclear Tongue. Different types of videos. usually i would download a codec pack with all the codecs that i would need in it. But that won't work for what i need because then dreamscenes won't work. No idea why it effects it but when we put a pack on my boss's computer at work suddenly dreamscenes stopped working.

Was just wondering if you had a specific program that you used to play videos with codecs built into it (which i failed to ask before sorry Cheesy), or whether you have a specific place where you get them after a format.


It depends on what you are looking for to play

XVID?
DVIX?
FLV?
RM?

I never really looked for any 'packs' and just located a codec as needed. Sometimes I just skip the video if the codec it wants is some odd-ball I have never heard of.

 
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Reply #236 - Jan 13th, 2009 at 1:47pm

Kingair   Offline
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NickN wrote on Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:54pm:
Kingair wrote on Jan 10th, 2009 at 7:51pm:
Hello,

To clarify the whole Win XP web update to SP2 issue, it does not matter if the web update to SP2 was done recently (last month) since the problem on Microsofts end still exists?

I recently built an all new PC (after HD failure on the old one) and installed Windows XP from the the CD I purchased almost 6 yrs ago which did not have SP2 on it . I have done the web update to SP3 and just wanted to make sure I understand before possibly buying a new copy of Win XP and doing a fresh install.

Thanks Smiley



No difference!

And its unfortunate because the problem is the HAL will not completly update and replace during a windows 'upgrade'


Sounds to me like you are a prime candidate for the issue


Thanks for the clarification. I just ordered a new copy of Win XP so I can do a fresh install without the SP2 web updates.

regards,

KA
 
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Reply #237 - Jan 14th, 2009 at 1:55am

T1MT1M   Offline
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ok. Thanks for the info.
 
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Reply #238 - Jan 14th, 2009 at 4:37pm

Anxyous   Offline
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Nick, what's your take on AlacrityPC? Is it harmful to the system or anything?
 

...&&
&&
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Reply #239 - Jan 14th, 2009 at 4:42pm

NickN   Offline
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its not harmful since after a reboot everything is restored however I have yet to see it do anything for any decent system

I personally think its a placebo for most unless there is something running not default in Windows that the user may shut down by the software

it was known as FSAUTOSTART for FS9 and XP


 
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Reply #240 - Jan 15th, 2009 at 8:18am

Anxyous   Offline
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I see, I'll try it out then.

Thanks! Smiley
 

...&&
&&
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Reply #241 - Jan 15th, 2009 at 6:58pm

JimBrown   Offline
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Hi Nick,

I didn't see this mentioned in this thread (if it is, I missed it.)

In the first message, near the beginning, you say to turn off Error Reporting, and provide instructions.

For Vista, the instructions are slightly different. They are:

Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Problem Reports and Solutions > Change settings > Advanced setting

Select "Off" for "For my programs, problem reporting is:"

One may also wish to select "Clear solution and problem history" once this is off.

End users should note that Vista includes the ability to keep track of problems encountered and if a solution becomes available, notify you of said solution. Making these changes will turn that functionality off.

Regards,
...jim
 

Intel i7 920 2.67 OC'd to 4.0ghz&&Asus P6T Deluxe&&6gb Mushkin 1600 7-8-7-20&&BFG 260 Maxcore OC'd 20%&&Thermalright Ultimate Extreme 120&&Power PC & Cooling 750w&&650gb Western Digital 32mb&&TripleHead2Go at 3840x1024&&A wife who doesn't give me any grief about this silliness.&&&&Radio Control Aircraft Gallery
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Reply #242 - Jan 15th, 2009 at 9:06pm

NickN   Offline
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thanks Jim   Smiley

My list was not targeted at Vista so I assumed people would simply find the same setting in Vista and make the change

 
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Reply #243 - Jan 16th, 2009 at 6:52pm

JimBrown   Offline
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Understood.

It took me a while to find that setting, and I'm usually pretty good at finding that sort of stuff. (Actually, I cheated and googled for it. Smiley )

Figured I'd mention it in case any other Vista users were wondering where to find it.

All the best.
...jim

PS. It's night two of going through your list on this new beast. Time for the defrags. (Guess I'll watch some TV...)
 

Intel i7 920 2.67 OC'd to 4.0ghz&&Asus P6T Deluxe&&6gb Mushkin 1600 7-8-7-20&&BFG 260 Maxcore OC'd 20%&&Thermalright Ultimate Extreme 120&&Power PC & Cooling 750w&&650gb Western Digital 32mb&&TripleHead2Go at 3840x1024&&A wife who doesn't give me any grief about this silliness.&&&&Radio Control Aircraft Gallery
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Reply #244 - Jan 16th, 2009 at 10:10pm

JimBrown   Offline
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Hi Nick,

I've finished your set up list. Looking good.

There is one final thing I want to do, and that is set up UTX properly. I know I saw a message from you somewhere about that (changing stream widths and other such stuff) but damned if I can remember where I saw it. (I really should bookmark stuff like that. Apparently I've got CRAFT disease.)

Can you kindly point me in the right direction?

Much thanks,
...jim
 

Intel i7 920 2.67 OC'd to 4.0ghz&&Asus P6T Deluxe&&6gb Mushkin 1600 7-8-7-20&&BFG 260 Maxcore OC'd 20%&&Thermalright Ultimate Extreme 120&&Power PC & Cooling 750w&&650gb Western Digital 32mb&&TripleHead2Go at 3840x1024&&A wife who doesn't give me any grief about this silliness.&&&&Radio Control Aircraft Gallery
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Reply #245 - Jan 16th, 2009 at 10:18pm

NickN   Offline
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It was just a list of what I like to run.. other than the night lighting and car traffic the rest wont be a perf concern

here it is

In UTX I would run it at the default settings, except for the following:


In the list on the RIGHT make the following changes

For best performance, NIGHT LIGHTING.. USA/CAN main roads OFF, intersection OFF

NOTE: To get a trade off for night lights with GEXn installed, ENABLE intersection lighting but leave the Main Road lighting OFF but remember any UTX night lighting hits perf

In the list, last OTHER TERRAIN FEATURES turn off glaciers, railway yards, highway interchanges

(note: the ones above must be repeated for each UTX version)

Then change these items from the main menu under ADVANCED:

(note: changes the items below in one tool changes all version of UTX)

WIDTHS

UT OCEAN PIER 3
UT RAIL ENC DRY 14
UT RAIL ENC SEASONAL 14
UT RAIL ENC TROPICAL 14
UT RAIL ENC BRIDGE 14
UT RAIL ENC TRACKS 12
UT ROAD ENC DRY 28
UT ROAD ENC SEASONAL 28
UT ROAD ENC TROPICAL 28
UT ROAD ENC2 DRY 16
UT ROAD ENC2 SEASONAL 16

Click SAVE - DONE


FLATTENING

UT STREAM LINE DRY -2
UT STREAM LINE WET -2

UT River (2 entries) you can lower those too if you want.. I use -3

Click SAVE - DONE

Close the UTX Tool




I never enable any of the RD4 minor urban residential roads.. they are overkill and usually make the sim look fake. I will usually leave the RD5 Minor Rural roads (different from minor urban residential) enabled for USA/CAN but disable the RD5 minor rural roads in UTX Europe

I also turn off static traffic on roads from time to time .. sometimes it looks good and others it does not.. depends
 
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Reply #246 - Jan 17th, 2009 at 10:16am

JimBrown   Offline
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Thanks Nick, that was the info I was looking for.

I had applied it to my old set up and liked the looks. Wanted to do the same for the new system.

A clarification, please. For:
FLATTENING

UT STREAM LINE DRY -2
UT STREAM LINE WET -2

UT River (2 entries) you can lower those too if you want.. I use -3

Are you using "Offset" or "Slope"? (Or does it matter?)

Regards,
...jim
 

Intel i7 920 2.67 OC'd to 4.0ghz&&Asus P6T Deluxe&&6gb Mushkin 1600 7-8-7-20&&BFG 260 Maxcore OC'd 20%&&Thermalright Ultimate Extreme 120&&Power PC & Cooling 750w&&650gb Western Digital 32mb&&TripleHead2Go at 3840x1024&&A wife who doesn't give me any grief about this silliness.&&&&Radio Control Aircraft Gallery
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Reply #247 - Jan 17th, 2009 at 11:15am

NickN   Offline
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offset

but remember, that makes the river or stream appear to gave a depth in the terrain.. you may need to tweak that to taste.

 
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Reply #248 - Jan 18th, 2009 at 5:35am

Selkan   Offline
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Hi Nick, I wonder if you could add some clarification for me.  I have recently purchased a West. D. 300GB 10,000rpm (before reading your great posts).  I am about to undertake a complete reinstall using Vista Ultimate 32bit and FSX. ASUS A8N-sli mother board, dual core CPU 4.8 using a G-Force 9800GTX.

I refer to your section within 'system and OS Tuning'....'The Windows XP Performance counters etc etc'

Four years ago I started building my own 737-800 cockpit.  I have one main Server P.C. for OS and FSX, and use four Client P.C.s (using Windows 2000) for my Glass Cockpit Screens (project Magenta) FMC etc.  All P.C.s use a HUB for networking.

This section refers to networking, so my question is should I leave your instructions in this section out, or is this quite different to the 'networking' that I am thinking about?

I have to say you have done a great deal of work for use all, and is much appreciated.

Steven



 
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Reply #249 - Jan 18th, 2009 at 2:30pm

NickN   Offline
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Selkan wrote on Jan 18th, 2009 at 5:35am:
Hi Nick, I wonder if you could add some clarification for me.  I have recently purchased a West. D. 300GB 10,000rpm (before reading your great posts).  I am about to undertake a complete reinstall using Vista Ultimate 32bit and FSX. ASUS A8N-sli mother board, dual core CPU 4.8 using a G-Force 9800GTX.

I refer to your section within 'system and OS Tuning'....'The Windows XP Performance counters etc etc'

Four years ago I started building my own 737-800 cockpit.  I have one main Server P.C. for OS and FSX, and use four Client P.C.s (using Windows 2000) for my Glass Cockpit Screens (project Magenta) FMC etc.  All P.C.s use a HUB for networking.

This section refers to networking, so my question is should I leave your instructions in this section out, or is this quite different to the 'networking' that I am thinking about?

I have to say you have done a great deal of work for use all, and is much appreciated.

Steven






Steven..

All you are doing is turning off the OS's ability to record performance specs.. this has nothing to do with network ability or ability in any part of needed service support other than PROC and OS which I said to remain enabled so any monitor software that may access that service will have support for reading temps and other Proc features



 
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Reply #250 - Jan 18th, 2009 at 2:39pm

Kingair   Offline
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Hi Nick,

When setting up the video setting using nHancer, can you confirm that for AA it should be set as COMBINED 8xS ? I was a little confused by this statement in the first post of this thread:

"NOTE: Those images are old and AA is not set to COMBINED and then  8xS NOT SUPERSAMPLE and 8xS"

I'm trying to get the best settings for my EVGA GTX 260 216.

Thanks alot,

KingAir
 
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Reply #251 - Jan 18th, 2009 at 9:07pm

NickN   Offline
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Kingair wrote on Jan 18th, 2009 at 2:39pm:
Hi Nick,

When setting up the video setting using nHancer, can you confirm that for AA it should be set as COMBINED 8xS ? I was a little confused by this statement in the first post of this thread:

"NOTE: Those images are old and AA is not set to COMBINED and then  8xS NOT SUPERSAMPLE and 8xS"

I'm trying to get the best settings for my EVGA GTX 260 216.

Thanks alot,

KingAir


do I have a typo?  Let me check


EDIT: Yes... that was a typo.. I just killed that post and got rid of the written instructions which are very old

use this post and follow the 1,2,3 instructions

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=27540&PID=156769#156769

and yes, COMBINED 8xS is the setting
 
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Reply #252 - Jan 19th, 2009 at 4:51am

Selkan   Offline
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Many thanks Nick for the clarification.  I thought this would be the case, but just wanted to check.

Steven
 
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Reply #253 - Jan 20th, 2009 at 10:13am

Dougal   Offline
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A question for you Nick when you have time.....

I've now been using Eset NOD32 AV for some time.  I now have an ESET associated service running called 'ekrn.exe'.  This appears to be a bit on the large side (around 40Mb RAM).

a)  Is this normal?
b)  Presumeably, you'd have stated if it was ok to disable this service?

Thanks kindly all your valued input.  It's helped my system enormously.
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #254 - Jan 20th, 2009 at 10:22am

NickN   Offline
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Its normal and leave it alone
 
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Reply #255 - Jan 20th, 2009 at 12:11pm

Dougal   Offline
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Thanks!
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #256 - Jan 27th, 2009 at 7:21am

Selkan   Offline
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Nick, if you don't mind imparting such information, would yu mind telling me where you are in the World.  I have assumed the USA, but could you possibly be in the U.K?
 
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Reply #257 - Feb 11th, 2009 at 3:21pm

Dougal   Offline
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Nick, a technical question re your 'List' if I may:

Turning off the 'Last Access Stamp'.  Will this stop a backup application using 'incremental' backups?

Thanks
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #258 - Feb 12th, 2009 at 3:37am

NickN   Offline
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Dougal wrote on Feb 11th, 2009 at 3:21pm:
Nick, a technical question re your 'List' if I may:

Turning off the 'Last Access Stamp'.  Will this stop a backup application using 'incremental' backups?

Thanks




You are shutting down last ACCESS, not last MODIFIED

dOAH!

no issue  Smiley
 
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Reply #259 - Feb 12th, 2009 at 3:37am

NickN   Offline
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Selkan wrote on Jan 27th, 2009 at 7:21am:
Nick, if you don't mind imparting such information, would yu mind telling me where you are in the World.  I have assumed the USA, but could you possibly be in the U.K?



USA
 
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Reply #260 - Feb 14th, 2009 at 4:33pm

Aph3x   Offline
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Hey Nick

Was wondering if there was a more extensive guide just for vista, if not thats cool but i have a few questions.

I dont ever use IE and was wondering if those settings matterd to change, and if i should try and do the same for firefox.

also the The Windows XP Performance counters i downloaded and did everything u said just making sure its the same for vista

Couldnt find these or i got to a file that had the shortcut icon on it and wouldnt let me access it.

C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temp
C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

Just want to make sure that if these files remain they wont interfere and be detremential if i continue to defrag

and why am i deleting the nvidia folder?

Sorry for the questions, but i like to know why im doing what im doing before i do it Smiley Not that i doubt you, im just curious.

If there is anything for vista that would help i would be much appreciated thank you.

 
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Reply #261 - Feb 15th, 2009 at 10:39pm

keith-uk   Offline
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I have just bought fsx and acceleration.
I am going to reinstall windows xp before installing fsx, but my xp service pack 2 is downloaded and put on a disc.

So will buying a genuine service pack 2 disc off ebay and installing that after i have reinstalled xp be ok, or do i have to buy a full windows xp disc?

If i need a new xp disc, does the service pack come built in with xp and if so, how do i know it does and its not just xp with a 2nd disc with service pack 2?

The genuine sp2 discs are on ebay for just a few quid, so i'm hoping thats all i need.

Keith.
 
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Reply #262 - Feb 15th, 2009 at 10:50pm

NickN   Offline
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Aph3x wrote on Feb 14th, 2009 at 4:33pm:
Hey Nick

Was wondering if there was a more extensive guide just for vista, if not thats cool but i have a few questions.

I dont ever use IE and was wondering if those settings matterd to change, and if i should try and do the same for firefox.

also the The Windows XP Performance counters i downloaded and did everything u said just making sure its the same for vista

Couldnt find these or i got to a file that had the shortcut icon on it and wouldnt let me access it.

C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temp
C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

Just want to make sure that if these files remain they wont interfere and be detremential if i continue to defrag

and why am i deleting the nvidia folder?

Sorry for the questions, but i like to know why im doing what im doing before i do it Smiley Not that i doubt you, im just curious.

If there is anything for vista that would help i would be much appreciated thank you.



The list I made was specifically for XP. The paths mentioned will not be there for Vista and would be different. Dont worry about it

you would need to locate the FF internet cache yourself. I dont use FF.. it is not safer or faster than IE,,

The Nvidia folder on the root of C is just a decompress dump. Its not needed once the drivers are installed


 
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Reply #263 - Feb 15th, 2009 at 10:52pm

NickN   Offline
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keith-uk wrote on Feb 15th, 2009 at 10:39pm:
I have just bought fsx and acceleration.
I am going to reinstall windows xp before installing fsx, but my xp service pack 2 is downloaded and put on a disc.

So will buying a genuine service pack 2 disc off ebay and installing that after i have reinstalled xp be ok, or do i have to buy a full windows xp disc?

If i need a new xp disc, does the service pack come built in with xp and if so, how do i know it does and its not just xp with a 2nd disc with service pack 2?

The genuine sp2 discs are on ebay for just a few quid, so i'm hoping thats all i need.

Keith.



SP2 must be part of the full Windows install and not a separate install after Windows goes in clean.

I have no idea what Ebay disks are offering

One can manually slipstream SP2 into a Windows XP, XP SP1, XPSP1a install and then burn a new disk without having to buy one. The process is well noted on the net and requires special CD boot files and software to make a bootable XP CD with SP2 slipstreamed into it

 
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Reply #264 - Feb 16th, 2009 at 12:40am

Aph3x   Offline
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Cool thx for the explanation.
 
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Reply #265 - Feb 16th, 2009 at 8:05pm

keith-uk   Offline
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Thanks for the info Nick. So it does not matter if service pack 2 is downloaded if its slipstreamed into xp?

Does the date of the service pack 2 matter if its going to be slipstreamed?

Thanks,

Keith.
 
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Reply #266 - Feb 16th, 2009 at 8:46pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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Slipstream is fine.. they updated it  Roll Eyes even though it says 8/10/2004
 
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Reply #267 - Feb 20th, 2009 at 4:33pm

keith-uk   Offline
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I've slipstreamed sp2 into XP, made a new boot up disc and everything is fine. The game runs great as it is, but i am now going to do the tweaks, so it should run even better.

Thanks,

Keith.
 
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Reply #268 - Feb 20th, 2009 at 7:35pm

keith-uk   Offline
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Nick run into a problem with the xp tweaking in this section.....

Internet Explorer browser settings…

Open the browser. Select TOOLS – OPTIONS

TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES –
Select DELETE FILES, check in DELETE OFFLINE CONTENT, let it finish.

Click SETTINGS. “Check for newer versions of stored pages” Bullet in: AUTOMATICALLY
Amount of disk space = 1200
Click OK


On my computer, when i click tools, internet options, i then click delete under the Browsing History another boc pops up named "Delete Browsing History" with a "Delete Files" button in there, but when i click the delete files button, there is not any options to tick any "Delete offline content". All that happens when i click delete files is another box pops up asking me am i sure (YES) (NO).

Also when i try to do this: Click SETTINGS. “Check for newer versions of stored pages” Bullet in: AUTOMATICALLY
Amount of disk space = 1200

It won't let me set it at 1200. It says it must be set between 8 and 1024.

Thanks,

Keith.
 
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Reply #269 - Feb 20th, 2009 at 8:42pm

NickN   Offline
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Posts: 6317
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Issue 1: I need to update the list for IE7... just delete the history, files and cookies..

Issue 2: Typo, will fix the list.. should be 1024

 
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Reply #270 - Feb 21st, 2009 at 1:35am

keith-uk   Offline
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Thanks Nick, everythings running perfect!

Keith.
 
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Reply #271 - Feb 23rd, 2009 at 1:58pm

NickN   Offline
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NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THIS AS VISTA IS DIFFERENT THAN XP HOWEVER SOME HAVE SEEN A BETTER BOOT TIME BY CHANGING THE PREFETCH SYSTEM TO BOOT OPTIMIZE. IF YOU WISH TO SKIP THIS WITH VISTA YOU CAN HOWEVER IF YOU DO TRY IT AND IT DOES NOT HELP DO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BACKED UP AS SPECIFIED FIRST SO YOU CAN RETURN THE SYSTEM TO SUPERPREFETCH




If you guys on Vista want to try something here is a way to use part of my list that I marked as DO NOT USE FOR VISTA... and instead use it for VISTA


before you do this... right click this key in the registry

REGEDIT.. find this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\
PrefetchParameters
 <-----

Right Click PrefetchParameters


Then select EXPORT. Name it Default Boot.reg

You now have a backup of the entire key which you can double click and restore the original key values at anytime

Backup the folder C:\Windows\Prefetch to a safe location.



Copy paste this to a NOTEPAD:

BEGIN COPY:


Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters]
"BootId"=dword:00000046
"BaseTime"=dword:0ca25fa5
"VideoInitTime"=dword:0000000f
"EnableSuperfetch"=dword:00000001
"EnablePrefetcher"=dword:00000003
"EnableBootTrace"=dword:00000000



END COPY


SAVE the notepad and name it: Boot Prefetch.reg

MAKE SURE the .reg is the file extension!

Double click the file.. the system will ask if you wish to MERGE the information to the registry. Select YES


Flush the Prefetch folder .. reboot and let the slow boot take place which switches the system for a memory hog to a clean boot and sets up the layout.ini file..


and then run the following command in the RUN box to execute the boot prefetch layout command


rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks


defrag using O&O as I laid out to use 'layout.ini' with a NAME defrag

that will do the same thing my lists posts for XP and clean out the memory hog from Vista boot


You can flush the prefetch folder and run the reg file you saved, restore the prefetch you backed up and then reboot and let the system return to original if for some reason you do not like the result. It may take one or 2 reboots to restore the prefetch system.







« Last Edit: Jun 29th, 2009 at 8:15am by NickN »  
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Reply #272 - Feb 23rd, 2009 at 7:56pm

cavity   Offline
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Nick,

Why 1024 on the page setting?  It recomends no larger than 250.  Is it different for XP and Vista?

Todd
 
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Reply #273 - Feb 23rd, 2009 at 8:29pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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cavity wrote on Feb 23rd, 2009 at 7:56pm:
Nick,

Why 1024 on the page setting?  It recomends no larger than 250.  Is it different for XP and Vista?

Todd



page setting?

You mean the internet cache?

Since when has MS default suggested settings been right?     Grin


You can set it to what ever you like.. you will flush that once a month anyway however keeping a 1GB cache typically makes you internet browsing smoother by keeping it correctly cached for typical use


 
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Reply #274 - Feb 24th, 2009 at 7:04pm

cavity   Offline
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Posts: 388
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Nick,

Yes, the cache, okay, makes complete sense, thanks.

Todd
 
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Reply #275 - Feb 26th, 2009 at 7:06pm

JimBrown   Offline
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fun first!
Rockland, Ontario, Canada

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NickN wrote on Feb 23rd, 2009 at 1:58pm:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\MemoryManagement\PrefetchParameters]


Hi Nick,

I'm pretty certain that we should be looking at "CurrentControlSet", not "ControlSet001".

If so, the Regedit path would be:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\MemoryManagement\PrefetchParameters]

I say this because, if I recall correctly, when you shut down your computer, "ControlSet002" is overwritten by "ControlSet001" and "ControlSet001" is overwritten by "CurrentControlSet". This is done so that you can use the "Boot with last known good configuration" option after pressing F8 at start up.

*Update*.

Never mind.

Just tested it. Apparently I did not recall correctly. Changing it in either CurrentControlSet OR ControlSet001 changes it in both places. ControlSet002 is the backup that is used by the boot option, and is updated once boot up is successful.

*Update number two*

ControlSet002 is updated during shut down after a successful boot.

Maybe I should just erase this message....

Carry on.

Regards,
...jim
 

Intel i7 920 2.67 OC'd to 4.0ghz&&Asus P6T Deluxe&&6gb Mushkin 1600 7-8-7-20&&BFG 260 Maxcore OC'd 20%&&Thermalright Ultimate Extreme 120&&Power PC & Cooling 750w&&650gb Western Digital 32mb&&TripleHead2Go at 3840x1024&&A wife who doesn't give me any grief about this silliness.&&&&Radio Control Aircraft Gallery
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Reply #276 - Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:13am

keith-uk   Offline
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Nick,

I've just finished building a new system with the following:
Intel Quad Q9650 3GHz
Asus P5Q Deluxe Motherboard
4G Kingston Hyperx 800 RAM
8800GT Video Card
Matrox 32MB Sata Hard Drive
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy
650W Antec PSU

OS is XP Pro 32

Everything is a fresh install follwing your install, set-up, all settings and tweak to the letter.

While my frame rates are way up, upto 75 fps on Friday Harbor, i have noticed a problem i never had on my old system.....
Sometimes, the ground sort of jumps by in stages, a bit like that problem some DVD's have playing on a HD TV.

Its as if its skipping frames and then catching up.

Could this be my 32bit OS letting me down because its not using all 4G of RAM?

Sorry to bother you with this,

Keith.

EDIT:

The problem is worse than i first thought. The ground is juddering by badly. Also, when switching from normal spot view to fixed spot view, when the camera zooms away from the aircraft and then quicly zooms back into it again, its very juddery and even the sound is affected.

The sea seems to go by fine, but when low over lots of trees, its almost unplayable. I get some of those graphics glitches too where the trees stretch right up high into the sky for a split second. I can live with the odd graphics glitch though, its the ground jumping by below in stages that i can't stand Cry

After spending so much money to build a better FSX system, as well as all the time i've put into it, to say i'm disappointed is an understatement.
fsx run MUCH better on my AMD dual core 4800+ with Asus M2N SLI Deluxe board. Lower frame rates, but it didn't have any of this juddering.
« Last Edit: Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:06pm by keith-uk »  
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Reply #277 - Mar 2nd, 2009 at 12:30am

keith-uk   Offline
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After trying everything from a motherboard bios flash to removing all my add ons i still had the problem.

I have just installed XP PRO 64 Bit, so i hope this fixes it. If not, i give up.

Keith.
 
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Reply #278 - Mar 3rd, 2009 at 11:42pm

keith-uk   Offline
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Still the same with xp 64-bit. Very jumpy and lots of graphics glitches.

I managed to fix it by setting the scenery autogen density from Extremely dense to dence. It runs very well with that setting and perfect with it set to normal. I miss those buildings and trees though.

Its strange how my old system had no problem with the extremely dense setting, yet this new system was unplayable with the same settings. I know its the same video card, so does anyone think my 800GT has now become a bottleneck?
Or is it possible that my Antec 650W PSU is not good enough? I have an antec 900 gaming case with some big fans running. Maybe i should take this to the hardware section though.

Keith.
« Last Edit: Mar 4th, 2009 at 2:07am by keith-uk »  
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Reply #279 - Mar 4th, 2009 at 1:31pm

aeugli   Offline
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Hi Nick,
after I did your windows tweaks once again (I did it first in Oct. last year) I have NO prefetch folder in my C:\Windows\ folder!? May be same would be before I did your tweaks once again, haven´t controlled it.
Despite that - everything seems to be ok (so far)... Windows, FSX etc.
What is wrong? Must I do any changes - or can I still leave it as it is?
I would appreciate your answer
Best wishes Rainer

Edit: Problem solved: Task Manager was deactivated Undecided
Sorry for asking!
Cheers Rainer
« Last Edit: Mar 5th, 2009 at 6:38am by aeugli »  
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Reply #280 - Mar 11th, 2009 at 12:31am

Ewok   Offline
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***
 
Hello Nick,

You are the greatest and your tweaks are number one on my list. Thank You for all that you do for us.
My question is can the XP/Windows Setup, System Optimizing and Drivers tune up be used for Windows XP Service Pack 3.

I recently installed Windows XP SP3 from a disk.

Thanks Again and Take Care!!!!!
 
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Reply #281 - Mar 12th, 2009 at 5:11am

NickN   Offline
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Ewok wrote on Mar 11th, 2009 at 12:31am:
Hello Nick,

You are the greatest and your tweaks are number one on my list. Thank You for all that you do for us.
My question is can the XP/Windows Setup, System Optimizing and Drivers tune up be used for Windows XP Service Pack 3.

I recently installed Windows XP SP3 from a disk.

Thanks Again and Take Care!!!!!



As long as it was a clean install of WindowsXP which included SP3 during the full Windows install, yes its fine. SP3 includes SP2


 
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Reply #282 - Mar 16th, 2009 at 12:09pm

nyfirefly11   Offline
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Nick,

you, sir, are amazing...thanks for the tweaks Smiley

question: I don't know if you've played around with Windows 7, and you may have already gotten this question before, but any idea if fsx, gex, rex, utx, and o&o defrag will work well?

I have xp32, and Vista 64 still in the box, but I was thinking I'd just skip to Win 7 RC1 when it's out in a few weeks, and do my new install of fsx on that. Or would it be best to wait until later in the year for full win 7 support?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Reply #283 - Mar 16th, 2009 at 12:34pm

NickN   Offline
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Vista 7 is exactly that... Vista renamed with fixes and some perf work to try and hide the duckups from Vista

there is no difference in performance between W7 and Vista and right now My XP x64 system runs slightly better than W7

If I was going to make a move from XP it would not be to Vista and I would wait for W7
 
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Reply #284 - Mar 16th, 2009 at 12:51pm

nyfirefly11   Offline
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thx so much...I'll wait for RC1 of 7. I'd run fsx off of xp, but I only have the 32bit version, and I'd rather use 64 (6GB ram).
 
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Reply #285 - Mar 16th, 2009 at 3:29pm

Ewok   Offline
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NickN wrote on Mar 12th, 2009 at 5:11am:
Ewok wrote on Mar 11th, 2009 at 12:31am:
Hello Nick,

You are the greatest and your tweaks are number one on my list. Thank You for all that you do for us.
My question is can the XP/Windows Setup, System Optimizing and Drivers tune up be used for Windows XP Service Pack 3.

I recently installed Windows XP SP3 from a disk.

Thanks Again and Take Care!!!!!



As long as it was a clean install of WindowsXP which included SP3 during the full Windows install, yes its fine. SP3 includes SP2




Thanks Nick. Works Great!!!!

You the man.
 
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Reply #286 - Mar 21st, 2009 at 4:11pm

NoTeefs   Offline
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Nick, are you God?  Cheesy I have NEVER been able to run FSX this well EVER!!!

I was very skeptical going through most of the others suggested 'tweaks' because i already knew FSX was vastly different from FS9, and they were simply doing the same tweaks over again. Thanks for clearing the air and the great material you provide for all of us!
 
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Reply #287 - Mar 21st, 2009 at 4:14pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 


god?   Grin


far from it

Im'a JAFO
 
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Reply #288 - Mar 22nd, 2009 at 4:19pm

NoTeefs   Offline
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Look up...look down...look left...look right.   Wink
 
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Reply #289 - Mar 22nd, 2009 at 9:43pm

ShaneR35   Offline
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In regards to the recently added section for Vista where we change the SuperFetch value in regedit..

I followed the guide from the beginning and did this step when I reached it. however, it doesn't appear to have made a change. The system still acts as before (same memory usage, same files in the prefetch folder etc).  I followed the steps exactly ( Pretty sure Wink )

Did I miss something? Or do I just expect to see something different after the above is done?

Anyway...back to the rest of the steps.

Thanks Smiley

PS. Running Vista 64
 
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Reply #290 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 2:29am

ryelk   Offline
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Hello,

First thanks for putting these lists together, the amount of work to generate them must have been insane.

Unfortunately my FSX is stuttering like crazy after going through the FSX tweak and XP tweak lists to the letter, so I guess I will have to reset everything and hope for the best. These other issues came up too that I'm have trouble resolving. Again hopefully resetting everything will fix them, but wanted to bring them to your attention.

1. I tried to use Windows Update in IE to update my computer but it was unable to do so, indicating that Automatic Update was turned off. I tried to turn it back on to Automatic in services.msc but whenever I clicked Apply, it would just revert back to Disabled.

2. Every time I shut down, a box pops up indicating that explorer.exe is trying to close. If I don't touch it, it says that it's not responding. If I wait another 10-20 seconds without doing anything, it shuts down on its own.

3. Within FSX, in addition to the unplayable stuttering, whenever I slew and move fast, huge artifacts pop up all over the place and block any view. After I stop moving, they go away after a few seconds.

Running XP Pro on Core Duo 2.8Ghz, 1066FSB, 2 GB RAM, ATI 4870
 
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Reply #291 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 3:08am

ryelk   Offline
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Following from above post, I also wanted to note that the pagefile.sys on the C:\ drive was 3 GB, didn't know if it was supposed to be this big after the tweaks. And now when I click Start>My Computer>C drive, it takes about 30 seconds for the window to load, whereas it took about 3 to 5 seconds before.
 
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Reply #292 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 12:46pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 
ShaneR35 wrote on Mar 22nd, 2009 at 9:43pm:
In regards to the recently added section for Vista where we change the SuperFetch value in regedit..

I followed the guide from the beginning and did this step when I reached it. however, it doesn't appear to have made a change. The system still acts as before (same memory usage, same files in the prefetch folder etc).  I followed the steps exactly ( Pretty sure Wink )

Did I miss something? Or do I just expect to see something different after the above is done?

Anyway...back to the rest of the steps.

Thanks Smiley

PS. Running Vista 64



There can be folders that will rebuild in the Prefetch folder but otherwise there should only be 2 files listed after you flushed it and rebooted, and, rant the command line:

layout.ini and NTOSBOOT-B00DFAAD.pf

Nothing else

Make sure UAC is shut down and also make sure the Task Scheduler Serivce was not shut down

Confirm the correct reg path you changed


 
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Reply #293 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 12:49pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
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ryelk wrote on Mar 23rd, 2009 at 2:29am:
Hello,

First thanks for putting these lists together, the amount of work to generate them must have been insane.

Unfortunately my FSX is stuttering like crazy after going through the FSX tweak and XP tweak lists to the letter, so I guess I will have to reset everything and hope for the best. These other issues came up too that I'm have trouble resolving. Again hopefully resetting everything will fix them, but wanted to bring them to your attention.

1. I tried to use Windows Update in IE to update my computer but it was unable to do so, indicating that Automatic Update was turned off. I tried to turn it back on to Automatic in services.msc but whenever I clicked Apply, it would just revert back to Disabled.

2. Every time I shut down, a box pops up indicating that explorer.exe is trying to close. If I don't touch it, it says that it's not responding. If I wait another 10-20 seconds without doing anything, it shuts down on its own.

3. Within FSX, in addition to the unplayable stuttering, whenever I slew and move fast, huge artifacts pop up all over the place and block any view. After I stop moving, they go away after a few seconds.

Running XP Pro on Core Duo 2.8Ghz, 1066FSB, 2 GB RAM, ATI 4870




You have something wrong with this system that has nothing to do with the list I posted

The only way Windows Update will not re-enable from the GUI is

1. You disabled services you should not have disabled

2. You have a virus or a bug

3. You have some type of corruption in the system




Opening the C drive and having a huge pause is not normal. I dont care if the page file is 6GB in size



There is something wrong with this system. Either this system has services that were disabled other than what I specified, there is a virus or malware running, or, there is registry corruption all of which have nothing to do with the list I posted

It is however possible this system was not SP2 updated correctly and the Microsoft low level SATA bug has forced file corruption with the use of O&O Defrag.  










 
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Reply #294 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 1:27pm

ShaneR35   Offline
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NickN wrote on Mar 23rd, 2009 at 12:46pm:
[

There can be folders that will rebuild in the Prefetch folder but otherwise there should only be 2 files listed after you flushed it and rebooted, and, rant the command line:

layout.ini and NTOSBOOT-B00DFAAD.pf

Nothing else

Make sure UAC is shut down and also make sure the Task Scheduler Serivce was not shut down

Confirm the correct reg path you changed




Thanks, Nick.

Confirmed all the above.

Did it again with the same result.

After flushing prefetch and rebooting, all files come back. And there never was a slow boot.  Boot time is normal.

So, I dunno.  Guess I can leave it alone.

Thanks Smiley
 
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Reply #295 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 3:03pm

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NickN wrote on Mar 23rd, 2009 at 12:49pm:
You have something wrong with this system that has nothing to do with the list I posted

The only way Windows Update will not re-enable from the GUI is

1. You disabled services you should not have disabled

2. You have a virus or a bug

3. You have some type of corruption in the system



Thanks for the reply. I disabled only the services you said to disable. I ran an ESET scan and found no viruses. This is a 3 month old machine (Dell Vostro) with only Microsoft Office on it, so not sure where the corruption would be coming from.

In any event, resetting everything didn't work so now I am reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling windows.

I'm sure your list works for most people out there, but I guess i'm the unfortunate proof that it doesn't work for everyone, and in fact might screw things up pretty bad if there is a pre-existing condition or some other issue going on. Sorry for the troubles, I was really excited about finding your list and hope it still helps people out there.
 
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Reply #296 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 4:00pm

NickN   Offline
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ryelk wrote on Mar 23rd, 2009 at 3:03pm:
NickN wrote on Mar 23rd, 2009 at 12:49pm:
You have something wrong with this system that has nothing to do with the list I posted

The only way Windows Update will not re-enable from the GUI is

1. You disabled services you should not have disabled

2. You have a virus or a bug

3. You have some type of corruption in the system



Thanks for the reply. I disabled only the services you said to disable. I ran an ESET scan and found no viruses. This is a 3 month old machine (Dell Vostro) with only Microsoft Office on it, so not sure where the corruption would be coming from.

In any event, resetting everything didn't work so now I am reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling windows.

I'm sure your list works for most people out there, but I guess i'm the unfortunate proof that it doesn't work for everyone, and in fact might screw things up pretty bad if there is a pre-existing condition or some other issue going on. Sorry for the troubles, I was really excited about finding your list and hope it still helps people out there.



One word

Dell

This process works and more than likely the issue has something to do with the Dell Windows install disk



 
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Reply #297 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 6:45pm

Dougal   Offline
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Ahhh, the Dell's, the Dell's Ahh... my god the Dell's  Wink
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #298 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 6:57pm

ryelk   Offline
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NickN wrote on Mar 23rd, 2009 at 4:00pm:
One word

Dell

This process works and more than likely the issue has something to do with the Dell Windows install disk



For future reference, what brand of computer do you recommend, for people who don't have the skills to build one?

also, is it just the O&O component of the tweak list that Dells don't like? Is everything else cool? Or is there anything else Dell owners shouldn't do?
 
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Reply #299 - Mar 23rd, 2009 at 11:58pm

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Its not the computer.. (although I would not call anything Dell 'performance' either)  its the Windows instal disk they provide which is loaded with all sorts of crap and changes a regular WindowsXP SP2 disk does not have and they are also known for giving out old versions of that disk with their products.

If you were to get a clean official version of WindowsXP SP2 on disk you would not have such problems, nor would your system be flooded with Dell startup crap either. Drivers can be obtained from dell in thir suppot area if needed without that disk they supply


 
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Reply #300 - Mar 24th, 2009 at 2:15am

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As posted in a edit on the first page of the thread.. for those using O&O defrag and seeing visual corruption of the bootime interface, here is the fix from O&O Software





NOTE:

For Boot Time visual interface corruption please note this fix from O&O:



This problem does happen when our graphics driver is not compatible with your graphics card. Please rename the following file:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\oobctm.sys

eg. to

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\oobctm.bak

This file is the grahics card driver for O&O Defrag. If the file is not there, the Windows default driver will be used for offline defragmentation instead.

Note: Don't open O&O Defrag after you rename the driver, this will cause to reinstall the driver again. Therefore change the settings for the offline defragmentation before.

Restart your computer and the offline defragmentation should run. If you can see everything correctly, do the following after Windows is loaded:

- close O&O Defrag if it was open

- delete the file C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\oobctm.sys

- create a file in this folder with notepad and name it "oobctm.sys"

(please take care that the file extensions are correct and are not hidden by Windows explorer)

- open O&O Defrag, it should not install the driver again

=====================================
 
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Reply #301 - Mar 24th, 2009 at 9:06pm

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Thanks for the fix.

Nick, I have O&O v11 and the computer doesn't reboot after the offline defrag like the earlier versions did, it goes directly into windows.  That's fine, right? 

-Jim
 

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Reply #302 - Mar 24th, 2009 at 9:49pm

NickN   Offline
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raptorx wrote on Mar 24th, 2009 at 9:06pm:
Thanks for the fix.

Nick, I have O&O v11 and the computer doesn't reboot after the offline defrag like the earlier versions did, it goes directly into windows.  That's fine, right?  

-Jim



yes, its normal
 
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Reply #303 - Mar 29th, 2009 at 1:27pm

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Hey, Nick.

I never did figure out the SuperFetch problem as per my previous post, but no matter Smiley

As I have a Dell XPS system with Motherboard raid, I decided to wipe my system, get rid of the raid, and start fresh.

So, I went through everything in this thread and now my system is running great as is FSX.

Thanks for the work here Smiley

Shane.

PS.  I tried the Superfetch tweek again during this process, with the same result. At a loss as to why.  But, FSX is running fine, so we'll leave it at that Smiley
 
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Reply #304 - Apr 5th, 2009 at 2:34pm

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NickN wrote on Feb 23rd, 2009 at 1:58pm:
You can flush the prefetch folder and run the reg file you saved, reboot and let the system return to original if for some reason you do not like the result. It may take one or 2 reboots to restore the prefetch system.


Stupid question, Nick. After we revert, to we again run:

rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks

Thanks.


 
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Reply #305 - Apr 6th, 2009 at 6:00pm

NickN   Offline
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ShaneR35 wrote on Apr 5th, 2009 at 2:34pm:
NickN wrote on Feb 23rd, 2009 at 1:58pm:
You can flush the prefetch folder and run the reg file you saved, reboot and let the system return to original if for some reason you do not like the result. It may take one or 2 reboots to restore the prefetch system.


Stupid question, Nick. After we revert, to we again run:

rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks

Thanks.





no.. no reason to
 
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Reply #306 - Apr 7th, 2009 at 10:44pm

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Nick, (or anyone else who might have a good suggestion)

I have followed your excellent setup guide with great results up until a recent hardware upgrade.  In December I upgraded my computer with a new Gigabyte motherboard (EP45-UD3R) and added some Corsair XMS 2 RAM to bring my system up from 2GB to 8GB.  I also wiped out the computer and clean installed XP 64 bit as I was running XP Home 32 bit before and wanted it to recognize the extra RAM.  I kept my processor which is a 2.4 GHz Q6600.  I also wanted to overclock the processor eventually.

I setup XP64 according to your guide after I installed the operating system and some other software (MS Office, Photoshop, etc.)  The Windows setup process was complete.  I didn't have time for FSX the last few months so I never installed it to check it out on the new hardware until now.

So, now I went back and checked through your checklist completely again to make sure all the Windows XP stuff was set correctly still and it was.  I also rebuilt the page file as per your guide and finished the XP setup.  I installed FSX with Acceleration.  I then defragged per your guide using O&O version 11.  I only have 34 processes running at boot.  The short version of this story is FSX is only running at 10-11 fps and it is very jerky and stutters.  When I go into spot view I lose all sound and it is even more jerky.  With my old hardware I got 20fps flat with the default flight which is what I'm using now to test it out.  I have no addons installed besides Acceleration as I only wanted to set up FSX for now and then possibly try Tile Proxy out.  The only other thing I have done was overclock the processor to 3.2 GHz however I switched back to a non-overclock and the stuttering and jerkiness was still present.  Any ideas?

Here are my full system specs:

Q6600 2.4 GHz Processor
8 GB RAM (Corsair XMS 2 DDR2 800) [PC2 6400] - These are in 4 slots at 2GB for each stick
Nvidia 7950 GX2 1GB Video Card
Gigabyte EP45-UD3R Motherboard

The only fsx config changes I've made are Job Scheduler, Disable Preload, and Hide Info Text - The problem still exists even with Job Scheduler not in the config.

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide!

Brandon
 
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Reply #307 - Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:51pm

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just an update I reinstalled FSX thinking I had a corrupt install.  After that I still have the same results.  Jerkiness that was not there with my old hardware, frame rates never above 12 when in Friday Harbor and locked at 20.  I might have not been right about the sound going away in Spot view.  It seemed that it was but it may have been low volume because that seems to be working and when I switched to a jet instead of the ultralight I heard sound.

I also removed two sticks of my RAM to go down to 4GB instead of 8 to see if it helped any which it did not.  I am also using the 178.15 version of NVIDIA drivers for my 7950 GX2 and FSX is installed on its own Raptor Drive away from everything else.  I just can't figure out why my performance is worse than before?

Brandon
 
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Reply #308 - Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:30pm

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thetford569 wrote on Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:51pm:
just an update I reinstalled FSX thinking I had a corrupt install.  After that I still have the same results.  Jerkiness that was not there with my old hardware, frame rates never above 12 when in Friday Harbor and locked at 20.  I might have not been right about the sound going away in Spot view.  It seemed that it was but it may have been low volume because that seems to be working and when I switched to a jet instead of the ultralight I heard sound.

I also removed two sticks of my RAM to go down to 4GB instead of 8 to see if it helped any which it did not.  I am also using the 178.15 version of NVIDIA drivers for my 7950 GX2 and FSX is installed on its own Raptor Drive away from everything else.  I just can't figure out why my performance is worse than before?

Brandon


Brandon in lack of a better response I have often experienced worst performance after an initial install of FSX.  Don’t ask me why, just seems after a few flights and several days after the install things seem to smooth out.

I suspect you tried all the usual:
1) Latest bios
2) Assuming you are using onboard sound?  In any case all latest drivers. Disable onboard sound if using separate sound card.
3) I use the 182.5 drivers with Enhancer per Nick’s instructions with good results.
4) All latest MS updates.
5) Update Directx
a) Also go to FSX main folder “setup” folder and update Directx there as well.
6) Run through the bios settings and see if everything in there is setup ok.
a) Memory timings, voltage, e.t.c.
b) Load defaults usually a good place to start. Change to optimized defaults later.
7) Stick with 4GB memory, ensure you are using correct two slots (1 in each channel same coloured slots)
8) Check system Device Manager for errors.
A) Ensure IDE Primary and Secondary is set to DMA mode.
b) NCQ if available is disabled.

That’s all I can contribute, hope it works out.


 

Regards&&&&Gary Anderson
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Reply #309 - Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:07pm

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I responded in PM letting him know I am tied up..  at the same time what this amounts to is a diagnosis over the internet.. so please do run down the list that Gary provided and do make sure you are correctly setting up FSX by the tuning guide...

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041

It looks like I am going to be tied up longer than expected so if after you go over everything problems persist I will see if there is anything I can suggest.

But go down that tuning thread list and work it out.. baring a problem with drivers or hardware I see no reason why you should be having problems however 8GB will never be used by FSX.


Going into spot view and losing sound would indicate either corruption or something very wrong with the hardware.. that does not make sense at all. That is not a perf problem.. that one suggests something is either not right with the sound configuration of the speakers to 5.1 or the correct sound device is not being addressed in the FSX sound settings.

.. or somethin in the hardware/drivers in this system is not working right at all
 
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Reply #310 - Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:48pm

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thanks Nick.  I will work my way down the list and check the FSX Tuning Guide this weekend.  I actually have not seen that guide before and it gives me several items to try.  The only guides I had seen were the XP Tuning and FSX Setup guide which I have followed to the t.  If I can't figure it out with this I'll let you know.  Thanks again Nick and also to you truck911 for the list of items to check.

Brandon
 
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Reply #311 - Apr 9th, 2009 at 2:18pm

NickN   Offline
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thetford569 wrote on Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:48pm:
thanks Nick.  I will work my way down the list and check the FSX Tuning Guide this weekend.  I actually have not seen that guide before and it gives me several items to try.  The only guides I had seen were the XP Tuning and FSX Setup guide which I have followed to the t.  If I can't figure it out with this I'll let you know.  Thanks again Nick and also to you truck911 for the list of items to check.

Brandon



OK then your adventure is just beginning

Installing FSX and addons correctly is step 1

Setting up the system and optimizing correctly is step 2

Setting up FSX and tuning it for your hardware is step 3

Yep.. you will stutter like a rutting pig till you finish you mission and do it right

The first 5 or so posts on the first page of this thread includes all the info/linkage you need. It also includes the link to setting up FSX





 
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Reply #312 - Apr 9th, 2009 at 3:00pm

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After setting up FSX correctly, if i then install other programs (non fsx related), do i need to re-run a space or name defrag?

os is on c: drive, and fsx is on d: drive (separate physical disks)

Thx!
 
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Reply #313 - Apr 9th, 2009 at 3:19pm

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NickN wrote on Apr 9th, 2009 at 2:18pm:
thetford569 wrote on Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:48pm:
thanks Nick.  I will work my way down the list and check the FSX Tuning Guide this weekend.  I actually have not seen that guide before and it gives me several items to try.  The only guides I had seen were the XP Tuning and FSX Setup guide which I have followed to the t.  If I can't figure it out with this I'll let you know.  Thanks again Nick and also to you truck911 for the list of items to check.

Brandon


thanks...I worked through some of the list last night and will do more tomorrow when I get home from work including removing 2 GB of RAM to go down to 4 GB total.  It just makes no sense to me though that my performance would drop from a steady 20 fps and pretty smooth flight to 10 fps and stutters with the same hardware but a better motherboard.  And I have not even installed any of my add-ons yet...I just wanted to get FSX+Acceleration running well and then install my add-ons later over a length of time because I just don't have time right now to devote a few days to install everything I have.

One thing I have noticed after taking care of a few things on the list is that if I put the frames into unlimited I get fps in the 30s-40s but it is still a stuttering mess.  One thing is though the textures all seem to be sharp and loading.  Oh well, I'll keep playing with it and see what happens.  I was just lucky before that I didn't have to do this much tweaking I guess?

Brandon


OK then your adventure is just beginning

Installing FSX and addons correctly is step 1

Setting up the system and optimizing correctly is step 2

Setting up FSX and tuning it for your hardware is step 3

Yep.. you will stutter like a rutting pig till you finish you mission and do it right

The first 5 or so posts on the first page of this thread includes all the info/linkage you need. It also includes the link to setting up FSX






 
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Reply #314 - Apr 9th, 2009 at 9:09pm

NickN   Offline
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nyfirefly11 wrote on Apr 9th, 2009 at 3:00pm:
After setting up FSX correctly, if i then install other programs (non fsx related), do i need to re-run a space or name defrag?

os is on c: drive, and fsx is on d: drive (separate physical disks)

Thx!



It depends on how big the software is that installs.. For small progs no.. for larger just do the monthly maintenance routine when its time..for something big, yes, I would

 
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Reply #315 - Apr 9th, 2009 at 9:13pm

NickN   Offline
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thetford569 wrote on Apr 9th, 2009 at 3:19pm:
NickN wrote on Apr 9th, 2009 at 2:18pm:
thetford569 wrote on Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:48pm:
thanks Nick.  I will work my way down the list and check the FSX Tuning Guide this weekend.  I actually have not seen that guide before and it gives me several items to try.  The only guides I had seen were the XP Tuning and FSX Setup guide which I have followed to the t.  If I can't figure it out with this I'll let you know.  Thanks again Nick and also to you truck911 for the list of items to check.

Brandon


thanks...I worked through some of the list last night and will do more tomorrow when I get home from work including removing 2 GB of RAM to go down to 4 GB total.  It just makes no sense to me though that my performance would drop from a steady 20 fps and pretty smooth flight to 10 fps and stutters with the same hardware but a better motherboard.  And I have not even installed any of my add-ons yet...I just wanted to get FSX+Acceleration running well and then install my add-ons later over a length of time because I just don't have time right now to devote a few days to install everything I have.

One thing I have noticed after taking care of a few things on the list is that if I put the frames into unlimited I get fps in the 30s-40s but it is still a stuttering mess.  One thing is though the textures all seem to be sharp and loading.  Oh well, I'll keep playing with it and see what happens.  I was just lucky before that I didn't have to do this much tweaking I guess?

Brandon


OK then your adventure is just beginning

Installing FSX and addons correctly is step 1

Setting up the system and optimizing correctly is step 2

Setting up FSX and tuning it for your hardware is step 3

Yep.. you will stutter like a rutting pig till you finish you mission and do it right

The first 5 or so posts on the first page of this thread includes all the info/linkage you need. It also includes the link to setting up FSX









Im not discounting the fact that you may have either defective hardware or a bad Windows/FSX install with this.. .or something out of sorts with BIOS or drivers.

Do keep in mind.. default FSX is a dog. Some addons like GEX actually increase perf. You should at the very least get the base environment addons installed like UTX and GEX and set up UTX right too  http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?s=&showtopic=247351&view=findpost&p=1566124   before tuning

UTX can cause all sorts of problems if not set up correctly.. Night lighting and cars in UTX are killers on perf. Read that entire post in the link provided about setting up UTX


 
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Reply #316 - Apr 14th, 2009 at 5:30pm

thetford569   Offline
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well, I've worked through the list and I even did a complete Win XP 64 re-install + only FSX.  Installed per the correct order and did the XP optimization and defrag.  I've checked my hardware and BIOS settings and am not even running an overclock (although I tried).  I'm still getting fps in the 7-9 range with sometimes smooth flight.  I don't get this at all.  I'm mad and frustrated and it's time for me to give this up.  I bought a new motherboard so I could overclock and hopefully make my FSX experience better and instead it's much worse.  I had fps at 20 locked on my old motherboard with the default flight...now I have a 7 fps stuttering mess with a "better" motherboard.  This sucks!   Angry  I guess I have a hardware issue but I don't know where as everything works fine unless FSX is using it.

Brandon
 
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Reply #317 - Apr 15th, 2009 at 4:36pm

NickN   Offline
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There must be something up with the hardware here..

Post the CPU, Mainboard and the Memory Tabs from CPUz and I will look at them and see if I spot anything obvious

http://www.cpuid.com/download/cpuz_150.zip

unzip.. run CPUz.exe
 
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Reply #318 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 10:07am

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here are the CPU-z reports:

...

I see the core speed is 1600 at idle and I've seen it spike to 2400 which should be correct as I'm not overclocking at this time...but I'd like to.

...

...
 
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Reply #319 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 12:48pm

NickN   Offline
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Let chat about the 3 tabs..

First, the CPU is running 1.6 because of SPEEDSTEP and/or CE1 instruction. This is a feature that will need to be disabled in the BIOS if you intend to clock along with a few other features that hold back CPUs in clocks.

The Q6600 is actually old news however it will run a max of 3.6GHz with the right support settings and the right heatsink installed. Without an upgraded heatsink from the Intel provided unit you will not get much more that 3.2 safely.

Clock settings for DDR2 800 (400MHz as shown on the memory tab) and running 3.6GHz are:

MANUAL – CPU multiplier 9x
CPU FSB- 400
CPU STRAP – 333MHz
LOAD LINE CALIBRATION – ENABLED
CPU Vcore (voltage) somewhere between 1.4 and 1.45 as you need to find the lowest stable Vcore but no more than 1.45
MEMORY SPEED – DDR2 800
CPU Spread Spectrum PCIE Spread Spectrum both: DISABLED


CPU temp can not exceed 78c under a FULL LOAD TEST using the benchmark software OCCT and temp monitored by the software CPU

When clocking ALL the items DISABLED under the ADVANCED CPU settings

Speedstep CE1, Vanderpool,,. All of it DISABLED


If you are using a 64bit OS and more than 2GB some motherboards have a setting MEMORY REMAP FEATURE under the ADVANCED CHIPSET settings.. for 64bit OS and more than 2GB this must be ENABLED


Next, the memory tab indicates you are running DDR2 800 at a timing of 5-5-5. That is not bad and appears in line. 4-4-4 timing would be better if the memory would run it stable however it may not. It would also be better if the memory would run a COMMAND RATE of 1T however that is problematical and depends on the memory itself, the motherboard stability and the memory voltage. DRAM VOLTAGE is based on what the memory manufacture specs.. some have a max spec of 2.1v, others may limit that to 2.0. That is something that needs to be checked with the memory company and set manually in the BIOS.


Last.. the Mainboard tab.. and yes,
Houston.. we have a problem

Please note the LINK value x8

You are running HALF the speed on your PCIe video card port. This will totally bottleneck the video card and will not allow it to communicate to the buss. I ASSUME you have a modern x16 PCIe video card in this system. If so, you need to get into the BIOS and see if there is a MANUAL setting for PCIe LINK WIDTH and if so make sure it is set to x16 and not x8.. may be listed as FULL or HALF.. you want FULL

When CPUz reads x16 in BOTH boxes.. LINK WIDTH and MAX SUPPORTED you are running the correct PCIe port speed

Something else that can cause that is by having 2 video cards in the system on a motherboard that does not support x16 with 2 slots populated.. this is something people should never do if their board does not support the full x16 standard when more than one card is in the system… only use one card

I dont have time at this moment to look up the manual for this board and see what is and is not in the BIOS for settings however your first mission is to get that x8 reading in CPUz to read x16




 
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Reply #320 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 12:58pm

thetford569   Offline
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ok I wondered about the PCI Express value when I saw it.  I am running a single NVIDIA 7950 GX2.  Not a new card by any means but not an old one either.  It should support 16x.  If I remember correctly in the BIOS under graphics I just have Auto, Fast, and Turbo but I will go right now and look for something different.  Oh, and I'm also not using the stock Intel cooler for the CPU so I should hopefully have no problem clocking.  Right now I'm just looking to get back in the range I was in at default clock speed before I try overclocking.

Brandon
 
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Reply #321 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:02pm

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Brandon.. thats your 2nd problem

old news card.. you updated the mainbard and other parts but still using an old news card

At the VERY LEAST you should be on something like this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150267

8800GT or GTS

I do not know what drivers work best for your card.. I have not used a 7900 series card in years

 
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Reply #322 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:05pm

NickN   Offline
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The dual card design may be causing the issue of x8.. I would need to research the board and how it works with such cards


but do be aware the 2nd core on that card is USELESS to FSX

You spent the money in all the right places.. you just left out the last part that needed to be replaced so those new CPU/mainbaard parts had something to FEED that could keep up with it.. .that card and the x8 is the bottleneck and why perf dropped



 
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Reply #323 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:13pm

thetford569   Offline
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well I just changed the only graphics settings I could find from Auto to Turbo which is the fastest it shows and it still shows x8.  I have the money for a new video card so I am assuming you recommend one of the two above that you posted?

Brandon
 
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Reply #324 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:14pm

NickN   Offline
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Instead of going with the 8000 series which is being phased out.. I suggest the 260 which is in line with your parts

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130372

the core and memory speed are already clocked and you may be able to get a bit more out of them however that card is much more in line with your parts and what they are trying to do

The core design/type and speed is the key to FSX perf with a video card along with the memory buss speed (256bit and greater)

the 896MB video memory will allow you to work with bufferpools as well


 
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Reply #325 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:28pm

thetford569   Offline
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thanks I'm looking right now.  I love New Egg and always use them but at this point I don't mind spending some extra $ and heading to Best Buy or Fry's to pick one up today.

Brandon
 
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Reply #326 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:31pm

NickN   Offline
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I goofed... I posted the older 260 card above

Just make sure they are not selling you the OLDER 260 model with less that 216PC

216 processing cores is the model you want.. with the fastest core and memory speed they offer

the onler ones are 192 processing cores


this is the right card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130433
 
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Reply #327 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:36pm

thetford569   Offline
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can you tell if this one is it?  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8906437&type=product&id=1213046783...

I don't see anything about 216 processing cores
 
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Reply #328 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:49pm

NickN   Offline
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thetford569 wrote on Apr 16th, 2009 at 1:36pm:
can you tell if this one is it?  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8906437&type=product&id=1213046783...

I don't see anything about 216 processing cores



Yes. so I would be cautious about that one

the one you posted for Cry's Electronics is correct.. and make sure they do not bait and switch.. check it at the store by the model number if its not on the box




 
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Reply #329 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 2:03pm

NickN   Offline
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and Brandon.. you will need to do some clocking because that Q6600 @ default is not what I would call top end for FSX.. even clocked to the max they are not going to beat something like a Q9650. None the less, I think you are on the right track now.


 
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Reply #330 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 10:41pm

thetford569   Offline
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just an update...I got a GTX 260 Video Card today which solved my issue.  My new motherboard did not support my old video card and it was cutting the PCI express bus basically in half at only x8.  Now that I've installed the new card my fps has gone from 9-10 to 60!  Now I'm working on tuning and tweaking but at least I have solved my hardware issue.  Thanks to NickN again for his help!

Brandon
 
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Reply #331 - Apr 16th, 2009 at 11:10pm

NickN   Offline
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no problem.. from now on you know what to look at and verify. All those other things had to be verified anyway to be sure you were not dealing with more than one issue but the CPUz readout can tell you quite a bit right off the bat.


enjoy the system
 
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Reply #332 - Apr 19th, 2009 at 11:49am

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I just did a fresh install of windows xp-32.  I followed your Optimizing and O&O defrag to the letter. But I have done this before loading FSX. Now I am installing fsx and the updates (gex fex ect.)To the computer. What I am asking is. After doing the defrag before loading fsx, what is the best and safest way to defrag the system.

Thanks
 
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Reply #333 - Apr 19th, 2009 at 11:56am

truck911   Offline
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dido41 wrote on Apr 19th, 2009 at 11:49am:
I just did a fresh install of windows xp-32.  I followed your Optimizing and O&O defrag to the letter. But I have done this before loading FSX. Now I am installing fsx and the updates (gex fex ect.)To the computer. What I am asking is. After doing the defrag before loading fsx, what is the best and safest way to defrag the system.

Thanks


See what Nick says but I do a quick space defrag after laoding up all my OS stuff.  reason is I am usally pushing 50% fragmentation if I try to load all my FSX before defragging.  After loading all your FSX stuff you have to do a complete defrag following this to the letter:
http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041
and this:
http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973
 

Regards&&&&Gary Anderson
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Reply #334 - Apr 19th, 2009 at 12:19pm

NickN   Offline
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dido41 wrote on Apr 19th, 2009 at 11:49am:
I just did a fresh install of windows xp-32.  I followed your Optimizing and O&O defrag to the letter. But I have done this before loading FSX. Now I am installing fsx and the updates (gex fex ect.)To the computer. What I am asking is. After doing the defrag before loading fsx, what is the best and safest way to defrag the system.

Thanks



You did not have to do any of it until after everything was installed...

If you are installing FSX to another drive then you need to repeat the defrags exactly as I listed after FSX, all addons and patches are installed.. same order, same number of passes on the FSX drive

If you are installing FSX into the same drive as the OS.. same thing, which is why in that case one does not need to run the defrag passes till everything is installed

Some addons like GEX, FEX, REX simply send textures to FSX and do not need to be installed to the FSX drive. To save space on that drive and also keep performace high with the drive those programs can be installed into the OS drive as they are launched the user SENDS textures to FSX via selections. In the case where such large database type addons are installed into the OS drive.. again, repeat the defrag passes after




 
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Reply #335 - Apr 19th, 2009 at 12:32pm

dido41   Offline
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So after i install everything i can run O&O space and name defrag in the order you have outlined in your other post. Even though i have already done the computer optimize and complete space and name defrag already?  or will it hurt to run the space again?

Thanks
 
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Reply #336 - Apr 19th, 2009 at 12:41pm

NickN   Offline
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dido41 wrote on Apr 19th, 2009 at 12:32pm:
So after i install everything i can run O&O space and name defrag in the order you have outlined in your other post. Even though i have already done the computer optimize and complete space and name defrag already?  or will it hurt to run the space again?

Thanks

Yes. .that is correct

Which version of O&O?

as I outlined about O&O, if it is version 8.5, 8.6 or v11 you can run the space defrag when ever you want and yes, run the passes as outlined again

If it is v10 do NOT run the space defrag again and only run the NAME defrag passes..
 
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Reply #337 - Apr 19th, 2009 at 12:48pm

dido41   Offline
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I am running 8.6  and i thank you for your help. I am also running fsx on my OS drive, as i do not have another drive just for fsx at this time. So i will have to take a performace hit from doing it this way.
 
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Reply #338 - Apr 20th, 2009 at 6:10am

Nat   Offline
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Hi Nick,

I have two HDD's - One dedicated to FS9, and the other for everyday use. Each drive has its own WindowsXP installation on. I followed your guide, for both Windows Installations, and have definitely noticed an improvement in the speed of the system.

My problem is, it now takes an age to boot into my everyday use Windows, but, on the other hand, my FS9 windows is faster than its ever been. I followed the exact same steps for both Windows, so im not sure why one should have improved while the other one is now even slower to boot. Any ideas? Just to add:It's only the boot-up that's slow, once it has finally booted-up it runs normally.

Thanks,
Nat
 
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Reply #339 - Apr 20th, 2009 at 11:54am

NickN   Offline
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I have no idea..

But I fail to understand why the 2 OS installs.. you dont need that

One OS on one drive, one FS9/FSX on the other

You should be able to use a single OS for everyday use and for FS9/FSX
 
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Reply #340 - Apr 23rd, 2009 at 12:30am

Ewok   Offline
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Nick,

I just wanted to say once again Thank You!!!!! I have followed pretty much all of your advice, tweaks, and whatever else I can google with your name behind it.

I recently purchased Ground Environment X and I am truly speechless. I have great FRAMERATES pretty much anywhere I go and I can't believe my scenery.
You are truly a TOP NOTCH guy and dedicated to what you do. You gotta be the best FS guy out there.

I can't afford a monster system but I am doing great with what I have.

Hats off to you Nick!!!!!

May the Sky Angels be with you.
 
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Reply #341 - Apr 28th, 2009 at 9:14am

JHA   Offline
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Hi. Just a short recap...

I bought a HP Pavilion with AMD Phenom Quad 9150e 1.8 Gz CPU, and shortly thereafter I discovered MS Flight Sim X!

Should have been the other way around, FSX first, Intel i7 and the rest... would have been very nice indeed.

Luckily, I found this forum and the absolutely excellent  advise from NickN, and I have done exactly as mentioned, and I'm having a decent experience flying FSX. Not so much around the big airports and cities, then the system really slows down...

Of course I'm always, like so many others, trying to squeeze more performance out of my system. I installed more RAM - DDR 2 LONG DIMM 800 Mhz., so I have 4 Gb now. A new GPU: XFX 9600 GT (512Mb), and then I needed a new powersupply... 500 W.

My OS is XP 64 bit, and maybe will go for, or at least try the new Windows 7 Ultimate x64...

I guess the weak spot in the system is the CPU, 1.8 Gz Quad, but someone told me not to worry as it's performing like 4 x 1.8..

Is this a fact, or???

Any other system-advise you can recommend?

Thanks!

JHA

 
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Reply #342 - Apr 29th, 2009 at 1:31pm

NickN   Offline
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no

you do not get 1.8x4

you get 1.8


You are too slow for FSX.. that needs to come up to at least 2.8+ and on AMD compared to Intel C2/Quad a AMD at 2.8 is like a Intel C2/Quad at 1.8-2.2

just so you get the idea.

Its not just speed, its how the processor is made



 
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Reply #343 - Apr 29th, 2009 at 3:31pm

JHA   Offline
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Yep, I get it, thanks...

New rig, made for FSX.

The wife can have the HP Pavilion then, she will be so happy!

JHA

 
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Reply #344 - May 3rd, 2009 at 8:52am

WilliamH   Offline
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Nick - is there any chance you can strip the information on setting up the computer into a locked thread as you have with the FS tweaks. 33 pages is a lot to go through.

Thanks.

EDIT - it occurs to me everything that has arisen on subsequent pages may have been incorporated in the first page - is this correct?
« Last Edit: May 3rd, 2009 at 11:26am by WilliamH »  

Best regards&&&&William
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Reply #345 - May 3rd, 2009 at 11:54am

NickN   Offline
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WilliamH wrote on May 3rd, 2009 at 8:52am:
Nick - is there any chance you can strip the information on setting up the computer into a locked thread as you have with the FS tweaks. 33 pages is a lot to go through.

Thanks.

EDIT - it occurs to me everything that has arisen on subsequent pages may have been incorporated in the first page - is this correct?



that is correct

everything is up to date in the first 5 posts
 
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Reply #346 - May 7th, 2009 at 1:34pm

Flt4ever   Offline
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Thanks Nick!

  After much frustration, even with all your System Optimizations followed to the letter.  (Which made a large improvement.)  I still had stutters and freezes occasionally.  So I bit the bullet and followed your equipment advice. Switched  to Velociraptors RAID 0 on a separate controller and XP-64.  Wow I though for the most part I had been doing good. But Wow !!! what a quantum leap in performance.  Saw a slight increase in FPS, but more consistent and smooth as silk, even over large cities. Whole new ball game! THANK  YOU!!!!!
Smiley Smiley
 

I7 980X
ASUS P6X58D
12 gig Patriot ddr3 2000 mhz
Windows 7 64 bit
Nvidia GTX 470
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Reply #347 - May 15th, 2009 at 4:07pm

Flightsim Phil   Offline
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Nick:

I am planning on a completly virgin install this weekend on a new computer system I just built....   Vista x64 on Raptor Drive #1 and FS-X on Raptor Drive #2 (No RAID!!).  I am planning on following your excellent tips on both system optimization and FS-X tuning.  A couple of questions:

- Can the command "rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks" still run on Vista x64?

- When should I install nHancer?  After the Vista install and after I update to the new nVidia driver but before I install FS?

- Should I apply your system optimization tips before or after I install FS?

Thanks!!

Phil
 
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Reply #348 - May 15th, 2009 at 6:10pm

NickN   Offline
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1. No.. do not run the command line not unless you follow and try the routine I posted later in the thread (check back a page or 2)

2. Nhancer goes in anytime after the video drivers

3. Does not matter when you apply them but the final parts in running the defrags must be done after ALL software is installed and verified and no assessment can be made in tuning the sim till after the opts are complete.


 
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Reply #349 - May 17th, 2009 at 8:03am

Dougal   Offline
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A Tech Question Re O&O...  I have v8.6 installed.

After installing some very large files, I ran SPACE defrag agin, I then thought I'd try the NAME defrag again.

Even after 24hrs of being left to run, it will only get to 55%.

Any ideas please?
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #350 - May 17th, 2009 at 11:18am

Dougal   Offline
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and here's another i'm concerned about:

According to the 'Belarc Advisor', my XP-Pro SP3 installation is missing 39 CRITICAL updates.

However, Windows update says there are NO critical updates for my PC

What do you suppose that's about then?  I thought Belarc was highly rated.  I'm wondering now by whom Undecided
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #351 - May 17th, 2009 at 1:32pm

NickN   Offline
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Dougal wrote on May 17th, 2009 at 8:03am:
A Tech Question Re O&O...  I have v8.6 installed.

After installing some very large files, I ran SPACE defrag agin, I then thought I'd try the NAME defrag again.

Even after 24hrs of being left to run, it will only get to 55%.

Any ideas please?



Then there is something causing the defrag to loop .. either a non-moveable or readable file or area.. or an error on the drive

Usually when this is seen its time to run a FULL DISK CHECK to see if there are serious errors on the disk.

There are 2 levels of this check.. one during Windows boot and another performed from a C prompt after running the recovery console using the WindowsXP CD to boot the system

You can try the 1st method and see if it clears..

Go to MY COMPUTER - Right click your C drive, select PROPERTIES, then TOOLS TAB. On ERROR CHECKING, click CHECK NOW. In the box that appears place a check in "Automatically Fix File System Errors" AND
"Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors".
Click START.

A box will appear telling you the disk check cannot be performed.... click YES to have it performed at boot.

Reboot the computer. The disk check will run automatically while booting. Don’t touch anything and let it finish. Once done the system should automatically reboot back into Windows.

That full check can take hours




as for belarc .. I have not used that old tool in years.
 
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Reply #352 - May 17th, 2009 at 8:27pm

Flightsim Phil   Offline
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Interesting observation...

This weekend I finally put together my new gaming rig:

Intel Core-i7-920
Asus P6T Deluxe V2
6 GB DDR3 RM
Velociraptor 150 GB HD
nVidia 9800 GTX
Corsair 850w PSU

After installing Windows Vista Home Premium x64, all the updates, NOD32 and O&O 11, I ram 3DMark06 @ 1900x1200.  I got a score of 12684.

I then followed Nick's optimizing instructions to the letter, the only exception being that I did not disable System Restore.  I went throught all the steps, including the many O&O defrags, and then I ran 3DMark06 again @ 1900x1200.

My new score was 12381.   While 3DMark06 may not be a good indicator of potential FS-X performance. it struck me as odd that my score would go down, given that I had eliminated dozens of uneeded background services and processes prior to re-testing. 

Any thoughts??

Phil
 
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Reply #353 - May 17th, 2009 at 9:13pm

NickN   Offline
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yea.. 3DMark is absolutely meaningless except to try and sell you more hardware

I use it to heat up components in stress tests while clocking with loops ignoring the score and thats about it

MSFS is a year 2000 triangle rendering engine and 3DMark from 05 up is geard to shader based rendering hardware and engines

The 3DMark that is closer matched to MSFS is 3DMark03  
 
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Reply #354 - May 18th, 2009 at 10:36am

Flightsim Phil   Offline
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I agree with you re: 3DMark....  seems like it's designed to get folks to buy, tweak, overclock, whatever to squeeze out add'l points on their score.  Having said that, it still does seem odd, FS-X aside, that my score would go down after following your optimization tips, given that many of the services and processes that were previously running in the background were now shut off and not loading up at start-up.  I was simply curious if you had any thoughts/ideas on why that might be the case.....

Phil
 
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Reply #355 - May 18th, 2009 at 3:48pm

NickN   Offline
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Flightsim Phil wrote on May 18th, 2009 at 10:36am:
I agree with you re: 3DMark....  seems like it's designed to get folks to buy, tweak, overclock, whatever to squeeze out add'l points on their score.  Having said that, it still does seem odd, FS-X aside, that my score would go down after following your optimization tips, given that many of the services and processes that were previously running in the background were now shut off and not loading up at start-up.  I was simply curious if you had any thoughts/ideas on why that might be the case.....

Phil



I thought I did with what I said..

But perhaps not

Games that 3DMark05/06 score would show influence are pretty much video card driven with some CPU

Modern shader engine games and tests like 3DMark06 get their boost from the video adapter and not from the memory subsystem.



And

It shows you how much the OS and system really influence such titles as compared to titles that need every stinking cycle of CPU/memory and storage access perf they can get..  like MSFS

Shutting down Windows services PAST what I posted is a FARCE. Black Viper is a joke. I have fixed more systems ENABLING services people disabled using that site than I can count. A service being polled by Windows that is not there in a loop will in fact cripple the application being run..

Machine Gun service shutdown programs do nothing. A system must be rebooted with the service completely disabled at LOGON to not have any footprint on the system.

Cleaning out the STARTUP system for apps is different. As long as the app is not needed to run the game of choice such as sound and video driver support killing those are of benefit. At the same time the right AV such as NOD32 wont interfere with the game in use.. others and especially freeware are well known for killing perf and really should be shut down (service and app with a reboot) unless the user is 100% sure the AV or scanner is not interfering.




 
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Reply #356 - May 18th, 2009 at 6:25pm

truck911   Offline
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Flightsim Phil wrote on May 18th, 2009 at 10:36am:
I agree with you re: 3DMark....  seems like it's designed to get folks to buy, tweak, overclock, whatever to squeeze out add'l points on their score.  Having said that, it still does seem odd, FS-X aside, that my score would go down after following your optimization tips, given that many of the services and processes that were previously running in the background were now shut off and not loading up at start-up.  I was simply curious if you had any thoughts/ideas on why that might be the case.....

Phil


I seem to remember my score in 3DMark going down after I used Nicks” tuning as well.  I f I am not mistaken 3DMark recommends that the test be run 3-times consecutive and also that V-sync is disabled.  If you followed Nick’s tuning to the letter then your v-sync would be enabled.  Also AA is supposed to be turned off and I wouldn’t suggest use of nhancer when testing.  I chocked my test up to either having to set my system to obtain a better 3D score or better FSX performance.  I opted for the better FSX performance and have never looked back at the 3D thing since.  

Bottom line is Nick’s tuning is about optimizing smoothing of FSX performance not high 3DMark (meaningless) scores.  Your choice you can uninstall nhancer and set the Nividia profile back to default< I think that the Nvidia profiles even have a custom program setting for 3DMark you could set that and try again.  As I say I gave up on 3DMArk long ago.

I think the combination of Nhancer, AA 16x’s and vsync enabled is probably skewing your 3D results.  Like I said you could prove this by removing Nhancer and setting Nvidia defaults and re-running the 3DMark.
 

Regards&&&&Gary Anderson
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Reply #357 - May 18th, 2009 at 8:55pm

NickN   Offline
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Nhancer has profiles for 3DMark and those should not have the settings I posted for Nhancer enabled

Thats the idea behind the profiles.. just because what I posted was set up for FSX and Global does not mean it will be the same for the 3DMark or other game profiles.. but it is good to verify. Its also possible the drivers in use are locking Vsync even if the profile says "APPLICATION"

 
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Reply #358 - May 18th, 2009 at 9:20pm

Flightsim Phil   Offline
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Thanks for the responses...   Just for the record, I am not running nHancer (yet).  I did run the test 3 times consecutively (after rebooting) and basically got the same score.  I did not have AA enabled but I did not disable Vsync.  I do have a copy of 3DMark03 laying around...  I may try to see how that runs.

Undertand that I do agree with you.... I am looking to tune for FS-X optimization, not the highest 3dMark score....   I just found it odd that the score went down.  Glad to see I'm not the only one who experienced that.

Thanks!
Phil

BTW, I was thinking of mildly overclocking my nVidia card...  should I just do it through the Forceware control panel or do you guys recommend a third party program???
 
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Reply #359 - May 19th, 2009 at 9:36pm

NickN   Offline
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I dont know of any overclock tool available on modern Nvidia drivers.. they make you install Ntumb

Try Precsion Tool by EVGA.. its simplistic and its free and it will monitor temps and fans speed too
 
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Reply #360 - May 21st, 2009 at 6:52pm

almwhit   Offline
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Sir,

First I want to thank you for the outstanding advice you have given.  Your instructions are clear and concise.

I am running XP with SP3.

I do have a question for you.  I am following your tuning instructions, and you state that I need to add a line to my boot.ini.  I did a file search and the only one I have similar to that is

boot.ini.backup which is located in C:\Windows\pss.

Am I doing something incorrect?

Again, thank you.

Jim W
 
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Reply #361 - May 21st, 2009 at 6:57pm

NickN   Offline
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are you referring to the boot.ini file to add the 3GB switch when using >2GB of memory?

You must make sure hidden operating system files is disabled. If you followed my list the feature should be disabled

MY COMPUTER - TOOLS MENU - FOLDER OPTIONS - VIEW TAB

Scroll down and do the following:
Bullet in: Show hidden files and folders
UNCHECK: Hide Protected Operating system files

CHECK: Launch Folder Window In A Separate Process

Click APPLY, then OK to close the box

====================


boot.ini is on the root of C:

C:\boot.ini

and you will need to set the attributes of that file by unchecking READ ONLY in its properties


 
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Reply #362 - May 23rd, 2009 at 1:27pm

nyfirefly11   Offline
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Nick,

I had originally set up FSX on a dedicated drive with WinXP32 on a Raptor. I just set up Win 7 64 on my other raptor, and it's working pretty great (I have 6GB of Ram on a x58 mobo, so I want to use Win 7 as my primary OS).

If I want to install FSX on the Win 7 drive, I assume I should wipe the FSX drive and start over? i.e. there's no way to transfer the install?

I also have GEX, REX, and UTX
 
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Reply #363 - May 23rd, 2009 at 10:08pm

NickN   Offline
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no, not and have full support

Reinstall is required
 
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Reply #364 - May 23rd, 2009 at 10:52pm

nyfirefly11   Offline
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ok, thx! also, I did the superfetch tweak that you suggested for Vista, and I'm wondering if the "rundll32 advapi32,ProcessIdleTasks" command should be used more than the first time (i.e. after the defrag sequence and once a month, etc.)?
 
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Reply #365 - May 24th, 2009 at 6:47pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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I posted that for people to try.. if it is working for you then yes, run the command line just like you would for XP

 
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Reply #366 - May 25th, 2009 at 2:59pm

nyfirefly11   Offline
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great, thx! I'm not sure if that tweak has resulted in any perf boost, but hasn't seemed to hurt.

fyi, when I try to run an offline defrag i get a blue screen (the defrag runs and seems to be successful, but when it then continues booting, i hit the BSOD. It's fine in XP, but Win7 64 is a no go).
 
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Reply #367 - May 25th, 2009 at 3:29pm

NickN   Offline
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I assume you have Vista SP1 with all updates? the latest version of O&Ov11.5  build 4101?


If so I do not know what the problem is. I assume you have shut down things like UAC, system restore, Defender, etc?

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=30437&PID=174126#174126

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=30437&PID=174127#174127



EDIT: You said Windows7...  (Vista7)   well, it works here and all I can say is that is a BETA OS and software is still not supporting it
 
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Reply #368 - May 26th, 2009 at 7:55pm

Flightsim Phil   Offline
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Nick:

Changing gears on you...   I just ordered a new video card for my FS-X computer.  I am swapping out the nVidia 9800 for a 285-GTX.  I was wondering if you have a specific procedure in mind on what is the best way to make the change, i.e., delete old drivers, remove old card, etc.
As always, you advice/input is greatly welcomed...

Phil
 
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Reply #369 - May 26th, 2009 at 11:26pm

NickN   Offline
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just uninstall NV drivers from ADD and REMOVE programs... then power down, replace the card and start over with new drivers. After new driver is installed , suggest 182.50, then reboot and wait about 2 mins after the desktop appears and reboot again.. use Nhancer 2.5.1 to set up the card via my FSX tuning thread

Not sure what you are pairing this 285 up with in CPU and memory but if that is not right you wont be getting the benefit of the 285 and can even bone yourself on a slower CPU/memory subsystem
 
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Reply #370 - May 26th, 2009 at 11:55pm

Flightsim Phil   Offline
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Nick:

I am pairing up the card with an Intel Core-I7 920, Asus P6T mobo, and 6GB of Corsair DDR3 RAM.

Just curious....  why did you recommend the nVidia 182.50 driver instead of the current 185.85 release?
 
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Reply #371 - May 27th, 2009 at 11:13am

NickN   Offline
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182.50 appears stable where 185 has been showing strange results

use what you like but I'm tellin ya right now, the latest drivers dont mean squat to FSX because they are gearing them for shader engine games like Crysis. Its very hit and miss to get a driver that works better. I have only used 5 since 2006

Find what works and stick with it.
 
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Reply #372 - May 27th, 2009 at 8:58pm

Gbergh   Offline
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I am running Vista 64. I would like to install XP 64. I have the notion I should format the operating system drive and install XP 64 and then go through the optimization of the OS drive.  I would appreciate greatly any suggestions.  I currently run Vista 64 on one VRaptor and FSX on a seperate Vraptor.
 

Cooler Master Cosmos S&&nVidia 790i &&QX9770 OC'd  &&4GB 1600MHz OC'd DDR3&&300 GB VelociRaptor(OS), 300 GB VelociRaptor(FSX) 250GB WD AAKS&&nVidia 8800GTX OC'd &&Vista 64-b&&
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Reply #373 - May 27th, 2009 at 11:14pm

NickN   Offline
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click the 2nd link in this post

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=30437&PID=174126#174126


and then go down the list I posted and only disable/set the items I listed. The 2nd link sends you to the site for the directions to perform each step


make sure all the items I listed are disabled through the link(s) I provided. Those are the same as my XP list but for VISTA.

When ever you are instructed to shut down a SERVICE always use this method:

http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=30437&PID=174127#174127


There are a few items from my XP list that are not listed there. You can look at the XP list from the beginning of this thread:

http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973/0#0

and see which ones you did not do and perform those too but note the items I said to NOT do with Vista and skip them. You will recognize the ones you already did from above.. some services in my XP list will not be listed in Vista, some will. Just nail the ones that match

Cleaning out the temp folders will be different.. the paths will not be the same. I do not have those paths right in front of me.

Use of O&O defrag is the same
« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:27pm by pete »  
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Reply #374 - Jun 1st, 2009 at 4:32am

WilliamH   Offline
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Bearing in mind that Nick says on board raid is a no-no for FSX can someone please give me an idea of the best mobo for FSX. I intend to add 2 Raptor drives in a Raid 0. At the moment I have MSI P6N SLI-FI, Core 2 Quad Q6600 and 8800 GTS. OS is XP with all SPs but Windows 7 looks good for the future. Memory is 4084MB DDR800 which probably needs upping but that will have to wait for W7.

I have read reviews and forums to the point where I am now confused as to which mobo is going to do the job. Gigabyte keeps popping up as does ASUS.

Thanks.
 

Best regards&&&&William
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Reply #375 - Jun 1st, 2009 at 7:31pm

NickN   Offline
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This is really not a hardware thread but if you are asking what to use for the hardware you currently have with overclock potential and simply transfer over with the DDR2 currently in use then the P5E Deluxe is a decent board

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131317

 
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Reply #376 - Jun 2nd, 2009 at 6:26am

WilliamH   Offline
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Thanks Nick.
 

Best regards&&&&William
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Reply #377 - Aug 4th, 2009 at 7:07am

AndreasB   Offline
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Hi guys,

My name is Andreas Blaeser, I am working with O&O Software.

I want to thank Nick, that he brought the problems with O&O Defrag 10 Pro to our attention. That was a great help to make O&O Defrag even better.

It's been quite a while since I found the time to visit simviation.com, but I can see that the link to our expired special offer for O&O Defrag 8.6 + O&O Defrag 10 is still in use.

I would therefore like to give all simviation members who are still using O&O Defrag 10 Professional Edition, or who are not using O&O Defrag at all, the opportunity to buy O&O Defrag 11 Professional Edition at a special price, to get the maximum out of their FSX machine.

That special offer is: O&O Defrag 11 Professional Edition for US$19.95 (instead of 49.95). The offer is valid until August 31st, 2009.

Please use the following link to purchase the special offer:

https://shop.oo-software.com/36/uurl-be5zv494tz

Thank you all for your kind words about O&O Software.

Take care and many happy landings.

Andreas Blaeser

E-Commerce Manager
O&O Software, Berlin, Germany
 

Note: I am employed by O&O Software GmbH, Berlin, Germany. We manufacture O&O Defrag, and our opinion is therefore of course biased.
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Reply #378 - Aug 4th, 2009 at 9:14am

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

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Hi Andreas!

20 bucks is a DEAL!

Thanks!

 
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Reply #379 - Aug 9th, 2009 at 9:08pm

Barnes   Offline
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Hi Andreas,

Thanks for the great deal! (And thanks to Nick for the past O&O recommendations)
The link provided actually rang up at $15.88 Canadian for me.
Couldn't pass this one up....

Dave
 
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Reply #380 - Aug 17th, 2009 at 5:49am

DazzleStar   Offline
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Hi Nick.

This is a great guide you've made here, just about finishing it now, and I'm already noticing an increase in PC performance; so thanks! I was just wondering which security software you recommend, as I use AVG free 8.5, Comodo firewall, Ad-aware and Windows Defender at the moment, and they are probably using quite a few resources! I've seen you recommend NOD32 as AV, how about firewalls, etc.? Thanks for any help.
 

My specs:
Dell Dimension 2400
2.66GHz Pentium 4
NVIDIA GeForce 6200 256mb
1gb DDR memory
80gb Seagate hard drive
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Reply #381 - Aug 18th, 2009 at 12:32am

NickN   Offline
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NONE

Windows Firewall is FINE

Defender?   With DCS and CYS technology?

DCS = Doesn't Catch Shi..

CYS= Cripple your System

do NOT buy into the internet BOOGIE MAN software

NOD32 AV, not the security suite.. just the AV

thats all you need

As for other software.. Spybots search and destroy updated once a month and run and MalwareBytes

When Spybots is installed ALLOW the IE integratioon but DO NOT allow the TEA TIMER.. thats it

nothing else

 
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Reply #382 - Aug 18th, 2009 at 6:06am

DazzleStar   Offline
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NickN wrote on Aug 18th, 2009 at 12:32am:
NONE

Windows Firewall is FINE

Defender?   With DCS and CYS technology?

DCS = Doesn't Catch Shi..

CYS= Cripple your System

do NOT buy into the internet BOOGIE MAN software

NOD32 AV, not the security suite.. just the AV

thats all you need

As for other software.. Spybots search and destroy updated once a month and run and MalwareBytes

When Spybots is installed ALLOW the IE integratioon but DO NOT allow the TEA TIMER.. thats it

nothing else



Right OK, thanks. I'm trying out NOD32; I really like it, its a good piece of software. I'll take it disabling tea timer keeps it off startup? I used to have it but I felt it was ruining system performance. Thanks Nick.  ; Cheesy
 

My specs:
Dell Dimension 2400
2.66GHz Pentium 4
NVIDIA GeForce 6200 256mb
1gb DDR memory
80gb Seagate hard drive
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Reply #383 - Aug 26th, 2009 at 1:36pm

NickN   Offline
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FSX runs fine... the problem
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I CAN NOT EDIT the first posts in this thread however I DO want to give everyone a HEADS UP on the latest release of NOD32

DISABLE the following functions

1. Under the

Real Time File System Protection - SETUP Button - OPTIONS - uncheck the following

Potentially unwanted applications
Potentially unsafe applications

Click OK



2. Windows Update Check:
http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&id=SOLN2196

Both of those can cause background activity you do not need while flying and neither are critical to keeping your system safe.. the AV will still nail anything that is seen as a virus or bug.
 
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Reply #384 - Sep 1st, 2009 at 1:28pm

nyfirefly11   Offline
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Nick, have you seen O&O defrag 12 yet? they're offering a special on it here for $25: http://www.oo-software.com/defrag-offer/

I have 11, and it's great, but I'm wondering if it's worth getting 12.

Thx!
 
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Reply #385 - Sep 1st, 2009 at 4:09pm

NickN   Offline
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I have not as of yet installed and worked with the v12 O&O product. Until I have time to do so I can not make any recommendation about it and how to use it correctly.




 
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Reply #386 - Sep 5th, 2009 at 9:05am

ch47pilot   Offline
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ak

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I've read this post over and over and been thru 2 installs already. My FSX got to the point today where it was crashing on different .dll modules after 2 minutes, no matter what plane I was flying or what scenery I was using. I have an overclocked system which I built strictly to run FSX on (E8500@4.2, 8800 ultra, Vista 64, 1066 ddr2). I finally figured that so many random dll crashes were obviously not those dll issues, but more likely a hardware failure. I'm not a firm believer in memtest or benchmarking; I think FSX is more a challenge to a system than any of that.  At one point, I threw my hands up in the air, and said **** it. I went into my bios, and raised the dram voltage by .1 volt, to 2.1 (which is the max warranty voltage for my RAM). Amazing. FSX runs perfectly now. I mean perfect at 20 FPS locked, settings as per NickN, stutter and crash free, with anything I throw at it. I've been trying to get it to crash again, and I cant even get it to slow down. It was like something woke up, or God just came down and fixed everything. It finally runs the way I have wished it will run. Stupid little things like this can obviously make or break things.

KEY LESSON:

Make sure your hardware is right before you go wasting time tweaking the software. Hardware limitations will be evident by low frame rates and poor graphics, and will change by adjustment. Improper hardware settings will be evident by crashes, and no adjustment to FSX settings will help nor change this. 

Thank you, Nick. Your tweaks are working great. I initially thought much of what you described as your system was bragging, but now I see you speak the truth. You are a very selfless dude with some good advice.
 

There are 3 types of people. People who don't mess with FSX, people with nice computers that cant get FSX to work, and people who actually have FSX working.
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Reply #387 - Sep 8th, 2009 at 11:10pm

NickN   Offline
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Of course its not about bragging... its about getting people to a place where they can ENJOY their flight sim experience


And you are right.. before ANY optimizing and tuning system stability and hardware verification is required. What I posted comes well after that has been done and all software is installed/verified.


Glad you got it sorted..   enjoy!   Smiley
 
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Reply #388 - Sep 20th, 2009 at 11:38am

idahosurge   Offline
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Hello Nick,

In the initial setup you recommend that with O&O you name defrag twice, space once and offline once.  For the once a month you just say to run a name once and an offline once.

I was wondering if once a month it is worth the effort to go though 2 names, 1 space and 1 offline.  Time is not really an issue since on C drive I just let this run at night or while I am at work and on G drive (FSX) after the first name everthing else only takes a couple of minutes to run.

I am using O&O v11 so running a space defrag is not an issue.

Regards,

Rod
 

Asus R3E_i7 980X @ 4.44GHz_TR Silver Arrow_Mushkin Redline 6GB 1,644MHz @ 6-7-6-18_Zotac AMP GTX 480_OS - Windows 7 Ult 64b_OS SSD - Crucial C300 128GB_FSX HD - WD VR 600GB*2 w/3ware 9750-4i 6Gb/s Controller_Corsair AX850_CM HAF-X_FSX Gold, UTX, GEX, FSG, ST, MSX, MSE, FTX, FEX, FSWC, MTX, STB, AS F16, PMDG MD11, CS MD80 Pro, FSD P38, VRS FA18E
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Reply #389 - Sep 22nd, 2009 at 8:50pm

NickN   Offline
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Posts: 6317
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I dont see it making a lot of difference unless you have installed/uninstalled/reinstalled a lot of software
 
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Reply #390 - Sep 23rd, 2009 at 11:22am

idahosurge   Offline
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NickN wrote on Sep 22nd, 2009 at 8:50pm:
I dont see it making a lot of difference unless you have installed/uninstalled/reinstalled a lot of software



Ok and thanks!
 

Asus R3E_i7 980X @ 4.44GHz_TR Silver Arrow_Mushkin Redline 6GB 1,644MHz @ 6-7-6-18_Zotac AMP GTX 480_OS - Windows 7 Ult 64b_OS SSD - Crucial C300 128GB_FSX HD - WD VR 600GB*2 w/3ware 9750-4i 6Gb/s Controller_Corsair AX850_CM HAF-X_FSX Gold, UTX, GEX, FSG, ST, MSX, MSE, FTX, FEX, FSWC, MTX, STB, AS F16, PMDG MD11, CS MD80 Pro, FSD P38, VRS FA18E
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Reply #391 - Sep 24th, 2009 at 2:54pm

Gary D.   Offline
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Hi Nick, I am following this guide, and down to defragging. I downloaded O&O ver. 11. I am totally confused. I am being extremely particular to follow EXACTLY your instructions.
I see no "FILE MENU/OPTIONS", can't find"DISABLE THE TRAY SYSTEM",  or "TUNING TAB", or how to setup "OFFLINE DEFRAG". Don't know if "MONITORING" should be on or not. Can you tell me what the equivalent "terms" are in ver. 11 ?  I want to make sure I do this exactly as you instructed, and with the different terminology, I'm NOT SURE. Thanks a lot,,,don't know how you have time to do all you do, but I for one am VERY glad you do.
 
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Reply #392 - Sep 24th, 2009 at 3:13pm

Gary D.   Offline
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Disregard my previous post. I'm slowly finding the paths on O&O. Feel like an idiot, but I was expecting the terms to be exactly like you said(and they were) but they weren't right up in my face initially. Getting tired I guess, I've been working on this project all day. It will be worth it, if I can get it all right.
       Thanks again,, sorry for dumb questions.
 
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Reply #393 - Oct 5th, 2009 at 7:35am

tspcrowther   Offline
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  I followed these instructions after a compleate system reinstall and major hardware upgrade.  It made a huuuge difference to just the hardware improvements alone.  Was well worth the effort.  Thanks a lot NickN.
 
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Reply #394 - Nov 5th, 2009 at 10:47am

RichD   Offline
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Hi Nick, would you mind if I copied and paste your instructions to this website http://www.codboards.com/index.php clearly stating you as the creater of this master peice, or would you prefer me to link them back to here?

Also, can I add that, I found that your instructions work even better if you mess your rig up Embarrassed, like I did Cry, and format said rig to the point that your ready to start reinstalling FS, the blitz it with you list and bingo, mine runs better than ever.....Many Thanks.
 

If you find yourself falling off a cliff, you might as well try to fly.......What have you got to lose?
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Reply #395 - Nov 6th, 2009 at 10:04am

NickN   Offline
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is you or your system

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answered in PM
 
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Reply #396 - Nov 13th, 2009 at 4:12pm

Howard B   Offline
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Nick,
I just installed Windows 7 64 bit.  Are the instructions changed for this os?
Thanks,
Howard
 

Howard

System: Intel Core2 Quad Q9650 (3.0), MB-DP45SG, 4Gb DDR3-1333 memory, GeForce GTX 250 1Gb video card, 182.50 drivers, 2 500GB hd, 3 19" monitors with the Matrox TripleHead2Go.
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Reply #397 - Nov 14th, 2009 at 12:16pm

Dougal   Offline
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Interesting question that.  I've just installed that too.

I suppose I would expect it to be about the same as for Vista.

But then I know 'didly squat'  Shocked Grin
 

Phil 'Dougal' Symonds ------ XP-Pro 64bit - FSX(SP2)  -  M/B: Asus P5K-E  -  CPU:  E6850 @ 3.6GHz  -  RAM:  4Gb OCZ DDR2/800-PE  -  Vid: eVGA 8800GTS-640Mb  -  HDD: 800Gb (4x200Gb SP200)
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Reply #398 - Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:32am

NickN   Offline
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I dont use W7

Xpx64 works just fine

however W7 optimizing is very similar to Vista and O&O defrag v12 can be used for W7. So if you follow the instructions posted for Vista and do a little sloothing of the Vista optimizing link I posted its basically the same

 
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Reply #399 - Dec 2nd, 2009 at 10:53am

Gridley   Offline
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Posts: 2
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Apologies if you've covered this someplace, Nick, but i have a question about texture packages (REX for example) and new installs.

Basically, what are your recommendations for installing themed textures (like weather-influenced textures) and their effect on fragmentation?

Also, after installing large packages such as a new scenery or many AI aircraft, is there anything you'd recommend doing?

Thanks for compiling all of this information - it has really helped me.

Best,
sg
 
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Reply #400 - Dec 3rd, 2009 at 9:04pm

NickN   Offline
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Posts: 6317
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If you are one that swaps themes all the time, you need to make the call on defrag.. A space defrag should be fine, its fast and targeted at small fragmented clusters.

Regular maintenance should always be name defrags
 
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Reply #401 - Dec 23rd, 2009 at 1:44pm

Thai09   Offline
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I use O&O Defrag 11 wiht Windows7, and have it set up as per the Vista instructions in this thread.

Not sure if the defrag is working like it should... It takes forever to defrag both "space" and "name", 20 to 25 time
each, and actually it's still chugging away!

Why is this?

If I understand the procedure correctly, the "layout.ini" file in XP makes sure the defrag is performed correctly.

This file is not present in W7 due to the "DO NOT USE FOR VISTA" paragraphs...

What about the defrag then? Is it performed the most effective and proper way by O&O, i.e. "space" and "name"?

My defrag is STILL chuggin away, 2 days now, with endless reboots and "Please wait - Loading data...".

Clarification appreciated...

PS: 2 min. after posting I found this:

http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1208959973/271

Reply #271

Can I use this for W7 too?








« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:31pm by pete »  
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Reply #402 - Dec 24th, 2009 at 12:13pm

NickN   Offline
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Something is not right

v12 is made for W7 not v11

Name defrags on any OS partition, or, a drive that has had data changes will always start from the beginning and can take time but if you have files that wont defrag that is because you have locked areas such as system restore and other OS features enabled that the software can not access correctly.


and no, dont use that reg edit or for W7
 
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Reply #403 - Dec 24th, 2009 at 12:29pm

Thai09   Offline
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Ok, thanks...

I'll check if somethings locked somewhere and skip the edit and v.11.

PS: Just found a trial version of Perfect Disk 10, I'll try that for Windows 7, until I find the dough for O&O 12.
 
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Reply #404 - Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:57am

Thai09   Offline
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Found a solution:

I have Windows XP and Win7 installed on the same PC. I just do the defrag from C: -  where I have O & O 11 and XP installed -  to F: where I have FSX in Win7. Actually it's A_FSX, to keep it at the beginning of the HDD, and it works OK!

PS: You were right, I had both "Hiberfile" and "Shadowcopies" active before.  NOT any more! Thanks...
 
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Reply #405 - Jan 2nd, 2010 at 8:42pm

BobbyH   Offline
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NickN,
I registered long enough to thank you very much. If this thread were a book; I would be happy to send you money for it. To anyone who doubts your ability, shame on them.

4 years ago, I bought a Dell XPS 600 with RAID 0 that ran FS9 well. When FSX came out, it would not run on the Dell. I gave up on FSX and actually got out of Microsoft Flight Sim and went to other projects.

But I always followed your posts here, then on Phil Taylor's blog, and finally on AVSIM. I began to see a pattern to your work. Finally, about a week ago, I took everything you wrote and rebuilt my Dell XPS because I had faith in your work rather than spending a lot of money on a new system.

I found a Pentium 965EE processor for $99.00. I threw out the dual 7 series video cards and found a single 8800GTX. I broke the RAID 0 and  and loaded XP 64 OS and installed 4GB of RAM.

I followed your posts to the letter including NHancer and formatting the 2nd drive to 65K for FSX.

Nick, FSX is a joy to fly. It is crisp and smooth. I don't know what the frame rate is, I don't look at it. All I know is it is crisp and smooth. I can't ask for any better.

So Nick, your advice took a 4 year old Dell system and made it work. It took me 2 days of following each of your steps, slowly and deliberately, and it worked.

I just want to tell you that you have made a difference for me and I appreciate your work.

Thank you !!!!!

BobbyH
 
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Reply #406 - Jan 16th, 2010 at 12:15pm

skoker   Offline
Colonel
Jordan never wore his
safety goggles...
1G3

Gender: male
Posts: 4611
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Anyone wanna take an hour to explain it to me,  I just don't get it... Undecided
 


...
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Reply #407 - Apr 6th, 2010 at 7:11pm

thetford569   Offline
Colonel
Fly FS

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I have a dual boot system of windows xp64 and windows 7.  FSX is installed in XP 64 but on a seperate hard drive.  The two OS's are on a single hard drive but in different partitions.  How would I need to defrag the system using nick's instructions?  Do I need to do each OS partition from inside it's own OS or can I defrag everything from inside XP?  For example is it good to defrag the Windows 7 partition from the O&O software inside XP64?

Brandon
 
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Reply #408 - Apr 10th, 2010 at 11:12am

NickN   Offline
Colonel
FSX runs fine... the problem
is you or your system

Posts: 6317
*****
 

When it comes to 2 or more OS's you MUST perform the defrags by installing and running the defrag software from within the OS being optimized, but DO NOT run the software on a different OS from within another. Skip that partition.

Now, in the case where you may have 2 OS's and one FSX drive then either OS can be used to perform the defrags. It wont matter because the separate FSX drive will be optimized exactly the same. There is no reason to do it from both OS's
 
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Reply #409 - May 25th, 2010 at 10:03am

coalpedlar   Offline
Colonel
Like My Aircraft heavy;
my women light!
Commonwealth of  Virginia USA

Gender: male
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Basic Help needed.
I've read all this on set-up & optimizing, but some of it is greek to me.  I have FSX- not Delux- and a Sony PC with XP.  From what I've read I should install SP!?  or SP 2?  or both? FSUIPC?  I know how to defrag, but don't have any idea what defrag is on this PC- I have 2 Gig of RAM, which I suppose is enough to expect decent performance, isn't it?

Thank you.
 

...
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Reply #410 - Jun 18th, 2010 at 10:32am

Rainbowtide   Offline
2nd Lieutenant
I Like Flight Simulation!

Posts: 1
**
 
i followed the instructions step by step and it works well - thank you!

i just purchase a new rig with win7 64bit version (especially for fsx) and i a wondering if nicks wrote a similar tweak for that os system?
would appreciate any feedback or link to such a script Smiley thank you
marc
 
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Reply #411 - Jun 18th, 2010 at 11:18am

ShaneG   Offline
Colonel
I turned into a Martian!

Posts: 10000
*****
 
Rainbowtide wrote on Jun 18th, 2010 at 10:32am:
i followed the instructions step by step and it works well - thank you!

i just purchase a new rig with win7 64bit version (especially for fsx) and i a wondering if nicks wrote a similar tweak for that os system?
would appreciate any feedback or link to such a script Smiley thank you
marc



Indeed he did!

Here you go : http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1271029896
« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:33pm by pete »  
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Reply #412 - Jun 18th, 2010 at 12:08pm

rm454bn   Offline
2nd Lieutenant
I Like Flight Simulation!
KDFW

Gender: male
Posts: 1
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Nick,
Any recommendations yet for O&O defrag v12? I'm using the trial version of 11.5 currently.

thanks,

rpm.
 
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Reply #413 - Jun 18th, 2010 at 3:34pm

ShaneG   Offline
Colonel
I turned into a Martian!

Posts: 10000
*****
 
Quote:
"NickN has said that he will not be frequenting this or any internet flight sim forums regularly anymore.
(see posting here: http://forums.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1271029896)

He has already shared a lot of his expertise in the information which we have here in our forum sections. 

We have no idea if he will be responding to any new questions posted here in the future,
but it is likely he will not be doing that."



Please direct all future questions you may have for this topic here at this link :
Computer Hardware & Software Forum


Thank you,

The SimV Moderating Team  Smiley
« Last Edit: Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:34pm by pete »  
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Reply #414 - May 22nd, 2011 at 11:26am

Blades   Offline
Captain
Fly FSX
USA

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Posts: 3
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raptorx wrote on May 1st, 2008 at 11:04pm:
Nick,  I see that Disktrix has a new Ultimate Defrag version 8 that seems to be new.  I've heard that this product allows some manipulation of the MFT for better performance.  What do you think?

-Jim

I use ultimate and am happy with the results imho it works better than what is supplied with Xp. It does allow you to place files where you want them. It comes with a manual that does have to be read.
Blades
 
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Reply #415 - Sep 3rd, 2011 at 4:27am

popoing   Offline
2nd Lieutenant
I Love YaBB 2.5 AE!

Posts: 1
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thanks ....
 
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Reply #416 - Dec 30th, 2011 at 5:22am

@Ryan Losh   Offline
Lieutenant Colonel
I Love Simviation.
Maryville

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Whats this???????????????
 
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