Help Please

[JujitsuFreak]

My first post afer being a lurker for quite some time. I researched the best I could before purchasing the game last week.

My laptop, which probably isn't supported graphically by the manufacturer, playing single player, won't play FC for more than 10-15 minutes at a time and then the system crashes/freezes. Laptop becomes extremey hot near the hard drive and fan. Laptop cooler is in my sights but theres got to be more to the problem than simply this because Ive had it crash when it wasn't hot.

System Specs:
Chembook CL56
Dothan 755 @ 400 FSB
1GB RAM
ATI MOBILITY 9700 128MB (tried stock, catalyst, then Omegas)
60GB HDD @ 7200 RPM's
Patch 1.31 - which 'fails' to properly install.
Made a change to DevMode.lua for 'quick save/load'

Ive read more pages on this site than I wanted to, from TweakGuides to Patch info to Drivers and nothing is the cure for my situation. Ive probably missed a page or two after endless pursuits of attempting to correct this problem.

Note: Similiar problem with desktop, but after patching and driver updates, (and quicksave adjusting, which doesn't work for either system) the game can be continously played for hours without end. - This is what I desire from the laptop.

I welcome any potentially correcting links to drivers, I can't seem to find the correct ones; apparently, after finding what seemed to be the latest Omegas I checked Device Manager and they're actually from 2003 so this can't be good; or anything else you may recommend. This game rocks, please just let me play.

[RodneyJM]

Hi JujitsuFreak,

Have you checked with the manufacturer of your MotherBoard for a BIOS update?

I had the same problem on my desktop, but after the latest BIOS update, everything is running silky smooth. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-happy.gif

[CuZtds_Lst_Stnd]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JujitsuFreak:
ATI MOBILITY 9700 128MB (tried stock, catalyst, then Omegas)....Patch 1.31 - which 'fails' to properly install...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Jujitsu,

Many points raised and sounds like you've done all the obvious steps.

You dont say what OS your running?
I found the XP drivers for my 9000 mobility to be okay not sure about 9700...

What do you mean by 1.31 fails to install?
Can you provide more details please; you should have installed clean 1.0 then patched straight to 1.3 then added 1.31.

When you try new drivers do you "clean" out the old ones first?

What is happening when it crashes? (Characters around you, heilos or boats/trucks?)
If you leave it does it recover?

[JujitsuFreak]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RodneyJM:
Hi JujitsuFreak,

Have you checked with the manufacturer of your MotherBoard for a BIOS update?

I had the same problem on my desktop, but after the latest BIOS update, everything is running silky smooth. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-happy.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I did consider the BIOS, but somewhere lost in the shuffle of the amazing amount of things to check into, I obviously overlooked it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I will contact them tomorrow since it's a business day via phone.

[JujitsuFreak]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CuZtds_Lst_Stnd:
Hi Jujitsu,

Many points raised and sounds like you've done all the obvious steps.

You dont say what OS your running?
I found the XP drivers for my 9000 mobility to be okay not sure about 9700...

What do you mean by 1.31 fails to install?
Can you provide more details please; you should have installed clean 1.0 then patched straight to 1.3 then added 1.31.

When you try new drivers do you "clean" out the old ones first?

What is happening when it crashes? (Characters around you, heilos or boats/trucks?)
If you leave it does it recover? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Cuz and sorry bout that; XP Pro.

Ive tried the search resource and all it gives me is 'Search complete, no matches found.' for the patches 1-1.3. Can you provide a link to them? Major mistake right there, didn't know to do them in order, I read somewhere about 1.3 not doing enough or something so I went immediately to 1.31. The window during the setup said 'Setup Failed', this should clear that up.

I didn't want to clean out the drivers till I made sure the ones Im getting from the net are the correct ones, I gather I can clean them out then?

I mentioned above that the system crashes/freezes in that its not a total system shut down or a blue screen of death, but a freeze similiar to the effect of lag when connected to the net only it doesn't return to normal. Once it freezes, the system simply needs to be restarted. The screen is whereever I left off, exactly where I left off, like getting to the top of the mountain at Fort and walking and bam! it sticks; screen is clear and visually everything looks ok, just not moving. More than once Ive waited for it to return, I got up and walked away only to return 45 mins later and it was still where I left it.

Thank you both for your attention with this situation.

[oiwa]

1.3 patch--> http://ubisoft.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ubisoft.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=10031&p_created=1097689131&p_sid=2hx*YNzh&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfc m93X2NudD0xMzA4JnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=
1.31 patch--> http://www.farcry-thegame.com/uk/home.php

[CuZtds_Lst_Stnd]

Hey Jujitsu,

Hopefully the installation is the problem, but I dont understand how its working so well if you did the same thing on your desktop?!

You need to get back to 1.0 then use the links above to get the right patches in order.
1.3 was a cumulative patch that fixed everthing the previous ones had addressed plus a bit extra, 1.31 was a 'hotfix' only applicable to 1.3 hnce the lower incriment in aptch number and appox 1/10th the size.

As for the drivers, do you update windows regularly? The ones I got for the 9000 were via a windows update and are dated 31/08/2004.

When I say "CLEAN OUT" I mean the registry entries, for which there is a utility called (i think) "driver cleaner" it is linked in a recent ish thread have a browse a page or so down or try the advanced find. Don't get rid of the driver installation exe's incase you need to change version once your game instal is fixed.

Hope fully that will sort you out if not we can call in a real Techspert!

[JujitsuFreak]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CuZtds_Lst_Stnd:
...but I dont understand how its working so well if you did the same thing on your desktop?! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My point exactly.

Let's see, in the last two days I managed to get the patches and install them successfully... 1.0-1.31. Yesterday I was able to play for 30 minutes and did notice the differences such as running speed and sniper handling, and at the startup screen in the right hand corner it says patch 1.31.

Yesterday, I also got caught up with all the Windows updates then it appeared that Windows corrupted some files such as my ISP (was working fine before the updates), and other programs so I did a system restore and said F'em.

I tried the driver cleaner, which on the surface, didn't appear to do anything.

At one crash and on reboot I noticed a driver error, something like display adapter was unable to complete the drawing or something.

Checked for viruses and spyware as usual and nothing was found.

Attempted the BIOS update, which wouldn't work and gave me an error message telling me to close out the update and return to Windows. (press A key to exit - which is my only option)

Im arriving at the conclusion that I NEED the correct drivers... please throw me a link and the fact that my computer gets EXTREMELY hot almost to point of catching on fire, wtf! Shouldn't have to purchase a cooler, should I? Going to anyways which is BS.

Today I was only able to play for 10 minutes, which freakin sucks and is absolutely driving me insane.

[RodneyJM]

Hi JujitsuFreak,

In reference too:

"Attempted the BIOS update, which wouldn't work and gave me an error message telling me to close out the update and return to Windows. (press A key to exit - which is my only option)

Im arriving at the conclusion that I NEED the correct drivers... please throw me a link and the fact that my computer gets EXTREMELY hot almost to point of catching on fire, wtf! Shouldn't have to purchase a cooler, should I? Going to anyways which is BS."


BE Very CAREFUL how you update the BIOS, sometimes motherboard manufacturers have a small program that will allow you to do this while still in the windows environment, I have a 2nd computer which has one called "Winflash Utiltity". It makes this critical process much easier to. If you mess this up - start looking at a new motherboard!...really.

As far as heat production is concerned, if you can open up your notebook and vacum the dust and dirt out or use compressed air and pay special attention to the fans, this simple chore can work wonders on heating problems. You'd be surprised how much gunk builds up in all computers over time.

Good Luck and all the best. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[CuZtds_Lst_Stnd]

Glad to see your having fun! NOT!!

Use this link at your own risk; I don't know that this is your beast! lol

http://www.chemusa.com/2056_05.htm

When you say you updated Windows and it screwed things up what updates did you introduce?
Only thing I can think of that would impact your ISP is the introduction of the firewall in SP2!?
That should just need configuring to let you dialup program access the outside world....

HD overheat doesn't sound right at all, you certainly shouldnt need to have an additional cooler for the laptop... Unless it is being overclocked?! Check the settings in the BIOS.

As regards updating the BIOS, it is always my last resort for the reasons Rod states, what he doesn't say tho is that some bios can only be updated from a true dos environment; ie boot from cold to DOS, the XP command prompt doesn't cut it...

[JujitsuFreak]

Thanks Rodney, Im choosing to step around the BIOS update for now...

Cuz, I downloaded those drivers, thanks. They're from May of last year which I guess is the latest, no?

I notice a significant difference having the new drivers installed, such as hardly any interruption- to video playing crisply and accurately, drawing of pictures are also easier and the machine doesn't seem to have a problem with this area. However, Im still not able to play consistently - after the new drivers, I was able to play for 20 mins til it froze up on me, again. Needless to say, I was livid. Felt like just putting my fist thru the screen... (warranty-heck, at least it would feel good).

I have SP1 for the moment. My computer would be useless for a couple days as it freakin downloads the updates thru dial-up... and after two hours online, the ISP kicks me off routinely, so a download is impossible currently. I was able to DL every file thus far thru the university. Its not clear for me how to get SP2, but that doesn't concern me at this time. Ill probably just get the update on cd sent to me. This weekend Im visiting a wi-fi broadband conn, so Ill download then.

Why the hell is it freezing up? Ive seen other CL56's play this game just fine and for long periods of time, Im trying to locate a fellow user. I got the drivers, at least I think I do - they are better from before, I got the patches... something tells me it's not the BIOS, but heat (which Ive countered because it's crashed before without getting hot...), I don't know.

Nothing in sys is overclocked, and Im researching how to install a heatsink like Artic Silver at the moment. Im willing to try anything.

Cuz, where are the re-enforcements (tech-sperts)??

[CuZtds_Lst_Stnd]

Okay, well thats porgress... sort of!

I'm on thin ice here but it goes someting like this:
The laptop drivers are not generic because each manufacturer need to tweak them for the dedicated display that they are connected to.
I'd be pretty sure the set that you have will have been superseeded by ATI generic ones but these might not work for you.
Options you have... it sounds like a HW issue to me but you need to try everything else first.

First I would get the windows installation up to date. Get broadband access! Even if you have to use the UNI or a cyber cafe....
Are you auto/express upgrading or custom? if you can cherry pick look for ATI driver upgrades and also any sound or HD access ones (buggered if I can remember whats come out in the last 18 months and your set up is different anyway)
You may be able to get SP2 off a magazinne cover but as its been out 6 months...

okay windows is fixed, try again with those drivers....
Then clean them out and try the DIY ones (OMEGA?)
If still the same clean those and use ATI catalyst drivers for your 9700, they should work but you lose all the mobility specific options. If none of above works do not punch screen!! lol
Although trying it lid shut with a crt and a keyboard might be an idea....
Did you check the fans as Rod suggested?

If the above lot dont work then yes we need texspert help to try and diagnose a potential HW issue....

COOPS!!!! H8BALLL????
Front and centre pls! I'm spent! lol

[CuZtds_Lst_Stnd]

Was wondering if you got it sorted?

CuZ

[JujitsuFreak]

Hi Cuz, thanks.

I have updated my system to SP2 and I have tried the drivers. Im about to simply just give up because no matter what drivers I install my system goes crazy. Abnormal things happen with the drivers like taking forever to refresh, opening something as simple as the Start on the taskbar is a problem as well, and just about anything that one normally does with their system, like viewing the desktop and it takes forever for the icons to take their original shape, opening Control Panel is another time taking procedure. I mean it's crazy, just stupid. This should not be that complicated. Ive installed the manufacturer's multiple drivers over and over again with no success, as well as the omegas which also fail. And I cleaned the drivers out after each install. I guess this game's not meant to be played on my system. Im fed up.

[fabulouscoops]

I did not chime in earlier because I am not a laptop user and thought this might be a problem specific to laptop hardware and drivers. Now that some things have become clearer through dialog with Cuz I have some suggestions. Also, I am 6 hours behind GMT.

The number one problem with laptops is the lack of a robust video card. While you correctly noted that laptop vid cards are not supported, it is also true that people do use laptops to play the game well enough to be satisfied with the results. The correct drivers are essential and sometimes can only be found through trial and error. I have heard that the omegas are better for laptops and Far Cry. That does not mean that the latest ones are the best but look for ones released late last year.

The second problem with laptops is heat. This is compounded by the fact that you are using one of the latest CPUs with a 90nM process which get even hotter than past processors. Far Cry is a heat generator and you are running it on a stovetop. A cooler is a good idea if you play games on your laptop.

Finally, the problem you describe with your OS is to the point where I would recommend a complete hard drive format and OS reinstall. Your registry must be a mess. SP2 not only has a firewall but also contains DX9.0c which might affect how the game runs. Keeping windows up to date is imperative despite your lack of access to broadband. Take a timeout and fix up your machine and then try to play the game.
Hope there is something here you can use.

[CuZtds_Lst_Stnd]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by fabulouscoops:
I am 6 hours behind GMT.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Coops, thought you were in NJ? 5 hours...?

Jujitsu,
Coops beat me to it (he usually does!) with respect to the last bit, if simple tasks are taking so long your Reg is prolly FUBAR... Whilst you could try something like norton system works, i find if it is really bad it will only paper over the cracks and sooner or later you need to wipe the slate clean.

If you go for the full format dont forget to back up everything essential first like my docs and your outlook.pst or mail equiv.

Honestly think it worth a try, not just for the game but because your machine is a bloody challenge now! lol

btw i guess with it screwed up you didnt try with a crt and a keyboard?

Good luck!
CuZ