New issue since April 07

Greetings!
I was on vacation for 3 weeks recently and when I returned the first time I logged on to SL I noticed I cannot move except in EXTREME slow motion. Now, this is normal in a lag situation I know, because my hubby's machine baaaarely meets system req's and I've seen how his works compared to mine, which is well within range. However, prior to leaving on vacation- SL ran NICE for me. I barely had lag issues- really only in very very crowded areas with lots of prims, but even then it was just a matter of lowering my graphics settings or moving to another area. I can deal with those.

However, suddenly I log in- and SL is taking up 94-100% of my processor- ouch! That was NOT the case prior to my vacation (and no changes have been made to my machine or software during because my PC was here at home alone) I've checked my video driver (it's current) I've checked my Cable Modem and my ISP speeds- they rock. I have NO problems playing all my other online games (and offline) like World of Warcraft, Gopets, Neopets, The Sims 2 etc. None of these have any issues. I'm wondering if a release issues during my absence has killed me here. The following are my specs- any help is GREATLY appreciated I'm a premium subscriber and I'm not very happy to pay quarterly fees for a game I can suddenly no longer play.

What I have already tried:

Firewall on/Uninstalled Firewall
Virus prot on/Uninstalled VP
All other system tasks off save core windows tasks
updated video drivers (at least, to the most current Dell will offer me, see below)
Defragmented my HD
Ran a full virus scan
Checked my bandwidth speed- it rocks
Lowered all the graphics and advanced graphics settings within SL that I could think of to help, no change
For some reason, SL doesn't allow me to change my resolution. It's almost like it's ignoring my graphics card & it's capability?
I submitted a help request from LL.

My system specs: (Please remember, this is precisely the machine I was using perfectly well with SL 3 weeks ago)

Dell Inspiron (Laptop) 19300
Windows XP Home Edition, Sp2
Intel Pentium M Processor, 2.00 GHZ
1.00 GB RAM

(Graphics card)
ATI mobility Radeon 9700 Series
Driver: v6.14.10.6483, 10/6/2004
(Dell premium service does not offer me a newer driver than this, and the SL website refers me to Dell. The update offered on SL's website does not work for my machine.)


Any ideas?

It may not have anything to do with your setup, it maybe the sim you are loggin in at. Have you tried loggin at a different sim?

Also try uninstalling SL completely, including wiping the cache, and reinstalling a fresh copy. Run a registry cleaner. Have you got enough free disk space to support both the SL cache and the OS's cache?

The fact that SL uses a high percentage of the PC's resources is not something for concern, unless you are trying to run skype, winamp etc with it. Turn off the VBO settings in preferences, since the last update, these have caused some problems with ATI cards.

Are you in Holland? Is your ISP XS4All?

No, I'm in Miami Florida and use Comcast cable for my ISP if that helps.

Thanks AWM. I will check my settings. I did try uninstalling SL last night, and reinstalling it. I tried logging into my account, then tried logging in to my hubby's account- just to make sure it wasn't something bugged with my inventory or my char. I had the same results. Then I checked my account from his machine, and it worked fine again. I tried tp'ing anywhere and didn't see any improvement wherever I went.

I will change settings (VBO is already off) and even try another fresh install to see if it helps. It's odd that it just started up recently. Beforehand- his machine actually ran the game far less smoothly than mine, and loaded very slowly- now I'm the one who can barely move. I was surprised by the amount of sys resources it took up, mostly because I hadn't had that prob before. Normally all I have open at the same time is SL & Outlook Express. Once in a while a Firefox window. I could even run WOW & SL at the same time, even though both were very choppy, but still not this bad. Wish I could figure out the prob. I have 10 gigs open space on my HD. Not sure where to check next?

Will keep checking- all advice is appreciated!


Update: I tried another fresh install, and made sure VBO was off. I'm still barely able to move. I average 13-24% packet loss and my speed drops to like 14kbps on a continuing basis. (spikes back up to 500 occasionally, which is how it was before or better) My connection is fast & efficient- and DSL reports show no packet loss or speed issues at all on our side. I can't figure it out.. I'm going to run a registry cleaner program this time and see if it makes a difference with yet another install.

Without further information, I can only offer generic advise:


1) When you went on holiday, was your PC left turned on?
2) Are you using a router for your system to connect through?
3) Do you have automatic updates turned on for Windows?
4) Do you run a software firewall (other than native windows OS version)?
5) Run ScanDisk (my computer, r/h click drive where sl is located, choose Properties, Tools Tab), check Autofix errors and Scan for bad sectors. You have to loggout of windows, preferably a cold reboot and allow the programme to run fully, then it will report and disc issues. This will also rebuilt a fresh copy of the hd index.

A recent 'update' from microsoft for XP sp2, prevented 'some third party games from playing correctly', in the last week they have issued another 'update' that apparently fixes this. As you didn't use your pc while away, have you run update recently? If you have and all your drivers, updates etc are upto date, have you tried restoring XP to a point when it did run okay?

Keep us posted.

Thanks very much for all your suggestions I have been trying your suggestions & any others I can find online about it. I know it's boring & a bummer to keep reading my technical issues!

1) When you went on holiday, was your PC left turned on?
No. The most recent Windows XP update shows as April 14th and there are four of them. I removed them one by one, and tested the game again - no change. I tried removing even further back but found no differences at all so I allowed them to reinstall. (These included security fixes & bug fixes as far back as March 20+)

2) Are you using a router for your system to connect through?
Yes. My husband is on the same router (neither of us are wireless) but is not having the problem. We tried swapping cables, and it made no difference. We are also both having no problems connecting to WOW just as before- only SL is different.

3) Do you have automatic updates turned on for Windows?
(See above) I do, but I tried turning this feature off when I rolled back.

4) Do you run a software firewall (other than native windows OS version)?
I did before this happened, but I tried removing it in the process of eliminating potential issues. I removed the entire McAfee security suite at one point (Virus prot too) and kept Windows Firewall off (I normally do that anyway, since I have MC's firewall) but it made no difference either. We also tried turning the firewall off on our router.

5) Run ScanDisk (my computer, r/h click drive where sl is located, choose Properties, Tools Tab), check Autofix errors and Scan for bad sectors. You have to loggout of windows, preferably a cold reboot and allow the programme to run fully, then it will report and disc issues. This will also rebuilt a fresh copy of the hd index.
-----> Trying this now- will report progress.

6) Tried a fix suggestion from the SL help pages, to disable sound (to eliminate my sound card as the issue) but this too brought no changes or improvement.

7) Updated OpenGL- my husband did this for me just incase it would help (We weren't using VBO or Shiny just to be safe) but all I saw was a very small overall speed increase (less lag) however the game remains far too choppy to play on. My other games do not have this problem.

As per another SL help suggestion, I tried completely uninstalling SL v1.14 and installing the last version SL v.1.13. This made no difference in the problem either. I have since allowed it to update itself to the current version ( SL v.1.14) At this point, I am just hoping tomorrow's update will help me out?

QUOTE: (Graphics card)
ATI mobility Radeon 9700 Series
Driver: v6.14.10.6483, 10/6/2004
(Dell premium service does not offer me a newer driver than this, and the SL website refers me to Dell. The update offered on SL's website does not work for my machine.)
:UNQUOTE

I found this link on the ATI.AMD website which states the GC chipsets that are not supported by ATI when used in laptops by manufacters.. Dell, or your GC cpu are NOT listed.. http://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&questionID=23433 (follow through the links highlighted here, on the ATI webpage) 'For your convenience, a list of links to notebook manufacturers is available in the ATI Onboard section of our website.....

Systems With ATI See which phenomenal ATI graphic card was selected to be configured in a PC system.

Choose a system: Desktop Systems
Notebook Systems
Workstation
Motherboards


On that basis, you don't need to go to DELL for your drivers.. you can get the latest drivers here for your system http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/xp/mobility-xp.html it will load a validation checker to make sure your system in compatible for the drivers before they install.. the date if the drivers is shown as Apr. 18, 2007 which is a large upgrade and will keep SL happy.

Also, while you are in the 'update mode' have you updated .netframework to version 3.0? You can get this here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=10cc340b-f857-4a14-83f5-25634c3bf043&DisplayLang=en

I did notice from the blog regarding the impending update.. they have fixed some ATI mobility chip issues... however, try the validation install in any event, this hopefully will bring you upto date and cure your problem.

Thanks SO much for all your patience & work in posting so much info! I followed the links and although for some reason, that driver update compatibility program always error's on me:
___________________________________________
ATI Mobile Catalyst Update System
Thank you for your interest in CATALYST*

Unfortunately, this software update cannot be installed on your system. Please contact your notebook manufacturer for driver updates.

____________________________________________

Yet it says just below the download link, that my Mobility™ Radeon® 9700 series graphics card IS supported What a pain!

So I checked out the other page and read where it said ATI does not recommend using 3rd party drivers. The link below is for information purposes only.
http://www.omegadrivers.net/

Well.. it's not ideal, granted, but I'm desperate for a workaround and why not give it a swing I figure? I downloaded the Omega driver said to be compatible with my driver specifically among several others (shew! thank goodness I wasn't on the "no longer supported by ATI OR Omega list!) and got a new try. (I removed the ATI control panel first as instructed) This time it installed just fine, and so far I've had no problems- yay! I can't check SL yet (still down for maintenance) but.. even if it doesn't work- at least this allowed me to update a VERY outdated driver (thanks to Dell) I truly appreciate your help I did run scandisk last night too and all was well. Keeping fingers crossed!

SL Beta grid is up, you can try it there.

I have noticed here in the last week or so that when I try to run a speed test to servers in Florida I've been getting horrible results yet tests to California have rocked. Could there be an internet ifrastructure problem? Might not hurt to call your ISP and have them check your modem and see if they have any reports.

hmm.. sounds like some licensing deal between Dell and ATI/AMD to lock its customers into using the outdated drivers. 2004 isn't considered upto date! Perhaps Dell do not consider anyone buying a system from them to be used to play 'games'.. thats just bad marketing.

The Omega drivers are better than most 'standard' versions, pity the 9700 card has not been carried forward into their latest offerings, it is a good solid card. I have to say, through the years, I have always used ATI cards in preference, but since they failed big time to produce updated drivers for OpenGL and Vista, let alone SL (lol), I dropped in a nVidia 7950GTX.... dang thats some beast.

Keep my fingers crossed, the omega drivers do it for you

It really is a shame- I love my machine and have never had a problem in the past. I guess I've just been fortunate so far that the old outdated graphics card driver hadn't given me a problem with any of the games I play (and I'm a game fanatic too, so it would hurt) When I bought my laptop I went primarily for the dell premium service package- because we'd been building our own machines for years and sometimes you just don't WANT to have to fix something yourself hehe. It was nice a few months ago- when my DVD/CDRW drive died. No reason, and not an old machine- just quit on me. Instead of even trying to mess with it, we called dell and they had a guy to our house literally within 24 hours. I had to struggle to make it for his appt time! He brought a replacement & tools, and had it finished in minutes on my kitchen table. What a breath of fresh air.. hehe. In terms of this situation however, I am NOT pleased with them. If the new driver doesn't fix my problem (I tried the beta grid, but it threw an error telling me something was going on on the SL side?) I will just have to keep poking SL to help me out - or I guess- cancel my premium membership unless or until I can actually play the game again. I really enjoy it, so I'm hoping that won't be the case. Thanks so much again for taking the time!

Kath- using dslreports my speed to LA is 3 kb down and 358 up and almost exactly the same to NJ. (Fastest was Ft Worth, TX- almost 4kb there) We were having problems over a week ago though because Miami is switching from Adelphia cable to Comcast- and they are installing new lines in the process. For now though, if it were my connection I would be lagging like mad in WoW and my speed there is excellent- so it must be some kind of software/driver issue I guess. Perhaps this has fixed it- hoping so! (I LOVE your profile quote btw hehe)

3 kb down? Are you sure about that??

QUOTE: Kath- using dslreports my speed to LA is 3 kb down and 358 up and almost exactly the same to NJ. (Fastest was Ft Worth, TX- almost 4kb there) We were having problems over a week ago though because Miami is switching from Adelphia cable to Comcast- and they are installing new lines in the process. For now though, if it were my connection I would be lagging like mad in WoW and my speed there is excellent- so it must be some kind of software/driver issue I guess. Perhaps this has fixed it- hoping so! (I LOVE your profile quote btw hehe) :UNQUOTE

Are you sure? 3kb download... dialup is 56kbps.. I think you meant 3MB and 4MB respectively....

I have ALL the same problems you have described, for at least the last 2 weeks. It is the worse in the afternoon, game time. So, I dont think its just you. Its just been awful!!! By nightime, it is better. I heard that when it gets over 30,000 ppl logged in, this has been happening. So I have looked to see if that is true, and yes it does seem that in the afternoon there is at least that many, usually more, ppl TRYING to play. Not just you

Doh- you are correct sir. I was looking at the 3784KB instead of hovering over to see the decimal 3.6mb. I wish they would default in the opposite direction instead, save my poor brain from having to round up/down heh

Nellen- that's a real pain. Also a big coincidence that this began for you in the past 2 weeks. I don't think that it's population based in my case (though I could certainly be wrong, perhaps there is too heavy a load on a server somewhere? SL is not run the same as WoW I'm sure, so I'm not familiar with how they distribute the load) because- I've tested this on my hubby's account & machine- at the same time- and his is running smooth as silk. He may get an occasional load-time wait or in a crowded area lag real bad- but he's having nothing like the kind of problems I'm having. This is what leads me to believe it's a driver issue. I have tried logging in days, nights, and over the weekend and saw very little improvement- and none that was significant enough to allow me to play the game properly. (There is such a long lag until a menu window will open for example, and the map- well forget about it hehe)


I am looking forward to testing it out today when the server is back up- the beta isn't working for me. I'll let you know if there is progress- perhaps you could also benefit from the driver info in the post?

Well, no progress at all in the new version for me. At this point I'm really just disgusted with it, you know? I submitted a technical support request on April 22nd (Sunday) I did read the support update from the main page & see they are in the process of changing how they handle TS- and explaining that they are just now getting to the Sunday submissions. So that was good to know. I'm just disappointed that the update today didn't resolve my issue.

I'm going to just wait for a response from them I guess. I appreciate the help AWM- thank you! At least now I can point to this thread and easily show them what I have already tried & worked on with you.

hmmm hoped that would have worked for you... I know from experience, a game like SL can greatly stress your GC to its limits.. try taking the GC out (if possible on the laptop) and rub the connectors gently with a eraser and refit, sometimes the connectors can become oxidised and act as an insulator.

Check the heat levels of your machine, Laptops are notorious for heat buildup. Perhaps try a pad for the base, which includes a fan. Clean all the vents out using a vacumn cleaner brush.

If all else fails, perhaps have your laptop stress tested by a reputable engineer/company to see if any weaknesses show up under test conditions.