Geeks- Please Help! CRASHING-Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller

I'm using a Compac 7500 Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller

I downloaded the most current drivers before I downloaded
SL. Then, before it logged me in it told me that the current version of driver I was using is known to cause major crashes etc.

Now, I was told I needed to just go get the older version. Ok, my issue is this.. I've downloaded and installed 8 of the previous versions from the Intel website. I still crash every 5-6 minutes. It just freezes up.

What I want to know is, do I have to uninstall SL first, then get the driver , then reinstall. And... which exact version driver for my graphics controller actually works?!?!?

Anyone know... anyone help?

I had the same thing when I started out... Intel Chipset, Compaq box. *hugXXorz his 'paq*

The truth of the matter is: SL is too much for the awesome power of the Intel Extreme Graphics Chipset. It can't handle it. I couldn't even stand on Beginner's Island for more than five seconds before KA-BOOM! It's not the drivers, your machine's current specs are too weak. *sympathy hug*

Solution: Skip down to Wal-Mart and/or your local computer store for a suitable graphics card, and maybe some more RAM. Your Compaq may or may not have an AGP slot. Mine sure doesn't. Look for at least a 128mb PCI graphics card. I'd go with nVidia, but that's really a matter of personal preference.

That's... pretty much EOT. Hope it helps.

I find myself amazed at how many people try to play even "outdated" games like SL on an Intel graphics chip.

As Burke put it your system's video system is... vastly underpowered, and relies on a shared memory architecture where your system's ram is used for the video ram, thus stealing precious ram from what programs need to run, or not giving the video system enough ram.

As for buying a new video card DO NOT GO TO WAL-MART to ask for advice for video cards. As the associates there often times do not know what they're talking about. At my local Wal-Mart (It's a superstore) they only carry low end AGP video cards with 32 and 64 mb ram. When I last checked all the video card boxes were opened and when I went to go buy one for my older system I first asked to check the contents. Inside was an old Intel 14.4 fax/modem.

Instead go to a store that deals with only PCs. There you'll find a wider selection of cards and one that will work with your system, and not get ripped off by fradulent returns.

I would recommend the Nvidia family of cards, I have an Abit made GeForce 4 TI4200 card in my system I bought for $150 US and it's been fantastic (AGP Card).