Curse

Prestige · Sep 25, 2011, 11:01 PM // 23:01

When I start my PC, everything runs smoothly. I can pass hours on my browser (Google Chrome) or play any other game like TF2 (Team Fortress 2). Weirdly, My PC freezes at random times when I play Guild Wars.

Could anyone help me to find solutions &/or information o: ?

Lord Mip · Sep 25, 2011, 11:12 PM // 23:12

I've been having the same problem with my old PC. It was ultimately an overheating issue. Try to vacuum clean the inside of the computer if it's dusty and otherwise you could try giving the PC more space so it can get rid of its heat. If it's not that, I don't have a clue what it might be. (I'm not an expert)

wilebill · Sep 25, 2011, 11:59 PM // 23:59

Or use a can of compressed air like you get at a computer store to blow off dirt accumulated. You can try defragging gw.dat with Auslogics or Contig. Worst of all it could be a marginal power supply. Happened to me and that was it. Power supplies can age over time and get marginal.

Prestige · Sep 26, 2011, 12:37 AM // 00:37

I already passed the vacuum several times, I may simply Defragment my PC for the night, o:

Fury Incarnate · Sep 26, 2011, 12:38 AM // 00:38

It's also possible that it's a problem with the graphics card - Guild Wars is fairly good about limiting hardware demand, but it is more of a burden than many other games and if your graphics card is overheating or starting to wear out it can cause this. I'd definitely try cleaning out your computer first (that's the most common cause of the problem) and if that doesn't fix it, try turning the graphics settings all the way down if you haven't already and see if the problem goes away.

Also, does the computer Blue Screen or crash or anything or just completely stop responding? Are there any error messages or specific programs that stop responding? Does the computer unfreeze if you leave it alone? Anything else you can tell us to help with diagnosis?

Prestige · Sep 26, 2011, 12:39 AM // 00:39

My mouse dosen't move anymore, I can't** receive whispers, the orange dot below the green one (Power on) stops lighting up. O:

Info : My PC is about 11 years old, it has been upgraded a couple of time with new items (like a wireless thingie and some other stuff).

I had the same problem before but it froze on everything, and not simply because GW was openned. Also, I can sometimes play for more than 10 minutes : Until I freeze.

Don Juan · Sep 26, 2011, 02:07 AM // 02:07

I had the same problem a few years back on a custom pc that was built for me. Kept freezing up and I'd have to turn the power strip off, then turn it back on. Turned out what it was, the power supply was not enough for constant use (yes I cheaped out on it back then) and the power supply was being over stressed. Replaced the power supply with a new one from the local computer store for around $50 and that computer is still running fine to this day.

Another problem if it works fine on everything BUT Gw, would lead me to believe it would be your graphics card. If you can swap the GPU out with a different one and it works ok, then you need a new graphics card. Otherwise, I'd put money on the power supply if a different GPU does the same thing.

Just read your latest post too. 11 year old computer. Wow - has the power supply every been replaced??

ruk1a · Sep 26, 2011, 04:06 AM // 04:06

Unless you've already upgraded with all new video card, ram, etc. maybe you should consider building a new one for about 600 bucks ... that would last you quite a few years and would be able to run any of the newer games that are coming out with ease. Some useful sites would be tigerdirect or newegg for ordering parts. 11 years is very old for a computer. I built mine for around 400 a few years ago but just in those few years far better parts at cheaper prices are available.

drkn · Sep 26, 2011, 07:32 AM // 07:32

It's probably a dying graphic card. Had the very same issue as you presented - i could browse the web with Chrome (oddly enough, the machine froze under Firefox), play some less-demanding games, but 3d apps, mainly GW, froze the hell of it.
There are three possible details that cause it - (a) the graphic card itself is somehow broken (they have their lifetime, and 11 years is A LOT for a component like this, it's a miracle it was working), (b) something's wrong with the power going to the graphic card - it might be an issue with the mobo socket, psu or the card itself (losing power), or (c) there's a power conflict between the graphic card and the cpu, which causes an infinite loop, thus locking the machine up.
Despite the precise reason, it's probably the graphic card's fault.
The only way to really test it is to take another, working, card from a friend and plug it into your machine, then see how GW works. Be cautious, however, with such an old PC, especially if the psu is eleven years old, as well. TBH i wouldn't even test it though - such freezes under 3d games are mostly caused by troubles with graphics, this way or another.

**cosyfiep** · Sep 26, 2011, 08:54 AM // 08:54

not the weirdest....probably more like a very common....since you computer is quite old --it probably is a graphics card issue (had one with my last computer as well---certain areas in gw were worse than others---try going to kaineng center...if it dies there its a good chance--rata sum is another heavy graphics area--my laptop cant handle it at all--good thing I use it only for my mule accounts).

hubby resolved his by keeping directX8 I think (he has a computer almost as old--8 this year)...he cant upgrade to 9 (or even THINK about 10)...it just doesnt work on his.

Spiritz · Sep 26, 2011, 09:30 AM // 09:30

If you take the hoover option - get someone to give you a hand.
Reason i say this is - the motherboard etc are affected by static and there is a chance that static charge may occur - same reason they say use a static wrist strap thats earthed when handling components.
What you need do is get a small pain brush and get your helper to hold the hoover nozzle about an inch from the area you clean - just brush the dirt and it should get sucked away.

Prestige · Sep 26, 2011, 11:34 AM // 11:34

The thing is that last week it was running fine o-o [For Guild Wars]

Thot · Sep 26, 2011, 12:37 PM // 12:37

Did you try to add " -dx8 -noshaders" as command line arguments ? It can resolve some graphical issues....

**cosyfiep** · Sep 26, 2011, 01:11 PM // 13:11

yeah...my old computer ran gw fine for almost a year (or more)...before I started having the shut downs...it tries to handle it--but just cant keep up.(and yeah it played other games just fine as well).

chuckles79 · Sep 26, 2011, 08:30 PM // 20:30

update your drivers, uninstall/reinstall GW.

I noticed this problem on Nvidia cards,.but not on my current ATI. Lord only knows what the new AMD cards are like.

Prestige · Sep 26, 2011, 10:03 PM // 22:03

Alright so, I just opened my PC up and guess what. Something in it is EXTREMELY hot.

How can I fix this (Could I simply add the fan I use on Hot summer days next to it o-o ?)

Graphic Driver : [IMG]

[/IMG]

Krazy Kat · Sep 27, 2011, 04:32 AM // 04:32

Hi Chris!

The overheating is your problem. I would download SIW at http://gtopala.com/

Then install it and see if you can get a reading on your temperatures for the different parts. Keep it running when you run Guild Wars. Then see which temperatures are most worrisome and replace that part.

If you want you could use the floor fan to cool your computer XD but that would look ridiculous. Still it's a temporary fix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrvDu-rD7TM

Cool Name · Sep 27, 2011, 10:41 AM // 10:41

I know it has already been suggested, and you have already replied but I just want to emphasize the point. Make sure dust isn't clogging the fans. Look very thoroughly and find where the fan is and look inside it to check there is no dust or anything blocking it. Also make sure your computer isn't leaning against a curtain or fabric or anything that might block the filters (which you should also check for dust).

Quaker · Sep 27, 2011, 01:48 PM // 13:48

And, don't forget to include the power supply in your hunt for dust. If the inside of the computer is dusty, the inside of the power supply probably is too. A common problem with power supplies is that internal heat over time can cause bad solder joints.

Prestige · Sep 27, 2011, 09:38 PM // 21:38

I'm gonna try Ken's suggestion and put a regular fan , I am going to upload a picture for everyone to laugh at >:P

As you can see, old computer