Need help with computer restarting when playing

TheHolygoat · #1 (**permalink**) 04-14-2005, 10:01 AM

I have read through the other threads, but it didn't seem as if there was anyone, who had experienced the same problem as i have.

The thing is, that mycomputer keeps restarting when i play BG2:SoA (i haven't installed ToB on my computer). I only get to play for some 20 minutes, and then i hear a *click*, and the machine restarts. If i try to start BG2 again, it restarts after about 5 minutes of play.

I have the newest patch installed, and i have also added the two extra merchants, but i only added them after the whole thing started.

I have already tried reinstalling the game several times, and i have also tried checking the computer for vira, but there where none. I wondered if anyone could help me with this problem, 'cause it's REALLY annoying (!), to have to wait for the computer to restart after just 20 minutes of playing...

Do anyone have a clue to what the cause of this problem is, 'cause i can't figure it out...

dragon wench · #2 (**permalink**) 04-14-2005, 10:19 AM

If you haven't already, you might try updating all of your drivers, sometimes that helps.

Mazeh · #3 (**permalink**) 04-14-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragon wench

If you haven't already, you might try updating all of your drivers, sometimes that helps.

Especially DirectX

By the way, next time someone encounters such machinery problem, it would ease the helping alot, by submitting your computer cpu, driver, graficcard, etc. etc. etc.

Help us in helping you, sounds worth it, doesn't it?

TheHolygoat · #4 (**permalink**) 04-14-2005, 01:27 PM

I knew i forgot something...

Here it is then:

AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000+ 1,67 GHz
228 MB RAM
Nvidia NForce onboard graphic card 32 MB (can't remember more from that..)
Onboard sound, don't know the type

Anything else you need?

By the way, i have Direct X version 4.08.01.0810.00 (or so it said in a log file...) I'm downloading the newest version from the site you had a link to in your post.

Arch_Angel · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 04:00 AM

I had problems with my onboard sound doing that, updating the drivers for it worked perfectly

kams · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 04:18 AM

This may be not driver problem. In fact I am pretty sure that the drivers are allright - if they were wrong you would probably not be able to play at all.

The problem is in cooler on you processor. Change the cooler or add some more termopaste (sor, I don't know the right word in English) on your old one.

fable · #7 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 05:30 AM

It sounds like a memory conflict. Are you running XP? On XP, when a lockup would normally occur, the computer usually reboots to clear the memory.

I suggest removing everything you can from memory safely before playing: antivirus programs, screensavers, picture capturing utilities, antipopup utilities, etc. Don't just turn them off; remove them from memory until the next time you reboot. Once they're out of your memory, then try running the game. If it works fine, you'll know the conflict occurs with one of those programs you've left out.

TheHolygoat · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fable

It sounds like a memory conflict. Are you running XP? On XP, when a lockup would normally occur, the computer usually reboots to clear the memory.

Yes, i'm running XP. But do you mean completely shutting off the programs, and in that case, would that include the firewall?

Coconut_Crab · #9 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 10:39 PM

Do a complete virus scan. You might find something. It happened to my computer before.

Also if you just want to play a game, you can temporary remove the internet connection and see what comes out.

fable · #10 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHolygoat

Yes, i'm running XP. But do you mean completely shutting off the programs, and in that case, would that include the firewall?

No. Never remove your firewall.

kams · #11 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 02:05 AM

Yo! Check your cooler, man!!!

Although Baldur's Gate is a very old game, it draws a lot of resources from the processor. The processesor works hard and if your cooler is not good enough - there will be troubles. The processor will become hot very soon and your computer will restart (this is done specially for you - otherwise your processor could burn out).

If you don't have good cooler - don't play this game until you have one, or you can "bid farewell to your system".

Firewall and other programs that you have running on your comp while playing the game will NOT lead to restart! They can only slow down your game (longer loading and stuff).

TheHolygoat · #12 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 02:31 AM

I have already tried virus-scanning my computer, but i didn't find anything...

I have tried vacuum-cleaning the cooler and i found a lot af dust in there, but it didn't help out the problem.

What troubles me is, that it's not the first time i've got Baldur's Gate II installed on my computer, and last time there weren't any trouble. So it can't really be, that my cooler isn't good enough, right?

Might it be spyware or something like that?

Mazeh · #13 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 06:20 AM

Don't think so, but if you want to be sure; then try out Ad-Aware, if you don't already got that.

kams · #14 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 12:35 PM

Well, this actually could be NOT a cooler problem - it is rather difficult to realize the truth only by the discription, not seeing the problem by yourself. But all your description points out to the cooler (imho, of course).

So:
It is not the dust in cooler, which makes your processor go hot (or it is not only the dust).

You see, between cooler and processor there is a layer of "termopaste", which protects your processor. In time, this paste burnes out and you need more of it.

All new coolers come with this paste "by the default". But if you have an old one - when you installed it you were supposed to put this paste by yourself. And you could put not enough.

So better buy yourself a new one - they are pretty cheap.

This is in case nothing else helps. But do NOT play Baldur before this problem is removed, or could withstand dire consequences later.

Coconut_Crab · #15 (**permalink**) 04-17-2005, 07:29 PM

Make a copy of all your important things on your computer, then format your hard drive and reinstall Windows. I think your problem is caused by some changes in the operating system by other software intentionally or unintentionally. If reformatting and reinstalling doesn't help, then it's the problem with the hardware.

Long time ago my computer often restarted automatically without me doing anything and it drove me mad. I didn't know how to fix it so I formatted my hard drive and reinstall Windows, then everything has been fine all the way to today. It's just backing up things that's painful, but I think it's worth it if I want to enjoy playing BG2.