rec.autos.simulators

> I'm having a problem when trying to race NASCAR 3 online.

> I'm having a problem when trying to race NASCAR 3 online.

> During the first five minutes of any online session, the frame rate
> slowly decays from smooth and playable to undriveable.  Initially I get
> a solid 30 fps.  But gradually the frame rate meter declines to the low
> 20's, and the game becomes impossible to drive.  Actually, I think the
> frame rate meter is lying; what I see is a slide show.

> Eventually Skew messages start showing up in the scrolling chat, and the
> frame display becomes so choppy that the car is undriveable.  At this
> point, opponent cars are winking out constantly, and I have to quit.  If
> I let it go on long enough, eventually even the menus become difficult
> to navigate.

> This only happens when running in multiplayer mode, racing (so far only
> in client mode) via Won.net.  Offline, frame rate stays right at 30 fps
> and frame flow is quite smooth, for as long as I run.

> This problem isn't unique to N3; it also happens in Dirt Track Racing on
> this particular machine, again only in multiplayer mode (I've only tried
> DTR on the LAN).  DTR is fine when running solo on this machine.

> OTOH, GPL, SODA, Flight Simulator 2000, and other sims and games run
> great on this machine.

> I've downloaded and installed DirectX 7a and the latest drivers
> (downloaded almost 100 mb tonight!) for the sound card and the video
> card.  I've tried turning off and on every option in the 3Dfx Tweaks
> property sheet; I've even tried running N3 in DirectX mode instead of
> Glide mode.  Nothing has fixed the problem.

> Any ideas?  I'm baffled with this and would be very grateful if someone
> can point me in the right direction.

> Here's my system's specs:

> ASUS P2B motherboard

> 128 mb PC-100
> Voodoo 3 3500
> Soundblaster Live! Value
> PDPI L4
> 3Com 10/100 NIC
> Logitech Wingman Formula Force USB
> CH Pedals
> Windows 98
> DirectX 7a
> SB Live! 3.0 driver (11/99)
> 3Dfx 3500 1.03.04 driver (11/30/99)

> As I mentioned, I've downloaded and installed the latest V3 3500 and SB
> Live! drivers and tools.  The only component I didn't install was the SB
> LiveWire utility set because I've read that some people have trouble
> with GPL when the 3.0 launcher is running.

> Any help would be greatly appreciated!

> Alison

> http://eaglewoman.maximumspeed.com

>> I'm having a problem when trying to race NASCAR 3 online.

>  Could it be oh Eagle Woman that the fenders are confusing your
>system?  :)

>  If you are getting skew messages, I'm assuming you are using the beta
>version, 1104?  I haven't seen any degradation while online yet...thanks
>for telling us...we'll all probably be infected now.  :)
>dave henrie

> Also, on reflection, I should say that GPL does seem to have problems on
> that machine when I try to host; performance gradually degrades for me,
> although the clients seem fine.  This never happened until I installed
> the Voodoo3 card.

> However, I've also had three different NICs in that machine.  I'm
> starting to wonder if maybe bits of the old NICs' drivers are still in
> there, getting in the way.  I've also had several modems on it.  Maybe
> I'm due for a de-install and re-install of Windows Networking?  Any
> thoughts on this?  Or <shudder> a complete Windows re-install?

> BTW, I didn't mean to imply that this was a problem that might affect
> other people.  In my mind, it's pretty clear that it's isolated to this
> particular machine, and the way certain games interact with it.

> Alison

> PS. Maybe you're right.  Maybe my computer has such complete empathy
> with its creator that it just can't get used to those fenders!  <grin>

> >> I'm having a problem when trying to race NASCAR 3 online.

> >  Could it be oh Eagle Woman that the fenders are confusing your
> >system?  :)

> >  If you are getting skew messages, I'm assuming you are using the beta
> >version, 1104?  I haven't seen any degradation while online yet...thanks
> >for telling us...we'll all probably be infected now.  :)
> >dave henrie

> Alison

> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
> http://eaglewoman.maximumspeed.com

> During the first five minutes of any online session, the frame rate
> slowly decays from smooth and playable to undriveable.  Initially I
get
> a solid 30 fps.  But gradually the frame rate meter declines to the
low
> 20's, and the game becomes impossible to drive.  Actually, I think
the
> frame rate meter is lying; what I see is a slide show.

> Eventually Skew messages start showing up in the scrolling chat, and
the
> frame display becomes so choppy that the car is undriveable.  At
this
> point, opponent cars are winking out constantly, and I have to quit.
If
> I let it go on long enough, eventually even the menus become
difficult
> to navigate.

> This only happens when running in multiplayer mode, racing (so far
only
> in client mode) via Won.net.  Offline, frame rate stays right at 30
fps
> and frame flow is quite smooth, for as long as I run.

> This problem isn't unique to N3; it also happens in Dirt Track
Racing on
> this particular machine, again only in multiplayer mode (I've only
tried
> DTR on the LAN).  DTR is fine when running solo on this machine.

> OTOH, GPL, SODA, Flight Simulator 2000, and other sims and games run
> great on this machine.

> I've downloaded and installed DirectX 7a and the latest drivers
> (downloaded almost 100 mb tonight!) for the sound card and the video
> card.  I've tried turning off and on every option in the 3Dfx Tweaks
> property sheet; I've even tried running N3 in DirectX mode instead
of
> Glide mode.  Nothing has fixed the problem.

> Any ideas?  I'm baffled with this and would be very grateful if
someone
> can point me in the right direction.

> Here's my system's specs:

> ASUS P2B motherboard

> 128 mb PC-100
> Voodoo 3 3500
> Soundblaster Live! Value
> PDPI L4
> 3Com 10/100 NIC
> Logitech Wingman Formula Force USB
> CH Pedals
> Windows 98
> DirectX 7a
> SB Live! 3.0 driver (11/99)
> 3Dfx 3500 1.03.04 driver (11/30/99)

> As I mentioned, I've downloaded and installed the latest V3 3500 and
SB
> Live! drivers and tools.  The only component I didn't install was
the SB
> LiveWire utility set because I've read that some people have trouble
> with GPL when the 3.0 launcher is running.

> Any help would be greatly appreciated!

> Alison

> http://eaglewoman.maximumspeed.com

> Also, on reflection, I should say that GPL does seem to have problems on
> that machine when I try to host; performance gradually degrades for me,
> although the clients seem fine.  This never happened until I installed
> the Voodoo3 card.

> However, I've also had three different NICs in that machine.  I'm
> starting to wonder if maybe bits of the old NICs' drivers are still in
> there, getting in the way.  I've also had several modems on it.  Maybe
> I'm due for a de-install and re-install of Windows Networking?  Any
> thoughts on this?  Or <shudder> a complete Windows re-install?

> BTW, I didn't mean to imply that this was a problem that might affect
> other people.  In my mind, it's pretty clear that it's isolated to this
> particular machine, and the way certain games interact with it.

> Alison

> PS. Maybe you're right.  Maybe my computer has such complete empathy
> with its creator that it just can't get used to those fenders!  <grin>

> >> I'm having a problem when trying to race NASCAR 3 online.

> >  Could it be oh Eagle Woman that the fenders are confusing your
> >system?  :)

> >  If you are getting skew messages, I'm assuming you are using the beta
> >version, 1104?  I haven't seen any degradation while online yet...thanks
> >for telling us...we'll all probably be infected now.  :)
> >dave henrie

> Alison

> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
> http://eaglewoman.maximumspeed.com

>1.) Copy the Win9x directory from your win9x cd to a local partition (let's
>use d:\ for this example) other than c:\.

>2.) Format a floppy with just system files (that's an option when you right
>click on a floppy and select format, choose "Copy System files". Also copy
>"format.exe" from ..\windows\command

>3.) Boot from the floppy, run a "format c:\ -q" (quick format)

>4.) Copy the contents of  the floppy to the root of the newly formatted c:\,
>reboot. This will reboot you to DOS and you will have access to your local
>partitions.

>5.) Swittch to d:\win9x and run setup.

>I can now completely re-install windows in about 25 minutes. With the setup
>files local to your hard drive, setup SCREAMS in this config. This exercise
>ALWAYS gives me a nice performance boost, and in Allison's case, the OS will
>only know of the V3 card and I almost (I've been in tech support too long to
>make guarantees anymore..<G>) guarantee this will clear up the frame stutter
>problem. I think this occurs more frequently online because of the
>additional overhead of modems, nics, etc. With a clean registy and a clean
>install of the OS, you should be smokin' again.

>Standard disclaimers apply....your mileage may vary...not applicable in RI,
>UT, or KS...see dealer for details...

>-/- Walk Walker

>> Yes, I'm using the beta version of N3.  Sorry I forgot to mention that.

>> Also, on reflection, I should say that GPL does seem to have problems on
>> that machine when I try to host; performance gradually degrades for me,
>> although the clients seem fine.  This never happened until I installed
>> the Voodoo3 card.

>> However, I've also had three different NICs in that machine.  I'm
>> starting to wonder if maybe bits of the old NICs' drivers are still in
>> there, getting in the way.  I've also had several modems on it.  Maybe
>> I'm due for a de-install and re-install of Windows Networking?  Any
>> thoughts on this?  Or <shudder> a complete Windows re-install?

>> BTW, I didn't mean to imply that this was a problem that might affect
>> other people.  In my mind, it's pretty clear that it's isolated to this
>> particular machine, and the way certain games interact with it.

>> Alison

>> PS. Maybe you're right.  Maybe my computer has such complete empathy
>> with its creator that it just can't get used to those fenders!  <grin>

>> >> I'm having a problem when trying to race NASCAR 3 online.

>> >  Could it be oh Eagle Woman that the fenders are confusing your
>> >system?  :)

>> >  If you are getting skew messages, I'm assuming you are using the beta
>> >version, 1104?  I haven't seen any degradation while online yet...thanks
>> >for telling us...we'll all probably be infected now.  :)
>> >dave henrie

>> Alison

>> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
>> http://eaglewoman.maximumspeed.com

> >Huh... I just connect at 56K and haven't seen anything like that.
> >Exactly what is your network connection? I see you have a 3com
> >network card, but it could really be a DSL or ISDN connection.

> The 3Com NIC connects to the cable modem (through a gateway).

> For the record, last night I disconnected the NIC from the LAN, so the
> cable modem connection was no longer functional.  I then dialed in to my
> ISP's mobile access through my modem and connected that way.  I ran N3
> and went to Multiplayer and joined several races.  I got exactly the
> same behavior: great frame rate (30) initially, followed by gradual
> degradation to slide show within 5 minutes.

> Today I tried installing N3 on my ancient K6/225, Thriller, Voodoo1.
> With this setup, frame rate is mediocre offline even with graphics cut
> way back, as I would expect.

> I went to Multiplayer and joined several races.  Online it's the same as
> offline, and stays constant until people fill the track up with skid
> marks, which degrades it some, as does smoke.  Once I drive by the skid
> marks, or the smoke dissipates, frame rate goes back up to its normal
> mediocre rate.

> This is normal behavior and is exactly what I would expect.  This
> machine has a 3COM NIC of the exact same model as the other machine.  So
> this test kind of eliminates the LAN and the cable connection as the
> source of the problem.

> >Also, did you notice this with the original game? It may be worth
> >trying. I have been using the original shipped game and it is
> >generally OK.

> Yes, I think so, although with the original game I was running on a Herc
> Thriller or a Voodoo 1, so frame rate was so bad that it obscured this
> problem with degradation online.

> >I have done several races in a row with no problem. I do get
> >computer crashes after my first race if too many people try to
> >join.

> Well, I don't think you've got this problem.  Thanks for your
> suggestions!

> Alison

> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
> http://www.racesimcentral.net/

>      This is a known issue with IE5 and/or WebTV. Here is the Microsoft
>knowledge base document URL concerning the issue:

>      http://www.racesimcentral.net/

>      The document lists a registry fix, or you can go back to IE4, or
>uninstall WebTV (the less desirable fix, this will disable your TV tuner).

>      Until Microsoft corrects the issue, here is the best way to fix it (so
>far), after you've edited the registry, changing the two keys back to the
>way they are supposed to be, then extract the key to your desktop, that way
>instead of having to constantly edit the registry every time you reboot, you
>can just double-click on the key and merge it back into the registry at
>will.

>      This is what the two keys SHOULD look like when you're done changing
>them (below), then choose "registry", "export registry file", in the "export
>range" choose "selected branch", name the file whatever you want and save it
>to your desktop. That's all there is to it.

>[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock\Autodial]
>      "AutodialDllName32"="wininet.dll"
>      "AutodialFcnName32"="InternetAutodialCallback"

>> On Tue, 25 Jan 2000 17:09:47 -0600, "Greg Cisko" <no.spam.email.for.me>

>> >Huh... I just connect at 56K and haven't seen anything like that.
>> >Exactly what is your network connection? I see you have a 3com
>> >network card, but it could really be a DSL or ISDN connection.

>> The 3Com NIC connects to the cable modem (through a gateway).

>> For the record, last night I disconnected the NIC from the LAN, so the
>> cable modem connection was no longer functional.  I then dialed in to my
>> ISP's mobile access through my modem and connected that way.  I ran N3
>> and went to Multiplayer and joined several races.  I got exactly the
>> same behavior: great frame rate (30) initially, followed by gradual
>> degradation to slide show within 5 minutes.

>> Today I tried installing N3 on my ancient K6/225, Thriller, Voodoo1.
>> With this setup, frame rate is mediocre offline even with graphics cut
>> way back, as I would expect.

>> I went to Multiplayer and joined several races.  Online it's the same as
>> offline, and stays constant until people fill the track up with skid
>> marks, which degrades it some, as does smoke.  Once I drive by the skid
>> marks, or the smoke dissipates, frame rate goes back up to its normal
>> mediocre rate.

>> This is normal behavior and is exactly what I would expect.  This
>> machine has a 3COM NIC of the exact same model as the other machine.  So
>> this test kind of eliminates the LAN and the cable connection as the
>> source of the problem.

>> >Also, did you notice this with the original game? It may be worth
>> >trying. I have been using the original shipped game and it is
>> >generally OK.

>> Yes, I think so, although with the original game I was running on a Herc
>> Thriller or a Voodoo 1, so frame rate was so bad that it obscured this
>> problem with degradation online.

>> >I have done several races in a row with no problem. I do get
>> >computer crashes after my first race if too many people try to
>> >join.

>> Well, I don't think you've got this problem.  Thanks for your
>> suggestions!

>> Alison

>> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
>> http://www.racesimcentral.net/

> I applied the registry fix as specified in the Microsoft document,
and
> the problem vanished.  Now in N3 I get steady 30 fps all the time,
full
> graphics on, on the Net.  I ran for over an hour in a single online
> session with no change.  Rock solid 30 fps.  Awesome!  N3 is so much
> easier to drive when it's behaving properly, too.

> I also exported the branch to a file as you suggested.  However, I
found
> that when I rebooted, the fields I fixed had retained their new,
correct
> value.  Hhopefully I won't need to reapply the fix unless I
reinstall
> the V3 3500 drivers at some point.

> Thanks again!

> Alison

> On Thu, 27 Jan 2000 16:52:33 -0600, "Tracey Miller"

> >      I installed the Voodoo 3 3500 and now online *** is slow
(and I
> >mean slow).

> >      This is a known issue with IE5 and/or WebTV. Here is the
Microsoft
> >knowledge base document URL concerning the issue:

> >      The document lists a registry fix, or you can go back to IE4,
or
> >uninstall WebTV (the less desirable fix, this will disable your TV
tuner).

> >      Until Microsoft corrects the issue, here is the best way to
fix it (so
> >far), after you've edited the registry, changing the two keys back
to the
> >way they are supposed to be, then extract the key to your desktop,
that way
> >instead of having to constantly edit the registry every time you
reboot, you
> >can just double-click on the key and merge it back into the
registry at
> >will.

> >      This is what the two keys SHOULD look like when you're done
changing
> >them (below), then choose "registry", "export registry file", in
the "export
> >range" choose "selected branch", name the file whatever you want
and save it
> >to your desktop. That's all there is to it.

>[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock\Autodia
l]
> >      "AutodialDllName32"="wininet.dll"
> >      "AutodialFcnName32"="InternetAutodialCallback"

> >> On Tue, 25 Jan 2000 17:09:47 -0600, "Greg Cisko"

> >> >Huh... I just connect at 56K and haven't seen anything like
that.
> >> >Exactly what is your network connection? I see you have a 3com
> >> >network card, but it could really be a DSL or ISDN connection.

> >> The 3Com NIC connects to the cable modem (through a gateway).

> >> For the record, last night I disconnected the NIC from the LAN,
so the
> >> cable modem connection was no longer functional.  I then dialed
in to my
> >> ISP's mobile access through my modem and connected that way.  I
ran N3
> >> and went to Multiplayer and joined several races.  I got exactly
the
> >> same behavior: great frame rate (30) initially, followed by
gradual
> >> degradation to slide show within 5 minutes.

> >> Today I tried installing N3 on my ancient K6/225, Thriller,
Voodoo1.
> >> With this setup, frame rate is mediocre offline even with
graphics cut
> >> way back, as I would expect.

> >> I went to Multiplayer and joined several races.  Online it's the
same as
> >> offline, and stays constant until people fill the track up with
skid
> >> marks, which degrades it some, as does smoke.  Once I drive by
the skid
> >> marks, or the smoke dissipates, frame rate goes back up to its
normal
> >> mediocre rate.

> >> This is normal behavior and is exactly what I would expect.  This
> >> machine has a 3COM NIC of the exact same model as the other
machine.  So
> >> this test kind of eliminates the LAN and the cable connection as
the
> >> source of the problem.

> >> >Also, did you notice this with the original game? It may be
worth
> >> >trying. I have been using the original shipped game and it is
> >> >generally OK.

> >> Yes, I think so, although with the original game I was running on
a Herc
> >> Thriller or a Voodoo 1, so frame rate was so bad that it obscured
this
> >> problem with degradation online.

> >> >I have done several races in a row with no problem. I do get
> >> >computer crashes after my first race if too many people try to
> >> >join.

> >> Well, I don't think you've got this problem.  Thanks for your
> >> suggestions!

> >> Alison

> >> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
> >> http://www.racesimcentral.net/

> Alison

> Remove the spam blocker NOSPAM to email me.
> http://www.racesimcentral.net/