Keyboard buffer??

[audscott]

I have a strange problem: I Upgraded my hard drive from IBM 22GPX 13 GB to Quantum Fireball plus LM 30 GB. All AGP & IRQ driver loaded per VIA instructions.

Upgrade went smooth, loaded Windows 98 SE & all well until day three, when I encounted strange behavior playing Decent 3.

I don't use a joystick, just keyboard: The KB functions improperly after 5 to 15 minutes, keys initially will "stick" in the game, then totally stop responding. I can get out of Descent, then the keyboard is completely locked up. I can use the mouse, surf the net even, but can type or use keys for input until I reboot.

Anyone come across this & potention work around.

Updated BIOS on mobo, keyboard controller seems fine & it only happens when I play the game. New keyboard, reloaded VGA & IRQ drivers, formatted drive - played game before loading anything other than AGP & vid card driver...same thing!!!

I put back the IBM drive, which still has all programs in tact. Played for 45 min without a problem All AGP & IRQ driver loaded per VIA instructions. The IBM drive has Windows 98 FE, rather than SE, otherwise driver and programs identicle.

Might this be a buffer in the 2 MB drive cache filling wile I press the keyboard keys? Sounds strange, I know, but I sure like laying Descent 3.

Guess I'll have to try a joystick. 😀

Specs:

Abit KA7 - 600 Athlon @1050 w/GFD & 105 MHz FSB - air cooling with arctic circle
128 MB PC150 Kingmax ram
Guilemont 3D Profit 32 MB GeForce
Quantum Fireball plus LM 30 GB HD
Soundblaster live
Acerlabs 50X CD Rom
LS120 floppy
generic modem - no drivers installed
F=MH network card
Cable modem.


Any one have any ideas? Suggestions?

 

[LordSandMan]

I've had a problem somewhat like this. I think it had to do with an IRQ conflict I had with my SBLive card. When it happened I instantly lost all keyboard and mouse functions in Unreal Tournament. All I could do is restart. I fixed it by disabling com ports, printer port, Raid controller and USB port in bios to free up IRQs. I didn't use any of these anyway so it wasn't a problem. Then I removed all of the pci cards except the SBLive and moved it to different PCI slots until I found one that worked. then I reinstalled all of the PCI cards. Don't know if this is the same case, but it might be something to try. also if you aren't using the modem it wouldn't hurt to leave it out. I'm pretty sure it still takes up an IRQ (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[audscott]

That's an incedable & well thought out answer:

Thanks

 

[audscott]

Tried that...no go. Strange thingis my IBM drive works fine - even if a slave/master it to the Quantum, which gives this behavior.

Also tried setting up Win 95 & win 98 FE particians on the Quantum with same results.

I am stumped, maybe bad drive? Wouldn't thing so though because everything else works fine.

 

[LordSandMan]

hmmm, Bad drive? I don't think so, but you could check it with Quantum Data Protection System

Check out the CableSelect note under jumper settings and the Special considerations here

On my machines I haven't setup ATA66 drives with Cableselect, but you do have to have master on the last connector, and the slave on the middle connector. Maybe this is causing some of my problems also, but I haven't run into it lately. You probably already know this, but I 'll include it anyway. Be sure that the end of the IDE cable that has 2 connectors goes to the drives. I've seen it work flipped around, but with problems.


These questions probably don't make much sense, because the old drive works, but anyway.
I am a keyboard only player also. Just a question, do you use the "shift" key in Decsent? I've had problems using the shift key in UT, keys stick when I hit shift sometimes. I had to change my key config.

I have also had problems with no response from keyboard on my machine, though that went away. I've made quite a few configuration changes to my machine and can't pinpoint what fixed the problem. I've also had this problem on a Gateway PIII 450. That machine still has the problem, but it only happens once every 50 hours of gameplay. Once or twice a month.

 

[audscott]

Still soting things out....trying a MS sidewinder force feedback pro - hard to get used to, though.

Currently set-up with old IBM as slave to Quantum - I'll check out those links, thanks.

No, I don't use the shift key...another strange thing though, I can play Q3 for 1/2 hour, orlonger. Use same keys, without problems. Must be the Game set-up, just don't know what.

Downloaded D3 patch...no go. Have to have my game, man - I'm addicted!!