PC problems with games

[Kev_Be]

I have an issue with my PC that has been ongoing for several months. Games i try to download although they seem to download fine i can't run them on my PC. I will click on the game to run the launcher (mind you i have Vista) and nothing would happen. I've done everything from Selective startup, uninstalling my anti virus programs, disabling my firewall, uninstalled the game and reinstalled. With World of Warcraft my current game issue, i have even tried to use the repair client, i also wiped my PC clean of all files involved with it and reinstalled afterwards. That didn't do a thing either. So anything that you fine folks can tell me will be helpful. I've ran out of options and i've spent at least 2 weeks working on this problem and nothing has worked. I don't know if its my Operating System or my PC is missing a file. I've been suggested to restore the original Vista OS to see if that helps. But i thought i'd see what you guys say and see if i can find an easier solution. I'm fairly convinced that my PC is just garbage so i hope someone can prove me wrong. I'm not completely PC literate so you might have to put things in a lamon's terms so i can understand the directions. Thanks in advance

 

[Arkaign]

Ouch. Do you have a spare HDD laying around? That way you could just disconnect your current drive, toss in the spare one, it only takes about 30-45 minutes at most to load windows, then you could update the video drivers and try a game or two. If you still have problems, then you'd only have wasted an hour at most. If it fixes it, and I'm 99% positive that a fresh reload + new video/chipset drivers would do it, then you know what to do next

 

[Kev_Be]

To be honest i don't. I have no reason to think the PC would have any issues playing any of the new games. Matter of fact i'm running Steam with Fallout New Vegas fine, as well as Everquest 2. Some games are working and others aren't. To be frank, i'm not sure wether Gateway PCs can be taken apart to put in new HDD. Besides i'm pretty much lost when it comes to highly technical things like replacing HDDs and chipsets and all that. I wouldn't even know where to start with that stuff. I just don't think that is the issue. How i can play some games fine and yet others don't allow me to play? The sad thing is all the games i've tried downloading according to my system i should be able to play the game and not have any of these issues.

 

[digitaldurandal]

To be honest i don't. I have no reason to think the PC would have any issues playing any of the new games. Matter of fact i'm running Steam with Fallout New Vegas fine, as well as Everquest 2. Some games are working and others aren't. To be frank, i'm not sure wether Gateway PCs can be taken apart to put in new HDD. Besides i'm pretty much lost when it comes to highly technical things like replacing HDDs and chipsets and all that. I wouldn't even know where to start with that stuff. I just don't think that is the issue. How i can play some games fine and yet others don't allow me to play? The sad thing is all the games i've tried downloading according to my system i should be able to play the game and not have any of these issues.

Where are you downloading the games for - what games specifically are you having the issue with? Have you tried right clicking and choosing run in compatibility mode?

 

[Kev_Be]

Okay i tried the compatability mode already for the game to run. Its not doing anything with or without that checked. The games i've been having problems with are World of Warcraft, Perfect World international and War of Angels. All of the are MMOs which is funny because i can usually run most games without any overly stressful issues like the ones i'm getting for these games. I would think WoW would have no trouble running at all which is the only reason why i'm asking for help. Since i'm planning on paying for the game. I'm wondering if i need to buy the whole client because at the moment i only have a trial version. I do plan on paying for each expansion and the $15 monthly fee. With that said if there really is an issue i'm trying to find a way to correct the issue i have going on.

 

[pontifex]

double left clicking right?

have you tried to right click and select open?

I have Vista 64 and sometimes when I try to launch an installer for a game it will just sit there for a little while and then the UAC thingy pops up.

 

[Modular]

If you're up to the challenge, I'm sure we'd all be willing to help you install a new hard drive and get a fresh copy of windows on it. I am also 99% sure that will solve your issues.

 

[OCNewbie]

Besides i'm pretty much lost when it comes to highly technical things like replacing HDDs and chipsets and all that.

Replacing a hard drive is likely MUCH easier than you are imagining. Also, I don't think anyone was suggesting replacing the chipsets, just the chipset drivers (the software that allows Windows, or another OS (operating system), to properly communicate with the hardware).

Typically, the only tool you'd need to replace a hard drive is a standard, phillips screwdriver, and maybe a tiny bit of bravery (for your first time anyway =P). There are typically 2 screws that hold one side of your computer case (tower, or otherwise) on. You remove those, then have access to pretty much everything inside. After you get the side of the case off, it should be quite easy, even for a complete novice, to locate the hard drive (using pictures easily found online). Once located, the hard drive will have 2 cables connecting it to the "grand central station" of your computer, which is called the motherboard (links all hardware devices together). They are easily removed without any tools, just a small tug, and they can only be reattached one way (no plugging them in backwards). The hard drive may be affixed to the case via some tiny, phillips screws, or possibly a push-button tab system.

As an experiment, without intentions of doing things to completion the first time, you can try taking the side of your case off, just to see what the inside of it looks like, and trying to locate the hard drive. Definitely have the computer turned off, and preferably unplugged as well (just to be safe). This way you can at least be confident in knowing you can locate the hard drive, and know what you're in for.

Also, a 2nd computer with internet access is highly recommended, so if you get stuck during the process, you can go online and ask questions here, or somewhere similar (though, of course anandtech is the best, but we may be a little biased =P).

Good luck! =)

 

[Kev_Be]

So basically i want to replace the hard drive i have in there now? Should i backup all my files or such because i'd imagine doing that would cause the computer to start fresh. What about OS? Should i try to purchase i differant operating system as well? Or should i stick with Vista 64? I don't make a lot of money so hopefully this isn't going to put me too far in the hole. I hear some places sell HDD for about $50 or so. Well i'll definetly ask for advice when i feel able to try the replacement. I can tell you though it won't be for a while. So what else do you suggest? Other than replacing the hard drive? Did i need to replace anything else? I keep hearing chipset drivers but is that basically what the hard drive is or do i need to try to find chipset drivers as well as the hard drive itself? lol i'm sorry for being an idiot on these types of things. I didn't think i'd be stuck trying to do all this. I do have a freind that's a real computer genius so i did ask him if he'd help me with such a task. But it doesn't seem too hard, other than trying to figure out what i need to do after i replace the hard drive.

 

[Mem]

Ouch. Do you have a spare HDD laying around? That way you could just disconnect your current drive, toss in the spare one, it only takes about 30-45 minutes at most to load windows, then you could update the video drivers and try a game or two. If you still have problems, then you'd only have wasted an hour at most. If it fixes it, and I'm 99% positive that a fresh reload + new video/chipset drivers would do it, then you know what to do next

I was going to suggest update all drivers first, he can also install latest DX9.0c version since some older games need that,you can get it from here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en (you will still have DX10/11).

I would also run memory check as well ie using Vista's built-in memory check or something like Memtest86+ which you can download for free.

Some games you have to run as Admin and XP compatibiity mode,normally you can find out either by trial and error or the well known old friend Google search engine for the game in question,do remember to make sure your PC meets minimum hardware spec for game in question...also make sure you install Windows updates and Service packs since some have game fixes.

Compatibility mode guide how to http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-compatibility-mode/

Btw if you can find out what PC you have hardware wise it'll help and make it easier to find/get drivers etc...

 

[Kev_Be]

What's a memory test going to do for me? Does that test clean up my PC so i can possibly run games? I've tried many times to run the game in compatibility mode, its not working. Every time i've tried to run in a differant compatability the same issue occurs with the game where it won't start up the launcher/patcher. I've also tried the directx 9.0 download but since i already have the newest directx version it didn't allow me to install the older versions of that. But i'll give the memory test a go and see what happens.

 

[Arkaign]

You can (matter of fact you have to for some titles) install DX9 runtime even if you have DX10/11 installed already on Vista or 7.

This is the one you're looking for :

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displayLang=en

If it says you're all up to date, that means you already have DX9 runtime up to date. If you do a fresh format/install of Vista or 7, you have to install that for some titles/apps.

But yeah, your memory is probably fine, the test is just to confirm that. Your OS has some kind of configuration problem somewhere, probably drivers. After a certain point a reload makes the most sense, but I always like to do it on a clean drive if possible just in case it doesn't make any difference, saving the time invested in backing up gobs of user data.

 

[OCNewbie]

What exactly happens with WoW? Are you able to run the launcher, but when you hit the "Play" button it doesn't actually load the game?

 

[Kev_Be]

I can't run the launcher OCnewbie, it just lets me download the game but when i click on the WoW icon on my desktop/pc it won't even start the launcher. The launcher is needed before i can even start playing. Its never been an issue of getting the game to play but the launcher itself.

 

[pontifex]

Everyone is saying drivers but how are drivers preventing him from even launching the games? If his games were crashing or not running right after launch, I would agree, but not with his current symptoms.

Is it just games that don't work or other apps too? Obviously you can launch a web browser to post here unless this is from another PC?

Actually, once you download the files, are you even able to install them?

I would think it's corruption on the hard drive or maybe a memory issue.

To do the hard drive swap all you need to do is buy another hard drive (unless you don't have an OS install disk, then you may need to buy an OS). When you remove your old drive, everything will stay on the drive, it doesn't get wiped out if you unplug it.

Open case, remove original HD, install new HD, close case, install OS, test games.

Hell, you can even leave the original drive installed, just not plugged in, if you have room in your case.

 

[OCNewbie]

Everyone is saying drivers but how are drivers preventing him from even launching the games? If his games were crashing or not running right after launch, I would agree, but not with his current symptoms.

My guess wouldn't be drivers, either.

I would think it's corruption on the hard drive or maybe a memory issue.

It does sound like it could be HD corruption. If it were a memory issue, wouldn't he be getting blue screens, or other errors during other things too, though? I believe he said he can play other games without issue, it's just a few particular games that cause him issues.

Kev, do you know how to access the task manager by hitting ctrl-alt-del? When you try to fire up WoW (World of Warcraft [does anybody NOT know that acronym?]), you may want to go to the task manager (ctrl-alt-del) and see if you get a "Not Responding", under applications, or if you can even see the "Blizzard Downloader.exe", or "Launcher.exe, under the processes tab.

The reason most people are suggesting starting with a fresh install of Windows, is that more often than not, when you have a software issue (like this could possibly be), it's easier to wipe everything out, and re-install windows than trying to meticulously comb over every possible solution when often times it's very difficult to locate the exact issue(s). Re-installing windows almost always fixes things like this (unless it's a hardware issue).

 

[Mem]

Everyone is saying drivers but how are drivers preventing him from even launching the games? If his games were crashing or not running right after launch, I would agree, but not with his current symptoms.

Is it just games that don't work or other apps too? Obviously you can launch a web browser to post here unless this is from another PC?

Actually, once you download the files, are you even able to install them?

I would think it's corruption on the hard drive or maybe a memory issue.

To do the hard drive swap all you need to do is buy another hard drive (unless you don't have an OS install disk, then you may need to buy an OS). When you remove your old drive, everything will stay on the drive, it doesn't get wiped out if you unplug it.

Open case, remove original HD, install new HD, close case, install OS, test games.

Hell, you can even leave the original drive installed, just not plugged in, if you have room in your case.

I think most of us are saying try ALL possible solutions(btw it was not clear if he had any games running at all),you have to rule out everything and not jump to conclusions,I would also try a different hard drive cable as well.

 

[zebano]

My guess wouldn't be drivers, either.



It does sound like it could be HD corruption. If it were a memory issue, wouldn't he be getting blue screens, or other errors during other things too, though? I believe he said he can play other games without issue, it's just a few particular games that cause him issues.

Kev, do you know how to access the task manager by hitting ctrl-alt-del? When you try to fire up WoW (World of Warcraft [does anybody NOT know that acronym?]), you may want to go to the task manager (ctrl-alt-del) and see if you get a "Not Responding", under applications, or if you can even see the "Blizzard Downloader.exe", or "Launcher.exe, under the processes tab.

The reason most people are suggesting starting with a fresh install of Windows, is that more often than not, when you have a software issue (like this could possibly be), it's easier to wipe everything out, and re-install windows than trying to meticulously comb over every possible solution when often times it's very difficult to locate the exact issue(s). Re-installing windows almost always fixes things like this (unless it's a hardware issue).

ctrl-shift-esc will take you directly to the task manager.

 

[OCNewbie]

ctrl-shift-esc will take you directly to the task manager.

Forgot about that. Good tip.

 

[Kev_Be]

Okay, so how does one go about fixing an issue with corrupted files? I know the game doesn't even run so task manager wouldn't help in that case since i did try it and see if the game was even on a not responding tag. So either way i look at it i'll want to wipe the system and start clean. Sad really since its only a handful of games that are actually giving me issues. I'm playing games like Fallout New Vegas and Everquest 2 just fine and those are pretty much new games. So why a game like WoW won't even run on my system is totally baffling. I never assumed when i tried to play this game again i would be going through so much trouble. As far as my OS i'll literally have to buy the install discs all over again because when i bought this PC the guy i bought it from didn't have any. So, assuming i have to start with a fresh OS shouldn't i just try to upgrade to Windows 7? I'm just curious because according to the information i found this PC should have enough capabilities to run Win 7 without too many issues. I'm just dissapointed in this PC for the fact that its running some games and not others.

 

[Mem]

Okay, so how does one go about fixing an issue with corrupted files? I know the game doesn't even run so task manager wouldn't help in that case since i did try it and see if the game was even on a not responding tag. So either way i look at it i'll want to wipe the system and start clean. Sad really since its only a handful of games that are actually giving me issues. I'm playing games like Fallout New Vegas and Everquest 2 just fine and those are pretty much new games. So why a game like WoW won't even run on my system is totally baffling. I never assumed when i tried to play this game again i would be going through so much trouble. As far as my OS i'll literally have to buy the install discs all over again because when i bought this PC the guy i bought it from didn't have any. So, assuming i have to start with a fresh OS shouldn't i just try to upgrade to Windows 7? I'm just curious because according to the information i found this PC should have enough capabilities to run Win 7 without too many issues. I'm just dissapointed in this PC for the fact that its running some games and not others.

Try this guide http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Check-your-hard-disk-for-errors

 

[Kev_Be]

I appreciate all your advice i'm going to first try to purchase a new Hard drive and see how that goes. I should probably try to make a purchase of windows 7 since i'm going to need an Operating system to install onto my PC after i swap the hard drives. I'm pretty sure that its an issue that once swapped, will be solved. But then again, it might be memory issue as well, not that i get blue screens all the time but i have gotten them in the past. Still, it sounds to me that if i just bought a new hard drive and reinstalled windows Vista/windows 7 i'd be much better off than anything else. I've tried pretty much everything i could think of on this PC and nothing has worked. To be honest, i didn't realize it would be this difficult to play a game like WoW lol. Specially when everything i need to run the game successfully is installed on my PC according to the requirements needed to play the game itself. I'll keep you guys informed and keep the advice coming its been helpful and appreciated!

 

[pontifex]

it's definitely an odd issue.

 

[Kev_Be]

Try this guide http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Check-your-hard-disk-for-errors

Okay i tried to check for corrupted files and that isn't the case. Either that or the problems were corrected. Not that it makes any differance my game still wouldn't start lol. Thats okay though, i think i'm going to just buy a new hard drive and install a new OS in this computer. Everyone i know tells me Vista sucks and i'm starting to believe all the negative press. With a new HD i can go ahead and back up my files then install the new OS. then replace the files onto the system and start new. Hopefully this all comes with a problem solved happy solution but i won't know till i try.

 

[Mem]

Okay i tried to check for corrupted files and that isn't the case. Either that or the problems were corrected. Not that it makes any differance my game still wouldn't start lol. Thats okay though, i think i'm going to just buy a new hard drive and install a new OS in this computer. Everyone i know tells me Vista sucks and i'm starting to believe all the negative press. With a new HD i can go ahead and back up my files then install the new OS. then replace the files onto the system and start new. Hopefully this all comes with a problem solved happy solution but i won't know till i try.

It's not Vista,I was using it as my main gaming OS including beta game testing(Vista x64) for many years including WoW with no issues , do not buy into the sucks rumours from a lot of uneducated people your problem is probably something else.

Win7 I'm using at the moment is slightly better then Vista on resources but stability is still the same ie both excellent for gaming etc..

Btw I'm curious ,have you tried downloading DX9.0c from here rather then Microsoft http://www.filehippo.com/download_directx/ ,once downloaded extract the files then ran the DXsetup exe file ,then see if WoW will run.