Help before X-MAS

[ms32795]

WARNING: before you jump my case about anything I just want you folks to know I'm very COMPUTER ILLITERATE, so be gentle..

I just installed G3.5 on my computer, and I'm getting the message ERROR CREATING EFFECT SHADOW RECIEVE DIRECTIONAL GRASS. I did a little research and found them my video card which happens to be a S3 GRAPHICS PROSAVAGE DDR is not supported by Flight Sim. G3.5.
My question is, is there a decent video card that I can pick up at Best Buy, Circuit City the will not cost a fortune, if so which one, and are they pretty easy to install. I'd like to do this before X-mas, since it is a surprise for my son..... Thanks in advance & MERRY CHRISTMAS.

ms32795

[Zelatio]

First, we need to know if you're PC has PCI-Express or not. I'm not actually sure how you check this, but maybe you already know. I'm thinking that you're PC is AGP, which some others know of good vid cards for those. I'm not sure off the top of my head.

[opjose]

ms32795 it's very easy to "be gentle" with you because you've done what 80% of the people needing help initially, have failed to do...

namely look to see if the problem has already been covered...

THANKS for taking the time to look FIRST!

As Zelatio said it's important to establish what type of slot your computer has available.

Look at the sticky at the top of the support forum and post the machine diagnostics dump. This may help determine the type of interface.

What would really help is in addition to this, is knowing the exact make and model of your computer or your computer motherboard if you've put it together yourself or someone has done it for you.

[ms32795]

When you say I need to see what slot my computer has available what do you mean by that? Also here is alittle info on my computers system;

System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2600+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.1GHz
Memory: 480MB RAM
DX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Video Card: S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
MFR: S3 Graphics, Inc.
Version: 6.14.0010.0012 (English)
Date: 5/26/2003 12:57:42, 397056 bytes
CD-ROM (?:\) HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8481B (?)
CD-ROM (?:\) HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8161B (?)
Installed in: C:\Program Files\RealFlightG3
Free Disk Space (C:\): 98304 mb free
Launcher Version: 1.00.175
RealFlight G3: 3.50.033

Thanks, ms32795

[opjose]

Thanks for the attempt but the above is of very little help, other than pointing out that you should add RAM as well as the new video card.

Do this: CLICK ME!

And post the EXACT make and model number of your computer.

e.g. Dell Inspiron 3120 model S30

This will be on a sticker at the back or bottom of the computer itself (the square "box" sitting next to the monitor and not on the monitor itself).

[ms32795]

Sorry, I hope this helps.

It is a Compaq Presario 6430NX that my wife and Ibought about 3-5 years ago. I was not able to perform want you attached to the link Click me so I cut and pasted the most useful info that I could find there..

********************
c:\launcherbasic.txt
*******************************
System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)

Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2600+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.1GHz

Memory: 480MB RAM

DX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

Video Card: S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR

MFR: S3 Graphics, Inc.

Version: 6.14.0010.0012 (English)

Date: 5/26/2003 12:57:42, 397056 bytes

CD-ROM (?:\) HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8481B (?)

CD-ROM (?:\) HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8161B (?)

Installed in: C:\Program Files\RealFlightG3

Free Disk Space (C:\): 98289 mb free


*******************************
c:\dxdiag.txt
*******************************
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 12/24/2006, 04:48:08
Machine name: YOUR-KYBTG65GXE
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Compaq Presario 06
System Model: DA237A-ABA 6430NX NA910
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2600+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.1GHz
Memory: 480MB RAM
Page File: 386MB used, 735MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
Manufacturer: S3 Graphics, Inc.
Chip type: S3 ProSavage DDR
DAC type: S3 SDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_5333&DEV_8D04&SUBSYS_39081462&REV_00
Display Memory: 32.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (16 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: s3gnb.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.0012 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/26/2003 12:57:42, 397056 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: s3gnbm.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/26/2003 12:57:50, 166912 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B75DD3-CE44-11CF-DE77-0219A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x5333
Device ID: 0x8D04
SubSys ID: 0x39081462
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_39021462&REV_50
Manufacturer ID: 65535
Product ID: 65535
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5730 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 10/1/2004 10:24:02, 2279424 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 33, 32
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 33, 32
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

If this does not help, the only thing I know to do next is to cut and paste all of the information from the Assemble System Information screen. I know the link CLICK ME warns not to do this since it would be to long but that is all I can think to do.

Thanks, ms32795

[ms32795]

Could somone tell me how I can tell the difference in AGP & PCI EXPRESS (is there a difference as to what the plug-in looks like were the card plugs in)? I have the side of my cpu off and I'm able to see inside now....

Thanks, ms32795

[ms32795]

Ok after doing some extensive internet searching, I believe my video card connection port is AGP (its says AGP1 IN very small print above the port/slot). I think this because my cpu is a few years old and does not have the YELLOW connection ports for PCI EXPRESS, and secondly (correct me if I'm wrong) the white PCI ports on cpu are for audio only.

If I'm right could you guys give some recommendations as to which video card I should buy thats fairly easy to install...

I found most of my info from this website http://www.kids-online.net/learn/click/details/agp.html

One last thing should the AGP port on my cpu be empty(no card) since the computer has never had any upgrades, and does this pose a problem with installing a new card....

Thanks, ms32795

[jeffpn]

Your specs You have an integrated video card, which would have to be disabled in BIOS in order to install an AGP video card. The spec sheet does not say what speed the AGP slot is. The AGP slot will have a different configuration, based on the speed of the slot. An 8x AGP card will not fit into a 4x slot, etc. I'm no expert, but based on the other features of your PC, you could have an 8x slot. When you first boot up your computer, you'll see a message similar to "Pres DEL to enter system setup." You'll have to do that to get to the screen to disable the onboard video card. When you get to the screen for your onboard video, you may see another item about your AGP slot, and it may give you choices about what speed you want the slot to operate. It's tough to find a 4x AGPcard now, due to old technology. Don't save changes unti l you are SURE that the only change that you made is to disable the onboard video. Then you'll have to save the changes, otherwise you could have a conflict between the integrated vidio, and the AGP video. Also, just fyi, the white PCI slots are for things like network cards, modems, sound cards, additional USB ports, etc. Good luck!!!! (Opjose, help me out here!!!!)

[ms32795]

Originally Posted by jeffpn

Your specs You have an integrated video card, which would have to be disabled in BIOS in order to install an AGP video card. The spec sheet does not say what speed the AGP slot is. The AGP slot will have a different configuration, based on the speed of the slot. An 8x AGP card will not fit into a 4x slot, etc. I'm no expert, but based on the other features of your PC, you could have an 8x slot. When you first boot up your computer, you'll see a message similar to "Pres DEL to enter system setup." You'll have to do that to get to the screen to disable the onboard video card. When you get to the screen for your onboard video, you may see another item about your AGP slot, and it may give you choices about what speed you want the slot to operate. It's tough to find a 4x AGPcard now, due to old technology. Don't save changes unti l you are SURE that the only change that you made is to disable the onboard video. Then you'll have to save the changes, otherwise you could have a conflict between the integrated vidio, and the AGP video. Also, just fyi, the white PCI slots are for things like network cards, modems, sound cards, additional USB ports, etc. Good luck!!!! (Opjose, help me out here!!!!)

Thanks jeffpn, I believe I found my AGP slot speed (its 4x) accrding to this link
http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=19549

[jeffpn]

Sound like you have enough info to go to your local computer store. Take this list with you to the store, and ask a geek there to help you. I did a little research on 8x/4x slots and cards, and it looks like an 8x card will work in a 4x slot. Hope this helps!

[cfossa]

Hi,

I just did a quick search on BestBuy, and did not see any AGP 4X video cards. They do have 8X cards like this that are not too expensive:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1140392153993

Good luck!

FWIW I would not spend a fortune on a video card for this machine if it is 4-5 years old. Better off getting something that will run the sim, and then get a great video card when you upgrade the PC.

Good luck! Hope you find what you need.

ALso, I've had good luck with Nvidia cards and Realflight.

Carl

[opjose]

Originally Posted by jeffpn

Also, just fyi, the white PCI slots are for things like network cards, modems, sound cards, additional USB ports, etc. Good luck!!!! (Opjose, help me out here!!!!)

You pretty well nailed it.

Most motherboards DO NOT need the integrated display to be turned off, but it doesn't hurt anything to disable it in the bios AFTER the new card is up and running.

Some machines will acquire the ability to display on both devices simultaneously, but this may slow things down.

Others merely enable the AGP and automatically disable the on board video.

And a few simply do not permit you to do anything to the on board video. It stays on, but not fully functional, after you have installed the AGP card.

[ms32795]

Thanks for all the guys. I went to BEST BUY today and had an ATI RADEON 9550 installed their ($105.00) installed....

Now I have another problem a buddy on mine let me borrow his add-on volumes 1-5. I have been able to sucessfully install volumes 1 & 5 with no problems. When I try to install volumes 2, 3, & 4 everything starts off fine, it asks if I want to install (click YES) , asks what language (English), then it says Real Flight 3 Setup is preparing the InstallShield(R) Wizard which will guide you through the rest of the setup process. Please Wait. The little staus bar fills up to 100% and the nothing else happens.

Thanks so much, ms32795

[opjose]

Eh... search for the installationfix.