I have Win7, NVidia GeForce 9600 GT, Intel Pentium Core Duo Processor. The controls to make the characters move, face a direction I want them to go, point the curser where I want it to point without drifting all over the place are not working. Sometimes I can't get the character to move at all, as if they're locked in place. Sometimes the curser floats all over the place instead of directly pointing where I want it. When moving the character, I lose control of direction.

What can I do?

Since your computer has an older video card and is now considered low end, you have to go into the game options and turn down video options as far as they will go. Turn off antialiasing, shadows, and any other "extras."

OK. Will give that a try. Thanks.

It worked for a while and then the game just froze and I couldn't do anything but close it. I went to GOG because they had lots of info about what to do. Nothing worked. Video card? If so, I could use advice on what to purchase. I've always used NVidia, so would prefer that.

We'd need to know the wattage of your power supply in order to suggest anything.

Got this from DxDiag. Does it help?
EVR Power Information
---------------
Current Setting: {5C67A112-A4C9-483F-B4A7-1D473BECAFDC} (Quality)
Quality Flags: 2576
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow half deinterlace
Allow scaling
Decode Power Usage: 100
Balanced Flags: 1424
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow batching
Force half deinterlace
Force scaling
Decode Power Usage: 50
PowerFlags: 1424
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow batching
Force half deinterlace
Force scaling
Decode Power Usage: 0

And this:
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 11/12/2014, 17:43:51
Machine name: MELIA
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.140706-1506)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: EP45-DS3L
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~3.0GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1909MB used, 2183MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

No... Unless your hubby remembers, you will have to open up the case and see what it says on the power supply. I checked in all your threads at Mystery Manor to see if I could find it, but I didn't see it. I can't remember... is this that old XP computer that you upgraded to 32-bit Windows 7?

Yes it is. I got the list of components to buy from Newegg those many years ago. I forget who helped me at the Manor.
Hubby says it's 650 watts.

I can't remember either. But now that you say it, I do remember you getting one with a pretty heft wattage. In that case, you can get a very nice video card upgrade. I'm pretty sure that's a PCI-e slot on your motherboard too. I look back a bit more at the manor and see if I can find the thread.

That thread is long gone. I remember looking back some time ago.

Yup, you're right. Let's see what Inland or Jenny think about a video card for a 32-bit Windows 7 OS with only 7 GB of RAM.

I'm beginning to doubt it's the card. I went to the Red Thread forum and a LOT of people with better computers than I are having crashing and freezing problems. Trouble is, I can't figure out what to do even after reading the thread. I already installed the patch that was supposed to fix this. Now it doesn't even start up. Getting really annoyed. I sent them an email about the problem. There was a folder that contained crash info that I was told to send to the developer, so I did. Will see what happens.

Good idea... I hope they get it solved for you. One of these time though... you know there will be an adventure game that needs more than what you've got! Start stuffing that sock!

Have been reading the Red Thread forums. Seems that the part I'm stuck in is so detailed that it takes a ton of memory. I have 2 GB of RAM. I need at least 3. I found out that Win 7 can accommodate up to 4 GB RAM. Am debating whether to get the memory stick or, as my husband wants to do and which will cost more and take more time, get a new motherboard and components. I'm for the extra RAM. Cheaper. And it's only one game, for goodness sake!

The DXDIAG you posted says you have 32-bit Windows 7. So, no, you can't accomodate more than a bit over 3 GB of RAM. That's the reason most people get the 64-bit version - it can pretty much use all the RAM you can throw at it. But you are limited to the same amount you had with XP.

It won't be the only one.
Your husband probably has the right idea for the long term -- new components (or a new computer might actually cost less).
The RAM would be a quick fix, and may be responsible for most of your current difficulties. But your computer is still generally low end for a gaming computer and adding the RAM still might not be enough for smooth play.

OK. OK. Christmas list, here I come. :sigh: I could use some help in figuring what components to buy. New motherboard, new NVidia card, extra memory, new processor. Any ideas?

With the RAM limits of your 32-bit Window 7, that's probably the best thing to do. Yes, I know I'm a broken record! Go to ecollegePC and use their configurator to see what one might cost and play around with components. As a gamer, get the most computer and the best video card you can afford. I just ordered another one from them for a guy who only needs a low end computer for $459. A higher end gaming computer will probably push $800 - $900. Their customer service is the best, bar none.

http://www.ecollegepc.com/

So you have two things to think about..
1. Your budget
2. Windows 8.1

If you get a Dell or an HP or any branded computer, it will be Windwos 8.1. To get Windows 7, you will need to have it built or build it yourself.

I love Windows 8.1 and I think Window 10 next spring is going to be even better as they are making even more nods to desktop users. I believe Inland is running the Tech Preview and seeing some things he likes so far. I downloaded it, but have never gotten around to installing it.

I've had 5 people call me for help with a new Windows 8.1 computer. After 45 minutes, every single one decided they loved it too. These were very casual users and weren't interested in all the bells and whistles, just how to use it easily. Windows 8 was a disappointment in many ways for a lot of people, myself included although I did like a lot about it too. 8.1 and then the 8.1 Update after that make it MUCH better.

So, something to think about.

We just got to Win7. Do I have to change it already? I was hoping to just get those components I listed above and keep the rest of what I have.

Are you saying you want to reuse the 32-bit Windows 7? You will be limited to less than 4 GB of RAM then.

If you just want to stay with Windows 7, but get the 64-bit version so you can get 8 GB of RAM, then sure you can. Microsoft will support it until 2020. I put Windows 7 on a couple of computers recently.

The only thing I can see you reusing is that power supply. I don't know what kind of case you have, but if you are going to get a 4th generation Core i5 or Core i7 plus a higher end video card, chances are it's not going to have the cooling you need. Especially if it's an old HP or Dell case. They were just not made for cooling a gaming computer.

The case is an off brand - Mystique. It's extra large and has lots of room inside to add stuff. This computer was a build that we did ourselves. We bought the components that Robert suggested and my husband already had the case, so we used it.

How many fans does it have and what size are they?

I have one fan cooling the CPU, one on the power supply, and one cooling the entire system. Don't know how big. We can't see the numbers without taking them out.

Edit: Just found out my husband has 64-bit win7.

Sorry, I should have been clearer... when I asked how many fans it had, I meant the case. So it essentially has NO cooling fans except for maybe a small exhaust fan. I would be very leery of this case being able to keep a gaming system cool enough even if it is a mid-size case.

If you want to reuse this case for a new computer, you will need to find out if it is possible to add some case fans. Look at the front of the inside of the case, the top and the side. See if there is any way to mount any cooling fans.

I tried to look the case up, but I can't find anything on it.

Do you mean hubby has an EXTRA copy of 64-bit Windows 7? Your DXDIAG says you have 32-bit on the computer now. If you can establish that this case is capable of keeping higher end components cool enough without them being crowded, I'd still just go to eCollegePC and look at the components they have in their gaming systems. At least that's a good start for motherboard, CPU, RAM and video card. Then you can price compare places like Newegg and Tiger Direct.

EDIT: Is this the case? If so, it's not an off brand at all - it's a Cooler Master which is a very good brand. The specs say it has front and rear 120 mm fans which would probably be enough.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119129

The big fan cools the case. It came attached to the case. The other two are for CPU and power supply. Just found out there's a fourth fan that's also a case fan that's died and needs to be replaced. We might just get another case.

Edit: found Mystique at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119129

Yup, that's the same one I found. That case has more than enough cooling for a new build. The fans are cheap and easily replaced.

So, if you want to proceed with your "Christmas list," I still suggest going to eCollegePC and looking at their gaming computers to get a feel for what you might want to look for at Newegg or Tiger Direct or where ever else you might want to shop for components. It will give you a rough idea of what to expect price-wise. Just remove things like a case and a power supply.

Ok! Problem solved. Thanks.

Edit: I finally finished pricing the components I'd need on Newegg. Sheesh! For $800 dollars I might as well get a new PC at ecollege!

One thing - if you look at Intel processors, be aware that the "K" after the numbers means that it is unlocked for overclocking. So, if you're not planning on overclocking the processor, there's no need to get one like that.

Yup. That's often how it works out.
The advantage of building your own is only if you (or someone in your family) enjoys putting computers together themselves.

That's the thing with eCollegePC - they build them for roughly the same price that you can. But they provide 3 years of parts and labor support at no extra charge.

Newegg will be having great sales leading up to the holidays and if you are vigilant and sign up for their emails, you can probably whack the prices down some.

That Intel Core i5 configured just like it is on their front page for $862 with the GTX 750 Ti is not a bad deal as-is. Shipping is always free.

Here's what I figured: https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=26096685

I can't get to your wish list, Melia. They are secure unless you make them public.

I had the worst time getting the list onto the public list, even after clicking the "make public" button several times. So here's the list I copied and pasted.

Qty. Image Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price


Update

GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-SLI LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-SLI LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Model #:GA-Z97X-SLI
Item #:N82E16813128714
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card

Note (Add)
$128.99 $128.99


Update

ZOTAC ZT-90101-10P GeForce GTX 970 4GB 256-Bit DDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support G-SYNC Support Video Card

ZOTAC ZT-90101-10P GeForce GTX 970 4GB 256-Bit DDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support G-SYNC Support Video Card
Model #:ZT-90101-10P
Item #:N82E16814500362
Return Policy:VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$329.99 $329.99


Update

Intel Core i7-4790K Haswell Quad-Core 4.0GHz LGA 1150 Desktop Processor BX80646I74790K

Intel Core i7-4790K Haswell Quad-Core 4.0GHz LGA 1150 Desktop Processor BX80646I74790K
Model #:BX80646I74790K
Item #:N82E16819117369
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$349.99 -$20.00 Instant $329.99


Update

HyperX Fury Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model HX316C10F/4

HyperX Fury Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model HX316C10F/4
Model #:HX316C10F/4
Item #:N82E16820104441
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$41.99 $83.98
Subtotal: $872.95
Select All - Select None

As I mentioned in a post above, unless you are going to be overclocking your CPU, get the 4790 without the "K." Another suggestion - go for 8 GB of RAM if you are getting the level of high end components you list here. I don't see a hard drive... Do you plan on wiping your current one and reusing it? If so, it is probably an older SATA II drive. If you are going this high end, I'd sure recommend getting a SATA III drive. The motherboard is backwards compatible, but it would be a shame to put a slow older drive in it. If this is just getting too expensive, you could easily back down on the video card a bit and even go for a high end Core i5 CPU. If you don't plan on getting into the latest shooters and RPGs, that is a good option for an adventure gamer.

But, like I said, get as much computer as you can afford while you're at it.

The 4790 is over $500. I can't afford it. Am looking at an i5 4690 do the job? For the video card, would NVidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti do the trick? The cost is better already. We were planning to use the old hard drives, but can get a new one.

Let's put it this way... I'm using a previous generation Core i5 3470 with an EVGA Overclocked 660Ti and am playing all the newer high-demand RPGs and shooters on higest settings with no problems. I'm sure there will be new shooters I will have to lower the graphics on, but I'm OK with that because it was within my budget. Check out this video card hierarchy chart from Tom's Hardware.

Tom's Hardware GPUs

Of course, these positions in the hierarchy are all relative to each other and don't give performance comparisons. You might want to look at the GTX 760, but the 750Ti is also a very good card for adventure gaming. Inland knows way more than I do about all the details here. I believe Winfrey got a GTX 760 in her computer she had eCollegePC build for her.

As far as the CPU goes, I think you would be very happy with the Core i5 4690. Again, watch those "Ks" if you don't plan on overclocking. Read more here from Tom's Hardware about the Best Gaming CPUs for the Money. I think it's on page 3 or 4 where it says, once you get much above the $250 CPUs, there is a case of diminishing returns. Since you do adventure gaming, I think this might be a good "sweet spot" for you. But read some of the reviews and see what you think.

Tom's Hardware CPUs

You can certainly reuse your hard drive, but a Sata III 1 TB Western Digital Black with a 64 MB cache is $75. You could always use your old drive for backup.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236625

New wish list: Wish List:

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1 GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-SLI LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-SLI LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128714
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$128.99

1 GIGABYTE GV-N760WF2OC-2GD G-SYNC Support GeForce GTX 760 2GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready Video Card GIGABYTE GV-N760WF2OC-2GD G-SYNC Support GeForce GTX 760 2GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814125556
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy -$5.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$219.99
$214.99

1 Intel Core i5-4690 Haswell Quad-Core 3.5GHz LGA 1150 84W Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4600 BX80646I54690 Intel Core i5-4690 Haswell Quad-Core 3.5GHz LGA 1150 84W Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4600 BX80646I54690
Item #: N82E16819116989
Return Policy: Iron Egg Guarantee Replacement-Only Return Policy $224.99

2 HyperX Fury Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model HX316C10F/4 HyperX Fury Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model HX316C10F/4
Item #: N82E16820104441
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $83.98

$50 mail-in rebates in there.

Much better! The $50 in rebates is almost enough to get one of those WD Black 1 TB hard drives!

If you haven't already done it, double check that the RAM you chose is good for that motherboard.

How? I'll reread the description.

Yes. It has 4 memory slots. I'll be using 2 of them. The specs are the same as the memory I selected...240 pin, ddr3....whatever that means.

No, I meant the speed... The motherboard says this:

Support for DDR3 3000(O.C.) / 2933(O.C.) / 2800(O.C.) / 2666(O.C.) / 2600(O.C.) / 2500(O.C.) / 2400(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 MHz memory modules

Your RAM is compatible with that motherboard. It's all pretty standard, but I almost got caught once with a set of RAM sticks that were not compatible with a motherboard, so I always double check now!

I've been studying whether I can use 4 GB Ram or even more with Win7. ALL of the answers on the Microsoft website say that, no matter the OS, if it's 32 BIT I can't use more than 4 GB. And even that will be less because the system is using some of it automatically for other operations, so I will probably get only 3.1 GB of use.

Seems silly to purchase two memory sticks with 8GB total if I can't use them. Have I this right?

Edit: I mean, do I have this right?

You will have to upgrade to a 64bit OS in order to use the full amount of memory. It's still available on eBay and Amazon.

That's why I said you needed to get a 64-bit operating system if you wanted to have more RAM.

Yes, he has an extra copy of 64-bit win7. He's not too enthused about changing up my system, though, since he just upgraded - with difficulty - from XP to win 7 recently.

You mentioned win 10. Think it would be better to just wait for it and upgrade then?

Windows 10 is still on the horizon, I'd use the extra copy of Windows 7.

I agree with Inland. If you were going to go for Windows 10, you should just get Windows 8.1 and upgrade to 10 next year. If you've already got 64-bit Windows 7, then that's your best bet for this upgrade.

Assuming you get a SATA III hard drive to go along with that new motherboard rather than putting the slower old SATA II drives in it, it will be a breeze to install Windows 7 on a new drive.

If your hubby tried to upgrade from XP, that may have been why he ran into trouble. You can't upgrade - you have to do a clean install. Also if he tried to upgrade (NOT a clean install) from 32-bit XP to a 64-bit Windows 7, he would have run into problems.

Yes, it was a real pain to upgrade. He doesn't want to do it again if he can help it. He said he had the choice, at the time of the upgrade, to pick 32-bit or 64-bit. He chose 32-bit. I don't know what he could do now except get a new win7 64-bit (or a win8.1 64-bit) install program and install to a new disc.

Like I said, if he was upgrading, that's probably where he ran into problems - you can't upgrade from XP to Windows 7. You have to do a clean install.

For your new build, I sure would recommend a new SATA III disc and a new copy of 64-bit Windows 7 or 8.1. Watch the sales at Newegg. I've gotten Windows 7 for $80. Not only would you get a disk that could take advantage of the newer SATA III interface, have an OS that could use 8 GB (or more) of RAM, but the whole process would be SOOO much easier and less frustrating.

I recommend doing a fresh install of 64-bit Windows 7 on a fresh new hard drive.
Not only is it easier, but the result will be more stable than trying to "upgrade."
When Windows tries to "save your settings" during an upgrade, it will save any configuration problems you had on your old Windows and tranfer them to the new one --> a BAD thing. So it's much better to start fresh.

If you have any files you want to save from your 32-bit Windows, copy those particular files manually to an external hard drive. Usually copying the (My) Documents folder is sufficient, but if you save files elsewhere on your hard drive you'd have to copy those over too (for example, you might have some files saved to your desktop). You can copy your saved files to the new Windows 7 after you've installed it. Don't bother trying to copy folders from games installed on 32-bit Windows. What you need to save is the game installer files, not the folders.

You'll lose any "free" "Game of the Day" games you have. That's unavoidable whenever you move to a new hard drive. If any of those "Game of the Day" games are "must haves," you're better off buying them from some website that gives you the option of installing/activating on more than one computer and at any time you want -- sites like Big Fish, Steam, GOG, possibly form the website of the developer...

So -- pretty much the same thing Draclvr said.

Except you said it much better than I did... makes more sense.

Sorry for stacking! I didn't want this to go unnoticed.

Melia, I just thought of something. When you say your hubby has an extra copy of 64-bit Windows 7, do you mean the "extra" disk he had left when he installed the 32-bit Windows 7 on his computer? If that's the case, he DOES NOT have a copy of 64-bit Windows 7. When you get Windows 7, there are two disks provided and you can choose 32-bit or 64-bit. But there is only ONE operating system license. So if he installed 32-bit Windows 7 on his computer and activated the license, that license is already used and you cannot use that extra 64-bit disk on another computer.

Drac, I thought I'd butt in with a but A few years ago I bought a "Retail" version of Win 7 it came with two disc as you said one a 32bit the other a 64 bit. However the OS came with Three licenses. I put one on a new E-college I ordered without an Os, and one on a new similar E-college for my wife. That leaves me with yet a third computer to install this on.

Another question even if this "Extra Disc" had one license as I understand it you can remove the 32 bit install and install the 64 bit on the same computer. The comment made regarding Melia's OS was not clear if this particular disc came with her computer of not.

I agree that it was all a bit unclear. If this was indeed an OS with 3 licenses, then she could use that 64-bit disk on her upgrade. But if these are single licenses, then there is no "extra" disk.

So, we just don't know for sure and I wanted to be sure they had the license they would need just in case. You explained it even better!

We have three licenses on the disc. We've only used two of them. But the DVD we have is an upgrade, not a clean install. We can't use it without reinstalling XP and going up from there. A pain and a half..

Read through the last thread in this post from the Microsoft forums -

Clean Install of Windows 7 from a Windows 7 Upgrade disk?

Thanks. I sent the link to hubby.