Lag with video games

[DrNick]

I ran my own windows memory diagnostic and it said no memory problems

 

[DrNick]

Anyone know what to do?

 

[DrNick]

Because this has been goingon for a while, and it's very frustrating

 

[Frostmourne]

Well:

• Its not heat
• Its not hardware
• Probably not IRQ's and you most likely wouldn't be able change it if it was
• Its not the antivirus

I'm leaning towards a software or Windows Update conflict - I would reinstall 7 and then install only the drivers, windows updates, and games in that order. If there is no lag, its software.

 

[DrNick]

How can I uninstall windows 7?

 

[Frostmourne]

Use your disk to install 7 again, freshly formatting.

 

[DrNick]

Crap, ok will I lose any data from uninstalling 7?

 

[Frostmourne]

Back everything up - have you been using Windows Backup? Everything will go. Then follow the post above - the games will most likely work.

 

[DrNick]

How do I back everything up? And I don't know how to uninstall or reinstall a driver

 

[Frostmourne]

Plug in an external hard drive, search for backup in the start menu and then back everything up now. Then, back up vital files manually to the same driver in a separate folder. Once that is done, reformat and reinstall 7. Use the drivers guide in my sig to update your drivers. For a laptop, look for the manufacturer's web site.

 

[DrNick]

Thanks

 

[ryan9939]

Can I suggest you first get the latest drivers for your videocard? Most likely you're using the drivers delivered from Windows Update if you haven't manually installed them yourself. Go here Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers and download and install the drivers for your videocard.

 

[DrNick]

Hmmm, ok sure, I think I'm downloading the right one now

 

[ryan9939]

any luck?

 

[DrNick]

Hmmm, It made my computer go a little longer without slowing down and freezing up. But it didn't solve the problem entirely. But what you said did help. Anything else you think can help? I don't want to reinstall or get rid of windows7 in total.

 

[SirGouki]

Is it typical of this forum to assume that someone knows anything at all about computers? Because this guy clearly doesn't know much about windows saying things like "I don't know how to uninstall and reinstall drivers". That coupled with the fact that almost every time he posts it's 3 or 4 in a row instead of using the edit button tells me they are new to all of this.

First off, lag = latency between client and server software, not drops in Frames per second. If you're playing a game that doesn't use an internet connection, this cannot happen. A drop in fps can be caused by anything... graphics card can't handle the game, graphics drivers improperly installed or not updated, you haven't defragged your computer ever. The reasons are endless, even if this happens on "every" game, which it probably doesn't. Also, your system specs list was severely lacking, just post the model of the dell you got so we can use google like we like to tell everyone else to do. This can usually be found on the computer itself some where (if it's a laptop, usually near where the monitor and the computer meet. If its a desktop it should be on a sticker or something on the front of the computer itself).

As one user sort of mentioned, don't use registry cleaners, or memory freeing utilities, as these are usually scams and can even destroy your Operating System. Also, do NOT stick with Microsoft's security tools, this is asking for trouble. Use something like AVG Free or Avast for antivirus, and Spybot: Search and Destroy or Super Spyware Remover (Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com) for antispyware.

 

[DrNick]

It does happen on every game. Sorry I got lag and fps drop mixed up. And I'm sorry I'm not an expert on computers, that's why I'm posting here, because of that. And I'm sorry for posting a few times in a row.

What I got from my computer:
Studio 1440/14z

What else do you need? It also said product numbers and keys but I think that was just for purchasing.

 

[Fumz]

Nick,

You don't need to apologize for anything. Sometimes people tend to forget that everyone was a beginner at some point... and that's not your fault.

 

[Fumz]

If yours is an OEM machine, then perhaps you've got stuff loading that you don't need that's taking the resources you need for games? Often, OEM's will load every piece of crap they bundle with the machine, which only means what you want to run runs a bit slower.

Hit the Windows logo, then type msconfig. Allow it, then click the startup tab. List everything that's checked.

 

[ryan9939]

Since you have an onboard NVIDIA sound card, I'm going to assume that computer came with an NVIDIA network card (since it's not stated anywhere, but correct me if I'm wrong). I remember once when I was repairing a vista machine that had a similar issue, that when you install the NVIDIA chipset drivers, it prompts you to install some network control software thing (I think it was called Network Access Management or something). I remember this software ran as a service and created hiccups in many source, steam based games (TF2, L4D, etc). Try going to the NVIDIA website with Internet Explorer (not firefox or any other browser), Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers, and under "Option 2" there should be a button to autodetect your motherboard chipset. Try this button out to see if it provides you with a file to download. If it does, download it, install it and pay close attention to each screen when you try to install it. If it asks you to install this Network Access Management software, click "NO". I've never tried this install on a Dell so it may say that the drivers aren't supported, but maybe the chipset drivers on the Dell website will work.