Win7 Is Slow!!! (my first post btw...)

[t4akawolf]

First off, I am not sure whether to post this in the Performance section or Games section or Graphics Card section coz I am having problems with all three (I think) on my PC...I am a total noob to Seven Forums, in case you're wondering :|

System Specs:

System Manufacturer/Model Number:Intel DG31PR
OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x32
CPU:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU - E4600 @ 2.40GHz (2CPUs),
Motherboard:Intel DG31PR
Memory:4096 RAM
Graphics Card(s):ATI Radeon HD 4350 1GB DDR2
Monitor(s) Displays:Generic Pnp Monitor 1024x768 (32 bit) (85Hz)
Screen Resolution:1024x768
Hard Drives:250GB HDD
PSU:450W
Keyboard:MS Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse:MS HID Compliant Mouse
Internet Speed:256Kbps-512Kbps (<-- I don't know why this is necessary :/ )

I just installed Win7Ultim a few days ago and there were no problems with any of the games or PC. At that time I didn't have a GFX card btw. The GFX card I got only today morning.

When I turned on my PC after connecting the card, Win7 said that the device is installed and ready to use, but I installed the latest drivers (from the website) anyway and finished the installation. Then I updated DirectX to the latest version (coz I read somewhere that even though DxDiag says Win7 has DX11 you should always update your DirectX).

Next I tried opening GTA:San Andreas but it didn't launch at all...I thought something must be wrong with the game.

Then I tried NFS:Most Wanted. The game launched, loaded fine, I 'Clicked To Continue' aaaaaaaaaaannnnnd SUPER CHOPPY GAME! I adjusted the game's gfx settings to its lowest (which shouldn't be necessary actually) but still the game was very slow. Like '1 frame every 2 seconds' slow :| I closed it.

THEN I installed Assassin's Creed 1 and launched the DX10 version, but the loading screen itself was slow (low frame rate) so I closed it and launched the DX9 version. The game launched, I went through the game's loading process, started a new profile aaaaaaaaaaannnnnd SUPER CHOPPY GAME! I adjusted the game's gfx settings to its lowest (which shouldn't be necessary actually) but still the game was very slow (exactly like NFSMW). Like '1 frame every 2 seconds' slow :| I closed it.

As you can imagine, I was frustrated by this point. THEN I noticed something which only made my day worse. I noticed that whenever there were more than 3 windows open at any time, the Win7 animation effects were not smooth like they were before. I closed all windows keeping only one open and the animations were smooth...This forced me to change the Advanced System Properties' Performance Settings ('systempropertiesadvanced' in Run window) to 'Adjust for best performance' which, as far as I know, should be absolutely unnecessary seeing that I have 4GB ram and a 1GB gfx card (which is compatible with my mobo)!

I've tried defragging, DiskCleanup, spyware removal, registry fixing, cleaning junk files, optimizing my PC and virus scanning! I also use a program called Game Booster 2 Beta before running any game. What could be wrong??? Is Win7 the problem here? Should I go back to XP?

That reminds me, before I had Win7, I had WinXP and the same model gfx card (which was my friend's, I bought the same model for myself today) and all games including Assassin's Creed (on DX9 mode of course) used to run flawlessly. The only new variable in this equation is Win7...So...should I revert back to XP?

Hoping for a quick reply,
T4

UPDATE:
I got GTA SA to work by changing it's compatibility mode to Win98/ME. I don't remember who posted that solution but I remember reading that somewhere in Sevenforums. But the game itself now runs like the other games. With very choppy gameplay.

UPDATE:
As of Oct 30, two weeks after posting this, the problem is solved!! All I had to do was uninstall ATI Catalyst and let Win 7's in built drivers do their job...

UPDATE:
As of Nov 1, I realized what a blundering dunderhead I am...You see, me being the most absent minded person ever, I installed WinXP's Catalyst in Windows 7 and THEN I updated it to the latest WinXP Catalyst -.- I just realized this when I saw '...winxp...' somewhere in the file name of the Catalyst installer. I downloaded the latest Catalyst for Win7x64 bit and everything works like a charm now

 

[logicearth]

The only new variable in this equation is Win7...

That isn't the only new variable. Drivers, software, hardware. All play a part in this.

 

[t4akawolf]

All drivers, software and hardware is the same, actually. Well, the software and hardware is same anyway. Not much sure about the drivers...so anyway, what do you suggest I do? As you may have gathered from my post, I am getting frustraaaaated here.

 

[t4akawolf]

Help? Anybody? HELLO? *echoes* Can anyone help me? *echoes again*

 

[Lomai]

How about disabling game booster?

Keep us posted and regards

 

[Desslok]

Have you tried going to the game manufacturer's support site? I remember afew years ago having an issue with some Blizzard games and there was a known issue with certain drivers for the video card I had at the time. I had to go find a specific known good older version of the driver.

 

[t4akawolf]

How about disabling game booster?

Keep us posted and regards

Nope, doesn't help

Thanks for the suggestion, anyway...

 

[t4akawolf]

Have you tried going to the game manufacturer's support site? I remember afew years ago having an issue with some Blizzard games and there was a known issue with certain drivers for the video card I had at the time. I had to go find a specific known good older version of the driver.

I could find no problem with my GFX card or its drivers...though I did find out that my card was mainly built for HD Video viewing. But I checked online and according to the games' requirements, and 'http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/CYRI/' my PC passes recommended requirements too :shock:

 

[logicearth]

What antivirus/security software are you running?
What additional software have you installed that is running?

 

[zigzag3143]

First off, I am not sure whether to post this in the Performance section or Games section or Graphics Card section coz I am having problems with all three (I think) on my PC...I am a total noob to Seven Forums, in case you're wondering :|

System Specs:

System Manufacturer/Model Number:Intel DG31PR
OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x32
CPU:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU - E4600 @ 2.40GHz (2CPUs),
Motherboard:Intel DG31PR
Memory:4096 RAM
Graphics Card(s):ATI Radeon HD 4350 1GB DDR2
Monitor(s) Displays:Generic Pnp Monitor 1024x768 (32 bit) (85Hz)
Screen Resolution:1024x768
Hard Drives:250GB HDD
PSU:450W
Keyboard:MS Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse:MS HID Compliant Mouse
Internet Speed:256Kbps-512Kbps (<-- I don't know why this is necessary :/ )

I just installed Win7Ultim a few days ago and there were no problems with any of the games or PC. At that time I didn't have a GFX card btw. The GFX card I got only today morning.

When I turned on my PC after connecting the card, Win7 said that the device is installed and ready to use, but I installed the latest drivers (from the website) anyway and finished the installation. Then I updated DirectX to the latest version (coz I read somewhere that even though DxDiag says Win7 has DX11 you should always update your DirectX).

Next I tried opening GTA:San Andreas but it didn't launch at all...I thought something must be wrong with the game.

Then I tried NFS:Most Wanted. The game launched, loaded fine, I 'Clicked To Continue' aaaaaaaaaaannnnnd SUPER CHOPPY GAME! I adjusted the game's gfx settings to its lowest (which shouldn't be necessary actually) but still the game was very slow. Like '1 frame every 2 seconds' slow :| I closed it.

THEN I installed Assassin's Creed 1 and launched the DX10 version, but the loading screen itself was slow (low frame rate) so I closed it and launched the DX9 version. The game launched, I went through the game's loading process, started a new profile aaaaaaaaaaannnnnd SUPER CHOPPY GAME! I adjusted the game's gfx settings to its lowest (which shouldn't be necessary actually) but still the game was very slow (exactly like NFSMW). Like '1 frame every 2 seconds' slow :| I closed it.

As you can imagine, I was frustrated by this point. THEN I noticed something which only made my day worse. I noticed that whenever there were more than 3 windows open at any time, the Win7 animation effects were not smooth like they were before. I closed all windows keeping only one open and the animations were smooth...This forced me to change the Advanced System Properties' Performance Settings ('systempropertiesadvanced' in Run window) to 'Adjust for best performance' which, as far as I know, should be absolutely unnecessary seeing that I have 4GB ram and a 1GB gfx card (which is compatible with my mobo)!

I've tried defragging, DiskCleanup, spyware removal, registry fixing, cleaning junk files, optimizing my PC and virus scanning! I also use a program called Game Booster 2 Beta before running any game. What could be wrong??? Is Win7 the problem here? Should I go back to XP?

That reminds me, before I had Win7, I had WinXP and the same model gfx card (which was my friend's, I bought the same model for myself today) and all games including Assassin's Creed (on DX9 mode of course) used to run flawlessly. The only new variable in this equation is Win7...So...should I revert back to XP?

Hoping for a quick reply,
T4

Have you checked your networking? are you using homegroup?

 

[Desslok]

Have you run Dxdiag?

 

[t4akawolf]

What antivirus/security software are you running?
What additional software have you installed that is running?

I have Avast Anti Virus 4.8. And additional software? Well, before I launch my games, I close all applications, so, no add.software :| The only extra Processes in my Task Manager are DTLite (DAEMON Tools Lite, for mounting my Assassin's Creed DvD Image), Advanced System Care 3.2.0 PRO and Sup_SmartRAM (by AdSystCare PRO, it monitors my RAM usage and allocates most of my ram to full-screen apps.) and no, this is not the problem. I tried launching the game without SmartRAM but no dice. Oh and uTorrent. I tried launching without uTorrent too, but still no luck. Thats all the additional software/processes I have.

Oh btw, do you think upgrading to Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit will solve this? Though I would like to know what exactly is wrong and why I can't launch games when I meet the Recommended Requirements

 

[t4akawolf]

Have you checked your networking? are you using homegroup?

No actually, mine is a Public Network. I think. Well, any other setting I choose causes the internet to stop working. I just tried selecting Home Group and my uTorrent download dropped from 55Kbps to 0kbps in one second :-/ So I changed it back to Public Network and voila! It's working again. *sigh* I wish I could fix my PC like that. One click and everything would be done...

P.S.: How does this pertain to my question?

 

[t4akawolf]

Have you run Dxdiag?

Umm, yes. Why?

 

[t4akawolf]

I was thinking of upgrading my Win7Ult32bit to Win7Ult64bit or dual booting with WinXP/SP2/32bit or doing both (upgrade and dualboot) OR just doing a clean install of WinXP/SP2/32bit.

So I want to know, will the above mentioned solutions work? Or do I just have to try and see what happens?

 

[gregrocker]

Remove Daemon tools app.

Try MSE in place of Avast. Use WIndows Firewall.

YOu have at least one tweaking utility. Win7 needs no tweaking whatsoever, as those of us who beta tested it found out the hard way over a year. It will always come back to bite you. If you tweaked anything other than normal system settings available to set in Win7, then either SysRestore or clean reinstall. It is that bad.

 

[tw33k]

@greg...I'm curious as to why you would suggest that the OP replace Avast with MSE when Avast uses less resources?

 

[zigzag3143]

Because it doesnt BSOD as often. It is hooked into the kernel by the same ppl who built the OS, so it is a better fit.


BTW I dont use mse

 

[ITz]

What you need is the ATI "Expertool'',and the new Catalyst..There are some wicked settings for your card and a eventviewer that could help alot.. I'd say look for the new restributible Dx pakage you can find because it normally has all the updates and fixes.. Also try setting your HD to performace.. Run a chkdsk booted to see for any problems.. (ctrl + R.... chkdsk) if a problem is reported reply to me.. And i can help you further by looking at the Expertool event problem aswell.. Please rep me at the top right scale if i helped..

 

[t4akawolf]

Remove Daemon tools app.

Try MSE in place of Avast. Use WIndows Firewall.

YOu have at least one tweaking utility. Win7 needs no tweaking whatsoever, as those of us who beta tested it found out the hard way over a year. It will always come back to bite you. If you tweaked anything other than normal system settings available to set in Win7, then either SysRestore or clean reinstall. It is that bad.

1.I need Daemon Tools for the 'Assassin's Creed''s .iso file. I can't launch the game at all if I dont have DT.

2.Removed avast.

3.No tweaking utility whatsoever. Just disabled some features which I don't need. (IE, Printer related things and stuff like that)