469 réponses à ce sujet

[Michael Gamble]

As per the previous thread, this is what we've identified as the issues and this is what we're looking into seeing if we can resolve.

These all apply to single core machines, or dual core machines where only one logical core is found from the OS.

1. Load Bink Videos freeze
a. With the shipped version of the game loading bink videos will freeze part way in, and halt progress of the game. The game’s process needs to be killed to exit this state.
2. Stuttering Bink Videos
a. With a single core processor, non-loading bink videos will severely stutter. This was observed by users who used a workaround single frame bink file to avoid the loading bink issue.
3. Permanent Black Screen / Game Freeze When Entering the Citadel
a. When the user attempts to land on the citadel, on a single core PC, the user will encounter a permanent black screen. This was observed by users who have used the –nomovies command line parameter when running the game. Users who used the 1 frame bink file are able to avoid this issue by reportedly saving the game just prior to enter the citadel, loading that save, and entering the Citadel.
4. The user is unable ot progress past obtaining the IFF
a. When the user attempts to obtain the IFF, he is unable to progress to the remainder of the game. This is experienced on single core processor PCs once more.


Please note that any posts not offering constructive feedback with regards to these identified issues will be moderated. If you have issues that are not related to the above items, please start a new applicable thread.

[Bgunnels58]

Hey, just a heads up for any of you who are using multi-core processors on XP and still getting the loading screen issue, go into device manager and check under "computer" to make sure it is registering as a multiprocessor PC and not a standard PC. I did that, rebooted, had to install some software, reinstalled ME2 and the loading screen problem went away on my dual core PC. Just another thing to try out. Make sure you tell the installer to keep your saved games when you are uninstalling!!! If that doesn't help fix your game issues...then there is something else wrong haha, but if it does fix your issue then that means it was your computer's fault and not Bioware's .



This also fixes the issue of getting a black screen when using the shuttle after installing the IFF.





I hope this counts as constructive feedback.

[Spiro12]

Comprehensive solution to getting through the game for Single Core

This is the confirmed third part fix for anyone that has a single core.  I'm simply quoting the post that occurs on page 8 of this thread.  In addition to the this patch you will most like require the green screen fix that I'm going to link in a sec.  Between these two downloads you will be able to play the entire game from beginning to end without missing anything and without lag or locking up.

I highly recommend, though, that you duplicate the Movies folder in your BioGames folder so that when you insert the green screen load movies you will still have the untouched versions protected in the duplicate folder.  You'll need them when you get to the IFF.

I'm leaving the explaination of the IFF fix in this post, but the rest is no longer necessary.  So without anything further, here is the fix.

Green Screen Load Files

Sargassss wrote...

All greetings.

I do not understand  English (I'm from Ukraine). But here's the patch,  made by a Russian craftsman for solving the problem of single-core  processors. This patch was made for  Silent Hill, but also works with ME2.

Need to unpack the  contents of the archive to a folder Binaries. The green loading screens should be abandoned.

Surprising that workers  BioWare has not done what was done by one person.

bioware.ru/forum/index.php

IFF

The IFF is the only part of the game that you can't complete without full video.  And every video causes lag.  The work around does not become necessary until after the IFF is being installed on the ship, and again does not become necessary until you actually access the galaxy map.  Accessing the galaxy map triggers the situation.  So make sure to save before then.  Also, make sure that you have talked to everyone and done everything you mean to do by that point.

In order to complete IFF, rename your green load folder to something other then movie, and rename your full movie folder to Movie.  Load the game.  DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY.  Wait for the trailer to play once. By allowing the trailer to play before pressing a key you can get past the loading screen bug but with lag.  Press any key.  Suffer through lag as you reload.  Access the galaxy map.  You will see some cinimatics and cut sceens.  You will have to navigate through the ship in a noncombat playthrough, then suffer some more cut scenes before you ever get the chance to save.  It will take a long time, but once you're through it, you're through it.

Once you're through all that save it, rename the movie folders back, and play the rest of the game the way you prefer.

Modifié par Spiro12, 14 février 2010 - 06:10 .

[orakga]

@ Michael:

Thanks for looking into this (and I apologize if I went overboard with my post in the last thread; I wanted to make sure you guys take this issue seriously).

That said, my new dual-core CPU should be arriving in the mail today or tomorrow. Once I've confirmed that both the OS and ME2 config tools recognize both cores, I'll be able to confirm whether upgrading to dual-core indeed fixes the issue.

UPDATE: Dual-core CPU arrived.  Game runs like a charm now.  Good luck in figuring out these non-single-core issues.

---

By the way, I was not asking for a fix to make this run on a single-core system. I was merely pointing out that the requirement should have been made more explicit, so that people with Single-Core CPUs know what they are getting themselves into before they actually make a purchase (and this was not possible for me when I pre-ordered my copy from Amazon). BTW, please feel free to edit out this last paragraph if you feel that it is irrelevant to this thread.

Thank you, and hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with good news.

Modifié par orakga, 05 février 2010 - 06:51 .

[bjdbwea]

Michael Gamble wrote...

2. Stuttering Bink Videos
a. With a single core processor, non-loading bink videos will severely stutter. This was observed by users who used a workaround single frame bink file to avoid the loading bink issue.

I can't confirm that. All bink videos actually play without problems (only the initial Normandy destruction video has only music, but no voice). The main problem wasn't mentioned in your list: AFTER any bink movie (except the "green" ones) has played, the following real 3D scenes stutter badly - basically one second of smooth movement, then five seconds freeze, and so on. Saving, then reloading completely fixes it. Since the loading movies are completely irrelevant, and there's already the quick-fix available, this problem I described is the main issue.

[metalcalf]

Hey you guys, Instead of saving and then EXITING, then loading again, just hit F5 to quick save, then hit F9 to quick load. It will save you much time and frustration. I know it dosen't "fix" things but it helps ease the pain.

Edit(regarding cure for multicore users)

Is your configuration utility detecting both(all) of your cores?  If not then you should probably reinstall your OS.  That should clear up your problems.  As it turns out I had the same issue(freeze on loading screen), only I have an Intel Core 2 Duo Quad.  It turns out however, when I installed my OS the first time it did not detect my multiple cores.  I can't explain why it did not detect them.  You can see further confirmation of this if you can pull up your task manager to monitor your CPUs.  If you are only showing activity on one core(one graph), then you must reinstall your OS.

I know, I know, Then you will lose all the data on your PC.  I guess it depends on what you think this game is worth.  I thought it was worth a whole day of re-downloading and reinstalling all of my software and drivers.  But this is most likely the cause of the constant freeze and all of the stuttering/lag. 

My configuration utilty(under system), only showed I had 1 processor and 1 core yesterday, and the same for my task manager.  And I was having problems with the freeze on loading screen, and with the unoficial .bik fix I was getting severe lag elsewhere.  After I reinstalled my OS, this game runs entirely as it should.

(Edit)

ATTENTION WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK3 Users!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BY THE WAY, I THINK THE ISSUE IS WITH THE SERVICE PACK 3 FOR WINDOWS!  For some reson if you have SERVICE PACK 3 for windows it does not detect your multiple cores, and you do not have an option to "Detect HAL".  Upon re-installation of your OS you will be downgraded to a service pack less than 3.  The service pack three, has an issue.  I think after your PC finally detects your multiple core processor you can then get the update for SP3.  I don't know.  I haven't gotten SP3 again yet.  Don't know if I will after all this.
-
My only wish now is that Tech support(BioWare) was more educated on what the isssue was and was more forthcoming with the suggestion to reinstall OS.  For that idea, I have to thank the community here.  This will probably(and hopefully) be my last post. 

Thanks to all for your support you guys!

Modifié par metalcalf, 06 février 2010 - 11:39 .

[Mac-Attack75]

Honest Assesment here, do you think you will be able to fix it?

Modifié par Mac-Attack75, 02 février 2010 - 04:31 .

[Spiro12]

metalcalf wrote...

Hey you guys, Instead of saving and then EXITING, then loading again, just hit F5 to quick save, then hit F9 to quick load. It will save you much time and frustration. I know it dosen't "fix" things but it helps ease the pain.

Nice... I should have thought of that... I noticed the problem went away once after it reloaded when I died during the IFF.  I didn't actually ever test it though.

[Raezaiel]

Mac-Attack75 wrote...

Honest Assesment here, do you think you will be able to fix it?

they could fix the stutter after movies with a load screen after each one, super fast fix but probably really sloppy. Dunno if anything can be done about the freezing loading screen without them just making custom .bik screens with a picture instead of a movie. but then again I'm not a programmer. I've beat the game with a single core so its really a quality of play issue. Stutter is like nails on a chalkboard.

[HunterKYA]

Spiro12 wrote...

Comprehensive solution to getting through the game for Single Core

Ok, Since this is a whole new thread I figure this should be right up front.  I didn't find any of the "solutions" for these problems.  This was all figured out in 59 pages of the original thread on this problem.  I'm just putting it all together, as long as that's ok. But if it isn't this'll be moderated and it won't matter.

I'm not explaining the base of the solutions, just the outline.  So if you want to know where to get the green load binks or how to do the -nomovie fix you'll have to look elsewhere.

This is just how to get through the game with a single core and hopefully experience as much of the game as you can.

Michael gave a bit of insight, this is the whole situation.

Loading Lockup
Citidel Access
IFF

The first thing I have is three different ways to load the game.  I have two shortcuts.  One is a normal shortcut, the other is the -nomoviestartup shortcut.  Then I have an extra folder in BioGame folder of the main install, for movies.  I have all the movies untouched in one folder and the movies with the greened out load movies in another.  This solves everything, with some extra effort that shouldn't otherwise be necessary.

Loading Lockup

Now.  If you want to watch movies, then you're going to have to use the greened out load movies, but be prepared to watch excruciatingly long cut sceens due to the lagging.  This is your only way to get to see what happens to the normandy in the beginning of the game.  Your first opportunity to save the game doesn't happen until after 2 or 3 movies and 3 cut scenes, so it can take a long time.

If you don't really need to see what happens then start the game with your -nomovie shortcut instead and simply save it when you "wake up."

From here you have a choice.  It's the same choice, with the same losses.  If you really don't care about landing and taking off, then play through with the -nomovie.  It's no big deal, not a lot happens that's important, it just looks cooler.  If you don't have a problem with saving, exiting then reloading then play through with the green loads.  It will just take longer, and if you stumble on a cutscene it will take even longer.  The key is every time you get control, save the game, exit and restart and you will be lag free again until you play another movie.  Not all movies cause lag.

The mass effect gates are not effected by the green load.  Every time you go through a mass effect gate you will get lag.  -nomovie clears this problem.

Citidel Access

In order to access the citidel you have to have movies enabled.  BUT, those movies don't cause lag.  So if you want to get on the citidel, and you SHOULD want to do that.  Simply save it once you get through the mass relay, then restart with green loads enabled.

IFF

The IFF is the only part of the game that you can't complete without full video.  And every video causes lag.  The work around does not become necessary until after the IFF is being installed on the ship, and again does not become necessary until you actually access the galaxy map.  Accessing the galaxy map triggers the situation.  So make sure to save before then.  Also, make sure that you have talked to everyone and done everything you mean to do by that point.

In order to complete IFF, rename your green load folder to something other then movie, and rename your full movie folder to Movie.  Load the game.  DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY.  Wait for the trailer to play once. By allowing the trailer to play before pressing a key you can get past the loading screen bug but with lag.  Press any key.  Suffer through lag as you reload.  Access the galaxy map.  You will see some cinimatics and cut sceens.  You will have to navigate through the ship in a noncombat playthrough, then suffer some more cut scenes before you ever get the chance to save.  It will take a long time, but once you're through it, you're through it.

Once you're through all that save it, rename the movie folders back, and play the rest of the game the way you prefer.

*End Game*
I thought I'd just throw this in for fun.  If you want to watch the complete endgame with video, and you probably do, the game auto saves at two points in the initial sequence, where combat starts.  You can relaod the game just after combat starts and you will start right at the combat, playing normally.  You can't save the game yourself, but it will let you fight without lag and still watch the cinimatics.

Thanks to you advice, I was just able to complete the game.  Friggin' unbelieveable!!!  Dude, I could kiss you right now! 

[MoonChildTheUnholy]

Weird i am playing on a single core with the "fix" for loadind screens and i have no other issue, no lag, no stuttering and no crashes yet *cross fingers*, i can see all videos perfectly too.

I have all my team now and going to IFF mission, i´ll post how it went in a few hours.

Modifié par MoonChildTheUnholy, 02 février 2010 - 06:37 .

[MisiekC99]

What I have noticed (probably not as the first one, but I did not burn through all the pages of last topic) is that stuttering after bink movies is occuring only when there is not a loading screen in between.

In other words perhaps a fix that puts aloading section after every bink movie followed by a game-engine cinematics would make things work?



I had no stuttering problems as I enetered Omega, and there was a bink file of landing there.



Cosmetics yet much appreciated wold be prepare nice hi -res loading screens instead of green ones or the upgraded ones (that someone linked). Probably would ease down people down as they could see the game as not frankensteined:)

[cripunit1]

I found a solution for people with the freezing problem at the selection of new game, unfortunatly this only works for duo or quad core users.

1) Go to "Start"

2) Type in "run"

3) Type in "msconfig"

4) Go to the "Boot" tab

5) Select "Advanced Options"

6) At this point the startup number of processors should show "1" and should be unable to be changed.

7) Uncheck "Number of Processors"

8) Check "Detect HAL"

9) Click "Ok", then click "Apply"

10) Reboot your PC.



If all goes according to plan, when you reload, you should be able to do this:



11) Go to "Start"

12) Type in "run"

13) Type in "msconfig"

14) Go to the "Boot" tab

15) Select "Advanced Options"

16)
You should again see the start up number of processors. However, this
time when you click the drag down menu you should be able to select the
proper number of cores (4 in my case).

17) Click "Ok", then click "Apply".

credit goes to Bluewolf35948. This worked for me hope it works for you guys, im able to get in and have been playing fine so far. Sorry i couldnt help those with single core problems. Much love, bluewolf said dont forget him when you name your first-born's.

[NuclearBuddha]

Trying the IFF fix;

I get through the Normandy load screen (the elevator going down) and then I get the black screen with ambient noise. Anyone else suffering this?

[cripunit1]

for some reason me and blue's pc was only reading 1/4 of our cores. good luck guys, and good night.

[lolmanftw]

bjdbwea wrote...

Michael Gamble wrote...

2. Stuttering Bink Videos
a. With a single core processor, non-loading bink videos will severely stutter. This was observed by users who used a workaround single frame bink file to avoid the loading bink issue.

I can't confirm that. All bink videos actually play without problems (only the initial Normandy destruction video has only music, but no voice). The main problem wasn't mentioned in your list: AFTER any bink movie (except the "green" ones) has played, the following real 3D scenes stutter badly - basically one second of smooth movement, then five seconds freeze, and so on. Saving, then reloading completely fixes it. Since the loading movies are completely irrelevant, and there's already the quick-fix available, this problem I described is the main issue.

Yeah.. please add this as issue no5. This one is quite critical. Its the main reason for the end missions, since there are a lot ofsequences of cinematics/normal scenes/cinematics till we can actually save the game..and load..and not just the only place...imagine that after every mass effect relay travel cinematic you have to save and load, when you start the game, etc...

Modifié par lolmanftw, 02 février 2010 - 08:05 .

[v0rt3x22]

wait a minute - does this mean the other issue that we had with dual core processors - that also crashes the game during loads or crashes the game back into windows - is off the chopping block now?



Cause the thread here mentions only the problem regarding single core.

[Nitroxit]

Does installing the RAD video tools from bink help? http://www.radgameto...com/bnkdown.htm

[SouperTrooper]

Nitroxit wrote...

Does installing the RAD video tools from bink help? http://www.radgameto...com/bnkdown.htm

No. You can use it to view the movies but no sound (unless there is something I don't know).

[Tab16]

Actually, issue nr 2 in Michaels post should be different. The non-loading bink videos do not stutter, they play fine, but after the video finishes and the game goes back to normal , non-video gameplay, the game stutters. This can worked-around by saving and loading a game.

[MockAffiliatus]

fortunately, i managed to get onto the citadel using the above suggested work-around and a fresh re-install. Unfortunately, I can't seem to move on past some loading screens. so, i can use transports between the ward levels and the presidium, but if i try to go to the factory level, the 800 block (loyalty missions), or even try to reload a file, the game crashes. I don't have any issues with stuttering or glitching bink movies (when they play), but this other stuff is making it hard to progress.

[XX-D4rKAng3L-XX]

I might sound stupid but I dont know if I have a Single-Core or a Multi-Core.



How do i check it?

[milan20]

I don't know how apply the fix for IFF. I don't understand the part in witch one user speaks of this point:



In order to complete IFF, rename your green load folder to something other then movie, and rename your full movie folder to Movie. Load the game.





In this moment i have applicated the normal fix that change default load to fixed load.

[DarthLuck]

XX-D4rKAng3L-XX wrote...

I might sound stupid but I dont know if I have a Single-Core or a Multi-Core.

How do i check it?

One of my friends told me that in Task Manager > Performance, in Cpu Usage History, if there is 1 box, it's single
core, if there are 2 boxes, it's dual core.

Modifié par DarthLuck, 02 février 2010 - 02:09 .

[tempAE0F]

milan20 wrote...

I don't know how apply the fix for IFF. I don't understand the part in witch one user speaks of this point:

In order to complete IFF, rename your green load folder to something other then movie, and rename your full movie folder to Movie. Load the game.


In this moment i have applicated the normal fix that change default load to fixed load.

http://social.biowar...72168/47#837079

Do this ^^ and you'll be able to finish the game without too many issues.