11.3 How do I stop long pauses in FS98?
From FlightSim
Q:
I HAVE VERY LONG PAUSES WHEN FLYING ANY AIRCRAFT WITH FS98. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP AND TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG?
A:
The pauses have been the subject of much discussion and debate, and to this date no one know for sure where they are coming from. I don't experience them on my system, but here are some thoughts.
The regularity you report in your pauses suggests something going on in your system that may have nothing to with FS98, for instance.
- Check to see if you have a Microsoft utility called FindFast installed on your system. It installs automatically, I believe, with Office 97, and I've seen it on newer systems without office 97. It's usually started automatically with a shortcut in the startup group. FindFast searches your hard drive on a schedule and makes an index, presumably to help you find files faster. My opinion is that it's useless, and it will cause a slight drag on your system when it does its thing. My recommendation is to delete the shortcut from the startup group if it's there.
- Some people have reported that a network card in the computer, if
it is not connected to a network, will cause system drags on a
regular basis as it "polls", seeking a network connection. Don't
assume that you don't have a network card. My son recently purchased
a PC for home use from CompUSA and it included a Network card. He
didn't know what it was. He eventually exchanged the machine because
of other problems, but if he had not I would have removed the card.
Beyond that, - The real trouble seems to be in the 3d cards and perhaps the drivers for them. Almost without exception, those with 3d cards report these pauses. Those without 3d cards (including me) have few or no pauses. Make sure you have the most up to date manufacturer's drivers for your video card.
- As I recall, the most recent FS98 patch from Microsoft was supposed to have included a fix to help the pauses in 3d, although I may be incorrect. I don't recall seeing a message from any of the 3d card owners reporting an improvement after installing the patch. You might give it try anyway, if you haven't already.
bob savage
