Post by: KnowsNothing on July 08, 2003, 06:14:42 AM
So I got the system requiremets off amazon.com and i go to check my piece of crap and....I don't know how.
This is what I need...
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP (Windows 2000 users must have Service Pack 2 installed.)
500mhz Intel Pentium III, Celeron, or AMD Athlon processor (800mhz recommended)
128MB RAM for Windows Me/98, 256MB RAM for Windows XP/2000
8x CD/DVD-ROM Drive
1 GB free hard disk space
32MB Direct3D Compatible Video card and DirectX 8.1 compatible driver
DirectX 8.1 Compatible Sound Card
Windows compatible Keyboard and Mouse
...and all I know is that I have Windows Me, half as much RAM as needed (we'll ignore that for now) and I have a keybord and a mouse.
Can anybody please tell me where on my computer (not any manuals) I can find this info? I've looked everywhere.
EDIT: If this was at all confusing, I meant is there a place in the control panel or somewhere where I can access this info for my computer.
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 08, 2003, 10:57:22 PM
Anyways, the information can be found like so:
CPU type and speed:
Download this and view the stuff it shows you. It should show CPU frequency, and type.
CD-ROM
You should have a minimum of 8x regardless of your computer's age.
HDD Space
Double click on "My Computer", and right click on your C drive (or whatever other HDD drives you may have), and click properties. You will see a pie chart showing your free space.
Video Card
Right click on an empty spot on your desktop. Click on the "properties" button at the bottom of the popup menu, and then click on the "settings" tab at the top of the window that pops up. In the box that shows up, it should say "your monitor name" on "your video card name". Look up your video card on google, and see if you can find the specs on it. Or just ask me, and I will probably know.
Sound Card
Don't worry about this. Even the crappiest sound card in the world will handle this game.
Keyboard and mouse
I am assuming you have these.
Post by: GCNMasterX on July 09, 2003, 06:34:49 AM
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 09, 2003, 07:06:00 AM
But hey, thanks for your help Grey and GCNMasterX. The only problem is I have no internet access on my new (but old) computer, so I can't do that download thingie.
Y'know, I doubt my PC can handle that big of a game. I might just try to find a new one anyway, got this one for free.
But thanks anyway guys, really appreciate it.
Post by: Hostile Creation on July 09, 2003, 07:20:12 AM
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 09, 2003, 11:41:02 AM
Sorry to bother you Grey Ninja, but I might just have a chance of my computer being up to snuff. I've searched the internet for info bout my Video Card, but to no avail. So I figured i could just ask someone smarter than the internet, my friendly forum neighbor, Grey Ninja.
This is what I got-
Intel 82810 Graphics Controller 4.12.01.2576
Is that a 32MB DirectX compatible Video card? (I'm sorry, I don't exactly know what that means)
it seems that my Grandmother (who I got this PC from) didn't use it very often and had almost nothing on it, plus I did some disk cleanup so now I have plenty of free space.
Must...get...game...
Post by: Hostile Creation on July 09, 2003, 02:38:06 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 09, 2003, 02:45:47 PM
Post by: Hostile Creation on July 09, 2003, 02:57:54 PM
That's a fan page. If you want to see the whole comic, you'll have to buy one of them. They sell them at Hot Topic, and probably comic stores. I suggest I Feel Sick in particular, thought JTHM is very good, as is Squee. Heck, they're all good. They have more mature content (much much more) than Zim, but they're still really funny.
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 09, 2003, 04:46:38 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 09, 2003, 04:47:46 PM
AAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!
An overdose of double posting could be hazardous to your health
*explodes*
Post by: Hostile Creation on July 09, 2003, 04:57:07 PM
Are you sure those tidbits aren't thumbnails? If they aren't, try saving them to your computer; they should be bigger there. I couldn't read PIAC's birthday comic for Infernal Monkey, so I just saved it and opened it up in paint or something.
I do suggest you look at, if not buy, one of the actual comic, though.
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 09, 2003, 05:51:25 PM
Your video "card" has no memory of its own. It must use system memory to display pretty pictures. That's all fine and dandy, but it causes two problems for you. If you set your video card to use 32MB of system memory, that only leaves 32MB for your computer, which appears to be aging as well.
If you buy yourself a 128MB stick of SDRAM, (or better yet... a 256MB stick), you should be able to run the game at the lowest detail. Judging from your chipset. (intel 810), you have either a Celeron or a Pentium III. That should meet the system requirements of the game. I have never played Morrowind, so I am not sure how demanding the game is, but if it relies heavily on your graphics card, you might be in trouble. It should be playable regardless though.
Your computer was not built to play games. That seems clear. But you should be able to run games on it if you tweak it out enough. I managed to run Final Fantasy VII on a Pentium 120 with software acceleration back in the day. (requirements were a Pentium 233 for software mode).
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 10, 2003, 04:17:33 AM
Yeah, my computer is not meant to play games, but if I get morrowind, it will probably be the only game on there besides hearts and solitaire. And Minesweeper.
Awww crap. This game is very demanding for computers. But I heard if you shut the shadows off, it it makes it much easier for your PC, video card, whatever. Plus, I could run it at lowest detail. Or get a new graphics card. You see, I must have this game. Must. I've been wanting it all year, and my parents don't want games on the good computer. And finally, I get my own. A piece of junk. And I must make this game work.
Oh yeah, I'm defidently getting much more than 64 more MB of RAM. I was thinking 128, but I could do 256 too.
EDIT: I have a Hewlett-Packard Pavilion XE783 with an Intel Celeron processor, just in case you cared. My other computer is a HP pavilion mx90 with a Pentium IV with so much room in it i could install 50 morrwinds [exaggeration of course, it's more like 49
] too bad my parents are paranoid, huh? 
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 11, 2003, 06:53:50 AM
Since you are buying memory, I will tell you this. Your computer takes PC-66 SDRAM. PC-100 SDRAM will likely work as well. But whatever you buy, make sure that it is backwards compatable to PC-66. Some memory manufacturers make memory that craps out if it runs too slow. Your computer can have a maximum of 512MB of memory, but you only have two memory slots. You can put a maximum of 256MB of memory in one slot. If you buy a 256MB stick, it should work alongside your existing 64MB stick, giving you a total of 320MB of memory. That should be a good chunk of memory for any computer. (my computer is about twice as fast as yours and only has 256MB, but I am thinking of upgrading soon, as memory is cheap, and I need more memory for programming purposes)
If you decide to buy a new video card, take note that you CANNOT use an AGP video card. This seriously limits your options, and I don't know how many modern video cards (if any) actually support PCI. Make sure that you ask the clerk about their PCI cards, and not their AGP cards when you go in. Make it clear to them that you do not have an AGP slot. When you install your video card, you will have to disable your onboard card. To do that, follow these instructions.
Oh, and for god's sakes, get rid of that blasted ME. Your computer has enough problems without using that crap. Find someone with a copy of Windows 95 or something. Your best option would be Windows 98 SE.
EDIT: I did some checking, and a Radeon 7500 LE seems to be available in PCI. I would advise getting that card, as it is about the best performer that you are likely to find that's available in PCI. It's not a powerhouse, but it should get the job done, and can be had for a fairly cheap price. It's about equivalent to a GeForce 2 in power.
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 11, 2003, 08:44:17 AM
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 12, 2003, 06:07:27 AM
Seriously. Get rid of it. At any cost. If you only take one piece of advice I gave you in this thread, take that piece.
I would advise saving everything that you need, making a Windows boot disk with CD-ROM support, and then rebooting your computer. Keep pressing F8 until you get to the windows startup menu. Select "command prompt only" from the list of options, and when it finishes loading, you will see this:
C:\
Type "format c:" without the quotes. Answer "yes".
Put your boot disk in the drive, and reboot.
Start up with CD-ROM support, and put the Windows 98 CD in your drive.
When you get back to the command prompt, type "d:\setup" If that doesn't work, type "e:\setup", or "f:\setup".
Follow the instructions on your screen to install Windows 98. It's pretty straightforward.
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 12, 2003, 01:33:21 PM
x3Ahhhh, it's so great to live with at home with my two loving parents. Not a care in the world...
This is one very happy person.
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 16, 2003, 02:22:55 PM
I should probably also mention that a GeForce4 MX is also available in PCI. It's about at the same level of performance as a Radeon 7500 though, so it's really up to you whether you want an nVidia or an ATI card.
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 17, 2003, 03:57:05 AM
), just, please refrain from shooting any more of those people, they're there to help you know, and it's not very polite.What am I saying?! It's AMERICA'S ARMY! Shoot enemies, shoot friends, shoot yourself! Shoot to your heart's content!
Post by: mouse_clicker on July 17, 2003, 08:06:19 AM
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 20, 2003, 12:39:27 PM
I just finished watching Half Baked again though... damn do I ever love that movie. Have you ever played Nintendo... ON WEED? LMFAO! That's so awesome. It makes me want to go out and buy a dime bag.
I LOVE YOU MARY-JANE!
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 20, 2003, 01:15:58 PM
Yeah, so I heard Sake is really disgusting. Yep, that's what I heard. Uh huh. Heard it.
Well, umm, you a fan of Sake?
(just trying some cheep shot at conversation)
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 20, 2003, 01:34:38 PM
And Sake is definately an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, it goes down real easy. I might actually buy a traditional Japanese Sake set one of these days. It's like $65 in the local Oriental section of town.
Post by: mouse_clicker on July 20, 2003, 03:38:14 PM
Quote
New avatar? Liked your old one, but to each his own as mouse-clicker (?) would always say.
??? Sounds like something IanSane would say, but go ahead and attribute it to me if you'd like.
Anyway, Half Baked, while being incredibly hilarious, did have a different intention than to make you WANT to do weed, Ninja.
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 20, 2003, 04:38:58 PM
Never seen Half-Baked.....BUT......Eternal Darkness should arrive at my doorstep an day now, so I=happy.
I want to finish WW before it arrives, so I'm going to finish it tommarrow (<--sp?). I just beat the first "stage" of Ganon's castle.
Damn, I'm never gonna beat Metroid Prime, (or Pikmin for that matter). There are so many more games I'm gonna get, there'll be no time for poor Samus.
A little less than halfway through, just got the ice beam. EDIT: Actually, now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure it was Hostile Creation that said "to each his own". don't think it was Ian though.
Post by: HiTmaN on July 20, 2003, 05:09:16 PM
Post by: mouse_clicker on July 20, 2003, 05:32:11 PM
I'm well aware that a little of some alcohol, like wine, is good for you.
Post by: Grey Ninja on July 21, 2003, 05:34:21 AM
HiTmaN, the first part of Half Baked where they are showing the first time they smoked up is 100% realistic. I remember the first time I smoked up. I was out on a boonie cruise after work with one of my co-workers, and we shared a joint. I was driving, and it was freaking me right out. I was going like 20km/h, but it felt like I was going way too fast. And watching the steering wheel move with the car was also tripping me right out.
It took us like an hour to get back to town, where we prompty went to the nice big bright stoner lights outside of 7-11, and went in and got some potato chips and a pop. When I was walking in, it was almost EXACTLY like it was protrayed in Half Baked. Mouse Clicker, Sake is made from fermented rice, making it a rice wine.
It should be quite good for you.
Post by: HiTmaN on July 23, 2003, 08:14:41 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on August 24, 2003, 02:13:13 PM
I can't thank you enough for all the halp you gave me. If it wasn't for you, I never would've gotten Morrowind (or Xenogears
). This game is awesome. That's it. No question. I had to turn it to medium resolution, and put the draw distance completley down, and the framerate is still bad, but it's playable, and fun.I seriously advise anybody to buy this game. It's complete open-endedness is the best part. I have decided "To Hell with the main quest, I want to be a THEIF!" so i did. I broke my lockpick, though. Boo-hoo, I can't find another one. Oh well, I'll pick-pocket! Then, when my skills are up, I'll become an assassin!
Anyway, thanks again!
Post by: Grey Ninja on August 24, 2003, 08:18:17 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on October 26, 2003, 11:43:06 AM
Alright, I am FINALLY installing Windows 98. Remember this quote?
Quote
Grey Ninja posted the message that is this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep pressing F8 until you get to the windows startup menu. Select "command prompt only" from the list of options, and when it finishes loading, you will see this....
Well, pressing F8 does nothing for me. :\ I keep pressing F8, but everything starts up as usual. Is there another key I have to press, or is my computer gone off the deep end?
I doubt you'll be able to help, and I really don't know what I'm thinking posting this. I guess it's just to inform everyone at how slowly I do things.
Post by: Grey Ninja on October 26, 2003, 11:49:10 AM
Post by: KnowsNothing on October 26, 2003, 12:07:00 PM
BORING'D!!
At least I get snacks.
EDIT: Good snacks. I got many cookies and a Pepsi Vanilla. MMMMMMMM.
Now, back to the subject on hand. I got to the startup menu, but "command propt only is not an option. The options are:
1. Normal
2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)
3. Safe mode
4. Step-by-step ocnfirmation
????
Post by: CardBoardBox on October 26, 2003, 03:44:55 PM
something HAS to work...maybe...but...thats my dementedly screwed up logic
Post by: Grey Ninja on October 26, 2003, 03:50:00 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on October 26, 2003, 04:02:54 PM
So just to clerify some stuff. I have to reformat my hard drive to get rid of ME, reboot with my start up disk, go to "start up with CD-ROM with the Windows 98 CD in the drive?
Post by: Grey Ninja on October 26, 2003, 04:13:47 PM
Post by: Sirmorphix on October 26, 2003, 04:27:23 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on October 26, 2003, 04:32:09 PM
I'm pretty sure I mentioned my start-up disk up there, maybe you skipped over it while reading. Unless I'm using it at the wrong time. :\
But about my parents, yes, they would kill me and piss on the grave if I messed this up. I'm thinking that it might not even be worth it. :\
Post by: Grey Ninja on October 26, 2003, 04:32:20 PM
KnowsNothing, you can try putting the Win98 CD in your drive, and restarting your computer. If it boots from the CD, this will be a LOT easier.
Post by: KnowsNothing on October 26, 2003, 04:40:18 PM
(thinks why didn't anybody think of this before?)
Thanks Smiphorix (sp?) and Grey Ninja!
Post by: Grey Ninja on October 26, 2003, 04:45:48 PM
Thanks for the info Sirmorphix.But yeah, you might actually have the ability to reformat your hard drive from within the Win98 Setup utility, so you might not even need to. If it doesn't give you the option, I would just reformat it, and then install from the CD. It should be pretty safe now that we know that you can do it.
