Every time I try to run Fl Sim with A heavy add-on like PMDG737/6/7/8/9 or PSSAxxx, my system crashes after a few minutes. The displayed blue screen message usually points to the graphics driver and or hardware. I also keep getting the microsoft error report crash.I have done a clean boot install of the latest driver, which was downloaded clean without a download accellerator and deleted the fs9 cfg file. Yet it still keeps happening, every time! I am in despair,can anyone help please?Howie28.H SpeightHere's my system spec;OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home EditionVersion 5.1.2600 Service Pack 1 Build 2600OS Manufacturer Microsoft CorporationSystem Name HOWARD-SPEIGHTSystem Manufacturer GBT___System Model AWRDACPISystem Type X86-based PCProcessor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 9 GenuineIntel ~2813 MhzBIOS Version/Date Award Software International, Inc. F4, 01/04/2004SMBIOS Version 2.3Windows Directory C:WINDOWSSystem Directory C:WINDOWSSystem32Boot Device DeviceHarddiskVolume1Locale United StatesHardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.1106 (xpsp1.020828-1920)"User Name HOWARD-SPEIGHTH.SpeightTime Zone GMT Standard TimeTotal Physical Memory 1,024.00 MBAvailable Physical Memory 771.08 MBTotal Virtual Memory 3.40 GBAvailable Virtual Memory 2.98 GBPage File Space 2.40 GBPage File C:pagefile.sysName NVIDIA GeForce FX 5950 UltraPNP Device ID PCIVEN_10DE&DEV_0333&SUBSYS_31071458&REV_A14&3525EC23&0&0008Adapter Type GeForce FX 5950 Ultra, NVIDIA compatibleAdapter Description NVIDIA GeForce FX 5950 UltraAdapter RAM 256.00 MB (268,435,456 bytes)Installed Drivers nv4_disp.dllDriver Version 6.14.10.5655INF File oem19.inf (nv4_NV3x section)Color Planes 1Color Table Entries 4294967296Resolution 1024 x 768 x 60 hertzBits/Pixel 32Memory Address 0xE4000000-0xE5FFFFFFMemory Address 0xD0000000-0xDFFFFFFFIRQ Channel IRQ 16I/O Port 0x000003B0-0x000003BBI/O Port 0x000003C0-0x000003DFMemory Address 0xA0000-0xBFFFFDriver c:windowssystem32driversnv4_mini.sys (6.14.10.5655, 1.79 MB (1,880,320 bytes), 29/01/2004 15:45)

Hi HowieSounds like it could be your PSU (Power Supply Unit) not managing the load if you can run it for a few and then it dies.Check the specs of your PSU, and if possible try with a bigger one.Cheers,

I wouldn't say it's PMDG that is causing this.I got the very same problem when using ASRC. I installed new drivers and the problems went away. I'd suggest doing that yourself!John http://homepage.eircom.net/~eamonnmca/images/logo_ba.JPGwww.bavirtual.co.uk Senior Captain Simflight.com Staff Reviewer

Another thought, have you checked your CPU and memory temperatures? I had a similar issue and turned out that I was having problems with my add-on CPU cooler which was causing a marginal overheat condition when the CPU was under heavy load (running FS9 and others). Remounted it and everything was fine.

I already have installed a much biger unit c/w monster fanthanks

George,Thanks,You may well have a point there;I have just run Sandra sis diagnostic tool and it reports a slightly above normal cpu temp! It is recommending me to remove the casing cover, so I will try that. It also is stating that my bios may be out of date(It is a new Gigabyte MoBo!!!) and soundcard was well O.O.D.-for that I have just put in the latest driver.On the last test, I was in the cessna 172 at KSEA and had a bl. scr. crash after just 5 mins!

Thanks John,I have installed the latest graphics driver from AEOLUS who marketed thet particular board, then deleted the fs9 cfg to stop any redundant g-card enties, but still the problem is there. I am wondering wether or not to flash the bios, but am worried I might render the pc unusable.The other strange thing is that I save a default C172 at KSEA, set all the assignments, views, fuel etc, then save and set as default. Next time I load fs9 with that saved situation, all my settings have gone back to default, including flight yoke and pedals settings.TBH I feel like chucking the whole issue OOTW.Cheers,Howard Speight

Hi Howard,What temp is it reporting, both under load and at idle? Most mobo's have a tool included which will show cpu temp and trends.

Hi George.I have uninstalled the latest drivers due to all the problems and blue screen messages saying the drivers were at fault. I have re-installed the driver that came on disc with the new graphics card, along with the included diagnostic tool. It is reporting system 32degC, mainboard 28degC.I now have to try fs9, if it doesn't work, I will tr a complete un-re-install of fs9. I will let you know(if the pc doesn't self destuct)Thanks

Hmmm... 32C is fairly normal.

That is normal, but is his system under a load. He is having the crashes when he gets under load so that points to either High temps or the PSU what kind of PSU do you have? Run Prime95 and check system and CPU temps while under load with prime, if the system does not crash with prime running for say an hour I would say it is not a hardware problem but a software problem.

Good News(tongue in cheek);I took out the new drivers in "SAFE MODE" then restarted in "SAFE MODE" and re-installed the original driver that is on the disc that came with the graphics card.Result;So far OK. The graphics are slightly compromised, but the system is now running at unloaded 27degC and loaded 40degC, which is a whole lot better than the previous 102degC.I did 4 circuits at KSEA in pmdg 73/9vcI am now getting around 20fps in panel and 14 in vc, so it is not too bad. I feel apprehensive though as the saved settings are still vanishing on fs9 exit.Maybe those new drivers have some fault in that it mistakenly sees high temperatures, faulty memory etc. it probably then creates the error reports which windows takes over and starts the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH shut down. (Wonder if anyone els has been there?). I think perhaps the new drivers might be flawed or something, I'm not an expert.How-ever, I do need to do further long flight tests in heavy add-ons such as pmdg737/8/9 with add-on sceneries and monitor temps and voltage. Is there a way I could monitor the memory?Thanks for your help you guys.

GOOD NEWS;Have done 2 med hauls to Bremen and Nice in the 73/8, returning each time to Luton. It was stable at 36 deg C and fps was around 20 except in vc which pulled them down to 15-18. (I reduced the refresh rates a bit). So it is looking good, the scenery was filling in nicely with sliders mostly at 50%, AA and dynamics off.I am well pleased now, thanks to all your good advice.

try memtesthttp://www.memtest86.comlet i run for one and a half cycles - about from 20 to 200 minutes (depends on RAM and CPU) Bye, LucaPS: For what it's worth should I bet I'd say it's a hardware problem....

Hi,"So far OK. The graphics are slightly compromised, but the system is now running at unloaded 27degC and loaded 40degC, which is a whole lot better than the previous 102degC."102C YIKES!!!! :-eekLucky you didn't burn up the silicon. That's way to hot and I am not surprised system was unstable at the temp. System probably should not have even booted (smaller load but still a load).I am not sure how a driver can help bring down a temp, maybe others could offer insight. Even 40C is still a bit hot. I still think you need to do a longer load test a really stress your cooling system. Still seems like you may not have the heat sink mounted properly or are having another cooling hardware issue.One other thought, are you sure you applied the grease properly (between the heat sink and the processor) when you mounted the heat sink?Georgehttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/betaimg.jpg