FSX not responding

[in0655]

I've searched on the forums for someone with a similar problem, but it appears no one has had this experience (or has yet to come out of the shadows).

First, the basic system parameters:

FSX with SP2 (not Acceleration)
Windows Vista Ultimate x64

Intel Q6600, OCed to 3.0GHz with a Thermaltake V1 cooler
abit IP35 Pro with latest BIOS and drivers
4GB of G.SKILL RAM (2x2GB)
Western Digital Raptor 10KRPM 150GB
evga 8800GTX (768MB) with 169 series driver
Thermaltake 700W PSU
Lian Li PC61 case (2 front fans, 1 rear fan, 1 blowhole fan)

The problem: Every now and then, FSX will freeze up. The audio will keep streaming (say, engines running), but the video image will become static. Task Manager reports FSX is not responding. This always happens during IFR flight, and except for one occasion always during an ILS approach (one occasion was during climbout). I previously ran the same copy of FSX on an hp computer with all sliders at minimum with no such problem. I have tried running with minimum sliders on the current computer - same crash.

I ran RivaTuner and the Windows diagnostics; attached are three screenshots (immedeately upon crash, after forcing FSX to exit through task manager, and after 10 minutes of idle - no programs save RivaTuner and Task Manager). The numbers for RivaTuner on the first screenshot are: Core Clock/ROP domain, 576 MHz; Core Clock/shader domain, 1350MHz; Memory Clock, 900MHz, Core Temperature, 70 degrees, Ambient Temperature, 62 degrees; Fan Speed, 1740RPM; Fan Duty Cycle, 60%.

I've run Defrag, CHKDSK/r, Ad-Aware, Norton, and Spybot multiple times. Same problem after re-launching FSX.

I doubt this is a video card issue, as I've had those in the past (both heat and driver-related), and they have always caused BSODs - not just FSX hanging.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might be causing the problem?

Thanks!

-Editor

[in0655]

Screenshots as promised -

[abrussell]

It sounds like an out of memory problem. Search for
"oom error"on this site. You'll find a great deal of info. I noticed on the screenshot that you have 66 processes running. This can suck up a lot of resources. Look for a freeware program called AlacrityPC that will shut down all the unneccessary processes before you start the sim.
Bruce

[in0655]

Thanks for the tip, Bruce. All of the OOM problem/solutions on the forums are about a problem generated by (and fixed in) 32-bit Vista. Am I right in thinking they don't apply to 64-bit?

-Editor

[abrussell]

Out of memory probems are not confined to Vista, I've experienced some on my XP system.The most obvious starting to point is reduce the background processes and see how much effect that will have.
You have 66 running. I only have 36 without Alacrity. You might also want to try the freeware Autoruns. It will allow you to stop all the unneccessary from starting which will improve overall performance.
Bruce

[in0655]

I'm using 64-bit Vista, so the /3G switch doesn't apply (64 bit allows 4GB automatically). Running Alacrity I've gotten the processes down to 46 - same problems (still experiencing hangs in FSX). Is there anything else I can do?

-Editor

[kingnorris]

Have you tried installing disc number 1 and running a repair? Or delete the .cfg and let FSX build a new one?
All I can think of, as you stated you ran defrag and antivirus.....
keep us posted!

[in0655]

A quick update before I try repairing using the disk -

I found Phil Taylor's mention of the update for Vista that attempts to fix the OOM problem (why this wasn't updated using Windows Update, no one knows); installed that. Two restarts. Running AlacrityPC (45 processes). Running FSX in windowed mode so I can monitor its use of memory using Task Manager. The numbers reach 200MB while on the Welcome Screen, then rapidly climb and sit around 900MB. The hang happens at 932MB (again - 64-bit Vista with 4GB memory, so it's not out of physical memory; and FSX is running SP2 so it should be ok with utilizing more than 1GB - but it seems it's only able to use 1GB and dies after that). Any thoughts?

I'll try kingnorris's advice, hopefully that works. If not - maybe clean reinstall of FSX?

-Editor