Before posting your technical problem/question.

Dynamics · 06-23-2008, 04:36 AM

I'm making this post as a general guide for people who post their technical problems. I've noticed one too many people speaking of having an issue, but providing inadequate information for anyone to help. This will provide a basis of what your post should entail if you want maximum benefit from this forum.

Template for submitting your problems. Post at least the nature and specifics of your problem. System information is secondary.

Quote:

Operating System (OS):
Processor information:
RAM available:
Graphics information:
Nature of your problem:

e.g.

OS: Windows XP Service Pack 2.
Processor information: Intel Pentium M Processor 1.6GHz.
RAM: 1.24 GB of RAM.
Graphics information: Intel 915GM/GMS
Nature of problem: Computer imploding. Restart won't work. Also noticing some lag in Fiesta.

If you don't quite understand why this information is needed, (Ctrl+F, type [WHY], hit enter).

If you don't quite understand how to get the information, (Ctrl+F, type [HOW], hit enter).

**Blaaaaaaaah** · 06-23-2008, 04:43 AM

Wow. Very informative.

<-- helps computer noobs like this.

Stickied, btw. I hope people read stickies.

MaxOff · 06-23-2008, 04:50 AM

wow i personally wouldnt go that far. 99% of all erors can be fixed by updating directx and the graphic card drivers anyway.

Having lots of ram is a smart idea though. The game isnt very good in memory management.

and all the important information can be obtained by using "dxdiag". dont think its smart idea to let people use the device manager if the dont know what there doing.

**Blaaaaaaaah** · 06-23-2008, 04:55 AM

What's dxdiag?

Dynamics · 06-23-2008, 04:56 AM

-------------------------------------------------------

[WHY]

The more information you provide, the more people can help you. But here's why certain specific information is important.

Quote:

Operating System:
Most people would think this an unimportant detail, but it is highly valuable. Every OS operates it's programs differently, and each OS runs into different bugs and problems at different frequencies. The OS also allows to determine any innate incompatibilities between it and Fiesta.

Processor information:
Measured in units of Hertz, Megahertz, and GigaHertz, the processor details your computers ability to process information. A key thing to report is whether or not you are running a dual core processor. If you don't know, just post your proccessor's name, or google it to find out.

RAM available:
Whilst your processor may determine your computers speed, your RAM will determine how much of that speed is truly utilized. Having a high amount of RAM will allow information to be processed more efficiently by your processor. Having inadequate RAM will consequently "gimp" your systems' performance in terms of speed.

Graphics information:
As Fiesta is a fairly graphics heavy game, graphics information is quite vital. Posting your graphics card model and its' memory capability (similar to RAM, but dedicated to the processing of graphical information). Just posting a graphics cards' model is sufficient, but googling more information about your Graphics is appreciated.

Nature of your problem:

This information is probably the most vital to solving your problem, as it describes your problem. It will allow us to eliminate false solutions and provide you with the best possible ones.

Whilst the error code is useful too, anything "unusual" you experience should also be described. This can range from a jumpy gaming experience, to the screen blacking out, or flickering graphics.

-------------------------------------------------------

[HOW]

This is for people who aren't computer savvy. This will inform you how to navigate around your computer for the information that's important to your being helped.

Your computer's general specifications:

Quote:

To get a low down on these you'll need to get into your system properties. Several ways to do this. Least exposure to risk is the system properties method, located below.

To access your system properties:
Option 1: Right click My Computer and select properties.
Option 2: Start > Control Panel > System. This is if you're using the classic control panel.

By default this will take you directly to the "General" properties of your system, located under the tab labelled "General." It encompasses information regarding your Operating System (OS), Processor information and the amount of RAM available to your system. Report all of this in your post or what you know is helpful.

ALTERNATIVELY, use dxdiag.exe to access your systems information. This method is virtually zero risk, but there's a few options (namely the disabling of DirectX's graphics accelerators) that could impair your graphics slightly if you happen to play around with the options. Of course you won't run into these problems if you follow steps accordingly.

1. Access your start menu.
2. Click run.
3. Type "dxdiag"
4. Go to the tab labelled "Display".
5. Report the required details listed under the tab labeled "System."

Graphics information:

Quote:

You'll need to either access your display properties, Direct X dialogue, or your device manager. These are ordered in the risk they present to your computer and its' innate settings. Begin with display properties before proceeding to direct X, and only use the device manager as a last resort. However, if you follow steps accordingly and precisely, zero risk (keyword) should come to your system. Don't fiddle with windows if you don't know how, it bites.

Display properties method:

Right click your desktop and select properties. From there select the tab labeled 'Settings'. Listed should be the graphics devices your computer is using.

Alternatively go to your control panel, select Display, select the tab labeled 'Settings'. Listed should be the graphics devices your computer is using.

If this doesn't work, use the Device Manager Method below.

Direct X method:

1. Access your start menu.
2. Click run.
3. Type "dxdiag"
4. Go to the tab labelled "Display".
5. Report the details listed under "Device."

Device Manager method:

The device manager is a handy tool distributed in Windows that allows an overview of your currently installed hardwares. It reports all appropriately plugged in devices' status' in real time. There are several ways to access your graphics information via the device manager from my personal knowledge.

Option 1: Go to your system properties using the steps previously mentioned before and click on the tab at the top labelled hardware. Click on the device manager. Find the hardware labelled "Display Adapters." Report what is there.

Option 2: Right click "My Computer" and click "Manage." Select Device Manager. Select "Display Adapters" and report what is there.

Option 3: Start > Run > Type "devmgmt.msc" without quotation marks. Click Display Adapters, report what is there.

Nature of your problem:

Quote:

Quite simple really. When you get an error code and its' descriptor, copy it down. Copy every exact detail, don't miss a number, don't miss a letter.
Also if you could, state any unusual behaviour that is exhibited by your computer when you run Fiesta.

Just remember when reporting problems, to BE INFORMATIVE. The more specific information you provide, the MORE HELP you will receive can be.

MaxOff · 06-23-2008, 05:33 AM

dxdiag stands for DirectX Diagnostics. Its a tool that comes with DirectX to help to find bugs in it. But its also great if u want to know your computer specs.

The latest version of directx is 10. But for Windows XP and lesser its 9.0c, because Microsofts wants us to upgrade to Vista.

and directx is a api, like u said, and has with that has no ui. And even if dxdiag would be part of a ui, the correct name would be gui(Graphical User Interface) ^^

Dynamics · 06-23-2008, 05:39 AM

I knew the latest version was 10, that's why I specified the "latest stable and widely distributed."

I'll correct everything else though :D

**Hyper** · 06-23-2008, 08:48 PM

I can't help but feel this is somehow related to me... Hmmm... LOL.

Ethelinde · 06-23-2008, 08:58 PM

Lolz...... tbh all you really need is just a high class up-to-date gaming machine....... All the gfx card/processor/ram informations are really unnecessary... and if there are problems found associating with them itll only b "too low" "too slow" "drivers" etc. etc. which cannot be fixed without upgrading the computer.

**Triumph** · 06-23-2008, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by Ethelinde

Lolz...... tbh all you really need is just a high class up-to-date gaming machine....... All the gfx card/processor/ram informations are really unnecessary... and if there are problems found associating with them itll only b "too low" "too slow" "drivers" etc. etc. which cannot be fixed without upgrading the computer.

The problem is, some people don't purchase high class gaming machines. Some people aren't hardcore gamers; for instance, my parents use a Centrino processor while I own a Quad Core.

Likewise with RAM and GPUs, if people buy from a computer vendor, such as Dell or HP, they more often than not leave their computers alone. Soldered/Onboard GPUs eat up RAM in order to process, but like MaxOff has said, lots of RAM will correct that. Any of the Intel Chipset family GPUs are onboard, which is the base configuration for many pre-made computers. As for RAM: 2 GB is fair for gaming; 3 GB is ideal, 4GB is kinda overkill.