Lock On graphics

[madmonk]

Recently reinstalled Lock On after long break. When I open the game everything is fine until I try to open any mission or training tuition, the mission starts but the screen is white and the cockpit is just an outline with no details. I am using a large screen tv for the monitor but even at 1024x768 there is no improvement.Any suggestions please.

Edited February 10, 2008 by madmonk

[+Ruggbutt]

Post your system specs please.

[madmonk]

Windows XP Pro. SP3

Athlon 64 3200+MMx 3Dnow 2.1GHz

1024 Ram

Ati Radeon 9600/X1050 AGP

Audigy 2 sound

Saitek X52

[+JediMaster]

What version of ATI's Catalyst drivers are you using? You should be using at least a 6.x driver, although 7.x would be preferable.

That card is on the low end of what LOMAC can take, but it should at least give you a picture.

[madmonk]

What version of ATI's Catalyst drivers are you using? You should be using at least a 6.x driver, although 7.x would be preferable.

That card is on the low end of what LOMAC can take, but it should at least give you a picture.

Actually I'm using 8.442 ,I'm playing other games that are more demanding like CoD 4 and I used to play Lock On with much older drivers. For some reason I cannot fathom, this time it just isn't working. Perhaps using an older driver set might work! Do you think ? Since starting this reply I have been to Ati to see what the latest driver set is and it says 8.1, which is odd, because if I go to my card in hardware devices , the driver is 8.442. Can this be correct?

Edited February 13, 2008 by madmonk

[+JediMaster]

The driver version listed in Catalyst isn't the same as the drivers as listed on the website. The website lists them in easy date fashion: 8.1 were released in January 2008, while 7.11 were released in November 2007. You're looking for a number like that, which isn't listed as driver version but I believe Catalyst version.

It's possible whichever driver you have now has a bug with LOMAC. I've seen instances where something like 7.10 work, 7.11 won't, 7.12 work again.

[madmonk]

The driver version listed in Catalyst isn't the same as the drivers as listed on the website. The website lists them in easy date fashion: 8.1 were released in January 2008, while 7.11 were released in November 2007. You're looking for a number like that, which isn't listed as driver version but I believe Catalyst version.

It's possible whichever driver you have now has a bug with LOMAC. I've seen instances where something like 7.10 work, 7.11 won't, 7.12 work again.

Right Jedi ,I do understand that fact now. Anyway downloaded and installed the 8.1,also uninstalled and reinstalled the game. No difference, all the terrain looks like water with houses floating on it, the planes are snow white in exterior views. The cockpit is just outlines with no details. Might try reverting to an earlier driver,if that doesn't work I'll stick to Falcon 4. Thanks

[+JediMaster]

Hmmm. It's possible there's something else going on, but I'm not sure what. It sounds like a definite texture issue. Since you have AGP, I don't know how much video RAM your card has, but you might try going into the BIOS and changing AGP aperture size. Just make sure it's never more than 1/2 the RAM on your card. For instance, if your card has 256MB RAM, you can try setting the aperture at either 64MB or 128MB, but don't go above that. Don't set it below 64 either, that would be too low.

 

BTW, it may go without saying, but have you updated your DirectX lately? I noticed you said "long break" so I wasn't sure if you've been using your PC for other 3d stuff in the interim. Getting the latest 9.0c install from MS' website can't hurt.

[madmonk]

Hmmm. It's possible there's something else going on, but I'm not sure what. It sounds like a definite texture issue. Since you have AGP, I don't know how much video RAM your card has, but you might try going into the BIOS and changing AGP aperture size. Just make sure it's never more than 1/2 the RAM on your card. For instance, if your card has 256MB RAM, you can try setting the aperture at either 64MB or 128MB, but don't go above that. Don't set it below 64 either, that would be too low.

 

BTW, it may go without saying, but have you updated your DirectX lately? I noticed you said "long break" so I wasn't sure if you've been using your PC for other 3d stuff in the interim. Getting the latest 9.0c install from MS' website can't hurt.

Ok Jedi, will try changing the aperture size,though it's never been an issue before. The card has 256Mb onboard mem.I am up to date with directx.I have never stopped playing flight sims , just been more interested in IL 2 sturmovik,Falcon 4, Janes Superpro, MicrosoftSimX to name a few.

[+JediMaster]

One other thing would be another uninstall/reinstall, but after uninstall go into your directory and totally delete the Lockon folder. Just to make sure no .cfg files or anything are lingering behind.

The problem really is you have a midrange card from YEARS ago and I don't think ATI is keeping it really current with the drivers it's released lately. There are sites out there that have older drivers archived. You might try an early 7.x or even a 6.x driver.

[madmonk]

One other thing would be another uninstall/reinstall, but after uninstall go into your directory and totally delete the Lockon folder. Just to make sure no .cfg files or anything are lingering behind.

The problem really is you have a midrange card from YEARS ago and I don't think ATI is keeping it really current with the drivers it's released lately. There are sites out there that have older drivers archived. You might try an early 7.x or even a 6.x driver.

Just ordered a sapphire radeon X1950 Pro AGP, I know I should be going for Pc express but I don't want to change my motherboard just yet. I will see how it performs. Thanks for the help.