hl2 problem

[lt.thomas]

i have an issue with process that i need help fixing.

ok so i play dod:s right and when ever i minimize the window to check my mail or whatever the hl2 process and day of defeat crashes. do you guys have any ideas on how to fix this??

thanks in advance for helping me

-Lt.thomas

 

[Byakuya]

When you mean crash, do you mean it closes out of it, or does it not maximize? or maximize but the screen stays black?

 

[lt.thomas]

screen turns black and wont let me open day of defeat again, and slows the computer badly so the only solution left is to close the hl2.exe process and force shut the program, if anyone can help me make hl2 work fine please tell me

 

[NinjaMittens]

How much RAM do you have?

 

[lt.thomas]

i have 896 mb ram

 

[REpear]

Sounds like your computer is having a hard time multi-tasking processes. By that I mean its choking on processing the game in the background while something is in the foreground when you switch between windows.

Close out all unneeded processes from ram before you play the game.(turn off IM's also) Try playing on the minimal graphics. If your using Outlook/Express, try finding a web login for your email system, if you are already using a web based email system yer good to go. Make sure you have done a Windows Defrag first, the do the steam verify, and then finally a defrag for dods itself with in steam.

Upgrade your memory to 1GB.
If your CPU is a single core P4 of less than 3.0Ghz its time to get an new computer.
If your on a laptop get a cooler fan for under it.

If all else fails try another steam game and see if it does the same thing it could be an issue with Steam or Windows itself which would warent a reinstall after you back up what is critical.

 

[Saeten]

Its because you are low on RAM. I would advise you go 2+ Gigs to avoid that problem.

 

[Beta]

Instead of minimizing the game, run it in windowed mode. When you need to check your mail you can just press the Windows key on your keyboard and run the game in the background so you can open a new window.

 

[lt.thomas]

Problem is i dont know how to enable window mode instead of fullscreen.

If i touch the windows button in fullscreen mode the problem i have discribed appears.

How do i turn window mode on?
Thanks for helping

 

[Beta]

Right click DOD:Source on your Steam games list

Click properties

go to Set launch options

And type - windowed into the box.

Done

 

[lt.thomas]

can i use both -console and -windowed at the same time?
if yes how?

 

[lt.thomas]

Never mind, i got the window mode working and i can now do other things while im seeding the servers...

Thanks for your help guys. Especially you beta who helped me solving the window mode, i will return you the favour when you need it =)