Crash to desktop + launch properties?

[Prospect151]

I've been having a similar problem to most other people with a crash to desktop error message at all loading points and at some points where loud music audio starts to kick in. I turned off directx audio acceleration and it seems to help (at least inbetween load points) but the problem still occurs. Has anyone found a solution to this? It seems like an audio problem.

Also can someone please tell me how to change the launch properties of HL2.exe? I was familiar with doing it with HL, and adding tags to the target of the exe file, but I can't find HL2.exe.

thanks
steve

 

[Beerdude26]

Steam gives you the possibility of adding parameters to your exe through two ways :
1) Good old shortcut + parameters
2) Steam parameters.

Steam parameters :
-Left-click on Steam tray icon
-Select "Games"
-Select "My Games" tab
-Right-click on the game you want to add parameters to
-Select "Properties"
Now you can click on "Create Desktop Shortcut" or "Set Launch Options..." .
"Create Desktop Shortcut" will give you the ability to customize the parameters for that desktop shortcut, putting parameters in "Set Launch Options..." will affect the game if it's started through Steam.

For that problem : Could you give your system specifications? (Tutorial can be found here : link)

 

[Prospect151]

thanks beerdude
here are my specs:
XP Home
Celeron 2.8 GHz processor
1022 MB RAM
directx 9.0c
intel 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics controller
64 MB graphic card memory
1024x768 display mode (32 bit, 60hz)
Driver version 6.14.0010.3889

that should be about it

 

[Beerdude26]

intel 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics controller

This is most likely your problem. HL2 might crash because your graphic card simply can't cope with the stress HL2 puts on it.

You'll need a better graphic card, I'm afraid :|

 

[Prospect151]

That's the conclusion I've been coming to over the past few days. Trouble is it's embedded in my laptop, so I'll have to wait for a new desktop til I can really enjoy this game again

 

[Beerdude26]

That's the conclusion I've been coming to over the past few days. Trouble is it's embedded in my laptop, so I'll have to wait for a new desktop til I can really enjoy this game again

It looks to me that your motherboard looks AGP compatible. AGP is an information transfer design that can reach up to speeds of about 11GB , if I recall correctly.

It's commonly used for graphic cards, you just have to buy a graphic card (With decent AGP architecture , 8X is the fastest nowadays) and find out what your motherboard is. Then just compare both AGP architectures (e.g. Motherboard : 8X and graphic card : AX), and if they match, just plug in the card and you're ready to go!

Also note not to buy a PCI-E card, because those cards aren't compatible with most standard motherboards (although new motherboards have them).

The ATi Radeon 9XXX series are very good, and you can get a 9800XT for only about 150€ / 180$ (maximum price) nowadays. Find deals or second-hand ones and you might buy 'em below the 100€/$ line!

If you want real performance, I suggest checking out the 6XXX and 7XXX series from nVidia or the Xxxx (e.g. X800) or Xxxx (e.g X1800) series from ATi.

But that's all for desktops

But do not worry!
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