HL2 crashes after lowering graphics settings

[Dinnesch]

Hi,
I just got myself a copy of the Orange Box.
I installed it on my laptop, and it ran pretty well(considering my laptop's age).
But sometimes I got framedrops, and the average framerate was pretty low. I think I can get higher speed when changing it from DX8.1 to DX7 mode.

I can change the resolution without any problems, but HL2 always crashes after changing one of the other settings(EG object detail, water reflection) and it won't save the changes.

This are my lappy's specs, please do not respond with messages like: 16MB? HAHAHAHA, you should be happy HL2 boots on that piece of crap

1.0GHz Pentium 3
512MB SDRAM
16MB ATI M6 Mobility
120GB harddisk

Yes, only 16MB graphics, with no shared memory capabilities. But games like GTA SA and Far Cry just run fine on it as it is insanely fast.


Well, this is my question: is there any way I can change the graphics settings without having to use HL2? Or could someone please upload a settings file with minimal settings(I dunno if it will work when the hardware changes..)?

Thanks!

PS sorry for my crappy English.

 

[AciD]

A quick search brings a nice thread.

 

[Dinnesch]

A quick search brings a nice thread.

Thanks, but I found it pretty useless. The link in the thread provides a guide to improve CSS peformance. Most information is irrelevant for me: I already have tried the Omega drivers(unfortunately they don't work 100% cuz I have a laptop)

Most of the graphics settings explained in that thread are only for some slightly improved peformance. But I'm looking for a way to config the normal settings without having to use the settings tab in HL2(which crashes the game)

I've already found a nifty tool, Source Sauce, which, unfortunately needs Steam. I'm using a pirated version of HL2 on my laptop, because Steam eats too much RAM. Yes, I own the original version.
Does anyone know a tool which doesn't require Steam?


Again, sorry for my English

 

[AciD]

We don't discuss pirated stuff in here, we are hosted by Valve Software.
Any further discussion will result in ban.