RobertoLyon

Anyone aware of any plans for the last day?

Are people gathering in Atlas or elsewhere at a specific time on a specific day? Is there a specific time when the "lights go out"?

OK I reset video settings to default and it's working better - I'll fiddle around to see what was causing it.

Former player returning with new install - Verified Files after install, still getting messed-up textures on Character Select screen and ingame.

Characters are either all-black or transparent on Select screen,

NPC's are all-black in Atlas Park

and many surface textures (not buildings) are black-and-white or all pink ingame.

Just installed newest AMD Drivers for my card.

*IMPORTANT* Running in Safe Mode fixes the problem

NOTE: I took some screen shots I can post but also came across another player with the same issue:

^That pink color will flash to black or white or some-black-some-white as I move my view around.

CoH Helper:
---System information gathered by CoH Helper version 0.2.0.2---

DxDiag gathered at May 27, 2012 13:13 (-04:00)
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.120411-1615)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: GA-770T-USB3
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Central Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X3 450 Processor, MMX, 3DNow (3 CPUs), ~3.2GHz
Memory: 3326MB
.Net Memory Report: 2597MB out of 3325MB available
Page File: 4246MB (963MB currently in use)
C Drive: (HDS728080PLA380) 31826MB out of 78520MB (40%) free
E Drive: (WDC WD1600JB-00GVA0) 6053MB out of 152625MB (3%) free
F Drive: (HP Portable HD BB07 USB Device) 352591MB out of 476936MB (73%) free
D Drive: (SONY DVD-ROM DDU1612) zero-size drive
Windows directory location: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DirectX Diag version: 5.03.2600.5512 (32-bit version)

Display Notes: No problems found.
Sound Notes: No problems found.

No problems found.
Input Notes: No problems found.

Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor's Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Video Device Name: ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series
Manufacturer / Chip: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. / AMD Radeon Graphics Processor (0x68B8)
Video Memory: 1024.0 MB
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.7261
Driver Date: 4/5/2012 11:20:02 PM
Driver Language: English

Sound Device Description: USB VoIP Device
Driver File: usbaudio.sys
Driver Version: 5.01.2600.5512
Driver Date: 4/13/2008 2:45:12 PM

Sound Device Description: Realtek HD Audio output
Driver File: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6167
Driver Date: 7/28/2010 6:27:36 AM


WMI Information
Motherboard Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
Motherboard Model: (empty)
Motherboard Product: GA-770T-USB3
Motherboard Version: x.x
BIOS Manufacturer: Award Software International, Inc.
BIOS Name: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
BIOS Version: GBT - 42302e31
BIOS Release: 20100826000000.000000+000


Registry Information for Current User
Resolution: 1680x1050
3D Resolution: 1680x1050 (Not using renderscale)
Full Screen: Yes
Maximized: No
Screen Position: 0, 0
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Vertical Sync Enabled: Yes


Physics Quality: High
Maximum Particles: 50000
Max Particle Fill? 10.000
Physics Card Enabled: No


Anti-aliasing: 2x
Anisotropic Filtering: 4x
Texture LOD Bias: Smooth
Water Effects: None
Bloom: 1.000 (turned on)
Depth of Field Enabled: No
Desaturation Effects (Sepia) Enabled: Yes
Shader Detail: Medium?


World Texture Level: Very High
Character Texture Level: Very High
World Detail Level (Vis_Scale): 1.000
Entity Detail Level: 1.000
Shadows Enabled: No
Shadow Mode: Stencil shadows
Shadow Map Shader: Unknown (0)
Environmental Reflections: Disabled
Advanced Occlusion Settings: No
Ambient Occlusion: High quality
Occlusion Strength: Strong
Blur: Trilateral
Ambient Resolution: Quality


Gamma Correction: 1.000
Geometry Buffers (VBOs) Enabled: Yes
Suppression of FX When Camera Close Enabled: No
Close Suppression Range: 3.000
Show Advertisements: Yes

Audio Mode: Performance
3D Audio: No
FX Sound Volume: 0.600
Music Sound Volume: 0.600

Show Advanced Graphics Options: Yes
Overall Graphics Quality: 1.000
Reverse Mouse Buttons: No
Save Login Username: Yes
Transfer Rate: Unknown bytes/second
Current Game Version: ?
Installation Directory: C:\Program Files\NCsoft\City of Heroes

Mod files in the Data directory
No modifications found

HijackThis:
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 1:13:52 PM, on 5/27/2012
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\DeviceVM\Browser Configuration Utility\BCU.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\NEC Electronics\USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver\Application\nusb3mon.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\avastUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\MSI Afterburner\Bundle\OSDServer\RTSS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
E:\Program Files\Steam\steam.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\MOM.exe
C:\Program Files\Belkin\Nostromo\nost_LM.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\ccc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Amazon\Amazon Games & Software Downloader\AmazonGSDownloaderService.exe
C:\Program Files\DeviceVM\Browser Configuration Utility\BCUService.exe
C:\Program Files\Gigabyte\EasySaver\ESSVR.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service\IntuitUpdateService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service v4\IntuitUpdateService.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLIDSVC.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLIDSvcM.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\NCSoft\Launcher\NCLauncher.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mspaint.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Robert Lyon\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R3 - URLSearchHook: SearchHook Class - {BC86E1AB-EDA5-4059-938F-CE307B0C6F0A} - C:\Program Files\DeviceVM\Browser Configuration Utility\AddressBarSearch.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Funmoods Helper Object - {75EBB0AA-4214-4CB4-90EC-E3E07ECD04F7} - C:\Program Files\Funmoods\funmoods\1.5.19.3\bh\funmoods.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live ID Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.7.7227.1100\s wg.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Funmoods Toolbar - {A4C272EC-ED9E-4ACE-A6F2-9558C7F29EF3} - C:\Program Files\Funmoods\funmoods\1.5.19.3\funmoodsTlbr.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCU] "C:\Program Files\DeviceVM\Browser Configuration Utility\BCU.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NUSB3MON] "C:\Program Files\NEC Electronics\USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver\Application\nusb3mon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast5] "C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\avastUI.exe" /nogui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [amd_dc_opt] C:\Program Files\AMD\Dual-Core Optimizer\amd_dc_opt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AmazonGSDownloaderTray] C:\Program Files\Amazon\Amazon Games & Software Downloader\AmazonGSDownloaderTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTSS] "C:\Program Files\MSI Afterburner\Bundle\OSDServer\RTSS.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe" MSRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [igndlm.exe] C:\Program Files\Download Manager\DLM.exe /windowsstart /startifwork
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Steam] "E:\Program Files\Steam\steam.exe" -silent
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [FlashPlayerUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashUtil32_11_ 2_202_228_ActiveX.exe -update activex
O4 - Global Startup: Loadout Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Belkin\Nostromo\nost_LM.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &ieSpell Options - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLOPTION.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O8 - Extra context menu item: Check &Spelling - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLCHECK.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Google Sidewiki... - res://C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\GoogleToolbarDynamic_mui_en_D183 CA64F05FDD98.dll/cmsidewiki.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Lookup on Merriam Webster - file://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\Merriam Webster.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Lookup on Wikipedia - file://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\wikipedia.HTM
O9 - Extra button: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell Options - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {39B0684F-D7BF-4743-B050-FDC3F48F7E3B} (CDownloadCtrl Object) - http://www.fileplanet.com/fpdlmgr/ca...2.3.10.115.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe Flash Player Update Service (AdobeFlashPlayerUpdateSvc) - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerUpda teService.exe
O23 - Service: Amazon Download Agent - Amazon.com - C:\Program Files\Amazon\Amazon Games & Software Downloader\AmazonGSDownloaderService.exe
O23 - Service: AppleChargerSrv - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\AppleChargerSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - AVAST Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Browser Configuration Utility Service (BCUService) - DeviceVM, Inc. - C:\Program Files\DeviceVM\Browser Configuration Utility\BCUService.exe
O23 - Service: ES lite Service for program management. (ES lite Service) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Gigabyte\EasySaver\ESSVR.EXE
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdatem) (gupdatem) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Intuit Update Service (IntuitUpdateService) - Intuit Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service\IntuitUpdateService.exe
O23 - Service: Intuit Update Service v4 (IntuitUpdateServiceV4) - Intuit Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service v4\IntuitUpdateService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
O23 - Service: Steam Client Service - Valve Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Steam\SteamService.exe

--
End of file - 9912 bytes

60-month-vet, finally pulled the trigger on canceling the subscription after not playing for more than an hour or 2 over the past 3 months.

The Cancellation survey asked: What would bring you back?

After giving it some thought, I realized that I started losing interest in CoH after trying [a zombie-killing MMO game] and LOVING how much the built-in, effortless voice chat enhanced my gaming enjoyment.

And that's a game that doesn't require a ton of tactical co-ordination...I can only imagine how fun and useful voice-chatting in CoH would be.

Yes, I understand there's Skype & Ventrilo, I'm just saying that for me personally, an effortless, built-in VOIP system would be a big plus.

Love 'n hugs to all heroes, vills, mods 'n Devs - and no you cannot haz my stuff - I may be back for it some day.

According to a CNBC article, a forensics investigation of the PS3 hack found user info from 24.6 million PC users was compromised in hacks April 16th & 17th.

CoX has the best online community hands-down, and I wanted to turn you all on to what could be the next-gen for sites like this.

I just started playing a fun new (single-player) game from Europe, and checking out its website, I find that one of the programmers involved with the game designed and created a really innovative site to support it.

It's very Facebooky (so much so that I worry about infringements) but I find interacting with the community virtually effortless, with all sorts of REALLY useful features.

First thing I thought of when checking it out was: wouldn't the CoX site be even MORE UBER-AWESOME with this set-up?

See what you think and maybe we can convince a Mod or Dev involved in Forums stuff to head over there to see what's up as well.

It's got a scrolling "chatbox" Instant Messenger at the top, Newest posts, Newest blog entries, Map uploads, Downloads, Mods, etc. listed on the right. "Friends", status posts, you name it.

Very nifty.

From U.S. Customs & Border Protection: (the surveillance video is almost as hilarious as the stills of the National Guardsmen trying it out after the arrests)

Cooperation w/ Natl Guard and Mexico Results in Seizure of Catapult and Marijuana

Tucson, AZ: Border Patrol agents and members od the Natl Guard coordinated w/ the mexican authorities to prevent a drug smuggling attempt Friday evening near Naco, AZ. Mexican officials responded and seized approx 45 pounds of marijuana, a sport utility vehicle, and a catapult capable of launching contraband into the U.S.

As part of the Sept 8th deployment of 504 Natl Guard personnel to the Tucson Sector, Natl Guard Troops assigned to operate the remote video surveillance system at the Naco Border Patrol Station observed several individuals just south of the Intl Boundary Fence preparing a catapult. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Intl Liaison Unit contacted Mexican authorties who responded to the area and disrupted the catapult operation. Camera operators observed individuals fleeing the area, presumably to avoid apprehension.

Power supply - I'm doubtful - it was my rig's most recent upgrade, reputable maker, plenty of wattage, no keyboard spills or crossed wires to cause a short.

Mobo - my gut is telling me this is the culprit - it's the oldest component in my PC (6 years old) following upgrades of virtually every other component. I had already been thinking about a mobo-up overhaul when this happened.

If it's the mobo that's probably good news as it would save data-loss from a new WinXP install or re-formating.

Again, many thanks to everyone for their input so far.

It's a good suggestion! So I underclock in BIOS I believe (I'll Google) but at least here's something I never considered that gives me some hope.

Thanks very much for the input!

Yes bizarrely F8 fails to open the Boot Windows As...screen

But again that's a Windows function (vs. BIOS) so if my Windows boot.ini or some other part of Win is corrupted, it does make sense that I can't get there.

Same for System Restore.

Thanks for the suggestions tho!

Not specifically CoH-related but youse guys are smart n friendly so I thought I'd throw this out for suggestions:

Made no changes to the system but last thing that happened was a Windows security update on Shut-down.

Now when I boot-up, BIOS p.o.s.t. shows good HDs, good DVD-Rom, good RAM, but Windows never starts, just goes to a black screen, HDs are not being accessed.

-Changed Boot order in BIOS to boot from WinXP DVD, hoping to get the Recovery console, but same thing - black screen, no attempts to spin-up DVD or HDs.

-Removed mobo battery to reset CMOS, no joy.

-Checked and re-checked all connections inside.

-Stripped devices and added one at a time, no joy.

-Swapped-in an old video card just in case it was having trouble generating the higher-res gfx, no joy.

I've been building/upgrading/repairing my own PCs for 3 decades and can usually troubleshoot the problem and fix it myself but this one has me completely stumped.

Any suggestions? Could the Windows Security update have corrupted my WinXP or boot.ini?

I work a late shift and play between 1a-4a ET, but I'm usually able to put together a full PuG from scratch in under 5 minutes just about every night.

Here's how.

Boy, I don't think I've been to the Shard since Ultra mode hit - the baddies there look pretty sharp now!

Thanks for all the info heroes, see you online!

Thanks for the help as always Lemur - great to have you back!

I just bought a new headset/mic for use with another online game, wondering what my options are for using it with CoH.

Are there any Freedom-based groups or SGs who specialize in this and can hold my hand through trying it out?

Sounds like my best bet would be to post down in my Server forum then? Ask about finding a group that can hold my hand if I wanna try this out?

OK I'll get Googling on those, but if anyone else wants to flesh this out a bit and give me an idea of how those would work and what to expect...

-are those programs free?

-are voice-teams easier/harder to find?

-are there dedicated voice SGs?

-does it work like, we all get on a "conference call" before playing?

-is it "worth it"? Effortless, built-in voice chat is great, but I don't intend to jump through hoops for it if it's a pain to actually use it.

I just got a new headset/microphone to use with another online game - wondering what my options are for using it with CoH?

(Only other thread I found on this using Forum Search was from 2009 - and ParagonWiki doesn't have an entry using "voice" as a search term)

Shout "olly-olly-in-come-free!!!"

When they show their faces, boot 'em right out the house.