Resolved - Lag spikes

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

Name: Jonathan Anderson

Rank:Corporal

Type of issue: Dod ingame

Brief Description of Issue: well im playing in the pub or somewhere else when i get like 10-20 second long lag spikes which tend to be really annoying but in some cases when i start up dod it wont happen for like 10 minutes or so and then i start and it usually strange enough happens when i see enemies and stop when i get killed but after those 10-20 seconds its gone and the game works like a charm and then it start again so i need some help and i appreciate any tips of what it can be and how to improve it. thanks

***Medical Supply Staff ONLY Below this line***

Current Status: Resolved

Main Technician: WO. Dillon

Supporting Technician: N. Holland

Edited May 16, 2012 by Holland 1st MRB

[Dillon 1st MRB]

First things first.

1. Is there anyone else on your network?

2. Do you have wireless?

3. Are you on the wireless or a wired connection?

4. How secured is your wireless?

5. Have you tried running malwarebytes? (www.malwarebytes.org)*

6. Windows updates and anti-virus all up to date?*

*Reason for this is to ensure you aren't acting as a zombie computer sending out spam or stuff like that. Its some pretty nasty stuff. Malwarebytes fixes just about everything.

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

ive checked that and its only dods nothing else vent is going fine same for internet in overall just dods that messing up

[Holland 1st MRB]

Be sure that your DOD:S executable is being run as an administrator, and is not being hindered in anyway by a firewall or anti-virus. If the packets being sent and received from DOD:S are being intercepted and scanned by a firewall/anti-virus, it would most certainly be slowing down your connection for the individual game. Unfortunately, this would open your computer to the possibility of infection via downloading content from servers. If you are comfortable with this, then make an exception on your firewall/AV for the DOD:S executable (The name is probably along the lines of hl2.exe, but verify that in your process manager).

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

well the problem is just as i wrote up there not always it starts like 10minutes into the game and last for 30 seconds before disappearing before coming back again so it isnt always like you guys think first second gone other second its here a little like that so it has nothing to do with my virus programs since it works perfectly fine before the lag spikes start

[Holland 1st MRB]

I would have to turn my attention to your internet connection itself.

I myself, operate under a kind of wireless internet (mostly due to the lack of option for my area), which tends to fluctuate under certain circumstances (multiple connections, weather conditions, humidity, etc)

At times, I experience much of the same problem. It is due to your internet connection. The problem should not be constant, and should improve over time. Same thing for dish/satellite, etc.

If you are connected through a hardwire (Phone line, power line, fiber optics, etc.), than I would suggest you contact your ISP. They should be able to help you further diagnose whether it is your problem, or theirs, and often have dedicated staff on-hand to troubleshoot these issues.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Holland 1st MRB

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

i dont know how this is resolved because it certainly isnt but i now know that it isnt the internet it is my computer itself

[Holland 1st MRB]

Topic unresolved.

We need more information in order to assist you any further.

What has brought you to believe it is your computer?

[Dillon 1st MRB]

First things first.

1. Is there anyone else on your network?

3. Are you on the wireless or a wired connection?

5. Have you tried running malwarebytes? (www.malwarebytes.org)*

6. Windows updates and anti-virus all up to date?*

*Reason for this is to ensure you aren't acting as a zombie computer sending out spam or stuff like that. Its some pretty nasty stuff. Malwarebytes fixes just about everything.

Please answer these questions. Saying "I've checked that" doesn't cut it.

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

yes there are others on my network and im running on wireless have tested wired didnt make a difference, i have tried malware bytes but not since i reset my computer and i dont know if my windows is up to date neither my anti virus.

[Holland 1st MRB]

What has brought you to believe that it is your computer, instead of your connection?

Wireless internet is notoriously unreliable and connections fluctuate rapidly.

You should find out what kind of service you use, such as DSL, mobile, satellite, wireless ISP, etc. This could help explain why your connection fluctuates.

What are others on your network doing? (IE. downloading, playing games over the internet, streaming video (youtube), web browsing, etc) I am not asking for specific examples. If your connection is running to multiple machines, then your router will be distributing bandwidth to the multiple connections, which would cause your connection to spike under strain.

[Dillon 1st MRB]

Run Windows Update. There's a lot of nasty stuff out there. I would recommend every recommended patch as well as most optional ones as well. Don't install the Bing Desktop unless you are sure you want it. Then I would run malwarebytes, a full scan, with up to date definitions.

Also, with a wireless connection, it might be something flaky. If you can run a wired connection for a day or so, that will help us out a lot as well.

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

well the thing is that i dont need internet to run dods for an example if i want to run a private quick game for example against bots it still lags exactly like in the pub but as you guys recommended i will check that out

[Holland 1st MRB]

Well that is quite different.

Are you running any configs? I would strongly suggest the one posted here. (near the bottom of the first post)

If that does not work, please post the specs for your PC here. We will be able to assist you in optimizing your game further.

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

thats actually the config i changed to when the lags first appeared at the time they did i was using elfs config but i thought the lags may cease if i changed config which i did but it didnt make a difference

[Holland 1st MRB]

How well ventilated is your computer? If you have it in any confined spaces, against a wall, desk, or etc. be sure that the vents are not being obstructed in any way, and that they have room to breath.

As well, check to see how dusty your computer is. If the components are clogged with dust, it will gradually start to heat up over time and heavier usage (as in games), and will very easily cause those random lag spikes after 10 minutes or so. It is simple enough to do, just take the cover off your PC, and blow it out. Blow some air from the inside of the fan to the outside, and be sure that your fan is set to an appropriate speed. (Some computers have a small knob on the outside to set the fan speed, some have a control on the inside. Others may have to be controlled via software. Some are automatically set based on temperature.)

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

well since im not good knowing about computers i really dont know how to open it unfortunely. but i will try my best

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

and since i got a laptop its gonna be real hard to disassemble it but i tried malware bytes it didnt find anything and just installed the last update so im up to test it now

[Holland 1st MRB]

Post the specs of your laptop.

If it is a laptop, you don't need to worry as much about taking it apart, but still, blow out the vents and fans.

More importantly, be sure that you are not using it in a confined area, that it is not sitting in sunlight at any time, and that you are not making any attempt to overclock your hardware.

[J. Anderson 1st MRB]

hehe i moved the computer a little and it works just fine now i dont know if it will last but its working good right now. But thanks Holland and Dillon for helping me so much if the problems come up again well i dont know what to do .

[Holland 1st MRB]

Good to hear the problem was resolved. If it begins to occur again in the future, feel free to post another ticket.