[Mulderator]

Trying to figure out how to fix this on relative's computer. Its WinXP, AMD Duron Processor 900 Mhz with all updates to Direct_X. DVD playback is horrible--CPU goes to 100%, but I endtasked a lot of stuff--its got 256K RAM. Does it need more RAM?

 

[Mulderator]

BTW--this happens with either VLC or Window Media Player with a Nero DVD Codec.

 

[idowindows]

I endtasked a lot of stuff--its got 256K RAM. Does it need more RAM?

I'm not going to tell you more ram will fix the dvd playback problem for sure but adding more ram (I would make it 1 Gig) certainly will help with your movies not to mention regular apps...

I just hope the pc doesn't have a generations-old cpu.

 

[cwwozniak]

Take a look here about playback problems relating to Windows accessing drives in PIO instead of DMA mode and how to switch to DMA mode

http://www.michna.com/kb/WxDMA.htm.

Are you sure that the PC has 256 KB (kilobytes) of RAM and not 256 MB (megabytes). Even at 256 MB, idowindows' suggestion of adding more memory could help playback as well. Not sure if you need to go to 1GB though.

 

[JohnWill]

I'm guessing it's the DMA issue, I've played videos on a 256mb machine that was slower than that one with no issues. The 100% CPU gives it away, PIO is very CPU intensive.

 

[Mulderator]

I'm guessing it's the DMA issue, I've played videos on a 256mb machine that was slower than that one with no issues. The 100% CPU gives it away, PIO is very CPU intensive.

The drives are set to DMA if available. Doesn't that mean its DMA!

 

[cwwozniak]

The drives are set to DMA if available. Doesn't that mean its DMA!

Maybe!

What does the "Current Transfer Mode" box say for each device? It should be right under the box that is saying "DMA if available."

 

[JohnWill]

DMA Reverts to PIO should provide a solution if it's stuck in PIO mode.

 

[cwwozniak]

DMA Reverts to PIO should provide a solution if it's stuck in PIO mode.

That link kinda looks familiar.

 

[JohnWill]

You're right, I missed that you had already posted it. I wonder why Mulder hasn't tried that, since it's likely his issue.

 

[Mulderator]

You're right, I missed that you had already posted it. I wonder why Mulder hasn't tried that, since it's likely his issue.

Sorry guys, but I was busy--this was a relative's computer I was helping with and didn't have time to get to it and I'm home now, but I'll refer them to this thread.