MA3 shuts down laptop
 

Yes, I am aware of the M4300 nVidia GPU issues - my system is not exhibiting those issues, and has the latest BIOS updates.

I use both wired / wireless networking - issue occurs either way.

I updated those registry settings - still shutsdown every time!

Shutdown event tracker doesn't help. The shutdown is IMMEDIATE, not graceful or under the control of the OS.

I am trying the latest video drivers from nVidia instead of Dell.

Incidentally, I tried MA 2.6 and the problem exists with that version too.

Wow. Considering MA2.6 and MA3.0 have barely a line of code in common between them, that IS strange. MA2.6 is built for DirectX 7. MA3 is built for DirectX 8, requiring a complete rewrite.

Could you try downloading the screen saver at http://www.DreamAquarium.com/ to see if that one gives you the same trouble?

Do you have any other apps you can use to test the 3D abilities of your computer?

Some stray questions:

1. How is your external monitor connected to your computer?

2. Do you have any other external devices connected to your computer?

3. What things have you added to your computer, since you purchased it? More memory? Changed hardware?

4.
Why are you sure of that?

The only thing that I know of, that will cause an "instant shutdown", is a hardware issue.

Most commonly, a problem with the power supply. Less frequently, a thermal issue, peripherals, etc.

In this case, given the symptoms, I suspect the power supply.

Considering a laptop, I think his hardware fixing options are limited.

That's why I suggested testing other 3D software. If all 3D software craters his laptop, then his graphics chipset is bad, which would be a warranty repair.

I agree that it's a good thing to test.

I would also suggest this one from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...reensaver.mspx This may already be available on the machine.

However:
1. If other 3D software craters the laptop, why would you conclusively say that the fault is the graphics chipset.
2. If a few other pieces of 3D software do not cause problems, what should we conclude?

...and why are you sure this would be a warranty repair?

Limited, yes. But - for instance - a significant portion of the power supply is external. So, if the problem happens to be power supply shutdown (detected overload, whether real or not), then fixing that is rather easy.

I run MANY other high-end 3D applications for CAD and Visualization. I have NEVER experienced this issue with any one of them (OPENGL or other)! The ONLY other application that exhibits this behavior is iTunes visualizer.

I tried the 3D Windows XP screen saver, and it works perfectly fine.

The dxdiag runs fine - DirectX 9.0c.

I cannot run MA in any mode / settting combination - it shuts DOWN immediately every time...Arghh...

I have setup a dual-boot, and will try under fresh install of Windows XP x64 to rule out a hardware / graphics chipset issue. System will eventutally be replaced with a M4500 running Windows 7....but I really would like to get MA3 running!

I'm a bit confused about what you expect to happen?

What will you conclude if a fresh install of XP-SP3 on the same computer, instantly shuts down when MA3 starts?

What will you conclude if MA3 runs correctly on the same computer, but with a fresh install of XP-SP3?

In any case, please let us know the results of your test.

tomicjr - have you tried deleting the entire Registry entry for MA3?

WOW.................... I hope you got it fixed.

I wonder what the "answer" was.

He deleted the registry entry and was never seen or heard from again. No wonder they warn against messing with the Registry :)

LOL! I survived the registry bit...and so did my system! I have tried MA3 on a few other similar systems (Dell, NVIDIA graphics, WinXP & 7) and cannot reproduce the issue. I figured there is something wrong with my M4300, and didn't invest any more time in trying to resolve the shutdown...back to a boring screensaver for now, until this unit is replaced... :(

Thank you for the advice in troubleshooting!

For the future benefit of others, please tell us the results of your testing.

Quick update - I finally rec'd my new Dell M4500 latptop. It is running Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit, with NVIDIA graphics...

I just installed MA 3.1 .... and it works flawlessly!

I believe the earlier issues I was experiencing were isolated to that particular system. The M4300 started to randomly reboot with other graphics apps too.

Thanks again for a great product! :TU:

Thanks for getting back to us.