STALKER fix for SAVE crashing in vista

Zardon · Apr 9, 2007, 11:07 AM

Well I have been battling stalker in vista and the famous crash save bug for quite some time. I found this post on another forum and after doing it, it has cured my crashing problems (to this point). not only that but the game seems to run smoother.

Im using the 100.65 drivers right now.

Sometime 'editbin /LARGEADDRESSAWARE XR_3DA.exe' may not work, so forget about that and just do the BCDEDIT command.

The Editbin command is the same exact thing as using the Batch file provided in the archive.

If you don't feel safe about editing the Batch file to be useable with Stalker, then download my edited one: http://rapidshare.com/files/23252938/3GB_Enabler.zip

Simply put, for Vista users;

Extract the ZIP archive to a folder of your choosing. (Such as your desktop.)
Make a backup of your original XR_3DA.exe file.
Copy or Move your XR_3DA.exe file into the folder you extracted the 3GB Enabler to.
Run the 'Startme.bat' file, follow the instructions.

After that's all done...

VISTA 32:
Open command prompt as Administrator.
Type: 'BCDEDIT /set increaseuserva 2900' (without quotes)
REBOOT.

VISTA 64: You do not need to do anything else, just start the game and play.

Hopefully that clears up any confusion and makes it easier for users to apply this fix.

http://www.gsc-game.com/index.php?t=...=12&offset=-60

dipstick · Apr 9, 2007, 05:25 PM

Thanks for putting it all in to one nice post Z, I'm sure it will help many vista users enjoy this surprisingly good game. I applied this little tweak last week and I've been playing ever since with no problems.

Edit- Before the this tweak the game would peg my mem usage at 99%; after applying it doesn't seem to ever go over 87%. Pretty much explains why it was crashing all the time hehe

Necrosis · Apr 9, 2007, 06:02 PM

So this really fixes it huh...maybe I'll install it finally after Dyre Isles.

MiDri · Apr 9, 2007, 11:15 PM

Fixs some of them, still pretty crashy... use the -noprefetch in the shortcut too.

dipstick · Apr 10, 2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrosis

So this really fixes it huh...maybe I'll install it finally after Dyre Isles.

Sure does. I haven't had a single crash on both rigs at home. Just remember to back up the game exe

jasonbourne · Apr 10, 2007, 12:28 PM

are guys running vista 32bits?? i changed to vista 64bits and i havent had any crash no far.

Zardon · Apr 17, 2007, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbourne

are guys running vista 32bits?? i changed to vista 64bits and i havent had any crash no far.

yeah as I said part of the issue is about addressing over 2gb of ram and games hitting a wall if they try to access more. 64 bit vista wont have that issue. but the command line fixes it in the 32bit version above. id rather do the command line fix rather than have to stick with crap driver support in 64bit.

CompressorX · Apr 19, 2007, 09:43 PM

this is one of the best games i played.

Zardon · Apr 20, 2007, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CompressorX

this is one of the best games i played.

Really? I guess I should give it more time, I got bored in about 30 minutes and gave the disc to my kid brother.

Crack_Pot · Apr 20, 2007, 05:01 AM

i love it. beware the dogs and strange anomolies! they are gods in disguise.

Necrosis · Jul 9, 2007, 08:38 AM

I apologize for resurrecting a semi-old thread. Just have a question. I've upgraded from 2GB to 4GB of memory. I enabled the virtual memory setting listed above (did 3072 as opposed to 2900). I'm well aware of the addressing limitations of a 32 bit OS as opposed to 64 bit w/ 4GB of memory. However, should I change this setting, and if so to what? My computer is absolutely fine as it currently is but I'm curious.

Zardon · Jul 9, 2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrosis

I apologize for resurrecting a semi-old thread. Just have a question. I've upgraded from 2GB to 4GB of memory. I enabled the virtual memory setting listed above (did 3072 as opposed to 2900). I'm well aware of the addressing limitations of a 32 bit OS as opposed to 64 bit w/ 4GB of memory. However, should I change this setting, and if so to what? My computer is absolutely fine as it currently is but I'm curious.

This particular problem has only occured with games such as Supreme Commander and STALKER which are trying to access chunks of data larger than 2GB.

Incidentally how are you finding the 32bit Vista is handling 4GB of ram? are you seeing the full 4GB? ill be surprised if you are. If you are on Nvidia I finally would recommend the change to the 64bit Vista, in the last month is has really matured. excellent OS.

Necrosis · Jul 9, 2007, 12:00 PM

No Vista isn't seeing all the ram. Currently it only has 3GB available. However, I do intend on moving to 64 bit in the next 3-4 months.

Zardon · Jul 9, 2007, 02:15 PM

it would be a wise move really - especially with more than 2 gig of ram (most people I think in 2008 will be needing 4GB for high end gaming anyway). the 64bit version was lagging behind for a while, but in the last month ive noticed huge differences. especially with the latest nvidia drivers (162.15)giving an array of improvements as well as direct fan control over the 8800 GTX.

Asmoday · Jul 9, 2007, 02:19 PM

I have my 64bit DVD on order

Now I just will have to figure out how to afford a new graphic card and another 2gb of RAM.

Necrosis · Jul 10, 2007, 06:17 AM

Hmm..I already have my 64bit DVD. How much would it be for me to upgrade? Actually tell you what lets discuss this here: http://www.hardwareheaven.com/windows-...ml#post1069983

Jackball · Aug 10, 2007, 07:33 AM

I know I'm late to the party on this, but I'd like to thank Zardon for posting this fix. I was having the crash on save game issue with STALKER and the method you posted worked like a charm. I wasn't sure it would work since I only have 2GB of RAM, but I guess the game is using over 2GB when you take virtual memory into account. Anyway, thanks again.

Jackball · Aug 10, 2007, 07:44 AM

BTW, Zardon, after looking at your specs to the left, one question comes to mind: do you own a particle accelerator?

That's some craziness.

Apr 9, 2007, 11:07 AM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	STALKER fix for SAVE crashing in vista Well I have been battling stalker in vista and the famous crash save bug for quite some time. I found this post on another forum and after doing it, it has cured my crashing problems (to this point). not only that but the game seems to run smoother. Im using the 100.65 drivers right now. Sometime 'editbin /LARGEADDRESSAWARE XR_3DA.exe' may not work, so forget about that and just do the BCDEDIT command. The Editbin command is the same exact thing as using the Batch file provided in the archive. If you don't feel safe about editing the Batch file to be useable with Stalker, then download my edited one: http://rapidshare.com/files/23252938/3GB_Enabler.zip Simply put, for Vista users; Extract the ZIP archive to a folder of your choosing. (Such as your desktop.) Make a backup of your original XR_3DA.exe file. Copy or Move your XR_3DA.exe file into the folder you extracted the 3GB Enabler to. Run the 'Startme.bat' file, follow the instructions. After that's all done... VISTA 32: Open command prompt as Administrator. Type: 'BCDEDIT /set increaseuserva 2900' (without quotes) REBOOT. VISTA 64: You do not need to do anything else, just start the game and play. Hopefully that clears up any confusion and makes it easier for users to apply this fix. http://www.gsc-game.com/index.php?t=...=12&offset=-60

Apr 9, 2007, 11:15 PM	#4
MiDri DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 930 Rep Power: 0	Fixs some of them, still pretty crashy... use the -noprefetch in the shortcut too. __________________ [COLOR=Red] [COLOR=black]He is so happy, I just don't have the heart to tell him...[/COLOR][/COLOR]

Apr 19, 2007, 09:43 PM	#8
CompressorX DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 161 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	this is one of the best games i played. __________________ Bah !

Aug 10, 2007, 07:33 AM	#17
Jackball DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	thanks I know I'm late to the party on this, but I'd like to thank Zardon for posting this fix. I was having the crash on save game issue with STALKER and the method you posted worked like a charm. I wasn't sure it would work since I only have 2GB of RAM, but I guess the game is using over 2GB when you take virtual memory into account. Anyway, thanks again.

Apr 9, 2007, 05:25 PM	#2
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Thanks for putting it all in to one nice post Z, I'm sure it will help many vista users enjoy this surprisingly good game. I applied this little tweak last week and I've been playing ever since with no problems. Edit- Before the this tweak the game would peg my mem usage at 99%; after applying it doesn't seem to ever go over 87%. Pretty much explains why it was crashing all the time hehe

Apr 9, 2007, 06:02 PM	#3
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	So this really fixes it huh...maybe I'll install it finally after Dyre Isles.

Apr 10, 2007, 12:28 PM	#6
jasonbourne DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: great yarmouth uk Posts: 1,082 Rep Power: 0	are guys running vista 32bits?? i changed to vista 64bits and i havent had any crash no far.

Apr 20, 2007, 05:01 AM	#10
Crack_Pot DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	i love it. beware the dogs and strange anomolies! they are gods in disguise.

Jul 9, 2007, 08:38 AM	#11
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	I apologize for resurrecting a semi-old thread. Just have a question. I've upgraded from 2GB to 4GB of memory. I enabled the virtual memory setting listed above (did 3072 as opposed to 2900). I'm well aware of the addressing limitations of a 32 bit OS as opposed to 64 bit w/ 4GB of memory. However, should I change this setting, and if so to what? My computer is absolutely fine as it currently is but I'm curious.

Jul 9, 2007, 12:00 PM	#13
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	No Vista isn't seeing all the ram. Currently it only has 3GB available. However, I do intend on moving to 64 bit in the next 3-4 months.

Jul 9, 2007, 02:15 PM	Thread Starter #14
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	it would be a wise move really - especially with more than 2 gig of ram (most people I think in 2008 will be needing 4GB for high end gaming anyway). the 64bit version was lagging behind for a while, but in the last month ive noticed huge differences. especially with the latest nvidia drivers (162.15)giving an array of improvements as well as direct fan control over the 8800 GTX.

Jul 9, 2007, 02:19 PM	#15
Asmoday Demonic Join Date: May 2002 Location: In the cold, dark north... Posts: 5,198 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	I have my 64bit DVD on order Now I just will have to figure out how to afford a new graphic card and another 2gb of RAM.

Jul 10, 2007, 06:17 AM	#16
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Hmm..I already have my 64bit DVD. How much would it be for me to upgrade? Actually tell you what lets discuss this here: http://www.hardwareheaven.com/windows-...ml#post1069983

Aug 10, 2007, 07:44 AM	#18
Jackball DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	BTW, Zardon, after looking at your specs to the left, one question comes to mind: do you own a particle accelerator? That's some craziness.