That version is the thorough version, but a little more effort to use. You need to download it, install it to a floppy disk, then boot off the floppy disk. Here's another version that is not quite as thorough.

http://hcidesign.com/memtest/

It runs directly in Windows. Just download the zip file, extract it and run it. The trouble with this version is that it cannot systematically run through each address of your memory, because Windows won't let it. It has to randomly ping memory addresses and you just have to let it run long enough that it *probably* hit everywhere. You can run multiple instances of it at the same time which will reduce your run time. (The in app help text says 20 minutes, the html help file says and hour, and then later overnight.)

I have dealt with bad RAM on three different computers in the last couple years and each time this tool was able to find bad addresses within 20 minutes.

Activision tech support suggests changing your desktop resolution to 800x660 32bit before launching the game if you are crashing at the load screen.

Found this thread that seems to back that up as a possible solution.

Basically, it doesn't work, and because of that I can't play. Does anyone know how to solve this?

Azurr

I'm sure you can do better than that. :) How about the actual error message and your system specs. Did you buy the box or download it off Steam? Which patch(es) do you have on it?

I did a quick search and wasn't able to find a definative answer, but I find it very hard to believe achievements are stored locally on your PC. If they were they would be absolutely hackable. I'm sure they are stored in the Steam Community databases.

It would still be smart to backup your Steam folder to save you redownloading, losing save games, resetting your key binds, etc. If you can't back up the whole directory, I'd focus on the *.gcf files in Steam\steamapps. These are the archive files your games are installed from, if you have them it will save you most or all downloading.

Configuration files are in different locations for Valve and non-Valve games. For Valve games look for directories in Steam\steamapps\[yourSteamId]\[Game Name Long]\[gamenameshort]\cfg (example: Steam\steamapps\joe@fake.com\team fortress 2\tf\cfg. For non-Valve games look for the directories Steam\steamapps\common\[Game Name].

It's too bad that so many people feel the need to pile on abuse when you had a bad experience and are clearly frustrated. I feel for ya man, I've definitely had headaches with my PC and games and sometimes feel like putting my foot through something or somebody.

Follow the links people provided, Valve will get you your account back.

Valve forces you through the support system and message boards to manage a big community cost effectively. You may not love it, it definitely sucks when you have a problem and want a person to tell you how to fix it now. But its a reality of game support, everywhere, not just Valve.

I looked at the profile you linked. Not sure how you know that's the person who got you. But I'm amazed Valve is letting him use the handle "|Vac/Acount Services| John". Seems like a pretty clear EULA violation, impersonating a Valve employee.

Also I have uninstalled Steam and it was clean and complete for me. If you're really giving up on it you may want to give uninstall another try.

DO NOT GET THE 9600!!! It has almost HALF the stream processors as the 8800 series!!! Don't let any one fool you into thinking next gen is better, now the 9800, that is a step in the right direction. But at almost $600.00 forget it.

OneNeo1

The sweet spot is the GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB. Such as this one. Nvidia made some wierd naming deciscions on this one. Even though its called a 8800GTS like the one you picked out, its based on a newer chipset (the G92). For $250 this card performs as well as a 8800GTX 768MB. The 8800GTS 320MB and 640MB are the old chipsets and have much lower performance.

Here's a Toms Hardware review on 8800GTS (G92) model.

is it worth it?The_PC_Gamer

$5? Yeah it's worth $5.... as long as you don't have to pay tax. ;)

[QUOTE="Ps2stony"]

But seriously, you should try getting some malware/spyware to fix your very important system files.

adamus007

I'm guessing he's suggesting that some Malware could be using up your limited download bandwidth and it is possible. Malware = any bad software that sneaks on your computer and you don't want there. There is malware that installs itself on your computer and joins you to a Peer-to-Peer network without you knowing about it. It will then start storing files on your computer and allowing others to access them.

Far from for sure that this is going on, but it is a possibility. Make sure you have a virus scan program running like Norton Anti-Virus. It's also a good idea to run general malware/spyware scans. Ad-Aware is an excellent free spyware scanner.

What is your bandwidth/download limitation? X GB/month? Tell us what that is and we can give you a better guess if WoW is hitting it.

Can you upgrade your internet service? One with limitations like that had better be free.