20 replies to this topic

[Arakhor]

Is stuttering only caused by the Megamod installation? I don't recall it years ago when I was playing the unmodded version, with Lilarcor, familiars, regular MoveToAreas and so on and so forth. Are there simple, guaranteed ways to cure it, i.e. not hacking about game files or deleting hordes of stuff in ShadowKeeper etc., and what can I do to make sure I never get it? More to the point, does it always occur or is it a case of once it starts, you're pretty much buggered?

I have read a few threads but what I have read is either confusing or inconclusive, so in this case, I would say that I'm an idiot. My character's still only in Athkatla, but since I started him back in Candlekeep, I feel really attached to him and don't want to start a new game if I can at all help it. Do people have some fairly simple suggestions on how to proceed?

[Miloch]

Stuttering can be caused by any number of things, a lot of times scripting. There is no "cure all" for it unless you know the exact source. Check the fourth point here. Also, you may want to be more specific as to where you encounter it and how - there may be known solutions.

[Arakhor]

Well, I didn't notice the stuttering until I'd dealt with Rejyek the Tanner in the Bridge District, at which it occurred noticeable at both ends of the pendulum down-swing. Reloading to just before entering the tannery, the stuttering was there, but much less. Reloading to my save game in Waukeen's Promenade, there was no stutter that I could discern, but as soon as I made my way around the Cult of the Eye stronghold, I noticed the stutter starting to occur again.

I don't have Lilarcor, I even Ctrl-Y-ed my imp familiar to see if that did any difference, and I defragged my machine and cleaned out the cache only yesterday. I haven't done any additional biffing (because I haven't got the foggiest how to), and I've only started to notice the stuttering, despite carrying hundreds of arrows around in BG 1 (which I won't be doing again!).

I can easily fiddle with the RAM storage and so forth, but I was always rather partial to the ambient sounds

One other question - if I export my character and decide to wait until the new version comes out, can I still use the exported character, even though the saves are likely to be irretrievable?

Edited by Arakhor, 09 August 2009 - 07:02 PM.

[Miloch]

I was always rather partial to the ambient sounds

In the latest BGT anyway, this appears to have been fixed. In other words, all the invalid ambients have been deleted, so you can ignore turning down ambients (or if it has any effect in reducing stutter, it has to do with something else entirely).

If you haven't biffed your game, you probably want to do that. If you've installed BWP, I think it includes that. Otherwise see the End-Biff or 'Generalised Biffer' programs on this forum. Never used either, so I can't comment much more than that, other than not biffing will definitely lag your mega-mod install. Conversely though, biffing will preclude the ability to uninstall or change any mods installed before the biff.

One other question - if I export my character and decide to wait until the new version comes out, can I still use the exported character, even though the saves are likely to be irretrievable?

Generally speaking, you can use an exported character. The only reservation is if you custom kitted it, you may need to install exactly the same kit mods in exactly the same order. Obviously, any mod-added items you have too will not be available unless you install those mods. The same goes for save games, only more so. As you say, they are probably unusable on another install unless you've done things exactly the same. If there's multiple differences in a new version though, I wouldn't use them, even if they appear playable. Never know when something down the road might be broken.

[Vandervecken]

Hi,
I am in the middle of an ongoing and indepth stutter problem, as detailed in my thread here:

http://www.shsforums...showtopic=41762

I have learned much and I hope to be able to help you diagnose your problem.
Please feel free to look through that thread, and/or PM me and I would be happy to walk you through what I have tried.

Cheers
vandervecken

[Arakhor]

Well, my character is a Kensai/Mage with the Check the Bodies special abilities, so assuming I maintain CtB in my mod list, I should be fine. Instead of killing my imp familiar, can I leave it somewhere, such as the de'Arnise hold, to reduce stuttering or does it teleport to me inconsiderately?

Can I biff files mid-game or is that something that can only be done post-install, pre-game? I have those two files you mentioned and I think I'll be able to use them. Will the BWP version invalidate save files? It's probably not worth waiting for it if I'm going to have to reinstall for it anyway in due course.

[Vandervecken]

Well, my character is a Kensai/Mage with the Check the Bodies special abilities, so assuming I maintain CtB in my mod list, I should be fine. Instead of killing my imp familiar, can I leave it somewhere, such as the de'Arnise hold, to reduce stuttering or does it teleport to me inconsiderately?

Can I biff files mid-game or is that something that can only be done post-install, pre-game? I have those two files you mentioned and I think I'll be able to use them. Will the BWP version invalidate save files? It's probably not worth waiting for it if I'm going to have to reinstall for it anyway in due course.

You should NEVER change your mod set in the middle of a game. EVER.
The reason is simple. A lot of text in the game does not work in a nice way. There will be scripts that look like this:

IF
Something_Happens
THEN
Read line 12345 of dialog.tlk
END

Any change in the mod set that changes dialog.tlk (almost all of them) will screw up everything. You are stuck with your mod set.

That said, there are things you can do.
1) Create a test save. Drop all NPCs, and all items (familiar is irrelevant) and go to a secluded location (I like Monzuma's cave, but any area which is small and quiet and has no NPCs in it).
2) Look at my thread about how to set up a stutter-test mod so you can see what lines of bcs files are being executed. Look for a rogue script. I found one in mine for example, and it led to a bug being found.
3) If that doesn't fix it, find out how many Global Variables you have. Do this by looking at your save in Shadowkeeper and PG-Downing. If the number is around 4000, you have the same problem as I do. There seems to be a hard limit.

[Arakhor]

How can I know exactly how many Global Variables I have? Do I have to count every single one manually? Whilst Home and End work fine, Pg Down doesn't.

I've noticed that I've had a very slight hiccup on the lag since before I transitioned to BG II,so it's probably not just connected to BG II, but then I did absolutely everything possible in BG without noticing anything wrong, so the problem is probably exacerbated by BG II. Thanks for the advice so far.

[Jarno Mikkola]

My character's still only in Athkatla, but since I started him back in Candlekeep, I feel really attached to him and don't want to start a new game if I can at all help it. Do people have some fairly simple suggestions on how to proceed?

Well, my character is a Kensai/Mage with the Check the Bodies special abilities, so assuming I maintain CtB in my mod list, I should be fine. Instead of killing my imp familiar, can I leave it somewhere, such as the de'Arnise hold, to reduce stuttering or does it teleport to me inconsiderately?
Can I biff files mid-game or is that something that can only be done post-install, pre-game? I have those two files you mentioned and I think I'll be able to use them. Will the BWP version invalidate save files? It's probably not worth waiting for it if I'm going to have to reinstall for it anyway in due course.

What kind of game do you have, WeiDU.log please... as you never attached one.
Now, as I said in the Miloch's linked thread, it's very important that you make the right mod selection in the right order...

The Biffing is storing the games override files into more accessible storrage for the computer to read them, few mods do it by themselves, but many don't. The Generalized Biffing(the bigg's biffing) has uninstallation option too, so you can uninstall it too, but it's generally adviced not to, cause it takes a lot of time.
Now, you can actually install it after you have started the game and saved(so it works with saves too).

[Arakhor]

I took great pains to ensure that I installed everything in the correct order. Do you mean that I can actually general-bif my current saves and they will still work (after a fashion)? That might help with the stuttering.

// Log of Currently Installed WeiDU Mods
// The top of the file is the 'oldest' mod
// ~TP2_File~ #language_number #component_number // [Subcomponent Name -> ] Component Name [ : Version]
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #0 // BG2 Fixpack - Core Fixes: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #1 // BG2 Fixpack - Game Text Update: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #2 // Super Happy Fun Lucky Modder Pack: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #100 // Party Gets XP for Sending Keldorn to Reconcile With Maria: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #101 // Improved Spell Animations: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #102 // Cromwell's Forging Actually Takes a Day: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #104 // Ghreyfain's Holy Symbol Fixes: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #106 // Giants Receive Penalties When Attacking Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #107 // Remove Dual-Classing Restriction from Archers and Stalkers: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #109 // Corrected Summoned Demon Behavior: v8
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #111 // Bard Song Fixes: v8
~SETUP-SOS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Shadows Over Soubar: 1.13
~SETUP-TDD.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Darkest Day, v1.12
~SETUP-TDD.TP2~ #0 #1 // TDD Character Kits
~SETUP-TS-BP.TP2~ #0 #0 // TORTURED SOULS v6.10 (BP Compatible Version)
~SETUP-CTB.TP2~ #0 #0 // Check The Bodies: 1.11
~SETUP-CTB-CHORES.TP2~ #0 #0 // Candlekeep Chores: 2.2
~SETUP-BGT.TP2~ #0 #0 // Baldur's Gate Trilogy - Core: 1.07
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #1 // Improved Suldanessallar
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #2 // Improved Spellhold
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #4 // Improved Small Teeth Pass, by Kensai Ryu
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #5 // Improved Kangaxx Encounter, by Kensai Ryu
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #6 // Kensai Ryu's Improved Crypt King
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #7 // Kensai Ryu's Gnome Fighter/Illusionist in the Docks
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #8 // Improved Random Encounters, by Gebhard Blucher and Kensai Ryu
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #9 // Gebhard Blucher's Lich in the Docks
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #10 // Red Badge, Poison-Based Encounter, by Westley Weimer
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #11 // Kuroisan the Acid Kensai, by Westley Weimer
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #12 // The Ritual, by Westley Weimer
~SETUP-BPV177.TP2~ #0 #13 // Improved Xvart Village, for BGT-weidu
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #100 // Eldoth reminds of Skie's ransom: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #400 // Add Semaj's Cloak and Upgraded Koveras' Ring of Protection: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #500 // Major locations explored upon visit: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #600 // Druid/Ranger-responsive bears in BG1: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #702 // Happy patch -> Only good and evil NPCs leave the party: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #800 // Import more items into Shadows of Amn (WARNING: This can be considered a cheat): 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #902 // Random activated traps in the pirate cave -> Game-time randomisation: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Bags of the Sword Coast: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1200 // Arkion reacts to player's reputation: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1300 // Coran responds to the death of a wyvern: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1400 // More bandit scalps: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1700 // Salk's Pen-and-Paper ruleset corrections: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2100 // Exotic Weapons For Taerom: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2300 // Disable hostile reaction after charm: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2400 // Enemy items shatter: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2500 // Access Ulgoth's Beard west of Wyrm's Crossing only: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2600 // Prevent access to Durlag's Tower from adjacent areas: 8
~SETUP-BP-BGT-WORLDMAP.TP2~ #0 #0 // Worldmap for Baldur's Gate v7.1 - including colored Baldur's Gate map icons -> New Worldmap for use with Mega Modification...: v7.1
~SETUP-BP-BGT-WORLDMAP.TP2~ #0 #2 // Worldmap for Throne of Bhall -> Use new Worldmap for Throne of Bhaal as well: v7.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~SETUP-CTB_FF.TP2~ #0 #0 // Check the Bodies Fast Forward, v1.1 (for CtB v1.8 or later)

Edited by Arakhor, 10 August 2009 - 06:07 AM.

[Jarno Mikkola]

I took great pains to ensure that I installed everything in the correct order. Do you mean that I can actually general-bif my current saves and they will still work (after a fashion)? That might help with the stuttering.

What I mean is that you can use the General Biffing on your current game data. As it has nothing to do with game saves per se, and then use your saves after... and they will still work.

...

What you might be missing is the BWP fixpack that has the Resource Fixer v1

20.0. Resource Fixer v1
~SETUP-RES_FIXER.TP2~
Some macros designed to fix various structural errors in creatures, items and spells. It's necessary to get BP to install.
...
21.1 BIG PICTURE V1.77a

But I do not know.

Edited by Jarno Mikkola, 10 August 2009 - 06:44 AM.

[Arakhor]

Well, thank you for your help so far. I'll see if I can try general-biffing and then get back to you.

[Vandervecken]

How can I know exactly how many Global Variables I have? Do I have to count every single one manually? Whilst Home and End work fine, Pg Down doesn't.

I noticed that in ShadowKeeper you had 10 Global Variables per page, so I clicked on the bar on the right hand side which drops you down to the next 10, and counted the clicks.

How many MB are in your Override folder?

[Arakhor]

There are 3,655 files in my Override folder without biffing, for a total of 78.4/88 Mb.

I took a quick look at some of the values listed for the Global Variables in Shadowkeeper. ArrivedNaliaKeep is 13758368, CircusEnded is 13348223, Coran is 6821344, Diviner 7279912, DestroyGuards 7247453 and so on are some of the immediately obvious values. Should they really be that large?

Unfortunately, when I click the down arrow in the Global Variables box, it clicks down one at a time and frankly I am not even going to try to count 4,000+ clicks!

Edited by Arakhor, 10 August 2009 - 11:01 AM.

[Vandervecken]

There are 3,655 files in my Override folder without biffing, for a total of 78.4/88 Mb.

I took a quick look at some of the values listed for the Global Variables in Shadowkeeper. ArrivedNaliaKeep is 13758368, CircusEnded is 13348223, Coran is 6821344, Diviner 7279912, DestroyGuards 7247453 and so on are some of the immediately obvious values. Should they really be that large?

Unfortunately, when I click the down arrow in the Global Variables box, it clicks down one at a time and frankly I am not even going to try to count 4,000+ clicks!

78-88 MB is not too bad, biffing isn't your problem I think.

The large values are times, in seconds I think. Shouldn't be a huge concern.

You don't click the down arrow. You click the long vertical bar between the up and down arrows. That should do 10-ish at a time.

[Arakhor]

Using that method, I counted roughly 1000 - 1020 global variables, which doesn't sound that huge comparatively.  The BGI variables I mentioned are the same in my pre-transition save too, so I don't know.

[Vandervecken]

Using that method, I counted roughly 1000 - 1020 global variables, which doesn't sound that huge comparatively. The BGI variables I mentioned are the same in my pre-transition save too, so I don't know.

No, that doesn't sound like very many.
You should look into the runaway script aspect. Look at the stutter-test idea in my thread.

[Arakhor]

Well, having now general-biffed my override folder, set my Cache to 3000 Mb and killed off my little imp familiar (and removed the status effect in Shadowkeeper), the currently-minor stuttering is still there   I'll have to check out your thread.

[Zyraen]

Assuming it is an NPC causing the problem, you can try Ctrl-Y a character, and run with the other 5.
If stutter occurs, Ctrl-Y another NPC. Rinse-repeat till you find the one causing the problem.
If there is only one character (your PC) left and stutter bug still occurs, check Player1.BCS. There might be something inside causing it.
Alternatively, it could be the BCS of the ARE you are in.

[Arakhor]

Obvious newbie question, but where do I find Player1.bcs and how do I open it?

I've noticed that the stuttering is worse after Rejyek the Tanner and in the Cult of the Eye area, but perhaps that's just time-related (as I reloaded and went elsewhere instead).  It's certainly not unplayable yet, but I want to avoid a situation where it does become so!