Mainstream
How to Fix Colin McRae: Dirt 2 Crashes and Launch Issues
Dirt 2 might be the first game to offer support for DirectX 11, but this doesn’t mean (unfortunately) that it is an error-free game. Apparently most of the problems are related to the game crashing at startup or crashing/freezing right after the AMD logo appears. Below we will try to fix the crashing and freezing and not launching issues of Colin McRae: Dirt 2 and hope you’ll get the perfect experience out of it.
First thing you should do before trying anything else is to check out if your system meets the minimum system requirements for Dirt 2. If it does, read on and let’s try to find a solution.
Problem 1: Dirt 2 crashes at launch (Dirt 2 not launching)
Apparently, this is a problem caused by an incorrect installation of Games For Windows Live. According to the game’s community manager the fix here is quite simple:
1. Restart your computer.
2. Download and install again Games for Windows Live (click here to get it)
3. Restart the computer again and fire up the game!
Problem 2: Dirt 2 crashes or freezes when the AMD logo appears
There is no official confirmation of a fix for this problem, but you could try to force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode. In order to do so, you will have to:
Open with a text editor the file located at:
Documents/My Games/Dirt2/hardwaresettings/hardware_settings_config.xml
Find line and change it to
Game should run now without problems. Please let us know if you’re having any other problems or if you managed to find out other fixes for the crashes of this really cool racing game.
Mainstream
How Long Is an NBA Basketball Game?
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Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is its premier league. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding the structure and duration of an NBA game is essential to fully appreciate the excitement and strategy involved. So, how long is an NBA basketball game? While the answer might seem straightforward, there are several factors that influence the total time.
The Basics: Game Structure
An NBA game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. This means the actual playing time is 48 minutes. However, the total duration of a game is significantly longer due to various stoppages, breaks, and additional rules.
Duration of Professional Basketball Games
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In the NBA, games are divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, resulting in 48 minutes of actual playing time. However, the total duration of an NBA game is much longer due to various factors:
- Timeouts: Each team is allowed seven timeouts per game, each lasting 75 seconds (with some exceptions for shorter timeouts).
- Fouls and Free Throws: Stoppages for fouls and free throws can add significant time.
- Halftime: A 15-minute break occurs between the second and third quarters.
- Overtime: If the game is tied, 5-minute overtime periods are played until a winner is decided.
On average, an NBA game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, though games with frequent stoppages or multiple overtimes can extend closer to 3 hours.
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Halftime and Quarter Breaks
In addition to the playing time and stoppages, there are scheduled breaks during the game:
- Quarter Breaks: After the first and third quarters, there is a brief break of about 130 seconds.
- Halftime: The break between the second and third quarters, known as halftime, lasts 15 minutes. This is when teams regroup, and fans often enjoy entertainment or refreshments.
Length of College Basketball Games
College basketball games, governed by the NCAA, have a slightly different structure. Instead of four 12-minute quarters, college games are divided into two 20-minute halves, totaling 40 minutes of playing time. Despite the shorter playing time, college games often last nearly as long as NBA games due to:
- Media Timeouts: These are mandatory stoppages for TV broadcasts, occurring at the first dead ball after the 16-, 12-, 8-, and 4-minute marks in each half.
- Halftime: A 15-minute break separates the two halves.
- Overtime: Like the NBA, college games use 5-minute overtime periods if the score is tied at the end of regulation.
On average, a college basketball game lasts about 2 hours, though this can vary depending on the pace of play and the number of stoppages.
High School Basketball Game Duration
High school basketball games are shorter than both NBA and college games. They are typically divided into four 8-minute quarters, resulting in 32 minutes of playing time. The total duration of a high school game is influenced by:
- Halftime: A 10-minute break occurs after the second quarter.
- Timeouts: Teams are usually allowed a limited number of timeouts, each lasting 60 seconds.
- Overtime: Overtime periods are typically 4 minutes long.
On average, a high school basketball game lasts about 1.5 hours, making it the shortest of the three levels.
Average Duration of an NBA Game
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Taking all these factors into account, the average NBA game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, this can vary depending on the pace of play, the number of fouls, timeouts, and whether the game goes into overtime. Some games, especially those with frequent stoppages or multiple overtimes, can stretch closer to 3 hours.
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Factors Influencing Game Length
Several factors can affect the duration of a basketball game, regardless of the level of play:
- Timeouts: Strategic timeouts, media timeouts (in college and professional games), and mandatory stoppages can extend the game.
- Fouls and Free Throws: Frequent fouls lead to more stoppages and free throws, adding to the total time.
- Instant Replay Reviews: In the NBA and college games, referees may review certain plays, which can delay the game.
- Overtime: Tied games that go into overtime can significantly extend the duration.
- Pace of Play: A fast-paced game with fewer stoppages will be shorter than a slower, more deliberate game.
- Injuries or Delays: Unforeseen events, such as player injuries or technical issues, can also add time.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the length of an NBA game helps fans plan their viewing experience. Whether you’re attending a game in person or watching from home, knowing the approximate duration allows you to set aside enough time to enjoy the full experience. Additionally, the strategic use of timeouts, fouls, and breaks adds layers of complexity to the game, making it as much a mental battle as a physical one.
Conclusion
While the actual playing time of an NBA game is 48 minutes, the total duration typically ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours due to stoppages, breaks, and potential overtime. This extended time frame allows for the strategic depth and entertainment that make NBA basketball so captivating. So, the next time you settle in to watch a game, you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of time commitment—and you’ll appreciate the nuances that make every minute count.
Gaming News
Best Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
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Usenet newsgroups may seem old-fashioned to many. In reality, they are the perfect place for players who love the classics but are always open to new games and strategies. These internet communities are also ideal for those searching for gaming material, solutions to issues, or a conversation related to their favorite video games. Whether you are an experienced player or entering this domain for the first time, Usenet holds a ton of resources that could change how you interact with the gaming world.
Understanding Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet newsgroups, which include gaming groups, are like message boards. People can post messages and articles in different categories. Each group is a special place for certain topics – this makes it simple to find the subjects you want to read about most. The unique characteristic of Usenet lies in its decentralized structure. This permits a much more open interchange of details and information than what is seen on regular social media platforms or forums.
Initially, Usenet was utilized only for academic and professional exchanges. However, it soon turned into a prevalent method for communicating among hobbyists and gaming groups. Presently, even though Usenet has been surpassed by newer platforms in terms of popularity, it continues to be an important tool for knowledgeable users who value its special mix of staying anonymous with fast communication. Knowledgeable users also love access to vast archives containing historical information and software applications that are no longer available elsewhere on the Internet.
Top Usenet Newsgroups for Mobile Games
comp.mobile.games
This is a fresh group dedicated to discussions about mobile games and related technology matters within the industry. Here, you can find conversations about the coding aspects of creating games for mobile devices, like new updates in platforms or fresh game engines being used for development purposes.
rec.games.mobile
The perfect place for people who play games on their mobile devices as a hobby. Here, users talk about strategies, tricks and discuss game evaluations. This group is also suitable for those who are not serious gamers but like to connect with others and discuss playing strategies.
alt.games.mobile
In this newsgroup, users often discuss gaming fixes and give each other suggestions. It is also the go-to place for gamers and die-hard fans that wish to find each and every detail of the game they love to play.
Best Newsgroups for Video Game Discussions
Newsgroups such as alt.games.video and rec.games.video.arcade have lively communities where gamers often engage in exchanges and conversations. These forums are not only for resolving gaming issues or writing reviews; they are centers of enthusiastic discussion regarding gaming culture, strategy, and creation process. Be it the latest RPGs, energetic shooters or old-school arcade games – there is always a thread bustling with discussion.
In these threads, not only will you encounter a variety of views from across the globe, but you may also land on gaming tricks and shortcuts that are lesser known. For those who are new, remember that every group has its own tone and rules. Lurking for a while should help you understand community norms and ensure your contributions are accepted.
Specialized Gaming Newsgroups
Specialized newsgroups are designed for particular gaming communities. They provide a discussion environment that is more centered and focused. These groups are ideal for users who really love a particular game and want to explore it in great depth.
The benefit of these specific groups is their collection of very particular details. Gamers who are part of such a group often exchange unique things like custom mods or skins, and offer advice on how to make gameplay more efficient and fun.
Tips for Using Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
To enter Usenet, you will first need to pick a provider that is well-known for security, high retention rates and fast speed. To make the right pick, it is a good idea to get the rankings for the best Usenet providers. Next, get advanced newsreader software, as this will allow you to browse through newsgroups easily and manage your activities effectively.
Focus on newsgroups related to gaming and participate in discussions matching your interests to find gaming buddies. Also, make sure that you follow the netiquette of each group while doing so. Utilize newsreader software functions like filters and automation to keep things simple.
Conclusion
Usenet, at first sight, can appear as a choice for oldies or people that have not yet acclimated to social media platforms and forums. However, its distinct characteristics make it very useful for all kinds of gamers. If you are searching for uncommon information, looking for detailed conversations or wish to join a community that matches with your specific interests; Usenet is surely the place for you. Jump in to see how Usenet can add another element of fun to your gaming experiences!
Casual
Encouraging Growth and Motivation: Resources for Child Development
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Child development is a complex journey marked by critical milestones where each stride forward builds upon the foundation of the previous one. Acknowledging children’s individual needs, pediatric therapy services tailor strategies to foster physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. To support this transformative process, environments that prompt curiosity and engagement, coupled with advanced educational tools, play an instrumental role in shaping young minds. These resources, carefully selected and applied, can significantly amplify a child’s developmental trajectory. Keep reading to learn about the effective ways these tools and techniques can aid in advancing childhood milestones.
Pediatric Therapy Services: Enhancing Developmental Milestones
Pediatric therapy services support children as they reach and surpass developmental milestones. These services, often provided by skilled therapists, address various growth challenges, ensuring each child has the best possible start in life. From speech and occupational therapy to physical and behavioral interventions, these professionals tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of every young patient.
Therapists work relentlessly to motivate children, fostering an environment where milestones are not merely achieved but celebrated. Through personalized, one-on-one sessions, children gain the confidence and skills necessary to navigate their developmental journeys more easily. The trust between therapist and child is a solid foundation for consistent progress and paves the path for lifelong learning and adaptation.
Resource provision is a key component of pediatric therapy, equipping parents with the tools to continue therapy practices at home. Effective communication between therapists and families ensures a cohesive strategy that envelops the child’s daily routine, enhancing the therapy’s impact. It also allows parents to identify subtle progress, reinforcing their pivotal role in the child’s developmental success.
If you’re looking for pediatric therapy in your area, a simple Google search like “pediatric therapy Arizona” will help you find local providers and services tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring they receive the specialized care necessary for their development.
Optimizing Play Spaces: Creating Environments for Learning and Exploration
Optimized play spaces are vital platforms where children engage with their world, build skills, and unleash their creativity. Designers of such areas pay astute attention to elements that promote safe exploration and intellectual stimulation. A thoughtfully arranged play environment serves as a place of entertainment and a crucible for burgeoning development.
Professionals incorporate a variety of tactile and visual stimuli within play areas to cater to diverse developmental needs and interests. Stimulating sensory experiences is central to cognitive and motor skill refinement among younger populations. The intentional selection of colors, textures, and interactive features sparks curiosity and encourages physical activity, which is fundamental to healthy growth.
Accessibility remains paramount in creating play spaces, ensuring they cater to children across all abilities. Including adaptive resources within these environments demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development, allowing every child to participate and benefit from the joy and learning play offers. Such inclusiveness fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional and social development.
Affording children autonomy in their play advances self-directed learning and problem-solving capabilities. When children feel empowered to make choices within their play, they better understand their preferences and abilities, setting the stage for confidence and self-awareness — qualities that are instrumental as children grow and transition through life’s stages.
Additionally, incorporating elements like fake plants or outdoor plants from retailers like Nearly Natural outdoor plants into play spaces can enhance children’s sensory and aesthetic experience.
Interactive Learning Tools: Technology and Resources for Cognitive Development
Interactive learning tools harness technology’s power to solidify children’s cognitive development. These digital resources provide an array of engaging, educational content that aligns with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Software and applications designed for children’s learning capitalize on the allure of multimedia to capture young minds. Effective education solutions provide children with stimulating challenges that are age-appropriate and aligned with developmental targets.
The discerning use of educational technology in classrooms and homes can reinforce concepts and skills taught through traditional methods. It creates a harmonious blend of instruction and interactive play, thereby cementing a child’s understanding and retention of information.
Providers of such educational platforms are ever vigilant, updating content to reflect new educational strategies and the latest academic research. Thus, children equipped with these technological tools remain at the vanguard of current learning methodologies, all while engrossed in fun and dynamic ways.
Overall, caregivers and educators can provide comprehensive support for children’s developmental journeys by integrating pediatric therapy services, optimized play spaces, and interactive learning tools. These resources nurture their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth and cultivate a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
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Damndog
December 15, 2009 at 12:03 am
It wonť help. After the intro with codemasters it will write the application error and i can just only click on dot’t send.
So, it is helples.Next one thing, reinstal game for windows live – helpless, some kind of crack?Useles. Nothing is helpful.
bazzakay
December 15, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Hey, I’m glad I’m not the only one experiencing this issue! I’ve been in touch with codemasters tech support and they’re like asking me disable antivirus/firewalls/virtual CD/DVD drives (like daemon tools). A bit OTT me thinks! I don’t believe it’s anti virus/firewall.
I’ve found a temp workaround though. If it’s crashing after the AMD logo then restart steam (if you bought the game via steam). Booting up is normally successful after this but it is still prone to crashing with/without errors during gameplay. The closest error I’ve seen is related to ntdll.dll. The event viewer in XP reveals nothing.
I’m running the game on DX9C under XP SP3… Meh, this is going to be a pain to fix cause there’s no real pattern.
skolnieks
December 18, 2009 at 11:52 pm
hey ! I have erro too, when i finish first race England rallycross game crashes he just stops. How can fix this ???
djuka
December 22, 2009 at 2:03 pm
i play first race and when start second race i cant just freeze dirt 2.Can somebody help with this problem?
Attila
December 28, 2009 at 1:55 am
Crash after first race.
any ideas?
Aladdin
December 28, 2009 at 9:51 pm
same here crashes after first race
Yoshi
January 29, 2010 at 2:16 pm
I have a problem in-game. Sometimes I can play normally and sometimes it crashes in middle of a race…
Tim
January 29, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I got same problem it crash after first race..it just freezes..but the game runs smoothly so its not up whit my pc reguires or video card..:F so..does somebody had solution this problem..?
Viktor
February 2, 2010 at 5:01 pm
After the AMD , and Intel
Andy
February 7, 2010 at 11:25 pm
After going through the lengthy intro right up to the first rally several times (am unable to skip the intro), I get a message to say that Dirt2 Executable has stopped working. I hHave tried the repairing the programme as suggested above with no luck.
Any ideas on how to fix this and also how to skip the intro?
Bruno
February 12, 2010 at 2:40 am
Hi, I´m today instaled CMR DIRT 2…MY PC: XP SP3, amd 64 athlon 2,3ghz,GeForce 8600GT (512 mb),2 GB RAM..
First race (london) run nice…I win this race, I get a new OFF roud but in an instant freeze game.I press ctrl+alt+delete and I must end this game :(
____________________________________________________
This problem I resolved with edit “workerMap” to:
I was glad that the game is working properly..BUT problem has been solved !!
Although I can go to caravan and select new race GAME FREEZE AGAIN!!
_________________________________________
PLS HELP MEEEE !!!
Bruno
February 12, 2010 at 2:43 am
I edit “workedmap.xml” from this w. site:
http://community.codemasters.com/forum/dirt-2-tech-support-1317/399195-problem-game-freezes-after-first-race-3.html
denis
September 1, 2010 at 10:07 pm
—————————
dirt2_game.exe – System Error
—————————
The program can’t start because OpenAL32.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
—————————
OK
—————————
tintin
October 9, 2010 at 5:38 am
complete worthless try to install dirt2.
May be crash problem fixed by Dirt2 patches.
BTW codemaster game production sucks.
Samsick
October 9, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Never Buy Dirt2 game,its piece of garbage which doesn’t install properly and codemaster’s patches doesn’t.I recommend never buy this game.ESRB rating is never support is game.
fillflame
December 8, 2010 at 12:25 pm
I downloaded dirt 2 via Steam, and at first I did’nt got to play it either. It kept crashing during the main intro movie. The solution I found was to force the game to play in directx9 and then it played like a charm..until today: After completing the third xgames, I got an invite for 3 tribute races to colin mcrae, with a Ford someting something. As could’nt decline, I had to accept. After winning the 3 races, a tribute movie to Colin started playing. All of a sudon, the movie freezes, and I get a black screen. ctrl alt delete, the windows button on the keyboard, nothing worked. I had to reset my pc. As I tried again, the same scenario repeated itself and I can’t choose another race, and if I retire from the race, the tribute movie starts again..Anyone who could help me?
alex
December 18, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I played dirt 2 for a while without my official drivers installed.it worked beautifully with high settings.now,after i have installed the drivers,i get like 3fps in the van and the loading time is enormous.but outside the van or during races,works beautifully.patches won’t work.i don’t know what to do.any ideas?
momo
December 22, 2010 at 9:01 pm
hi,
I tried the solution above but it did not worked.. however,
this solution worked for me (dirt 2 crashed on AMD logo)
1. make a copy”backup” of your dirt2 installation folder (by default its located in C:\Program Files\Codemasters\DiRT2)
2. uninstall dirt 2
3. install it again
4. replace it using the backup that you have
Also if your dirt2 hangs-up during gameplay :
* if you are using windows vista/7, normally you will get an error from windows stating >> something like “your video driver has been recovered”
if this is the scenario (or maybe not), you may want to swap your memory (put it on another slot or disable the 128bit memory access “dual channel”)
In my case, i found out that if my memory is configured as “dual channel” dirt2 crashes before the race starts. And it got fixed by disabling 128bit access. -> i’m “guessing” that is a fault of the hypermemory access (AMD) and turbocache (nvidia) since this features gives your video card to use the “memory” of your computer.
william
December 30, 2010 at 6:11 pm
for me I get lag only in the caravan (main menu) . 5-10 FPS and it crash >.< help?
Lina
January 9, 2011 at 7:35 pm
I got the same problem
alex
February 18, 2011 at 9:56 pm
update: i fixed the fps drop in the caravan!i renewed the GPU drivers.now it plays just fine….:)
louis
February 19, 2011 at 4:06 pm
just change compatibility to Vista SP2 then the game will work. Just did that and the error went away
thedrs
May 25, 2011 at 11:25 am
games hangs the computer (only computer reset helps) – the screen and computer get stuck right after the map scene when you see your racer red badge in the intro movie.
sapphire 5870 latest catalyst (11.5) latest bios
win 7/x64
zombienation
May 25, 2011 at 11:29 am
the way to fix the crashes is as follows:
1) buy an xbox360
2) buy dirt 2 for xbox360
That’s it! No more crashes!
deep
June 23, 2011 at 12:52 pm
same crash after the first race?is there any solution to it codemasters? my pc has sempron,ati radeon 3000.if this is the problem with dirt,than we better stick to nfs.
Chillios
June 29, 2011 at 11:18 am
got the same prob.
4gb ram
hd 5850 ati
dual core E6800
first 10-20 races runned perfekt now my pc freezes after dirt 2 was running for 10 min
Manish Rathee
July 5, 2011 at 9:28 am
hi…bro.u can play this game on win7 32bit/win xp3
Manish Rathee
July 5, 2011 at 9:33 am
hi..
i have :
processor pentium R dual core e5700 3.0ghz
ram 2gb
hdd 500 gb
video card ati radeon hd 4350 1gb ddr2
after install how to play
this game show me some error after play
florin
December 4, 2011 at 1:32 am
Anche da me si blocca alla fine della prima partita. quli soluzioni ci sarebbero.