Mainstream
How to Fix Mass Effect 2 Crashes and Freezes
The launch of Mass Effect 2, one of the most anticipated PC games of the year, was met with great reactions from the public but unfortunately quite a few of the gamers encounter different problems when playing the game, like freezes, crashes and black screens. I’ve tried to find out solutions for these annoying problems and below we’ll try together to fix Mass Effect 2 crashes and freezes.
First of all, before trying any fix listed above, make sure that your computer meets the Mass Effect 2 system requirements and that you have updated your video and sound card drivers to the latest drivers. If you meet all the requirements but still have problems and ME2 crashes or/and freezes, read on and maybe you’ll find a solution!
First of all, most of the users report that they have problems when trying to load Mass Effect 2 and the game freezes while loading. According to people from the Steam forums, there are a couple of things you could try to fix this:
1. “Right click on game, properties, local files, verify integrity of game files. Then Defrag them. After that you should launch the game using the Launcher first so you can set all your settings the best way (lowest possible). Make sure your signed into EA and Biowear and registered your game,” suggests fatray
2. You could also try to go to the set up of the game file in SteamApps/common/mass effect 2/Binaries and lower the video settings. Hopefully this will solve your problem!
3. For those running Mass Effect 2 in Windows 7 or Vista, disabling the User Account Control might also fix the problem. If it does not, it would be best to switch the UAC back on!
4. Finally, if none of these fixes work, try a solution suggested by Steam user jito643: Delete the local shader cache files by going to Steam\SteamApps\common\mass effect\Binaries\ MassEffectConfig.exe and under the Repair section click on “Delete Local Shader Cache Files”.
Did any of these solutions help you with the Mass Effect 2 freezes and crashes? Did you manage to find your own solution? Let us all know in the comment section below!
Mainstream
How Long Is an NBA Basketball Game?

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

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

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

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

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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feargone
January 30, 2010 at 11:27 am
yeah i reckon this game still has few bugs in it. im running it on windows 7 with ati radeon 4890. occasionally it freezes and locks up requiring restart of pc. in some maps like rescue of tali it just happens so often it makes the game unplayable.
Marrin
October 16, 2010 at 7:26 am
haha the same here, randomly freezes but on tali mission it happened 3 times already, thats why i went online to find a solution
help
January 31, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I got it on my PC but the whole computer crashes at random point during the first 5 minutes. It just shuts down.. Anyt tips?
z
July 23, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Very likely: Your computer is overheating.
icem1
February 2, 2010 at 6:17 pm
after installation i keep getting a ‘the application has failed to start correctly (0xc000007b)’ crash message. can anyone help? i meet the pc requirements, have net framework 3.5.1 and the latest drivers.
salem
February 6, 2010 at 4:16 am
There is no repair button. Exactly how is this fixed now if theres nothing there to click? Rescan doesn’t unlock it…. Help? Everything else I’ve done here, more than 7 times, so exactly what now….
Jack Heath
February 15, 2010 at 12:35 am
I found I could not create a new character as long as I had the add-ons installed. Had to delete the folder and completely reload the game. Since the add-ons come with the game when you buy it in the store, maybe many people did what I did and applied the add-ons before ever loading the game.
Jack Heath
February 15, 2010 at 12:36 am
Sorry, I meant had the add-ons NOT installed.
Salem
February 15, 2010 at 1:31 am
Well I was able to make a new character “with” add-ons installed, and without, so that theory is not working for me here. There has to be something else blocking it from running. It simply crashes when it goes to the loading, halfway there or just going into the loading screens at all. I’m beyond the specs for this game, so I’m at a loss here. I’ll simply not play it.
Heatman
February 15, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Like the 3rd guy, my PC also crashes at random points. I can play the game, but then suddenly whole PC just TURNS OFF. It acts like if I unplugged power. But ofc it’s plugged in. And no, this is not a problem with my power supply (btw, it’s ~620 W, Chieftec). I got no error before it, no BSOD so I have no clue what to do now.
z
July 23, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Same deal. Its probably overheating.
Mike
February 28, 2010 at 7:48 pm
If you purchased the game through Steam I highly recommend giving the first fix a try (verify file integrity and defrag). I was having heaps of trouble with freeze-ups occurring during loading screens, but this solution worked like a charm.
Salem
March 1, 2010 at 12:02 am
Broken record alert. Most of us (speaking for myself as well here) ‘have’ done the above, verifying and defragging, restarting to death, and no fixing has happened. How about an actual patch to fix the coding problem and we can actually play like the others, thanks. I’m very happy for you that it works for you, but what you are suggesting does not work for everyone. A patch will fix this. Bioware, where are you, and will you kindly help the people who need it? Thanks.
Angry Marine
March 8, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I installed the game many times over, and still, every time I t ry to start a new game it crashes on loading screen. As soon as the loading screen apears, the masseffect relay thingie shows, and some green numbers apear on right top of it, and then it simply freezes. I can still hear music, but the only thing I can do is to ctrl+alt+del it away and it says “Not responding”… xC Pls Help!
dude from denmark
May 24, 2010 at 6:10 pm
that is the exsact same thing mine is doeing.. getting too see the relay, numbers, POW freeze, ctrl, alt, del. and it says it is not responding
:S
Tibbz
June 3, 2010 at 9:51 am
This also happened to me, to fix it I updated my drivers but now my game freezes after character creation. You might as well try to update your drivers, you might be more successful than me.
For ATI: http://www.ati.amd.com
For Nvidia: http://www.nvidia.com
Salem
March 8, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I’ve never seen green numbers appear, next time I try the game, I’ll look and see if I get the same reaction. Perhaps that will help with the bug testing or something! But the same reaction. Gets to a loading screen, music can be heard, but it just simply stops running, and yes, task manager is the ONLY way for it to get off the screen or to shut down, otherwise it just runs in its stalled form.
dochamada
March 8, 2010 at 6:35 pm
The speculations appear to be sofisticated:
at least xp sp3,vista,w7
double core cpu(amust and will not work for single core ever)
high end graphic card(7900,8800 and so on)
If and only if these speculation met,some fixes may resolve the crash problems like the latest patch 1.0.1.
Eolath
May 13, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Game ran fine the first time I got through, then the second time I tried to get through the game the game gets stuck at exactly the same point every time with EVERY save EXCEPT with the first save. (In this save I already visited the point before) It happens when I try to enter the Mad Prophet area on my way to the quarentine area. There are two paths in, every time when I get close to the Mad Prophet the game freezes. No errors, nothing. Music keeps running, and CPU usage skyrockets from 50 % to 100%. I’ve tried saving just before the area, doesn’t make a difference.. The rest of the game runs fine, but I need professor Solus to continue.
Sage
May 18, 2010 at 5:36 am
If enemies are on the screen and a battle has started, the game will ALWAYS Freeze if I try to assign moves to the shortcuts (PC version). I can only assign moves (drag & drop) when there are no enemies on screen.
This is extremely annoying, anyone else have this issue?
This is literally the only thing that has ever made the game crash for me. Occasionally it will temporarily freeze on loading screens if I play in windowed mode but that’s it.
pecan
June 17, 2010 at 9:10 am
Problem with ME2 ( 0xc000007b ) solved by installing C++ package located on install disk in folder software\Visual CRT
Sherri
July 29, 2010 at 2:42 am
My problem is when my character is walking, they will all of sudden stop walking for a few seconds, and after that they will start walking again. Any ideas what may cause that. I have plenty of RAM (3 gig), and a Geforce 9500 series graphics card.
cookiesncream
August 3, 2010 at 11:12 pm
It ran fine for like the first four days I started playing but I haven’t been able to play at all today since it gives a blotchy screen, then black screen, which cannot be removed at all, anytime i try to enter an area or mission so I have to force restart the PC. It is strange since I have visited these locations already but now I cannot access them, I have been playing on highest settings and this is the first time I have gotten any problems and this one is really bad. Any ideas anyone?
2Gb RAM, Geforce GTX 280 & Windows 7
Doug
December 31, 2010 at 11:46 am
My game ran fine until at one specific point it causes my computer to crash and restart instantly. My PC is brand new with 4GB RAM, Asus EAH5770 1GB, Windows 7 Intel i5 CPU 3.33Ghz. Why is this happening and how can I fix it?
anjumrajkhan
January 18, 2011 at 3:39 pm
i have tried this one and succeeded
“Alright I have worked out what the problem is.
The Mass Effect 2 Installer is a disgusting abomination that should never have even existed.
To fix this problem, install Mass Effect 2 as usual, then extract the Movies.rar file from your Mass Effect 2 Disc 1 to where your Mass Effect 2 movies have been installed.
The movies have not been entirely installed, which is why it won’t load properly.
If you manually extract all the movies from the disc to your destination folder, it will all be in there properly and Mass Effect 2 won’t have any trouble loading.”
worked for me
you should try it
Bob07
May 29, 2011 at 12:56 am
Yeah something similar for me. What happens for me though is I’ll re-assign stuff AFTER a battle because I don’t like where something is annnnd..crash. Only has happened two times, just updated my drivers so we’ll see what happens.
Teacher50
June 9, 2011 at 3:47 am
ME 1 and 2 worked perfectly (just a glitch here and there) until I updated my Windows 7 operating system to Service Pack 2. They both then crash on startup. I checked this by rolling it back to the original version of 7 and they worked fine again. There sounds like there may be several different problems here but this would certainly compound and complicate the issue. I’ve tried several work arounds but have not had any luck yet. That’s why I was looking here.
vivek
July 3, 2011 at 7:36 am
i tried what u said it didn’t work for me… :(
Orchid
August 17, 2011 at 1:54 pm
hi guys just thought i would pass on that i was having HEAPS of trouble with me2 consistently crashing. It used to play fine and i had completed the game, but a few months later felt like playing again and WTF now suddenly crashes every time i go to a menu screen and other random places. I tried all the normal suggestions (steam version) verifying files, clearing cache. Then tried uninstall and reinstalling (through steam so had to download entire game AGAIN!) but no joy. Installed the latest driver for the NVidia GForce on my laptop, which then led to a NEW error message saying PhyEX not working (or something along those lines) but a restart resolved this. But game still crashing. I then tried windowed mode, in which the game would run (but in a tiny window – yuk, no thanks) and then i saw a thread on a windows help site about trying the game in compatability mode. I had recently install Windows 7, SP1 , so i changed the compatability for me2 to Windows 7 (sans SP1) and it solved the problem! I’m so relieved!
So don’t forget windows compatability modes they are worth a try. Good luck fellow gamers. ^_^
Mike
August 18, 2011 at 4:14 am
I had been playing ME for quite some time and when I installed SP 1 for windows 7 everytime I tried to start the game it would crash at the start where the video would play. After much trial and error I discovered that a video error was causing it. In my case this was EVGA Precision. As long as Precision was running a crash occurred. Turn Precision off and it runs fine. If you run Precision or perhaps another program with a screen display, this may cause your problem. Just close the programs.
silviu
June 24, 2012 at 12:39 pm
mass efect 2 este cel mai cacat joc din lume
.