Does the game run slow or choppy on your system? (PC)
Step 1
Closing background applications:
For information visit our
Closing background applications page.
Step 2
Check the network card and it's drivers:
Check with your Network card manufacturer's website to make sure you have the latest available drivers for your network card. Also be sure the network card is seated firmly in the slot. Loose cards will cause communication problems with the hardware which will result in loss of data and pausing.
Step 3
Set the role of the computer to Network Server (Windows 98/ME only):
- Right-click on My Computer.
- Select Properties.
- Click on the Performance tab.
- Click on the File System button.
- Set the typical role of this computer to Network Server.
- Click OK and reboot.
Step 4
Disable the Automap:
Disabling the Automap may improve performance during gameplay. Press Tab in-game to cycle the Automap on and off.
Step 5
Update your Sound and Video Drivers:
You should get the latest drivers available for your video and sound card from the manufacturers website. If you have downloaded the newest drivers you will need to do the following...
- Create a folder and expand the drivers to this newly created folder.
- Right click on the desktop and select Properties.
- Click on the
Settings tab.
- Select
Advanced.
- Select the
Adapter tab.
- Select
Change.
- Select the path to the drivers you just unzipped.
Step 6
Run the game in 2D mode if you are currently running in 3D mode:
- Click on Start>Programs>Diablo II>Video Test.
- Run the test and select 2D as your option.
Step 7
Run Defrag and ScanDisk on your hard drive:
For information visit our
ScanDisk and Defrag page.
Step 8
Virtual Memory Settings:
We suggest you have at least 350 MB of hard disk space available.
Make sure you have run Disk Defragmenter & ScanDisk before you change your Virtual Memory settings.
Windows 95/98:
- Right-click on the
My Computer icon.
- Select
Properties.
- Click on the
Performance tab.
- Click on
Virtual Memory button.
- Place a check in the
Let me specify my own Virtual Memory settings check box.
- Set the initial and maximum values to twice the amount of RAM your computer has.
- x - 128 MB RAM ..........Min 300 Max 300
- 192 MB RAM .........Min 384 Max 384
- 256 MB RAM .........Min 512 Max 512
Windows 2000:
- Right-click on the
My Computer icon.
- Select
Properties.
- Left click on the
Advanced tab.
- Left click on the
Performance Options... button to get to the
Performance Options screen.
- Left click on the
Change... button to get to the
Virtual Memory screen.
- Set the initial and maximum values to twice the amount of RAM your computer has.
- x - 128 MB RAM ..........Min 300 Max 300
- 192 MB RAM .........Min 384 Max 384
- 256 MB RAM .........Min 512 Max 512
- Left click on the
Set button to apply the changes.
- Reboot your computer.
Windows NT:
- Right-click on the
My Computer icon.
- Select
Properties.
- Left click on the
Performance Options tab.
- Left click on the
Change... button to get to the
Virtual Memory screen.
- Set the initial and maximum values to twice the amount of RAM your computer has.
- x - 128 MB RAM ..........Min 300 Max 300
- 192 MB RAM .........Min 384 Max 384
- 256 MB RAM .........Min 512 Max 512
- Left click on the
Set button to apply the changes. Reboot your computer.
Step 9
Run the game in windowed mode if you are currently running in full screen mode:
- Right-click on
Start.
- Click on
Programs.
- Double click on the
Diablo II folder.
- Right-click on the
Diablo II shortcut and select
Properties.
- In the Target Field, add a
-w after the quotes: (i.e.
"C:\Program Files\Diablo II\Diablo II.exe" -w).
- Click
OK.
Step 10
Be sure that you are running the latest version of your Motherboard Bios:
If you are experiencing low frame-rates and sluggish gameplay in Diablo II, make sure that you are running the latest version of your motherboard's BIOS software. This usually comes on a floppy diskette or CD included with the motherboard itself, and it should also be available on the manufacturer's website.
Step 11
Check if you have a VIA motherboard:
VIA Motherboard Users should talk to their motherboard manufactureres about downloading the
4-in-1 driver update, which automatically detects and updates IRQ, AGP, IDE, and INF settings. This patch should correct sluggish gameplay on high-end systems and prevent lockups on VIA motherboards.
Step 12
Copy game files to the hard drive:
If you continue to experience sluggish gameplay and choppiness, uninstall and reinstall Diablo II, copy the D2CHAR.MPQ and the D2MUSIC.MPQ files from the Diablo II Play Disc into the Diablo II directory on your hard drive. Now, reinstall Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. This should help reduce CD access and read times. Make sure to select both files once copied and right click, then go to properties and unmark the read only check box.
Solution ID: 20761Article URL:
