Extreme lag spikes

[Nefariouzx]

<p>I know this is going to sound pretty vague but Im not much of a computer guy. About a week  maybe week and a half ago I started getting these terrible lag spikes. Nothing that I know of really changed about my computer other than the massive lag. It's extremely random and happens every couple of minutes, I go from having 30-40 fps down to 1 fps and it lasts about 6-10 seconds then goes back up to 30-40.  Another 2-3 minutes lag free then back down to 1 fps. This is completly unbearable lag since it happens constantly, and it doesn't even matter what is going on as this even happens when Im sitting in our guild hall. Like I said, I know this is very vague but I had to ask and would appreciate any help. I'm sure you all will need more info from me so please just let me know.</p>

[Gretcheen]

<p>Sounds like you have something(s) running in the background, something that keeps checking online?</p>

[Trellium]

<p>I had this. I had this badly. It irritated me no end. Then I noticed I didn't have it. And then I did, but my alt didn't, nor did my wife's computer.</p><p>Then I figured out it was Winamp. It uses virtually no cpu cycles, nor much memory, and the mp3 files are local so it doesn't even need the network. I have a fast dual core cpu. And still I get massive lag spikes.</p><p>Another potential issue is a virus scanner which scans all files or includes txt and log files. If your game logging is on those files grow to to huge files fast. Each time they change (every line added by the game), a full scan might be run. That means the scanner never even catches up to the changes and runs perpetually.</p>

[TSR-DanielH]

<p>It does sound like this is problem with background applications interfering with the game.  To disable background programs:1. Select the START button.2. Select RUN, then type in "msconfig" (for Vista, type msconfig in the search bar at the bottom of the Start Menu)3. Press OK4. Select the STARTUP tab.5. In the list, uncheck all boxes EXCEPT for SCANREGISTRY and SYSTEM TRAY. If you use Windows XP, please note that SCANREGISTRY and SYSTEM TRAY will not be listed - just uncheck the entire list.6. Hit apply and then OK. Restart the computer and try the game again.</p>