DS using up 100% of CPU - slowing system to a crawl

[MJ]

Does anyone else have trouble with DS Ver.9 practically freezing computer because it is using up 100% of CPU? I have Windows XP and I have lots of RAM. My computer is getting a bit old, but I only have problems with DS doing this. I'll be working in it and it will freeze up. Then I go look at the processes that are running, and DS is using up 100% of the CPU. I close DS (it takes forever) and the system gradually gets back available CPU. I emailed Melco tech support a long time ago, but never got a response. Any of you computer guys out there have a fix? Thanks, MJ

[YDCustom]

That's sort of weird. Do you have a lot of different design windows open in Design Shop? I sometimes have trouble with our v. 7 if I've left a ton of things open.

I suppose you run virus and malware scans on a regular basis? I think they sometimes hide themselves in the processes list by piggbacking onto legitimate things.

How about making sure that you've got everything defragmented and what not on a regular basis? That can make a big difference, especially if you do a lot of file creating and deleting.

If they don't help they haven't hurt, anyway, and they're easy to do yourself with just a little time.

[MJ]

Hi, thanks for the good advice! However, I have all those bases covered! I have very strong security software running at all times. Do computer maintenance procedures very often.
I have a suspicion that it might be related to the "Auto Apply" in Properties. I've been trying to isolate the cause. It seems to happen when I'm doing a lot of editing and have the Auto Apply on instead of hitting "Apply" every single time. Like I said, I'm not sure this is involved but it is a possibility I'm investigating.

[Sewfly]

I am running with Windows 7, and was having massive slow down delays in making any changes. I left clicked on the 3D symbol and found the hardware accelerator was turned on. I unclicked, and now things are running much quicker again. Don't know if that will help you or not, but might be worth a try.

Susan

[MJ]

Thanks again for the input, but I have already done that also! When I was talking to the Melco tech, he recommended turning the hardware accelerator off, so I've had it off for quite a while now. But thanks again!

[ckramer]

Have you tried turning off the "auto save" feature. That was suggested by a tech as well. Seemed to help some, but cleaning up the c drive helped most of all as bits and pieces always seem to be left.

[MJ]

Another good suggestion! I didn't even know how mine was set, so when I looked, it was already with auto save OFF. (although with it behaving like this, I'd rather have it on! I'll just have to remember to save often.)
Yes, I also clean up and defrag the c drive regularly too!
I haven't had it happen yet since I've turned off the Auto Apply function, but can't definitely say that is the answer yet. Thanks for all the good detective work from all!

[levelbest]

Personally, I think there is a CPU usage issue with DS combined with Windows 7. I've seen the exact same thing reported and it gets worse when you get into point editing.

[MJ]

Has anyone actually spoken to Melco about the CPU usage issue? I emailed Tech Support, but never got a response.
I use Windows XP and I have these CPU usage issues.

[Body Cover]

I'm convinced that Melco doesn't know that they have
an E-mail system.
I have sent many messages and haven't received one response ever...
At least we are all learning how not to run our own business', I hope... lol

[levelbest]

Could be a case (and I've seen this many times in business) where a catch all email address goes to a specific employee, said employee leaves the company and emails pile up in the x employees mailbox till the server a) hits its quota or b) crashes

No one knows they are missing anything. Of course, sometimes it's just that the customer service rep is so overwhelmed that they can't respond to everything and have to pick and choose.

[MJ]

The email address they give is just:
[email protected]

Since it's non-specific, you would think that someone would get it!

[levelbest]

Actually, that's exactly what I mean. When companies create the generic email accounts that get forwarded to a real person, they often forget that needs to be changed when someone leaves. Not saying this is the case here...

[MJ]

Oh, OK!
Thanks, MJ

[MJ]

I copied some of our posts and forwarded them to Melco and lo and behold, I received an email from a service tech. After I sent him all my computer specs, he recommended to update my video drivers. So we'll see if this helps. I haven't had the problem occur again yet, but can't say for sure whether this was causing it, but keeping my fingers crossed!