Posts from The game freezes completely; only a reset helps

Hello everyone!

Please explain the problem:

In the original Heroes 5 and in the Hammers of Fate add-on (licensed versions), the computer regularly freezes completely after 5-15 minutes of gameplay; only the music continues to play, and same as for keys, it only responds to Reset ).
Various drivers were tried, both for the video card and audio; all latest updates for both the system and the game are installed.
DirectX is the June version of this year. The computer was checked for stability with the S&M program, everything is normal. There are 3 XP SP2 systems installed on the computer, and this bug is observed on each of them.

Computer configuration:

CPU - AMD Sempron 2600+ (socket A)
Motherboard - Asus A7N8X-X (NForce 2)
Memory - 1 Gb PC3200 ( 2x256, 1x512)
Video card - Gigabyte 7600 GS
Power supply FSP-400 PNF (new)
Sound - Audigy 1

There might be a conflict with the RAM modules. This is especially true if they are from different manufacturers, although even different capacities can cause issues. Try leaving only one 512MB module installed and see if the problem persists. If it does, we'll need to explore other possibilities.

Perhaps it’s due to the video card overheating; I had a similar issue until I removed the side panel, kept the system open, and placed a fan (just next to the video card) to blow air onto it (it’s a 7600GT, by the way). Try setting the video settings to below medium.

Maybe you should install a more powerful cooler... it's most likely overheating.

Thanks to everyone. Alan - I tried different combinations, but the result is the same. sirko9 - I previously attached a cooler to the card (it had passive cooling), and I set the settings to the minimum. Predvestnik - The processor doesn't seem to overheat, and the video card was cleaned of dust and re-greased with fresh KPТ-8 thermal paste. It feels warm to the touch, but not hot. In general, I suspect the video card is the problem because I previously had Sapphire 9600 and X1600 Pro cards, and I didn't have these problems with them. Although, with this 7600 GS, I didn't have any issues in other games, even in resource-intensive ones like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., F.E.A.

Could there be a problem with three XP SP2 systems on one machine?

Yuri_G - I don't think so :).

Anyway, I solved the problem with a workaround.
I upgraded my computer, and now everything is great! :)