Inexplicable Graphics Problem

[Recneps]

In the past, I have posted many responses to users here who asked about graphics problems...now I have a problem that is completely baffling me:

System; Compaq AP550 (PIII 733Mhz, 512Mb 900Mhz RDRAM, Nvidia Quadro2 Pro), win2000 w/ Compaq P1100 monitor (21&quot

Setup; ProE 2000i2, config.sup file in <proeloadpoint>\text directory, and config.pro file in 'home' directory (allows for global user configuration, with separate, individualized preferences for users) - GRAPHICS config option set to opengl

I have been happily using this system/setup for close to a year now without a glitch. OpenGL hardware acceleration and everything. A few days ago, our fire alarm went off - I saved everything, exited Pro/E and logged off before leaving. When I returned and started Pro/E, the desktop was all that was shown inside the main window, similar to what would happen if there were a cheapo video card present. To test, I changed the config option GRAPHICS to 'win32_gdi' and am able to get Pro/E up properly, but OpenGL graphics are obviously disabled (poor performance). Next I updated the drivers for the video card - no change. Then, I had the supplier of the video card send a warranty replacement - no change.

There have been no recent changes to my computer's configuration, nor any software installed. Does anyone have an idea what could have happened? All suggestions are welcome.

 

[Tick]

I remember something similar happening at my old place of employment. It was a colleague of mine who had the problem with 2000i, Compaq AP550 (I think), running Win/NT (I can't remember what the graphics card was, or any other specifics about the system).

It just sort happened when he came into work, no fire alarms or anything out of the ordinary, it just started acting funny for no reason.

We went through everything you mentioned, to no avail. Then one day he tried reinstalling Pro/E and that apparently cleared everything up. We never figured out what caused the problem or if reinstalling did fix whatever was wrong in the first place.

It wasn't long after that he requested the system be replaced anyway (he always suspected that it was cursed in some way or another).

I know this may not be the answer you are looking for, but it does sound kind of like the problem you are having now.

Hope this helps

 

[Recneps]

Thanks for the reply. I may have fixed the problem - at least for now.

There is a technical note on the PTC website that describes MS Netmeeting causing this type of anomaly. I am not running Netmeeting, but it got me thinking that there may be another program that is using graphics resources in some fashion.

I went under Add/Remove Programs and removed small programs that I seldom use (about 2-3). Afterward, Pro/E ran like a champ. Sometimes I just don't know what to think.

Thanks,
Recneps