Notebook/Laptop Multi-Core Processor Issue w/ PTLE

[metaldjian]

I am having an issue with PTLE 7.x and a PC dual-core notebook running Windows XP SP2. The notebook is an Intel Core Duo Acer notebook/laptop.

PTLE 7.0 installation and configuration went off without a hitch. The problem arose when I started to record with an MBOX 2. i can record for about 4 seconds, then i get this error:

The operating system held of interruptions for too long. If this occurs often, try increasing the “H/W Buffer Size” in the
Playback Engine Dialog.
(-9093)

So after talking with Digidesign tech support, I nailed the problem down to an incompatibility issue with the Intel Core Duo and the timing/clock issues of PTLE. As is was explained to me, the solution is to disable multicore support in the BIOS, so the computer runs off of only one core. An easy enough fix...

However, my BIOS does not give me the option to disable multicore/dualcore support, so I am unable to force my machine to run on only one core, rendering my DAW essentially useless. I have tried, and searched, for numerous fixes or workarounds for this issue including modifying registry keys, changing boot.ini settings, and anything else I can think of, all to no avail.

Has anyone else ran into this specific problem? Is there a way to disable multicore support within Windows if you can't do it through the BIOS? Why is there even an incompatibility issue with PTLE and some Duo Core systems? I have considered flashing the BIOS, and reloading a "generic" BIOS that may give me the option to control multicore support. Any insight on similar problems or a possible fix/workaround would be greatly appreciated. It's been an entire month of searching for a solution to this problem!

[brandymania1]

Im sorry but there is none.

Read my post "Its a shame"


brandy

[metaldjian]

I'd like to view your post, but it seems to have been removed? Maybe I'm simple and can't find it, but I remember seeing it yesterday, and I can't seem to find it today. What's that all about? Do you have a copy of the text of the thread, or a general overview of what was discussed? I'm pulling my hair our here... Thanks for the reply.

[mishar]

Give this a try ... I can't promise it's going to make it work, but you might find something helpfull...

http://duc.digidesign.com/showflat.p...rt=&PHPSESSID=

[dmsean]

Try Mishar's post. Seems pretty solid and easy to follow.

My errors seem to have gone away, but I'm certain once I start overloading the system I will get the H/W error.

Do you have an external HD? I'm thinking of buying one if I really need it.

[metaldjian]

Thanks for the link, I'll try what you suggested and see what happens. I have tried to record to an external HD, and I kept running into the same problem.
If I can't get this issue figured out, I think I may opt for a new MacBook, and run both Win XP and OS X. I believe Apple announces their 2007 lineup on January 8th.

[MarcJF]

I am having the exact same problems... MBOX2 + PTLE 7.0 + PC Dual Core notebook + Windows XP SP2 + FW 800 external pro audio drive. My notebook is an hp dv6000t Duo Core 2 series notebook which uses the Intel T5500 processor & i945 chipset. I did all the suggested optimizing & still have -9093 buffer error on playback.

From what i've gathered, disabling the hyperthreading in BIOS is a common practice to get this type of problem solved, but unfortunately my hp pavillion does not have that option. I also tried asigning the "affinity" settings... no go. The HOTFIX download didn't help either.

I am a newbie to Pro Tools & thought I would be O.K. with this system. Obviously, it was a bad decision to try the hp notebook...

[spkguitar]

I think I need to point your attention to the compatibility pages:

*Please Note: Models that offer Intel Core 2 Duo laptop processors (codename Merom) are currently not officially supported or qualified with Digidesign products. Currently only the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processors (codename Conroe) have been qualified.

[MarcJF]

Thanks for the reply... Unfortunately, I overlooked that specification. I just thought I would check on the boards for suggestions...

[jeff markham]

Yet, my HP Pavillion dv8000 Core Duo 2 (T2400 processor) works like a charm. I suppose I
should consider myself lucky.

That aside, I must add my voice to the howls of discontent regarding this
support policy by Digi. They support the MacBook and MacBook Pro which use
the Duo Core2 .. but not on Windows?

jeff