SHRUDE: I'd Avoid Gamebooster - Use CCleaner and MSConfig, IMO
Heh-I have a shortcut to msconfig, I use it so much. I like the way Gamebooster does its thing with Iron. I had never used it before and only went with it on a lark because of this woefully under-RAMMED machine. It really helped out but your suggestion on the BIOS move made a huge difference and has made the game quite playable.
In fact, I am astounded that I can get the game to play so smoothly, including the meter, on a machine that doesn't meet the minimum requirements. It isn't quite as nice as what I used for 4+ years but it does the trick for now. :-)
@Andyson-After all these years busting on you for your hoops gig I'm beginning to appreciate where you're coming from. I never, ever had the kind of problems you address until this crash put me where I'm at. I picked a few of the hoops and have a decent game now with a meter almost as good as before, I just have to concentrate now. :-)