Need help with 3ds max. Not 56k friendly.

[itszutak]

So I started watching a 3d modeling tutorial today, and am following along with my own copy of 3ds. However-I have hit a slight hitch:

I can't draw a box over the reference.

It will, instead, randomly stretch it elsewhere. Naturally, it will only glitch up like this when I try to draw a box over my reference. Other times, with nothing behind it, the box is made.

Another problem: My reference picture is stretched oddly, even though I have the proportions and everything set. Moving the frame around causes a rippling effect on the image, an effect I did not notice in the video.

Here are some pictures illustrating my problems:

First off, properties for the reference's model, compared to the properties of the picture:
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5324/bahgnr8.jpg
Next, note how the gun picture looks jagged and like crap. On the picture, those blurred words are readable.
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1430/74458557tq3.jpg

I select "box", drag, and move my mouse to the two noted areas (second is noted like first, with the yellow identifier thing). I added in the sidebar in case that helps.
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/2959/picture2tx3.jpg

http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/9505/picture3lf6.jpg

I let go of my mouse, and wonder where the box is, so I zoom out a bit. And select the box, in case that helps.
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/6682/picture4tk3.jpg


http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/4564/picture5oc3.jpg

Please, someone help. Or at least tell me how to reset all of 3ds's settings to default; my only guess as to why this is happening involves accidentally activating some stupid feature.

[Anton]

Why aren't you using a plane like he is? If that's the tutorial I'm thinking of. Also, try giving the box the sizes yourself via the parameters in your toolbox on your right, (I don't know terminology obviously).

Go to Customize>Preferences> View ports (tab) > Configure Driver (at the bottom)


Then, Click 1024 in both boxes, and check the two "match bitmap size as closely as possible"

Then ok and ok again.

That might fix your moving around bitmap thing.. maybe.

Edit- by rereading your post, it looks like your trying to do what he did, Create a plane instead of a box and drag over, see what happens.

[itszutak]

Ah, right, should have mentioned: this is from the beretta 9000 tutorial, from modDb.

I don't have an option for 1024, and only see one box for choosing between 512, 256, or a few others. I don't see a noticable change in appearance from the previous pictures.

Drawing the plane on that same small section produced this:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3066/reteiq2.jpg

EDIT: aha, found a "reset" button. Trying over the tutorial now.

EDIT 2: Nope, no change. But now when I move the perspective, it warps a lot.

[Anton]

Are you trying to drag over with the plane when in the perspective view port? Try the view port the gun was set up in.

Never mind, I see in your pictures now. At last resort you could click that little auto grid button... D: FAIL BUTTON.

[itszutak]

Where is this auto grid button? >_>;

[Anton]

Right above the create objects buttons. (Box, plane etc) It's in your screen caps.

It creates a grid on any object you move your mouse over. The creates then object on that grid.

[itszutak]

Well, that kinda works. But I have to zoom far out; it really does not like working at the zoom I have it set to. Am I supposed to be using my mouse wheel to zoom in?

[FireScythe]

The jagged texture and warping is because you are using the software viewport renderer. If you have a DirectX capable graphics card (which you probably do) you want it on Direct3D rendering. To change this go:
Customise > Preferences > Viewport tab > Choose Driver button > Direct3D
Then restart MAX and do as T1xAnton said to configure the driver.

If you have to use software rendering then there's a "Texture Correction" Button when you right click to viewport name in the top left of the viewport which might help.

With the box sizing, it looks like you've simply rotated the orthographic viewport by accident. Use T, F, L, P to switch between Top, Front, Left and Perspective respectively. Other views can be accessed by right clicking the viewport name in the top left.

[itszutak]

The jagged texture and warping is because you are using the software viewport renderer. If you have a DirectX capable graphics card (which you probably do) you want it on Direct3D rendering. To change this go:
Customise > Preferences > Viewport tab > Choose Driver button > Direct3D
Then restart MAX and do as T1xAnton said to configure the driver.

If you have to use software rendering then there's a "Texture Correction" Button when you right click to viewport name in the top left of the viewport which might help.

With the box sizing, it looks like you've simply rotated the orthographic viewport by accident. Use T, F, L, P to switch between Top, Front, Left and Perspective respectively. Other views can be accessed by right clicking the viewport name in the top left.
Thank you. I followed your steps, and now the picture looks much more tangible, and switching to the "left" perspective allows me to draw the box onto the gun.

Is there a way I can draw the box on in the "perspective" viewport, or is that just for looking at changes from other perspectives?

EDIT: reading back, it looks like T1xAnton said exactly the same thing, to draw in the viewport I made it in. >_<

[Corndogman]

Drawing in the perspective viewport will draw the plane on the "ground" with the normals facing upwards, like it would if you drew it in top view.