Sounds like you're right at the edge of what's usable with your hardware. I'm sure they suggested shutting down any and all unnecessary processes. I realize that it falls within the 'recommended minimums' printed on the boxes, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will run. I ditched my system with 1g (P3?, I forget) and 384 meg because it just struggled too much with 3d apps. Hmm. I don't think it would run Poser at all if I remember right.