Problem with skinning in Max2010?!?

[Sussy]

So, I am rather new and currently taking some classes on character rigging. I am using the biped method to rig a basic character I am working on, since it seems to be the easiest way for a rookie like myself. I rigged him up, threw on the physique modifier, and then I ran into problems. When I try to edit my envelopes suddenly max runs at like 2fps. It's the laggiest lag that has ever been to lag town. It's awful.

Since I am running a pretty damn good computer I can only assume it has something to do with a complication with windows 7, a dx issues or something strange and fixable.

I am running windows 7 64bit, running max2010 64 bit, I have a 3.0 quad core, nvidia 9800 GT, 8 gigs of ram with dx11 installed (although my max is running with dx9).

I really could use some help because it's practically impossible to get any precise work done when running at such a ridiculously low frame rate.

(also, I've installed the service pack 1 and all of the hot fixes from autodesks site)