AC97 Realtek - the data is invalid - cannot install this hardware

[Scarface]

Hi. Everytime I try to install drivers for my sound card (onboard)
mobo: Abit IC7 MAX3. I get an error half way through driver installation that says "the data is invalid". Ive tried different versions of the AC97 drivers (A3.73 and A3.68) I have the (6.2.1.1001) version of the Mobo chipset drivers.

PC Specs:
WinXP Pro SP2
P4 3.0
Abit IC7 MAX3 (mobo)
2X512 Corsair CMX 512 4000PT
Ati GExCUBE 9800 pro 256MB version
36GB Raptor SATA
2X200GB WD SATA (RAID)
1X250GB WD SATA
1X250GB WD IDE
400W PSU

[Shard92]

If you downloaded the drivers you may want to try downloading them again maybe they got some bad data. Otherwise maybe there is a problem with the hard drive ( where the drivers are ) if you are loading from there, or maybe the memory is a problem. try taking out one stick and reloading.

[slgrieb]

Where did you get the drivers? If they are on the MOBO CD does the disk look good? Does it have scratches (especially on the top) or any ripples or visible imperfections? If any of these apply, download a fresh copy of the driver and install it.

If you have downloaded the driver, the source and connection matter. Dialup connections are more likely to corrupt files, and the best source for drivers is usually the board manufacturer. If you don't have broadband, find a friend who does, download the latest version, burn it to a CD, and try to load it. If that fails, I would suspect bad RAM or virus/spyware issues

[CCT]

http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/drivers.php?categories=1&model=130

[NooNoo]

Data is invalid is often about permissions. Do you have administrative rights on your profile? Try logging on as Administrator does it install then?

[gpr]

I load the driver for avance 97 and when I try to play something I get a message no sound card. WhenI check audio in the control panel, it shows no sound card although it was there before I inserted the cd. I am using xp home. All was well until a few days ago.[QUOTE]

[NooNoo]

Welcome to Windrivers gpr.

Open control panel and double click system, then the hardware tab, the press the device manager button. Near the bottom do you have avance codec installed in the sound section? Does it have a ! or a ? next to it?

[gpr]

I has neither. Although I see the driver in this screen and it says it is working, when I go to sound and audio devices it shows none installed. I install it, it works,but when I reboot the sound device shows empty again even though the hardware and driver appear in systems.

[NooNoo]

OK, click start, run and type in
services.msc
click ok
On the window that opens, scroll down to windows audio service.... it should be set to automatic and started... double click it to open the properties sheet for it and to set it.

If the service is started and set to automatic when you look, we need to look at the drivers more carefully. What motherboard do you have?

[gpr]

It is set on automatic.I have no idea what motherboard I have . I have a P4 3 ghz.hard drive Sorry to be so dumb. I noticed a yellow exclamation next to the wmd compatibility driver, can this be the problem?

[NooNoo]

Yes it can be the problem.

Is your machine branded? Compaq HP or Dell or something? If not download this and install it (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html) It will create a report about your motherboard if you click on the report wizard.

[gpr]

when I go to the recommended site, the download is for spyware

[gpr]

I found another site . Is this the right info?bus AGPPCIUSB i2C/SMBUS Model G732

[CCT]

NooNoo would not send you to a spyware site - look around here - she answers MOST posts!

Now:

Download and run Everest (it is free):

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4181

Once you download it, click on it and let it install and then run it from the icon on your desktop and then click on 'Computer' then on 'Summary', then go to the VERY top of the screen and click on 'report', then 'quick report-summary' and then 'plain text' and save it then go to C:/programs/lavalys and open that folder then open Everest Home folder and then reports and click on the report which will open it in a text editor and then use your mouse to highlight ALL the debug stuff at the bottom of the report and delete it and then save that file again and then copy and paste it to here.

Since you are subscribed here anything we find out and post about will send you an e-mail from the site (not any individuals).

editted to be nicer :)

[gpr]

Don't ask me how, but after a lot of screwing around everything now works. I wish I knew why! Thanks for your help. I hope it doesn't bomb again.