Sound is Gone

[deeman11747]

Hey,

My two month old computer came with a Soundblaster Audigy Advaned MB sound card. The other day all of a sudden, when I went to click my volume control a message popped up saying:

"The audio device supported by this application is not detected."

I could play music fro my Windows Media Player but that was it. Eeverything else was either silent or a generic windows beep.

So the Creative website advised to uninstall any Soundblaster applications from my Add/Remove Programs and resintall the drivers. I uninstalled them, and when I restarted the computr, my computer recognized new hardware in one of the PCI slots. When I chose to install it, it wasnt able to.

Now I'm completely stuck. My Audio options in the Control panel say "No Audio Device" and when I went to Run-> msinfo32.exe and I looked to see what my sound card was it said:

Unimodem Half Duplex Audio Device

Which I assume is what the beeps are in the absence of my card.

I did not get an installation CD for Soundblaster when I got my computer so I'm out of ideas.

When I downloaded the apporpriate drivers for my sound card and installed then, I kept getting a message saying no supported audio device for these drivers is found.

Right now I dont know if the central issue is it wont recognize the sound card, or if I just cant reinstall the audio and install the apporpriate drivers. I really have no clue what to do.

How do I get my sound back?

Thanks.

[street1]

Use System Restore to an earlier time when the problem did not exist.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

[NooNoo]

Welcome to Windrivers deeman

Download everest (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html) and run it.... does it detect your sound card?

If you computer is only two months only and this suddenly happened, it might well be that the sound card died. Infuriating, but it happens. Is this a branded machine or was it built for you? If it is branded, the drivers will be at the manufacturer's website and may not necessarily use the standard creative drivers - you may get a different result using the manufacturer's drivers.

The unimodem device is the sound output from your dialup modem which can route the sound of the modem connecting through the speakers.

[deeman11747]

Use System Restore to an earlier time when the problem did not exist.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx


Conveniently, every time I try to restore to a past restore point.. the restore fails every single time. I've never had nay luck with System Restore, even with my old computer.

NooNoo, I d/led it and ran the program. Under Multimedia-->PCI Audio the only thing it finds is an Intel High Definition Audio Controller. I dont know if thats what ti should be finding but everywhere I've looked I see no sign of a Soundblaster Card.


Edit: My OC is a Dell XPS 400. I misstated in my original post, it came with a Soundblaster installation CD but I lost it, although I dont know if that would even help.

[NooNoo]

Then the soundblaster is not being detected - usual reason for this is that it has been jolted or jogged enough so that it's no longer seated correctly or that it has died - or possibly the slot that it sits in had died. Either way, if you did not build it yourself, this is a warranty job.

the intel controller (http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/hdaudio.htm) is onboard sound, so you might be able to get that going in the meanwhile. What is the motherboard make and model? The drivers for it will be on the motherboard manufacturer's site.

Edit - unless this is xp64 bit or 2003 sp1 - in which case may be it wasn't the audigy that was playing Intel audio unexpectedly quits (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901105)

[deeman11747]

Then the soundblaster is not being detected - usual reason for this is that it has been jolted or jogged enough so that it's no longer seated correctly or that it has died - or possibly the slot that it sits in had died. Either way, if you did not build it yourself, this is a warranty job.

the intel controller (http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/hdaudio.htm) is onboard sound, so you might be able to get that going in the meanwhile. What is the motherboard make and model? The drivers for it will be on the motherboard manufacturer's site.

Edit - unless this is xp64 bit or 2003 sp1 - in which case may be it wasn't the audigy that was playing Intel audio unexpectedly quits (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901105)

But the slot its in is being recognized. Every time I start up my computer a bubble pops up saying "PCI Device detected" Then it gives me the option to install, and it asks me to specify the location of the appropriate software. When I tell it to search for it, none can be found. So that indicates to me that the slot isnt dead and its recognizing hardware in that slot, just taht it cant install it.

[NooNoo]

But there is no soundblaster audigy showing up in everest which leads me to believe that the card is kinda alive, but dead for the purposes of actually using it - or as I said, is no longer seated correctly in the slot.

Edit oh and the intel hd would show up as a pci device, because onboard devices use the PCI bus to connect.

[deeman11747]

But there is no soundblaster audigy showing up in everest which leads me to believe that the card is kinda alive, but dead for the purposes of actually using it - or as I said, is no longer seated correctly in the slot.

So whats the best course of action? Contact Creative or contact Dell?

[NooNoo]

OK, it's a Dell, you contact Dell if you have the warranty... what model dell is it?

[deeman11747]

Everest says ithe motherboard is Dell DXP051

[deeman11747]

OK, it's a Dell, you contact Dell if you have the warranty... what model dell is it?

XPS 400

[NooNoo]

The Dimension xps 400? latest drivers are here (http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=gen&SystemID=XPS/DIMENSION%20400/9150&os=WW1&osl=EN#)

To be sure you have the right model go here and type in the service tag on the left hand side (http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=gen) That will bring up your actual model. If you don't know where you service tag is, click the find my service tag link just below the box.

[deeman11747]

I called Dell and although I dont think they knew what the hell i was saying, the guy(through remote access) installed SigmaTel Audio on my system somehow. He thinks this is what I had before even though I kept telling him I had Soundblaster as my audio device, but at least I have my sound back for now,

[deeman11747]

I called Dell and although I dont think they knew what the hell i was saying, the guy(through remote access) installed SigmaTel Audio on my system somehow. He thinks this is what I had before even though I kept telling him I had Soundblaster as my audio device, but at least I have my sound back for now,

I knew this was to good to be true. The sound now only plays out of my front 2 speakers, while I have 5.


How the hell do I get my computer to recognize my SoundBlaster again other than seeing if the card is dead?

[NooNoo]

But there is no soundblaster there!!! Get your Dell invoice. See what you paid for, because the Audigy is an option.

Now the sigmatel codec (which is the driver for the intel audio) can do up to 5.1, it is just a matter of using the icon in control panel > sounds and audio or the sigmatel icon and setting it correctly.

[PCRookie]

Now that I have solved my first problem, I'm ready to tackle my lack of sound. I have desktop speakers (stereo). Where do they plug in to the back of my computer. There are several plug ins. One of them produces static when I plug the speaker system into it, but no system sounds or any other sounds come through the speakers. My sound card is Soundblaster Live.

[CCT]

Run Everest: Then Multimedia, PCI / PNP Audio and report what it shows.

Then Devices, PCI Devices (look for SoundBlaster item - edit: could also be Creative I guess))

[NooNoo]

pc rookie, on your previous thread, I linked you to all the drivers for your pc. You can download the correct driver from there.

[PCRookie]

pc rookie, on your previous thread, I linked you to all the drivers for your pc. You can download the correct driver from there.

Overnight I downloaded R91928.EXE from Dell Support. I am currently preparing to install it on my computer. I am not sure what the problem is because I believe I have the correct driver installed. Everest shows the driver that is there & it is the "right" one I think. When I picked the computer up from my friend, it was playing music through external speakers. I think I have it "messed up" through setup or by using the wrong port or some other weird problem.

As I said before, this forum & its participants have been very helpful. I appreciate all the input. Although I am a good troubleshooter with my usual format, I just don't have much experience with PC's. Be patient w/me.

[PCRookie]

Run Everest: Then Multimedia, PCI / PNP Audio and report what it shows.

Then Devices, PCI Devices (look for SoundBlaster item - edit: could also be Creative I guess))


It shows Creative SB Live Value (CT4780) Sound Card

[NooNoo]

in control panel, system - do you see under sound and multimedia a creative sound card? Is there any ! next to it?

[PCRookie]

I ran R91928.EXE from Dell Support & "set-up" delivered this message: "did not detect the required components".

Any idea what is missing?

[NooNoo]

ok, what socket colour are the speakers plugged into? It should be green.
R91928.EXE is for windows xp.... I believe you have win 98?

[NooNoo]

CCT it is important to use the DELL drivers, creative drivers are for retail versions, dell uses an OEM version and that card does not respond well to driver minestrone.

this is the Dell version (http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R20357&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=W98&osl=en&deviceid=167&devlib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=6&formatcnt=1&libid=3&fileid=20206)

[CCT]

LOL -was why I had to edit -I thot I had the Dell and got the wrong page - nevermind - continue on.

[PCRookie]

ok, what socket colour are the speakers plugged into? It should be green.
R91928.EXE is for windows xp.... I believe you have win 98?
Thanks for the color of socket. That is helpful because the icons id'ing the sockets is not clear.
I do have Win 98 SE but I entered the service tag & Dell'l link sent me to that software. The machine must have been using XP originally. Should I try this download as suggested in the other post?

Sound Blaster PCI cards Web Update for users running Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Windows XP. (4.62 MB) 19 Dec 02

" This package is meant for Sound Blaster® Vibra128, Sound Blaster 16 PCI, Sound Blaster PCI 128, Sound Blaster 4.1 Digital, and Sound Blaster Ensoniq AudioPCI users running Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP, who experienced distortion problem when pla.....

[NooNoo]

if you have no creative device in control panel system you need to click on the link in my post above.... what you quote is not for the live card.

[PCRookie]

if you have no creative device in control panel system you need to click on the link in my post above.... what you quote is not for the live card.

In Control Panel, System, ?
I have several miscellaneous & sound video, etc labeled Creative including SB Live! Value, Gameport Joystick, Multimedia Interface, SB 16 Emulation

[NooNoo]

good so you have the right drivers already installed

What exactly is the problem with the sound?

[PCRookie]

good so you have the right drivers already installed

What exactly is the problem with the sound?

I don't have any!
My "properties" says that all elements are enabled and working properly but I get no sound at all through the external speakers connected to the green "jack" .

When I play music CD's I only hear sound when I plug mini speakers into the earphone "jack" but sounds from the system or from the game CD's are not present.

[PCRookie]

Update: I don't know what I did, but all of a sudden the music from my CD's started coming through the desktop speakers so I know that they work (maybe pluging into green jack did that). However, there is still no program or system sounds. I went to control panel/sounds & tested for output. The controls look like they are producing sound but I hear nothing. I inserted a game disc & there is no sound from that either.

[3fingersalute]

Are you sure all the volume controls are turned up, and none of them are muted, including the Wave control?

[NooNoo]

sounds like you're right 3FS... wav is muted or turned down.

start, run, type in sndvol32.exe and click run or double click the speaker icon near the clock... is there a slider shown for wav? where is it? is mute ticked?

[PCRookie]

Start, Run, sndvol32.exe
Opened control
All volumes are up as far as possible and none are muted....

[NooNoo]

was the WAV slider among them?

click properties, playback - are all the checkboxes for the sound types checked and displayed?

[PCRookie]

WAV was among the sliders displayed. Next to clock was also all the way up & not muted.

[3fingersalute]

And your speakers are plugged into the green jack on the back of the computer?

I'm not sure how old of a Dell this is, but if it has a headphone jack on the front, what happens if you plug speakers or a set of headphones in there?

[NooNoo]

hmmmm.... 98... gotta remember where the codecs are


1. In Control Panel, double-click Multimedia.
2. Click the Advanced or the Devices tab.

Then look under audio, video and mci compression - one of them should be wave audio device.

If no wave audio device is shown, reinstall them by


Adding All Default Codecs
To add all the default codecs in Windows, follow these steps: 1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
2. On the Windows Setup tab, click Multimedia or Sounds and Multimedia, and then click Details.
3. Click the Audio Compression and Video Compression check boxes to select them, and then click OK.
4. Click OK.


more details here (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/142731/)

[PCRookie]

I will be offline for awhile tending to other duties but I will check back to see if any other ideas come to mind.

[PCRookie]

I'm back for a few minutes, then I will be off again for several hours at least. I tried the last suggestion. As for link to more details, I made a quick look how or which part might pertain to my problem(s)?

I have one under Video Compression Codec
VDOnetVDOWave
Under Audio Compression Codec's
None say WAV or Wave

RE: Adding All Default Codecs

Both were already checked. Did it again w/no change in results

[NooNoo]

ok so you need to follow the installation instructions above.

[PCRookie]

I'm sorry to be so dense, but I already

Adding All Default Codecs
To add all the default codecs in Windows, follow these steps: 1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
2. On the Windows Setup tab, click Multimedia or Sounds and Multimedia, and then click Details.
3. Click the Audio Compression and Video Compression check boxes to select them, and then click OK.
4. Click OK.

& it didn't change anything.

[PCRookie]

Will be off line all day Friday. (But I will be thinking!)

[NooNoo]

Then you need to uninstall the sound card completely and reinstall it again.

[PCRookie]

NooNoo,
I'm up early & haven't left home yet. I looked on http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Win98
& found the following:

One setting that is known to create problems in some circunstances is the Sound Blaster emulation. You can click Properties in Device Manager and select "Disable in this hardware profile". Reboot and test.


What do you think about that? I'm not sure about uninstalling the sound card. Do you mean physically removing it? or just uninstalling the software? I'm not sure how to do that since I have been unable to start in "safe mode". When I attempt to do that I lose the mouse & keyboard & have to power down. Don't know what I am doing wrong.

I will be leaving shortly & will be out of town until evening. No hurry on getting back to me as I will not be able to do anything with that computer until I return.

[NooNoo]

Are the mouse and keyboard USB? or are they the round PS2 type? If they are usb, they would not work in safemode in Windows 98

It could be worth trying, however, I would still try uninstalling and then reinstalling the sound card as well.

[CCT]

Check Control Panel/ Sound & Audio Devices/ Properties/ Audio tab/ Sound Playback. ( I hope that is how it is listed in Win 98).

What device(s) are there?

[NooNoo]

that wont work in 98, I have already given her the instructions for getting at the wave devices...

[CCT]

Yepper - I realize that -and she said there were none so I offered a suggestion.

So I was wrong!

:)

[PCRookie]

Well, it is almost 11:00 here where I am so I won't have time to tackle removing the sound card tonight. It has been a long day on the road. I already have the cover open & I assume that after disconnecting from power & grounding, I just have to disconnect the speaker line & rock the card gently while lifting it out of the slot. Please correct me if I am wrong. Then return the card to the slot. My mouse & keyboard are not USB like my G4. The connectors are round (serial) with pins.

Are the mouse and keyboard USB? or are they the round PS2 type? If they are usb, they would not work in safemode in Windows 98

It could be worth trying, however, I would still try uninstalling and then reinstalling the sound card as well.

[PCRookie]

Please refer to the diagram here[URL=http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/acc/9624P/En/connect.htm]

Of the 5 connectors at the top of the card, there is only one line connected to the card. It is a gray wire connected to the middle connector. No other connections are evident and no other wires are visible. I have been able to open the left side of the case & slide the unit out, but can't see how to access the right side to see what is there.

[NooNoo]

You don't need to access the right side, it is just the back of the motherboard.

It is quite usual for the sound card to have one gray wire on a standard setup - this wire should go to the back of the cd or dvd drive.

When I said uninstall and reinstall, I meant the drivers, not the card - however now that you have done it...

Did you uninstall the drivers before removing the card? Did you start the computer up with the card removed?

In add/remove programs you need to uninstall the live software and then remove the creative devices from system. This is best done in safe mode to ensure that all the relevant files are removed... but you have the keyboard/mouse problem. This is highly unusual. PS2 (round connector) mouse and keyboard normally work in any mode. Are you sure the connectors are properly connected?

[PCRookie]

You don't need to access the right side, it is just the back of the motherboard.

It is quite usual for the sound card to have one gray wire on a standard setup - this wire should go to the back of the cd or dvd drive.

That is where the wire connects.

When I said uninstall and reinstall, I meant the drivers, not the card - however now that you have done it...

Did you uninstall the drivers before removing the card? NO Did you start the computer up with the card removed?
No
In add/remove programs you need to uninstall the live software and then remove the creative devices from system. This is best done in safe mode to ensure that all the relevant files are removed... but you have the keyboard/mouse problem. This is highly unusual. PS2 (round connector) mouse and keyboard normally work in any mode. Are you sure the connectors are properly connected? No, I am not sure which connectors are you referring to?

This is what I did. I removed the card from the motherboard. Looked at it but did not change any connections. I reinserted it. I booted the machine back up & tested again for sound. The result was that I still had no system sound but the green display responds in the slider when Play Control is viewed. The music from the audio CD still is audible. At that point I did nothing more. Just now...I had already downloaded z513den.exe from Dell so I uninstalled all the SB elements & reinstalled using that download. Test of system (sigh) shows no change.

[CCT]

This pdf shows the 5 connectors on a SBLive card -

http://ccftp.creative.com/manualdn/Manuals/TSD/2387/AudioSBLive.pdf

Go to page 14.

[NooNoo]

No, I am not sure which connectors are you referring to?


The keyboard and mouse connectors to the back of the computer.

Having reinstalled, do you have the mci wave device installed? Until that installs, you will not have sound.

[PCRookie]

The MCI Wave device means the "speakers"? Yes the speaker is connected? What do you mean "installed"? Is that more than just connected?

[NooNoo]

no the mci wave device is one of the devices that I gave you the installation instructions for on the previous page.

[NooNoo]

For MCI devices, click Microsoft MCI in the Manufacturers box, click the model you want in the Models box, and then click Next.

The following MCI devices are included with Windows: CD Audio Device
MIDI Sequencer Device
Motion Video Device
PIONEER LaserDisc Device
VISCA VCR Device
Wave Audio Device


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/142731/

[PCRookie]

This pdf shows the 5 connectors on a SBLive card -

http://ccftp.creative.com/manualdn/Manuals/TSD/2387/AudioSBLive.pdf

Go to page 14.

That material appears to be specific to the CD drive being Creative. Mine is not. Also, it is not written so a novice can understand it. I didn't find it helpful. The info from Dell including the diagram was more helpful

[NooNoo]

As long as the gray cable is connected to the cd/dvd drive and to the sound card, you have no need to worry.

[CCT]

Well, I was talking about the SB Live card which you were talking about - you said your connection was to the 'middle' connector on the card and they show it on the left of that - it is no matter though.

Carry on!

:)

[PCRookie]

For MCI devices, click Microsoft MCI in the Manufacturers box, click the model you want in the Models box, and then click Next.

The following MCI devices are included with Windows: CD Audio Device
MIDI Sequencer Device
Motion Video Device
PIONEER LaserDisc Device
VISCA VCR Device
Wave Audio Device


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/142731/

I currently have Creative SB Live Wave Device enable & active. Do I remove it? Do I need to replace it with something from the above link? Is so, what?

[PCRookie]

Signing off for awhile. Gotta be a grandma!

[NooNoo]

You need to add the microsoft mci wave device.

Adding a Specific Codec or MCI Device
To add a specific codec or MCI device, follow these steps:

1. In Control Panel, double-click Add New Hardware.
2. Click Next, click No, and then click Next.
3. In the Hardware Types box, click Sound, Video, And Game Controllers.
4. Click a manufacturer in the Manufacturers box and a model in the Models box, and then click Next.


For MCI devices, click Microsoft MCI in the Manufacturers box, click the model you want in the Models box, and then click Next.

The following MCI devices are included with Windows:
CD Audio Device
MIDI Sequencer Device
Motion Video Device
PIONEER LaserDisc Device
VISCA VCR Device
Wave Audio Device <<<< this is the one you said was missing, this is the one that must be put back.


If the codec or MCI device you want to install is not listed, it was not installed by Windows. If the codec or MCI device was included with another program, reinstall the program to reinstall the codec or MCI device. If the codec or MCI device is located on a driver disk, click Have Disk and specify the location containing the files. If Windows 98 finds a codec or MCI device, click No to add the device to the list of installed devices.

NOTE: Unlike the other MCI devices, the Mixer Device cannot be added manually. This device can be added only during the installation of a Windows-compatible sound card driver. When it is installing the driver, if Windows determines that the driver can support the Mixer Device, it installs the Mixer Device along with the sound card driver.
5. Click the Finish button.

[PCRookie]

Okay,
Sequence followed. Wave Audio Device was installed as per instructions. There is a separate item "Microsoft Audio Codec" with 4 options in Model column. Do I need to do anything with it?

Re: NOTE: Unlike the other MCI devices, the Mixer Device cannot be added manually. This device can be added only during the installation of a Windows-compatible sound card driver. When it is installing the driver, if Windows determines that the driver can support the Mixer Device, it installs the Mixer Device along with the sound card driver.

Does the above mean I need to reinstall the driver from the CD I copied it to from the Dell download site?

[NooNoo]

You need all the Microsoft audio codecs installed. You have the mixer device installed because you have already used it... the one with the sliders.

The audio driver installed ok, so that should be ok now too.

Do you have sound now?

[PCRookie]

You need all the Microsoft audio codecs installed.
Do I need to do this from the Add Hardware menu?
You have the mixer device installed because you have already used it... the one with the sliders.

The audio driver installed ok, so that should be ok now too.

Do you have sound now?

I do not have sound yet.

[NooNoo]

Did you read the whole document I quoted?

[PCRookie]

Yes, what am I missing?

[NooNoo]

so you can tell if any of the windows supplied codecs are missing from your installation.

Do you still get sound from a cd?

If so then try

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Multimedia icon.
3. On the Advanced tab in Windows 98, or on the Devices tab in Windows 98, double-click Media Control Devices.
4. Click Wave Audio Device (Media Control), and then click Properties.
5. Click Use This Media Control Device, and then click OK.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 for MIDI Sequencer Device (Media Control) and Motion Video Device (Media Control), and then click OK.
7. Close Control Panel, and then restart Windows 98.

[PCRookie]

Yes, I still have music from the Audio CD's. I performed the 1-7 instructions above for Wave, MIDI, & Mothion. Closed Control Panel & restarted Win98. I still have no sounds.

[NooNoo]

Do you have a windows 98 cd or did the dell come with a restore cd or does it restore from a partition?

I think the next step is a repair install - you install over the top of the existing system.... but I need to know what set up you have.

[PCRookie]

The Dell came "wiped" of all software. I do have the Microsoft Win98 Second Edition disc. It has been installed and "repair installed" once before. I am willing to try pretty much anything that has the potential to conquer this problem

[NooNoo]

hmmm ok, then this might be the oem soundblaster live card problem. This consists of trying various drivers and when they don't work, uninstall them in safe mode and try again. Have you discovered safe mode yet?

[PCRookie]

No, I haven't been able to start in safe mode w/o losing input from mouse & keyboard. I will try again. Is this right?
Restart the computer, pressing the F8 key once per second, till it loads a selection screen. Use the up and down arrows to select "Safe Mode", press enter, and the computer will load into a safe mode. It looks like a normal screen but with Safe Mode in each of the four corners.

Okay. I tried the above & it worked. Now that I am in safe mode, what do I need to do?

[NooNoo]

OK, having cd sound is not necessarily an indication that the card is good. Most cd roms (of that era) have a headphone socket on the front and you could plug in headphones and get sound from a music cd. The cable that passes the sound to the speakers is attached to the sound card, but there could be a pass through which allows the sound to be directly output to the speakers. What I am saying is, despite having cd sound from the speakers, it is possible that the card is faulty.

Now that you are in safe mode, you should uninstall any creative software from add/remove programs and remove the sound devices from device manager. When you reboot to normal mode, does windows ask for the driver again or does it install it automatically?

At Dell, there are 3 possible drivers. Checking the CT4780 against Creative labs model list helpfully says "Dell OEM" and calls it a soundblast live. Dell, as you can see here (http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=gen&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=W98&osl=EN#) has 3 different names, which are probably 3 different products, but which one is which is not obvious.

I did find [url=http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/acc/9624P/En/index.htm]the documentation for the card[/urll] but it has been of no help.

So one of two things can happen. You install each of the drivers (removing them in safe mode) and see if one works or you buy a new cheap sound card - one based on the cmedia 8738 chipset will be fine.

[CCT]

It is my understanding that ALL Sound Blaster Live cards used the same driver for each OS- there is only one actual driver at that Dell site despite 3 entries - the Creative Labs SB AudioPCI 64V - the other two are add-ons (bass and slider control and diagnostics utility).

[NooNoo]

CCT all RETAIL Live cards do, however, the ct478x series was OEM and the drivers are not on the creative site. This card is a nightmare to get going right.

[CCT]

Part of what I was trying to clarify is that there is only ONE actual driver at that Dell site NooNoo - not 3.

If it doesn't work after a add/remove and re-install, then the generic would be worth a try.

[NooNoo]

OK, right I see what you are saying, my bad.... Unfortunately there is no "generic" creative does not have a driver for this card because it is OEM.

This might be due to the vxd/wdm snarl up... during windows 98 /98se lifecycle, microsoft changed the way drivers were written. New drivers where written using the wdm whereas the old drivers remained vxd. The way around this was to load the windows 95 drivers because 95 did not support wdm drivers, it had to have the vxd type. Fortunately, Dell has the 95 drivers as well.


PC Rookie try these drivers (http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R21385&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=W95&osl=en&deviceid=231&devlib=0&typecnt=2&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=3&fileid=21455) having uninstalled Creative liveware from add/remove programs and the drivers from system in SAFE mode.

If these don't work either, the card needs testing.

[MobilePCPhysician]

http://www.directron.com/sbtsp6c.html



New sound card, with drivers=$8.99

:)

[PCRookie]

OK, right I see what you are saying, my bad.... Unfortunately there is no "generic" creative does not have a driver for this card because it is OEM.

This might be due to the vxd/wdm snarl up... during windows 98 /98se lifecycle, microsoft changed the way drivers were written. New drivers where written using the wdm whereas the old drivers remained vxd. The way around this was to load the windows 95 drivers because 95 did not support wdm drivers, it had to have the vxd type. Fortunately, Dell has the 95 drivers as well.


PC Rookie try these drivers (http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R21385&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=W95&osl=en&deviceid=231&devlib=0&typecnt=2&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=3&fileid=21455) having uninstalled Creative liveware from add/remove programs and the drivers from system in SAFE mode.

If these don't work either, the card needs testing.

Okay, here is the update. I restarted in the safe mode and removed the creative software. I restarted and installed a downloaded driver...
z513den (Rel A01 Drv:4.05.1143 Audio Drivers Creative Soundblaster PCI 64V Version 5.13d for Optiplex GX100 & GX 110 On Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition.) I was prompted to restart. Now, do I need to go back to Add? & put the drivers, codecs, etc. back? I had already downloaded Dell's recommended drivers for my card & OS. I will try the Win95 version next. I will have to download it & work on it later.

[PCRookie]

http://www.directron.com/sbtsp6c.html



New sound card, with drivers=$8.99

:)

I know that sounds like the "easy way out" of this mess, but what if the card is good & I just don't know how to configure everything? Making everything compatible solved my other problem (with screen resolution & color). :rolleyes:

[NooNoo]

How much time do you want to spend on a sound card that is known for this problem?

You need to check that the codecs are all installed - if they are then nothing needs to be done. I assume that you still have no sound other than cd sound through the speakers?

If the 95 driver doesn't work, the card needs to be tested.

[PCRookie]

Well, sadly, I have more time than money to throw at this problem. I have $95 invested in the system right now. If I take it too a computer repair, the bench fee is $60 minimum & that is just for setting it on the bench. I just simply can't do that. If the card is bad, I will just have to find one at a surplus or "junk store" where old computers are routinely dismantled and pieced out. I am really not convinced that the card is bad because the system runs. The old machine I dumped gave me an error message when I tried running the grandkids programs meaning it couldn't even find the sound card & the program ended. Used parts are reasonable, but you can't always find the one you need. There is one such computer graveyard about 10 miles from me. You can buy manuals, discs, drives, etc. I bought a floppy drive for $2.50.

[CCT]

Well, spend some time here and try everything: :)

http://tinyurl.com/txxul

[PCRookie]

Just checked the graveyard & drew a blank today. They had everything BUT!

I have been to your link before & tried all the steps that I identify as being appropriate to the computer & system that I have. So far nothing has worked. I downloaded a sound card utility from Dell that I haven't tried so far.

[NooNoo]

The 95 driver doesn't work?

[PCRookie]

The 95 driver doesn't work?

I haven't downloaded it yet. I couldn't tie up my phone line yesterday & I am not home this morning. Will try it later though & report results.

[NooNoo]

ok... remember to uninstall the old creative devices in safe mode and the creative live ware from add/remove programs also in safe mode.

[PCRookie]

I just started downloading the file you indicated, but you said " these drivers". I only found one file. The utility that I downloaded was AUDIOPCI.EXE
The downoad will take about 30 minutes.

[NooNoo]

The file contains drivers for the various devices that a sound card has.

[PCRookie]

The file contains drivers for the various devices that a sound card has.

My download of the 95 drivers failed. Error message: file damaged or truncated.

Will have to start over.

But when I tried a restart from attempting to install, the computer "hung up" & I had to force a restart. Windows still wouldn't start. Blank screen (just telling me the cover had been previously removed which it always does). Egad! What have I done now?

[NooNoo]

Nothing probably.... this is windows 98. Don't macs just freeze like this?

Reboot with the cover on.... and press f8 before the first windows screen is displayed and attempt safe mode. Then restart.

[PCRookie]

No! I do have "kernel panics" from time to time, but since I am confident of my skills & know my system they don't make ME panic. I took out all the "live" elements as I understood you to instruct & fear I may have removed something I shouldn't have! No confidence on this end.
So far I haven't been able to get Windows back at all, even after complete power down & restart. I was able to restart in "safe mode". I'm a bit gunshy now. After the safe mode start then what?

[NooNoo]

then attempt to restart in normal mode.

You should have only been removing drivers from the sound and multimedia section of device manager... and from add/remove programs. This would not produce the problem you describe... unless you reseated the card or did something else?

[PCRookie]

I will be putting the "no sound" issue on the back burner for several days. My daughter & her 2 children are arriving today from Pyallup, WA for a weekend visit. They are military & are being sent to Germany for 4 years. No time to work on the issue till Monday.

Noo, Noo,
I did get the computer running again. No fatal errors! Whew!

[PCRookie]

I am back at work on my sound card problems. I ordered a "pulled" sound card from PC Surplus Online (http://pcsurplusonline.com/default.cfm) for $8.89 plus $8 shipping. My fingers are crossed that this will be THE solution. I did not check my old card so I am gambling.

[NooNoo]

Let us know how the install goes.

[PCRookie]

The install did not go well. I had no difficulty actually installing the card & connecting the single wire, but when I restarted the computer, the card was not recognized. I reinstalled the old card & my system could find it.
Sooooo, I still have no sound!

[street1]

The install did not go well. I had no difficulty actually installing the card & connecting the single wire, but when I restarted the computer, the card was not recognized. I reinstalled the old card & my system could find it.
Sooooo, I still have no sound!

Did you get a driver cd or diskette with the new sound card?

Exactly what brand name is the new card you just bought?

SNAP! Wait for NooNoo. :wave:

[xpuser357]

Did you get a driver cd or diskette with the new sound card?

Exactly what brand name is the new card you just bought?

SNAP! Wait for NooNoo. :wave:



Yes SIREEEE buddy :) :guns: :guns: :cool: :grin:

[PCRookie]

Did you get a driver cd or diskette with the new sound card?

Exactly what brand name is the new card you just bought?

SNAP! Wait for NooNoo. :wave:

I ordered Sound Blaster Live! PCI which was the same as I already had. The card does not look exactly the same but is labeled the same. It is dated w/2002 copyright. Model SB0200

I did not get the driver cd but I have downloaded the driver that is supposed to match up with it. The problem with the new card is that when I try adding new hardware, the computer doesn't detect any....

When I put the original card back in, all is hunky dorry EXCEPT I only have sound from my audio cd's.

I still think my original card was okay but I just haven't found the right combo of settings OR there is something we are overlooking.

I now have a new problem though. My computer tells me on startup that I have a missing device file, dfs.vxd, that I may have deleted. Beats me what happened. I didn't delete anything that I am aware of.

[CCT]

I found this:

'SOLUTION FOR ERROR MESSAGES ABOUT THESE FILES: dfs.vxd, vredir.vxd, and msnp32.dll

DFS.VXD, VREDIR.VXD:

"Start" Menu > "Run" and type in sfc. This starts the "System file checker".

Select the "extract one file" option.

Type in the name of the first file you are missing (with the .vxd extension) and press "start".

A window will appear with the destination and source paths requested. Type in C:\win98 for the source and C:\windows\system for the destination.

Repeat the process again substituting C:\windows\system\vmm32 for the destination path.

Do this for every file reported missing.'

[NooNoo]

Did you try putting the card in a different PCI slot?

I recommended a cmedia based card... why oh why did you buy another live card without the cd?? some more info from Dell for you (http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=39953)

The card you have is a system pull again from a dell machine... did you get any warranty with it?

[PCRookie]

Did you try putting the card in a different PCI slot? Yes
I recommended a cmedia based card...HuH...What is a cmedia based card? why oh why did you buy another live card without the cd?? Look at my name! Why wouldn't I? I do not KNOW anything about PC's. Look at my older posts. I said, "Don't ASSUME that I know anything!"some more info from Dell for you (http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=39953)

The card you have is a system pull again from a dell machine... did you get any warranty with it?
Just a 30day warranty that the card is good...not that it is compatible!

[NooNoo]

If the card doens't detect, it is not good. Try it in a different pci slot - if it doesn't detect then get your money back quick! An incompatible card will stop the boot process or produce an error message... a card that does nothing is faulty.

As for the cmedia chipset... at the top of page 6 I wrote about getting another sound card with a cmedia chipset because I know that they are both cheap and reliable and there is never a problem with drivers.

Mobilepcphysician linked you to the card type I recommended and pointed out it was under $9.

I assumed that if you did decide to buy another sound card you would get one which had been recommended to you.

[NooNoo]

there is a microsoft article here (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313022/EN-US/) while it only mentions a gateway computer, it is the same card as in the Dell.
Give the instructions a try... particularly checking for the windows update driver and

1. Start the Sound Blaster Live! mixer.
2. Click the Creative icon in the upper-left corner (the small icon).
3. Click Advanced Control. A red plus sign is displayed over the mixer.
4. Turn off the Digital Output Only option.

[PCRookie]

Digital Output only is already clear.

[NooNoo]

Then all you can do is try the new card in another pci slot... if it still doesn't detect your "new" card is faulty.

[PCRookie]

Okay everyone. Thanks for all of your help, but I am just short of crying uncle! I really don't know what else to do. I may just have to chalk this up as a loss and junk the whole thing!

I have a massive HEADACHE! Thinking is hurting!

[NooNoo]

Did you try the sound card in another pci slot? Junking an entire computer just because you have no sound is a little extreme....

[PCRookie]

Reply #106Originally Posted by NooNoo
Did you try putting the card in a different PCI slot? Yes

The whole purpose of this machine was to give my son's family a computer for their young children to play their games on. I don't need this computer for myself. I have 5 computers that work. My Macs don't die! I bought a new one in 2003 originally because my scanner died and I could no longer buy one that would connect. All the new peripherals required USB connections. I loaned one of my standalone units to my oldest daughter for her children. They used it until this summer when they graduated to individual laptops. I got it back. I bought 2 units running OS9 at a thrift shop for $10 apiece. I networked them to my G4 through a hub & use them to run my older software programs from my G4.

I cannot for the life of me understand why pc's have to be so difficult. You "guys" aren't going to understand this, but from my perspective all that I have gained from this whole "adventure" is another reason to stick with Mac's. After leaving the computer alone for more than a week, when I turned it on, the beautiful Vivitron 17 monitor no longer beamed any red. I don't know if the problem is with the monitor or with the video output from the CPU. Bottom Line: Kids programs with no sound and color distortion is of absolutely no use!

[NooNoo]

PC's aren't difficult, you just need to buy the right hardware. The cmedia card would have solved all your problems for $9.

The monitor is faulty, or it could be the connecting cable faulty or loose so that the red part of the connection is not made correctly.

You should not go down the path of I hate pcs because I am a mac user... Macs are specific, pc's are generic. Macs are expensive, pcs are cheap. Macs use specific hardware, pcs can use any hardware, but you have to be aware of compatibility issues.

Tell me on your G4s if the hard drive went, or the monitor what would you replace? How much would it cost you?

Bottom line: you were given good advice and you didn't follow it. Despite that we continued to try and help you.

Did you try another pci slot with the sound cards yet? Yes.... but what happened. I'm a good tech, but I am not telepathic!

[PCRookie]

Yes I was given good advice and I followed it to the best of my ability. I didn't buy the $9 suggested piece that someone else suggested mainly because I found the same card that I already had for the same price AND no one explained why I should not use the same card. I talked with a PC repair person locally (a friend of a friend) and he talked over my head. He talked in a continuous stream of jargon. He said I needed to download the Intel chipset and install it before I tried to install any drivers. You (all wonderful people who talked me through the monitor problem) still talk over my head. You assume I know the ins&outs of the computer when I do not. Heck, I didn't even know how to format a floppy when one was required when I ran one of the downloads I burned to a cd. I had to run the Help file to get that accomplished.

I am not trying to convert anyone to Mac's. That is why I tackled this for my son. At his job heuses PC's(doesn't troubleshoot) & wanted his kids' computer to be a PC. I could have given him a Mac. So you see, if I were trying to convert someone, I would have started with him. No, I'm not trying to convince him or any of you. I just know what I prefer. BTW I have not found Macs to be more expensive in the long run. I have never had to hire a tech or pay for repair. I have installed my own modem (which was replaced under warranty) and extra memory, set up my network, instlled an external drive and dvd/cd burner. I use my computer to edit home movies, photos, archive photos from old negatives, etc. I have all the functionality that I need. I run the same desktop publishing program used by our local newspaper (InDesign). I am retired and on a fixed income, so I said earlier, I have more time than money. My cousin (not a teacher, but a retired electronics person) has always been a Mac devotee. His son is knowledgeable with both formats but prefers Macs. His son's company is here: http://www.sibgonline.com/public/showcompany.asp?companyid=6251
Keith is the president.
http://www.sibgonline.com/public/showcompany.asp?companyid=6251

Please don't be offended at my statements. I am just really frustrated with this project that I undertook out of the "goodness of my heart" and with best intentions.

[NooNoo]

I explained why you shouldn't use the same card, I said they were down right evil. That's why I suggested the cmedia card .

As for talking over your head... you need to learn some stuff, that's all. Let me ask you, do you drive?

How long did it take to learn to drive?
How long did it take before you knew all the traffic conditions around where you live depending on the time of day and year?
How long did it take you to expand your knowledge of those roads to neighbouring towns?
How many routes do you know which you have remembered to ensure that if you hit unexpected traffic, you can swap routes?

This kind of knowledge took a long time to assemble... by asking, by trial and error, by getting lost and by buying several maps.

Macs are simple to replace things, because you have no choice in replacement. PCs are about choice. PCs are about several ways to do a particular thing or to get different effects.

You can learn this stuff, but it's not going to happen overnight. You write as if you understand, for example "He said I needed to download the Intel chipset and install it before I tried to install any drivers. " That implies to the reader that you did do this and while you may not have understood why you had to do that, you did understand you needed drivers, you needed to download and install them and you needed to do it before anything else.

You don't differentiate between what you understand and what you don't. You didn't review the thread before buying the sound card... probably because all you remembered was the card was 9 bucks and you didn't have the money... but you didn't remember the reason why it was suggested or even that there was a reason... all you had to do was review what had been written.

Have you got the new sound card to detect?

[PCRookie]

Not meaning to be argumentative, but I do not recall the dire warning that the soundblaster card was evil.

I feel duly chastised. It is all my fault that the process has not resolved my problem. I have had good advice and I have ignored it. I am an obtuse student. The learning curve has been a painful journey.
Macs are simple to replace things, because you have no choice in replacement. PCs are about choice. PCs are about several ways to do a particular thing or to get different effects.
I understand what you are saying, but why climb the face of the waterfall to get to the top if there is a road that goes there. The only reason one would do that is if they relish the challenge and adventure. I have learned some things about the mysterious inner workings of computers but what I have learned will not aid me in my everyday life. Driving is a life skill so your analogy compares apples to oranges.

I tried the replacement card several times in more than one slot & it remains "undetected". I have emailed the company for a return authorization but have not heard back from them. I will have to call them Monday if I hear nothing before then.

[NooNoo]

Not meaning to be argumentative, but I do not recall the dire warning that the soundblaster card was . read page 6 of the thread, I say "CCT all RETAIL Live cards do, however, the ct478x series was OEM and the drivers are not on the creative site. This card is a nightmare to get going right." in one post and "How much time do you want to spend on a sound card that is known for this problem?" in another


I feel duly chastised. OK, can we now get on and solve the problem?
It is all my fault that the process has not resolved my problem. I have had good advice and I have ignored it. I am an obtuse student. The learning curve has been a painful journey. being negative does not help the process of learning. Every journey starts with the first step so they say, but they never warn you about the blisters!

I understand what you are saying, but why climb the face of the waterfall to get to the top if there is a road that goes there. The only reason one would do that is if they relish the challenge and adventure. I have learned some things about the mysterious inner workings of computers but what I have learned will not aid me in my everyday life. Driving is a life skill so your analogy compares apples to oranges. Not true. but we can debate metaphysical analogies another day.



I tried the replacement card several times in more than one slot & it remains "undetected". I have emailed the company for a return authorization but have not heard back from them. I will have to call them Monday if I hear nothing before then.
Good - I hope you don't end up paying loads in postage and "return administration fees".

On reviewing the thread the 95 drivers experiment is outstanding. You had a problem downloading the driver and then the next thing you had bought the sound card... so did you ever download the 95 driver? If so, what happened exactly when you installed it? Did you remove the old drivers first?

[PCRookie]

I downloaded Creative Labs SB AudioPCI 64V from the Dell website which was supposed to be the right one for Sound Blaster Live! Value Dell OEM CT4780. The website says You have selected Live! and Windows 95.

Drivers Title Date

1. Sound Blaster (Live! Series) Drivers Update (5.42 MB) 2 May 00

This is latest driver update for Sound Blaster Live! Series of audio cards for users running on Windows 95 and 98 only. This release includes:

* Updated version of Surround Mixer 1.0 and AudioHQ.
* 1024-voice software MIDI synth for Sound Blaster Live! (Option to select up to 10

Refresh my memory if this is not the one you mentioned.

[NooNoo]

The driver for Windows 95 rather than windows 98.... this one (http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R21385&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=W95&osl=en&deviceid=231&devlib=0&typecnt=2&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=3&fileid=21455) (as stated on page 6 of this thread post #80)

[PCRookie]

I will try that one.

[NooNoo]

Don't forget to uninstall the old drivers and in safe mode software first!

[PCRookie]

I downloaded the 95 driver.
I restarted in Safe Mode. I ran the setup for 513d & selected the "remove" option to uninstall the SB Live files.
I restarted & checked devices. Soundblaster Live was still shown as the preferred device. Is that okay? Do I need to do anything else before installing the 95 drivers?

A blonde enters a store that sells curtains. She tells the
Salesman, "I would like to buy a pair of pink curtains."

She selects a lovely pink floral print. The salesman
Then asks what size curtains she needs.

The blonde promptly replies, "Fifteen inches."
"Fifteen inches?" asked the salesman. "That sounds very small -- what room are they for?"
The blonde tells him that they aren't for a room, but they are
for her computer monitor. The surprised salesman replies, "But miss,
computers do not need curtains!"
The blonde says, "Hellllooooooooo! I've got Windoooooows!"

I'm waiting on advice before proceeding!

[NooNoo]

You shouldn't have soundblaster installed, did you remove soundblaster from device manager? (start, settings, control panel > system)

If you did it should not be showing soundblaster as the preferred device.

[PCRookie]

I have 4 Creative elements there...multimedia interface, emulation, game, & SB Live Value. Do I remove all of those in Safe Mode?

[NooNoo]

Yes please.

[PCRookie]

Okay, now what!
I restarted in Safe Mode. I "removed" all the Creative items.
I restarted & the computer started "finding new devices" & installing them.
I am back to SB Live! being the "preferred device". I also have PCI Ethernet Controller with Exclamation Mark & 1 "unknown device" with !

[NooNoo]

did you install the 95 driver? if so, what did you do?

[PCRookie]

No, not yet.
I was just surprised to see Windows recognizing Soundblaster after I removed it.

[NooNoo]

soundblaster has been around since Dos... so windows would know it, just doesn't have all the drivers. So please install the the 95 driver. Then we will sort out your ethernet card which seems to have lost its driver now.

[PCRookie]

I tried opening the file & got that "Zip file is damaged, truncated, or has been changed...try downloading again. The same message I got earlier when I tried your suggestion. This is the same file I downloaded 11/1.

Sigh!

[NooNoo]

The file downloads and extracts just fine for me. Are you downloading direct to the windows machine or is it going via a mac ?

[PCRookie]

I am downloading to my Mac Hardrive. Then I copy it to a cd & "Toast" it. I noticed that you referred me to a uk site. Could that be the glitch?

[PCRookie]

What is the file name? Is it
sblw9xup.exe

[NooNoo]

nope, probably file translation problems between mac and windows file types. This is your OSX machine right or one of the OS9's?

Did this happen with previous driver downloads?

Maybe we should fix your ethernet driver first and get this pc on the net

[NooNoo]

What is the file name? Is it
sblw9xup.exe
No

That is an update only, it is not the full driver. I know that file of old (in my nightmares too). The driver extracts to a directory called c:\dell\driver and autolaunches an installer page. All the files within the directory structure are small.

[PCRookie]

I have never had any trouble downloading to this G4 machine running OS X (format doesn't matter). I had no trouble with the other drivers. I do have a S L O W dialup which sometimes presents problems when a site times me out.

What is the file name? D0377c01.exe

[NooNoo]

Z0396PA5.EXE is the download file... did you not go back to page 6 and click the link?

[PCRookie]

Yes I did but I wrote down the wrong one. The one I downloaded was Z0396PA5.EXE

[NooNoo]

the download page (http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R21385&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=W95&osl=en&deviceid=231&devlib=0&typecnt=2&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=3&fileid=21455)

What did your last post mean?

[NooNoo]

cross posting... always fun!

Right, you have downloaded files from Dell before or did you? My question is: have you downloaded files to the mac and toasted them and then successfully read those files on the PC?

[PCRookie]

My question is: have you downloaded files to the mac and toasted them and then successfully read those files on the PC?

Yes, I have downloaded all of the drivers from Dell, Intel, Creative, etc. to the mac & toasted them then opened the files successfully on the PC. This G4 is the only machine that I currently have w/internet capability.

[NooNoo]

Another thought, did you copy the file to the windows hard drive first or did you try and double click it directly on the cd?

[PCRookie]

I selected run then typed in the path from the cd.

[NooNoo]

copy the file to a directory such as c:\downloaded drivers

using explorer to navigate to the file, double click it. Allow it to unzip to the directory listed. It will then launch an installer page.

[PCRookie]

How? I tried "send to" but that didn't look right because I didn't have the option of creating a place to put it...folder, path, what have you.
Do I just drag it's icon into a folder I create?

[NooNoo]

yes... sort of... dragging can sometimes create a short cut. Safer to right click copy, then navigate to the folder you created and then paste. (or have two explorer windows open side by side and right click copy from one and right click paste into the other)

[PCRookie]

I will do that after I download the file again. I compared the file I downloaded on 11/1 & the one I downloaded earlier today. The first says it is a Scannable File 4 Size 1MB. The one I downloaded today lists a size of 420 KB. My download manager said the file was 3684 KB. I just got disconnected because "the other side is not responding." I had the file 52% downloaded when I lost the connection!

[NooNoo]

OK well its gone 10pm in UK land and I need my beauty sleep. When you get it downloaded try again... your download manager is right about the file size.

I'll check your progress in the morning.

[PCRookie]

The good news is that I was successful in downloading, saving, toasting, copying, opening, and running the 95 drivers.

The bad things is that it didn't make any difference in sound card functioning.

I still have no sound.

[NooNoo]

The sound card requires powered speakers... you have got powered speakers? They are turned on with the volume on the speakers up and plugged into the green jack on the sound card?

Can I confirm you are using 98SE and not 98 1st or gold edition?

Direct link to Dell drivers (http://ccftp.creative.com/manualdn/Drivers/Others/414/SBL51_W9xME.exe) These seem to be different from the download offered for your machine.... 19mb, but it appears to be the file from the original resource CD. This driver will only work if you have 98SE.

I found this at the Dell forums (http://download.kxproject.lugosoft.com/downloads/kxdrv3537-full.exe) it is another driver, but not one made by creative... some one finally go fedup with the Creative/Dell driver problems and wrote one... apparently this has solved many a problem... but again requires a minimum of Windows 98SE

I have found one place that states it has the full 63 mb download... but I think you are on dialup?

[PCRookie]

The sound card requires powered speakers... you have got powered speakers?
Yes/COLOR]They are turned on with the volume on the speakers up and plugged into the green jack on the sound card? yes

Can I confirm you are using 98SE and not 98 1st or gold edition? [COLOR=DarkRed]yes

Direct link to Dell drivers (http://ccftp.creative.com/manualdn/Drivers/Others/414/SBL51_W9xME.exe) These seem to be different from the download offered for your machine.... 19mb, but it appears to be the file from the original resource CD. This driver will only work if you have 98SE.

I found this at the Dell forums (http://download.kxproject.lugosoft.com/downloads/kxdrv3537-full.exe) it is another driver, but not one made by creative... some one finally go fedup with the Creative/Dell driver problems and wrote one... apparently this has solved many a problem... but again requires a minimum of Windows 98SE

I have found one place that states it has the full 63 mb download... but I think you are on dialup?

yes, I am on dialup & don't even have the option of DSL. As I said earlier, I live in the boonies. We don't even have cable TV here. Satellite is the only fast option for me but it is still VERY expensive.

I am off to church. I'll check back later.

[NooNoo]

OK well download the drivers from dell first, if they work good, if not try the others, if not... well that's it, I am out of ideas without looking at the machine for myself.... If it was in front of me I would test the card in another machine first of all, if it did work, then I would format and reinstall 98se, and then I would download the 90mb file and install the sound drivers first before ANYTHING else. If that didn't work, I would buy the cmedia card.

[PCRookie]

Thanks for all your suggestions. The Dell links to a very big file. I will try to download it now, but may have to wait until overnight, if I can't get a stable connection.

I would have tried the sound card in a different computer too if I had one available. I have a Gateway 2000 skeleton that we stripped the drives out of but that wouldn't be of any use. It still has an old Ensoniq sound card in it, but it wasn't working when I started dismantling it. (It had been working but quit, so I really don't think it is any good.)

As for my monitor color, I have my monitor color back. You were helpful there too. There was a broken pin in the connector. I cut a paper clip & inserted a short piece into the pin hole where the broken pin was. The pin broke with a small amount of exposed metal remaining so that the 2 pieces touch when the monitor is plugged in. I have my fingers crossed that this fix will hold.

[NooNoo]

Very resourceful on the monitor plug pin... as long as it doesn't wiggle too much it should be ok.

[PCRookie]

After 2 1/2 hours the download was complete. I copied it to the downloads folder. Now what?

[NooNoo]

As before, boot to safe mode and remove the sound driver software from Add/Remove Programs, then remove the sound card, game port, sb emulation etc from Device Manager. Reboot to normal mode and the card will detect, then install the driver by copying it to the hard drive in a folder you can find such as C:\sound then double clicking the file and following the install wizard.

[PCRookie]

"Uncle!"
I followed the above. (BTW: the setup said that this driver was for the 517 card.) Crash! The computer would not load Windows. I restarted in Safe. Read "Help" for the symptom. It said to restart in step-by-step confirmation & skip 2 files. I was able to skip "autoexec" but couldn't skip "config.sys" because the computer again froze. I restarted from Windows Startup floppy. Okay, now I can restart but not directly to Windows. I always get the screen that gives options. When I select option #1 Normal, the computer does start up. Now my display adapter had to be reinstalled. The sound card still does not work.

I packed up the computer and delivered it to the nearest town with a computer repair shop. I will let you know what they have to say.

Again, thanks again for all the help.

[PCRookie]

I was apparently beating my head against a stone wall trying to get my sound card to work. This is the email I got today from the repairman:

neither one of the sound cards you brought in are good
one - the only thing that works on it is the joy stick
the other - has no sound output
I have an Ensoniq sound card installed and working


I picked it up & brought it home. It is working.
The other issue of starting with the non-Windows screen still bothers me, but I think I will just leave it alone as it really doesn't interfere with the functioning.

[MobilePCPhysician]

I'm glad to hear you got it sorted out. I'll bet Noo is raising a glass,(bottle) of scotch in celebration...:drink:

[PCRookie]

Cheers!

[NooNoo]

Glad to see my instincts were right on the money still... page 6 I wrote off that damn card!! But because it detects and I couldn't personally test it, all I could do was give you everything it might have been.

[PCRookie]

You did Good!

Happy Thanksgiving all!