SoundMAX Win9x drivers for ThinkPad T40

[gutted]

I've recently been given a work laptop with Win2k installed. I'm using software called VMWare to create a Win98SE (and also Win95b) virtual machine (VM) - the idea is that we can test compatibilty of our software on various platforms, using VMWare.

So anyway - in the course of my work duties - obviously - I dug up a quality game that will only run on Win9x systems, so I'm trying to build a suitable Win98 VM.

Eveything looking good so far, except that I can't get the sound to work. If I understand correctly, I need to find and install the correct audio drivers for the T40 onto Win98.

The audio for Win2k is listed as SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio. Driver version is listed as 5.12.1.3620.

Any idea where I can find an equivalent driver for Win98? I tried IBM support website, and found a driver which is *supposed* to work on Win98SE, but when I start my '98 VM and try to install the drivers, the Installer says "OS not supported".

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers!
Dan.

[confus-ed]

Now I love VMware ... but I think you chances of getting a dos session inside a windows session inside a VMware session, working good enough for DOS sound drivers, are slim to none ! ... however notwithstanding that, you can try all the following :-

Its bad enough getting DOS sound drivers working in 98, never mind with that 'inside' something else, my advice at this point if you wish to 'persist' is to try 'whatever' on just a 98 client first ...

I think soundmax integrated usually have a bios setting called 'enable soundblaster 16' or similar, this actually makes bios create another device which the DOS session can get 'hold of' directly rather than windoze 'stealing it' from DOS, this is what you 'generally' need working for DOS games.

[NooNoo]

If its 98 and not 98se good luck. Those drivers will not install on a 98 first edition.

[confus-ed]

Originally Posted by NooNoo

If its 98 and not 98se good luck. Those drivers will not install on a 98 first edition.

Now there's a point ! ... most SE sound drivers will be of the WMD variety, whilst 98 drivers mostly need to be of the 'vxd' variety, this as far as sound goes is about the only change between the two. (95 drivers are deffinately of the vxd variety so if you must use 98 & not SE for whatever reason look for some of them if they exist).

Opening the actual driver file itself & looking at the files can be most enlightening !

But you definately want an 'extra' bit for DOS so that it has a device to attach any soundblaster support to.

[gutted]

Cheers everyone.

I found what I think are the correct drivers at driverguide. Once again, though, when I try to install them I get a pop-up which says "driver does not match OS".

I guess it must be a VMWare thing - I'll have a scout around on the VMWare help bulletin boards and see what I'm doing wrong.

Thanks again though - I'm pretty sure I've got the right drivers now, after all your help

Dan.

[gutted]

Sorted it. For anyone who may be interested, it turns out that VMWare emulates an Ensonique AudioPCI soundcard. Downloaded the drivers for that hardware and it works like a charm.

Perhaps I should have read the user guide first

[confus-ed]

So 'effectively' w2k found it wrong ? Then vmware told 98 wrong?
Glad its fixed

[gutted]

Yep, Win98 (and 95) aparently can't auto-detect it as this harware is slightly newer than those OS.

Not a problem in Win2k or XP etc, only older versions of Windows.

Quality - "Dark Reign" now has sound Outrageous