Could someone please help a fellow forum member?

[PatMaster]

My soundcard has crashed! Its not only for EU, but for my whole computer!
When I start EU, this message pops up saying that EU encoutered a problem while initialzing the sound (it was on swedish, so i cant tell you the exact words of it in the english version) and that I should download the latest patch for my sound card.
I've searched the web but I didnt find anything, does anyone know where I can find drivers for a "ESS1869"-soundcard? My driver is dated 6-29-1998

 

[unmerged(1095)]

I have searched high and low and at some considerable expense and time to try to help you.

Well actually I have a ESS Allegro Sound card so I went to my "Favourites" file!

http://www.esstech.com/techsupp/drivers.shtm

Has your drivers. However if you have Win 98SE then the drivers are on your windows CD.

 

[PatMaster]

Would that mean that I already got the newest version?

 

[PatMaster]

Ok, it worked.
For five minutes
I put on a MP3, and then it all crashed. Now im back on page one.

 

[unmerged(1095)]

Sounds like (no pun intended) your sound card is a little dickey!
Go into your DirectX folder and run the sound tests thro the DxDiag option.

 

[PatMaster]

Im on my way....

 

[PatMaster]

Ok, I went in to the "Sound"-option and clicked on "Test DirectSound":
It sayed

Testresultat för DirectSound: Fel vid steg 19 (Användarverifiering av programvara): HRESULT = 0x00000000 (okänt fel)

Wich on English means:

Testresults for DirectSound: Error at step 19 (Userverifiyng of software): HRESULT = 0x00000000 (unknown error)

Ok, then I went in to the "Music"-option and choosed to test "Microsoft Sythesizer", didn't work. Tried "Midi Mapper", worked excellent . Tried ESS MPU-401, didnt work. Tried ESFM Sythesis, worked excellent!

 

[unmerged(1095)]

You should be able to get DirectSound. You wont get far without it!

MPU 401 is for playing thro a attached instrument. If you havent got one then it wont work and the port will be disabled. (It probably tells you this when you start up your computer, on the first black and white screen.

Microsoft Syth - this is software and should have worked.

Try reinstalling DirectX again and then the sound drivers once more. If it doesnt work then I suggest you need a new card. They are quite cheap nowadays. Sorry but if the above doesnt work then its a hardware fault.

 

[PatMaster]

OK, I'll try and download a new DirectX and let you know it it works

 

[unmerged(1095)]

Please let me know how it went

 

[PatMaster]

Not too good.
Guess I'll have to buy a new soundcard. Anyone you recommend (not too expensive)?

 

[unmerged(1095)]

As you obviously are not into MIDI then any Sound Blaster compatable one will do. They really are quite cheap - have a look around your local store.

 

[Vulture]

Yup, I advise the Soundblaster Live Player 1024, extremely good stuff for a cheap price

 

[unmerged(1095)]

That card is also a good one to break into MIDI with to.

 

[Vulture]

Yup... AND IT's DIRTCHEAP
over here it can be bought for some 4000 Belgian Francs (65£ or some 90-90 $)

 

[PatMaster]

I will have a look for that one