Re: ISA Plug and Play not working (clean install)
Okay, this comes as a response and correction pursuant this discussion and
the other related postings/discussions.
* As you indicate that you are obtaining the CDs from Gary, the issue of
updating becomes moot, as does installing and configuring a NIC. Also, that
gives us some time to pre-address some other issues. As you are not using an
old installation and trying to change previous errors [you're using new
installations] we can address the issues in a different form.
* As I indicated, I located my 9X SB 16/AWE driver file and cross-checked
via Creative's support, found it WAS the newest offering for 9X, and that it
should NOT require updating prior to installation. The previous statements
by myself per the need to update likely come from cross-linked XP/9X/other
SB devices, which being my memories, can not be noted then scandisked and
defragged [smile - in my mind] prior to an issue such as this.
That out of the way:
* The sb16AWE.inf included with 98SE is actually dated after the offering
from Creative. It does contain support for your AWE64.
It might be wise to use the configuration offered via this driver/INF
assembly rather than from any other. IF the card is not being automatically
installed/found, you should find an unknown or other device {!} listed in
Device Manager OR when running Find New Hardware. IF it is found or shown
via either method OR IF it does not display your AWE [perhaps as SB16}, then
choose Device Manager > {the found device} > Update Driver > Display List of
all """ > Show All Hardware, and scroll to Creative - choose the AWE64
driver that matches your card.
* IF you need information on what it will install {or has installed} then
open the INF [located in the {drive}:\{Windows folder}\INF]. In this INF you
will note the specific entries for the registry, and also the entries for
system.ini, win.ini, and autoexec.bat. These will provide you with the
ability to cross-check that these are properly setup and installed.
**IF* there are issues after ensuring the needed entries are actually
installed as they should be, OR the card itself is not being found, then it
may be that the connection fingers [in the slot] and/or stripes [on the
card] are NOT making proper connection. Clean these carefully, slots can be
cleaned with de-natured alcohol [making absolutely sure to completely dry
them afterwards AND that ALL electrical was discharged and disconnected
prior to the cleaning] and the card stripes can be cleaned with an pencil
erasure [making sure no residue remains]. Looking, however, at your posting
to Franc per the tests done, it appears this cleaning would not be
necessary. See next>
* There are other potential variables pursuant the motherboard and video
card which can be done as there is no present rush:
With *Plug and Play OS installed* enabled in the BIOS, also make sure the
BIOS has *Assign IRQ for Video* enabled {or other like description, also
pre-set any USB, printer, and other that you intend to connect PRIOR to the
original installation of the OS}.
* Did you post the model of the video card? Its a Matrox PCI but I don't
remember if you posted the actual model involved. Some cards require other
settings in the BIOS and/or driver to ensure they work properly.
* The driver for the Matrox video would need to be installed prior to other
device installations. Relying upon Windows default driver may cause system
conflicts. It would also help knowing the Matrox video driver version you
are using.
# Also:
* As we have a few days and this may also be relevant; what is the
motherboard manufacturer and model we are dealing with?
*** Have you enabled or do you intend to use Power Management, ACPI, or
other [the final configuration of your intended setup], and how they are
presently configured?
* You asked if I could recommend a firewall. Presently I use Kerio PFW
version 2.1.5 , which for most 9X users and configurations would be
sufficient. It does require manual configuration as it is a rules based
firewall, though it will pop-up notices when encountering unknown issues and
ask what you want to occur when using the default setting. One rule which
should be manually made is for a Shawcable/communications block as that
*address range* seems to constantly popup when connected to the Internet.
The range is 24.64.0.0 through 24.71.255.255, place it as the first rule and
denied access to TCP and UDP. You will find others when they popup asking
what to do. Check the address when necessary using Who.is or another
registration checking tool. Your firewall can be one of the most important
tools/protections, so make sure you spend some time familiarizing yourself
with setup and configuration issues.
An older version of ZoneAlarm or other can be used, check for the versions
which supported 98. And there are several other firewalls which still
support 9X.
Also the "standards" for other web related issues relating to 9X include:
SpyWare Blaster {Java Cool}- ActiveX and web site protections {bad site
registry settings};
AVAST, Super Anti-Virus, or other anti-virus program. AVG will be ending
official support for 9X this year.;
SpyBot Search and Destroy {Safer Networking}, or another SpyWare detection
application.;
HiJackThis {Merjin Org}- no need to install unless there are reasons to
test, though installation brings no apparent system "hits".;
Many [including myself] also use a HOSTS file to block other sites and
activities. You will find various HOSTS files on the Internet, I have tested
two, one from MDGx [which I presently use and add to] and the other from
MVPS. NOTE: using a HOSTS file may/will cause web pages to be shown
differently than you are familiar with, or may completely block access to
sites you frequent [sites previously determined and included in the HOSTS to
be hack sites, advertising, hijack/SpyWare sites, etc.].
And of course, setting up the browsers and email programs properly for JAVA
and scripting, plain text, and related. There are other
programs/applications you may like or want, including washing/cleaning
programs {like Windows Washer}, system protection programs {like WinPatrol},
and other. 9X can be made fairly secure, but it does require you make an
effort to do so.
Again, Sorry for my prior errors and/or mis-directions. Chalk it up to
getting old, too many OSs and other in mind [and resultant postings
elsewhere], personal web site issues, normal work routine, and in partial
legal mode [ugh]... too many non-related/conflicting things in mind at one
time.
--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
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