Directx 8.0 / Soundcard problems

[Y22KC]

I have a Crystal Semiconductor cs4280 on board sound chip. My computer freezes constantly because there isn't an updated driver for directx 8.0. Whenever I disable the soundcard, everything works fine. I have been to crystal's website, but the only driver there is for directx 7.0. Where can download an updated driver or even directx 7.0? Is there a way to uninstall directx 8.0 without reformatting? Any help is appreciated.

 

[BadThad]

1) Crystal sound IS SUCK. lol Can you disable the audio on that mobo? I highly recommend a good sound card, ie soundblaster, ASAP if you want to enjoy games at all.

2) Did you try the DX7 driver? Might be as good as your're going to get.

3) Technically, you can't remove DX8 according to MS. However, there is a util that has some success on the internet (don't have url, search using google.com). This tool is a "last resort" however, as it may hose your system.

 

[jere01]

If your soundcard manufacturer's website doesn't have the new drivers for your card then I highly doubt you are going to find them any where else. There are some uninstallers for DX 8.0 but they are hard to use and I actually couldn't get them to work on my system so I ended up having to format my HD. Not too sure what you can do to fix this problem. The only advice I can give is to wait for your card company to bring out the new drivers or if you don't have too much that you need to back up then i'd format and go back to DX 7. There have been lots of problems with DX 8.0 and that's why there is an uninstaller program for it That sound card sounds like a piece anyways so if you've got some money then maybe you should invest in a new card. A good sign of a bad company is if they take this long to get the updated drivers out.

Hope this helps

 

[Y22KC]

Thanks guys for the advice. I agree that Crystal bites. I only have 2 PCI slots that are taken by a graphics card and modem. Thinking of buying an ISA soundcard. Do you all know if Windows ME is packaged with Directx 6.1 or 7.0? I think it is 6.1 but not sure. If it is 6.1, where can download directx 7.0? Thanks again for the help. If I can't uninstall Directx 8.0, reformat is the next answer I suppose!

 

[Y22KC]

Just wanted to post an update. Found DirectX 7.0 on a german website and the uninstaller on tweakfiles.com. The uninstaller doesn't work on WinME, so I'm gonna uninstall WinMe (since I just upgrade from win98) then try uninstalling DX8 and re-installing DX7 once Win ME is re-installed. Wish me luck! I'll update tommorrow.

 

[bulldawg]

Make sure anything important to you is backed up. Sounds like you might be doing a format soon. :Q

 

[Y22KC]

I got directx 8.0 uninstalled after removing winME. Re-installed dx7 and re-installed winME. I did all this for nothing as it still freezes even though diagdx program says it is version 7.0. Looked on Microsoft's website for compatibility, and the crystal is listed as not compatible with winME! Crystal sux big time. They don't even want consumers to contact them, only manufacturers. I contacted them anyway to give them a piece of my mind. I have an empty isa slot, and I looked at a creative soundblaster isa card. Is it anygood? I really don't care about 3d sound and all the fancys. Just as long as it is full duplex and has a line in which according to their website, it does feature both. Thanks again.

 

[BadThad]

I like the good old Soundblaster AWE64 ISA. It's a great card and even has native DOS support, no emulation required. You should be able to find one cheap and I bet it's supported in ALL DX/OS versions. It's a classic!

 

[Y22KC]

I bought a Sound Blaster 16 ISA card, and everthing works great! Got from Axiontech.com for $17.95. Great card. Thanks again for the help.