I can't install drivers for my radeon 9800 at all

[El rey loco]

I just bought an ATI 9800 Pro and I can't install any drivers. I made sure to delete the old drivers and even used Driver Cleaner while in safe mode. I go to use the disc, which came with the card and has the catalyst drivers but it terminates the setup. So I then downloaded the newer catalyst drivers from ATI's website and still I cannot install them.

I get this error message: Error Number 0x80040707
Description: Dll function Call crashed: ISLAYER.ISLI.ATICard
Setup will now terminate

I even repaired Windows XP to no avail. I still end up with the same error. 🙁
Any help is appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

What version of DirectX do you have installed? Start > Run > dxdiag to find out. Also, more info about your computer would help, what motherboard in particular. If it's a pre-built such as HP, Dell, Gateway, etc, then brand & model is ok too.

 

[El rey loco]

My version of DirectX is 9.0a (4.09.0000.0901).

Here are my specs:
Dell P4 2.4ghz 533 FSB
512 MB Ram

I'm glad you asked for the DirectX version; there were some notes I just spotted.

They state: The file qasf.dll is an old version, which could cause problems. You should reinstall DirectX to get the latest version.

You think this could be the problem?

 

[mechBgon]

I confess that I often go on a hunch basis 😀 but yeah, I would definitely update to DirectX 9.0C, or simply install Service Pack 2 for WinXP and get DirectX 9.0C as part of the process.

You can get the full-file DirectX 9.0C installer from this page.

You can get the full-file Service Pack 2 installer from this page.

Or you can hit Windows Update and get SP2 that way, and/or other stuffs of your choosing. Hope that helps with the actual problem, but even if it doesn't, it's still good to keep your system maintained 🙂

 

[El rey loco]

After installing DirectX 9.0c I still encountered the same problems as before. I even tried installing Omega drivers but the Windows Installer comes up. It states "Incorrect Command Line Parameters". Anyone have any ideas?

 

[mechBgon]

Sounds to me like (drum roll) Windows is messed up. If it were mine and it were pulling that stunt, I would Drop The Bomb On It and do a fresh installation:

0) download the SP2 installer and the Intel motherboard drivers (aka chipset software installation utility) for your motherboard's chipset (should be the i845 family). Burn those to a CD along with the ATI drivers and Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.

1) unplug network cable, unless you have a router providing you with a perimeter firewall. No worms for me today, thank you, I'm on a diet 🙂

2) Install Windows and patch it with SP2. Now you have DirectX 9.0C and your Windows Firewall going.

3) Install your Intel motherboard drivers and reboot.

4) Install your ATI drivers and reboot. Success? Hopefully yes.

5) Look at the suggestions I got here for locking down your system's security (the Ongoing prevention section there). Run the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and fix any weak/blank passwords. Install your antivirus software and configure it.

6) Now you're as prepared as practical to connect to your modem without a security risk. Get your antivirus definitions updated, then head off to Windows Update (and Office Update if you have Office2000 or later, or any components of it such as Word).


Good luck 🙂

 

[El rey loco]

If I do a fresh install of XP, will I lose all of my files (games, documents, etc.) in my Harddrive?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: El rey loco
If I do a fresh install of XP, will I lose all of my files (games, documents, etc.) in my Harddrive?

Yeah. You can back up your documents to CDs or DVDs, and you might be able to get away with backing up your game directories and then reinstalling the games and copying the directories back afterwards. No guarantees on that, however.

You could try a version of Repair installation like this:

1. Unplug network cable. When you're done, any existing patches and service packs will be gone, so remember you're going to be vulnerable at first.
2. Start Windows Setup and when it firsts offers the Repair option, don't choose Repair. Act as if you're doing a clean install.
3. Windows Setup will get going and show you the partitions on the hard drive. It'll ask where you want Windows installed to. Choose the C:\ partition and it'll notice the C:\WINDOWS directory, and it'll ask if you want that Repaired? and now you choose Repair this time.
4. Let it do its routine, and if all goes well, you'll have a raw WinXP installation that has your programs and documents all there. Install Service Pack 2 using the offline full-installer I linked to, then reboot and install the motherboard drivers (and reboot), then the video drivers last.
5. Your Dell CDs should have drivers for whatever else it might have, such as onboard audio and 56k modem, etc.