Windows XP Professional x64 Edition: Drivers, Free Trials, and Availability

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: BikeDude

Originally posted by: Bar81
I have to give credit where it's due, Creative got on the ball, and in a hurry:

Sound Blaster Live!/Audigy/Audigy 2 x64 Driver PREVIEW

There's a good reason it is still a preview. You have to manually install its control panel, and once you do you still won't have sound in all games (I miss atleast 50% of the sounds in SWAT 4, and the driver readme file states that I can forget about Unreal Tournament).

This is after developing these drivers for over a year? What are Creative doing? Have they forced their developers to type using only their nose?

I'm getting another soundcard. And it isn't a Creative. I'm sure it'll be every bit as buggy, but atleast I'll be supporting an underdog.

My onboard sound on my DFI Lanparty works like a charm. You'll just have to revert.

 

[Bar81]

Originally posted by: BikeDude

Originally posted by: Bar81
I have to give credit where it's due, Creative got on the ball, and in a hurry:

Sound Blaster Live!/Audigy/Audigy 2 x64 Driver PREVIEW

There's a good reason it is still a preview. You have to manually install its control panel, and once you do you still won't have sound in all games (I miss atleast 50% of the sounds in SWAT 4, and the driver readme file states that I can forget about Unreal Tournament).

This is after developing these drivers for over a year? What are Creative doing? Have they forced their developers to type using only their nose?

I'm getting another soundcard. And it isn't a Creative. I'm sure it'll be every bit as buggy, but atleast I'll be supporting an underdog.

Okay, but outside of those two games, are there other problems? Music, movies, etc have any problems? And manually installing something really isn't *that* big of a deal.

 

[imported_BikeDude]

I'm not going to test the Creative drivers much further I think. My new soundcard (w/Dolby encoding) hopefully arrives today, so I have no idea if its problems is limited to a handful of games (albeit, the Unreal engine is used in many games, so...) or not.

And manually copying that stuff isn't a big deal had they mentioned it in a readme file or on their site. I had to dig in their user forum to find that little gem.

I'm not too thrilled about their 32-bit drivers either. I have to make absolutely sure that I keep their CD around, otherwise I won't be able to install AudioHQ. (I finally realised I probably don't need that thing though, because there is a control panel applet somewhere)

Finally, what is up with that strange CTHELPER.EXE process that they keep launching as soon as I log in? As far as I can tell it makes sure older versions of WinDVD won't work (video starts to stutter) and that's it. No explanation, just this mysterious process lurking in the background. For that matter, they launch a few other processes as well. They used to launch something that delayed the log on process significantly, but I'm not sure if the later software/driver versions still do it. (I cleared most of the autorun stuff before I could test/time it properly)

Bottom line: It isn't the sort of things I'd expect from an industry leader. Their earlier cards showed some promise (albeit noisy), but there has been no innovation since the SB AWE-32.

 

[Bar81]

Originally posted by: BikeDude
I'm not going to test the Creative drivers much further I think. My new soundcard (w/Dolby encoding) hopefully arrives today, so I have no idea if its problems is limited to a handful of games (albeit, the Unreal engine is used in many games, so...) or not.

And manually copying that stuff isn't a big deal had they mentioned it in a readme file or on their site. I had to dig in their user forum to find that little gem.

I'm not too thrilled about their 32-bit drivers either. I have to make absolutely sure that I keep their CD around, otherwise I won't be able to install AudioHQ. (I finally realised I probably don't need that thing though, because there is a control panel applet somewhere)

Finally, what is up with that strange CTHELPER.EXE process that they keep launching as soon as I log in? As far as I can tell it makes sure older versions of WinDVD won't work (video starts to stutter) and that's it. No explanation, just this mysterious process lurking in the background. For that matter, they launch a few other processes as well. They used to launch something that delayed the log on process significantly, but I'm not sure if the later software/driver versions still do it. (I cleared most of the autorun stuff before I could test/time it properly)

Bottom line: It isn't the sort of things I'd expect from an industry leader. Their earlier cards showed some promise (albeit noisy), but there has been no innovation since the SB AWE-32.

While I agree with some of what you said, you're not trying hard enough. At the risk of going off topic, for 32-bit you don't need the original CD as the drivers are available off of their site. As to processes, CT Helper doesn't seem to add anything to boot times or affect programs in any way, rather than overlay the Creative Volume panel over the windows one. Yes, their drivers are bloated but you avoid the bloat with a little work. I would advise you to check here for some excellent modified drivers plus guides:


http://www.driverheaven.net/forumdispla...=37e2f0910f40c248453fb0da7bec9234&f=33

While I'm no fan of Creative, the new ZS plus the PAX Drivers plus the latest updates delivers fantastic sound quality compared to the competition and is the only card line that is an option for the gamer.

 

[Kenazo]

Any 64bit winrar solution

 

[Bar81]

Yes, as I listed above. In the last couple of days beta 5 of 3.50 has been released that supposedly supports context menus.

 

[gobucks]

has anybody had issues with overclocking on x64? Mine ran fine at my max speed (2.55GHz, at least as high as i could get it on 1.450V) for weeks, but for the last few days it's been rebooting right after the winXP startup screen. I can still boot fine into 32-bit xp, though.

Also, any world on 1) an alcohol 120% or daemon tools beta? Filedisk doesn't let you mount mds files, and its awkward. 2) A FRIGGIN WDM CAPTURE DRIVER FOR ATI!!!!!! WTF? obviously they have one, since if you install and All-In-Wonder card, and use an external app like ChrisTV or WinDVR, it works fine, but we standalone TV Wonder owners are screwed i guess.

 

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: Bar81
Yes, as I listed above. In the last couple of days beta 5 of 3.50 has been released that supposedly supports context menus.

I searched for "Rar" in the thread, stupid windows search didn't find that. Sorry.

 

[Bar81]

Originally posted by: gobucks
Also, any world on 1) an alcohol 120% or daemon tools beta? Filedisk doesn't let you mount mds files, and its awkward. 2) A FRIGGIN WDM CAPTURE DRIVER FOR ATI!!!!!! WTF? obviously they have one, since if you install and All-In-Wonder card, and use an external app like ChrisTV or WinDVR, it works fine, but we standalone TV Wonder owners are screwed i guess.

Alcohol 120% is supposedly being worked on and is in the testing stages although no ETA has been given. Daemon tools has given no updates and given how long it has been I think they may be having major issues in getting it to work.

 

[WebDude]

Just got this reply from MS after enquiring about the upgrade kits:

Thank you for your email.

The Technology Advancement Software Kits will begin shipping at the end of June.

Your order will remain in "Pending" status and your Credit Card will not be charged until your order ships complete from our Fulfillment Center.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Technology Advancement Program

For the life of me I cannot figure out what could be causing the delay. Shipping out a product that's been available at vendors for over a month should not be rocket science. Is MS trying to discourage people from going the upgrade route? No idea.

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: Bar81

Originally posted by: gobucks
Also, any world on 1) an alcohol 120% or daemon tools beta? Filedisk doesn't let you mount mds files, and its awkward. 2) A FRIGGIN WDM CAPTURE DRIVER FOR ATI!!!!!! WTF? obviously they have one, since if you install and All-In-Wonder card, and use an external app like ChrisTV or WinDVR, it works fine, but we standalone TV Wonder owners are screwed i guess.

Alcohol 120% is supposedly being worked on and is in the testing stages although no ETA has been given. Daemon tools has given no updates and given how long it has been I think they may be having major issues in getting it to work.

There shouldn't be issues, FileDisk was quickly ported to XP64 as I understand it, so I can't imagine the interfaces used in such programs having changed dramatically for XP64. Rather I think that the DT team is working on 4.0, which was supposed to be a major overhaul of DT anyhow, so any issues are likely related to the scope of the project, not the platform.

 

[gibno1]

 

[gibno1]

Just checked status and it has changed to "order has been received" "you will be charged on
shipping date"

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: gibno1
Just checked status and it has changed to "order has been received" "you will be charged on
shipping date"

Same here.

 

[Gigadave]

Originally posted by: ViRGE

Originally posted by: gibno1
Just checked status and it has changed to "order has been received" "you will be charged on
shipping date"

Same here.

...and indeed here! Any idea on how long it'll take from this point? I'm in no real hurry cos things still seem a little up in the air at the mo.

 

[WebDude]

I don't really see any difference between "pending" and "order has been received" "you will be charged on shipping date". They both amount to the saying the same thing: 'you will get it when you get it, and not before.' Last info I received said end of June. But then again MS said it would ship out the end of May, until the end of May rolled around, then they changed it to end of June. So who knows for sure.

 

[SirBrass]

I just bought Win XP64 from newegg, and it's on its way. Now I'm having reservations due to video concerns. I know my graphics card and sound card will run fine, but it's the software side I'm worried about.

See, I watch fansubbed anime. The reason I state this is to tell you why I use quite a few different decoders: xvid, wmv, divx, and mkv and ogm drivers. WILL THESE WORK WITH WIN XP64??

Also, what about games? I play Jedi KNight II, Morrowind, Halo, Mechwarrior 4: mercenaries, RtCW, Raven Shield, Ghost Recon, Knights of the Old Republic, and KotOR 2. Also, as i'm an EE major, I use cadance Pspice, Capture, and MATLAB.

How are these programs running on winxp64?

Also, can I just delay INSTALLING xp64 untill all the bugs are worked out? Since if I don't install it, MS doesn't know I have it and won't know to start the 14 day countdown until then, right? I'm asking b.c I don't know for certain at all and NEED answers.

Thanks for whatever help you can give me, though .

 

[Megatomic]

Every application I have runs fine in XP64 (except Winfast PVR as there are no drivers for my tuner yet). Gaming was the same in XP64 as it is in XP Pro for me. And I don't know about the anime stuff. I've never even heard of fansubbed.

 

[Bar81]

Logitech has also released some setpoint drivers that work with alot of their input stuff (sadly not the MX510) that you can get via HP. Link is on PlanetAMD64.

 

[Bar81]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
Every application I have runs fine in XP64 (except Winfast PVR as there are no drivers for my tuner yet). Gaming was the same in XP64 as it is in XP Pro for me. And I don't know about the anime stuff. I've never even heard of fansubbed.

Fansubbed is just episodes of anime or anime movies that have been subtitled into your language by fan groups.

 

[SirBrass]

The thing with fansubbed video files is that the fansubbing groups use a variety of audio and video codecs to encode the video and sound when they either softsub (subtitles can be turned on or off. codecs such as ogm and mkv allow this) or hardsub (subtitles become part of the video file itself. like in .avi files), and I don't know if those codecs will work with xp64.

I'm glad to hear gaming is no trouble, though.

 

[ViRGE]

Alright, point by point:

Originally posted by: SirBrass
I just bought Win XP64 from newegg, and it's on its way. Now I'm having reservations due to video concerns. I know my graphics card and sound card will run fine, but it's the software side I'm worried about.

See, I watch fansubbed anime. The reason I state this is to tell you why I use quite a few different decoders: xvid, wmv, divx, and mkv and ogm drivers. WILL THESE WORK WITH WIN XP64??

It should all work fine. You'll need to install the usual codecs and media players, but getting it working will be no different than under XP32.

Also, what about games? I play Jedi KNight II, Morrowind, Halo, Mechwarrior 4: mercenaries, RtCW, Raven Shield, Ghost Recon, Knights of the Old Republic, and KotOR 2. Also, as i'm an EE major, I use cadance Pspice, Capture, and MATLAB.

How are these programs running on winxp64?

I can't vouch for most of these items, but software compatibility is near 100% on XP64, it's power-programs that use drivers and try to hook in to the OS itself(think anti-virus suites) that have problems.

Also, can I just delay INSTALLING xp64 untill all the bugs are worked out? Since if I don't install it, MS doesn't know I have it and won't know to start the 14 day countdown until then, right? I'm asking b.c I don't know for certain at all and NEED answers.

Thanks for whatever help you can give me, though .

You can delay, but it doesn't really matter. Now, later, what difference does it make?

 

[SirBrass]

It makes a difference b/c if I choose to install xp64, then I'll dual boot w/ 32-bit xp pro on the other. if I delay, I'll RAID 0 the 2 HDDs.

I just want to know if I CAN delay on the install and just install in several months, or whether the activation code will have expired by then. If it's the later, then I will go on and install. If I can do the former, then I will.

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: SirBrass
It makes a difference b/c if I choose to install xp64, then I'll dual boot w/ 32-bit xp pro on the other. if I delay, I'll RAID 0 the 2 HDDs.

I just want to know if I CAN delay on the install and just install in several months, or whether the activation code will have expired by then. If it's the later, then I will go on and install. If I can do the former, then I will.

The codes don't expire ever.

 

[SirBrass]

I thought you had a 14 day period in which to activate xp64 bit edition.