Sound Blaster card won't initialize

tcb · Feb 26, 2011, 09:36 PM

Hi all. I got a Sound Blaster Live 5.1 Digital card from a local computer repair shop but he didn't have the original install CD. So I did a web search to see if I could find a driver and whatever other files are needed to use the card. I found the kX project in a Google search and downloaded the install file. The version is 3537 (the one dated 2/16/2004). I chose this one because I have Windows ME. I saw in the changelog that in the next version, support for Windows 98SE is removed and I assume this includes ME as well. Anyway, after the install and reboot I get the error message that the system cannot initialize the card. I went into My Computer/Properties/Device Manager to view the problem. In the Sound, video and game controllers list the emu10k1 device has an exclamation point in a yellow triangle next to it. Right clicking on it gives the details of the problem: NTKERN and MMDEVLDR cannot load the driver for this device. I have tried the install several times including allowing Windows Add New Hardware to detect and install it but I get the same result each time. The gameport (joystick) portion installs just fine however. Anybody know what's going on and how to fix it? Thanks.

Russ · Feb 26, 2011, 09:56 PM

Note: Sometimes a second reboot is needed with WinME,

IRC, 3538h was the last version to support WinME, and it may be necessary for some Live! 5.1 models (that were not supported in 3537, etc).

However, it may be difficult to find all the necessary files to install 3538h.
e.g. See installation instructions here: New users: Installing 3538

Additionally, I recall there being a problem with the plugin categories menus in the DSP with 3538h and WinME (would crash when trying to load a plugin). Workaround was to edit the skin file, to move all the plugins out of the categories (e.g. open kxskin.kxs (in C:\Windows\System) with WinRar, edit categories.ini and comment out (or delete) everything (i.e. the GUID's) at the bottom).

Aside from the above, if you find out what the exact model number is (using info printed on the front and back of card or the serial number), you could probably find an ISO of the original install CD somewhere on the Internet. There used to be links to these ISO's in some threads in the Creative Labs forum (I do not know if the links are still good).

tcb · Feb 27, 2011, 07:36 AM

Thanks Russ. I think I did reboot twice but I can try again. One thing you did mention though is interesting. When I was looking at the Device Properties of the soundcard to view the problem I clicked on update driver to see what would happen and then chose the View All Drivers for this device option. The list did show many SBL5.1 models and the SB0222 model was the one highlighted as the one currently installed. I have model SB0220 so I chose that one thinking that might be the problem but Windows said that one was not specifically written for my card??? I loaded that one anyway to see what would happen but no difference...same error message. So maybe your are right....3537 might not completely support my model. I will try to find 3538h as you said. Is that different from 3538? I downloaded the driver package from a driver download website and they did have every version of kXproject ever made available. One more note. I have seen in my Google results that some OEM Sound Blasters (Dell in particular) can only be used with the original drivers supplied with the computer. They are custom made. Since I do not know what computer this card came out of, that too could be the problem...but I hope not!

Tyrsonswood · Feb 27, 2011, 11:20 AM

I've got an SB0222..... It's a Dell version. (I know because it came out of my Fathers old Dell and was original equipment) I've only ever run it under XP though and Kx drivers were the only thing that ever worked.

Russ · Feb 27, 2011, 02:58 PM

There were many 3538 versions, but any version past 3538h will not work with WinMe.
3538 (itself) might be referring to 3538c (e.g. 3538c installer was kxdrv3538-full.exe).

(removed link, downloads were corrupt)

I suggest re-seating the card in the PCI slot, and/or move it to another slot, and maybe re-try with 3537 (if you cannot find the necessary files for 3538h).

Also, make sure that Windows detects the card before installing kX (e.g. as unknown PCI multimedia device, or whatever) and make sure that you have DirectX 9 installed.

Here is on old thread for with some tips for installing on 98SE/ME: Win 98SE Insall Issues

tcb · Mar 2, 2011, 01:14 AM

Thanks for your reply. I'm almost ready to throw in the towel on this and try another card (SBL of course....) but I see that Russ has some more suggestions so I'll try again. Like your quote and tree disclaimer!

tcb · Mar 2, 2011, 01:37 AM

Hi again Russ. The only versions of 3538 that I found out there were "L" and "M" so I picked "L" as the one to try. If it is for XP and up I would never have known because it ran completely error free just like 3537. But it did no better. I got the exact same result and message from the device manager: "NTKERN and MMDEVLDR cannot install the driver for this device". Windows PNP has always detected it at startup ever since I installed the card. I get two PNP hardware install messges: 1) Multi-Media Audio device and 2) PCI Input Controller (Joystick). Also, I do have DirectX 9 installed. I will check out the link you mention and see if there is any additional info. I have also noticed one other thing after each attempt to install....there are about 6-7 thousand OEM.INF files in my recycle bin as if Windows is stuck in a loop trying to find the original INF file for info on what files to load, where they are located and what registry entries to make. When it gives that up I get the message that it can't find certain files and it allows me to point to where they are, which I do, and then it continues on with the install. Even though Tyrsonswood's reply attests otherwise I still wonder if the card is an OEM card and telling Windows what INF file to look for first. Can the card do that? Another possibility is that the card might be bad. I have already contacted the repair shop and he does have others and is willing to exchange. But I will try your ideas first before I throw in the towel on this card and try another.

Russ · Mar 2, 2011, 03:25 AM

Installing on WinME can be a pain....

Newer versions of kX are not going to work.. It may attempt to install, but it is not gonna work.

I just booted up my old WinME installation, and tried installing 3537 (just to see (I have never used that version)), and I could not get it to install right (and this is right after uninstalling a working kX (3538h)).

I tried several times and could not get 3537 to work... I then tried 3534f (as I have used it before), and did get it to install (took 2 tries though).

Looking at the INF for 3534f (which (BTW) is a popular version), it looks as though it may support SB0222, so you may want to give that a try... You can download it here: K X P R O J E C T (--> 3534f plná verze)

tcb · Mar 3, 2011, 01:18 AM

Thanks Russ. I was just looking at the link you provided in your last reply and I see that others have had the same problem. One would think that the "bugs" in Win98 would be fixed in the next release (ME) but I guess not. It appears that ME continues on with that fine Microsoft tradition. Eugenes's suggestion seems to be worth a try...I never allowed Windows to attempt to install the card at boot-up. I did the same thing others have done and just clicked CANCEL. His recomendation is to let Windows attempt to install it and let Windows just give up. That way it is in Device Manager as an "unrecognized device" before the kXproject install. I am going to try this way. BTW I like to keep my computer clean of any stray leftover install and uninstall files so I run Norton Registry Tracker during the install process ONLY THE FIRST TIME to see what the install program creates in the way of registry entries and files on the hard drive. Then I make note of them and then rollback and do the install again without Norton running. This is what I have found for anyone woundering why there is less space on their hard drive after the uninstall: The install program creates 3 files in Windows\System that the uninstall does not remove. They are MFC42D.dll, MSVCRTD.DLL and KSHELP.CHM. The 1st 2 are Microsoft Virtual "C" Debug versions, the last one is self explanatory. It might seem incredibly picky but I know how many files are on my hard drive and the free space so I always have a reference point from which I can determine if an uninstall has completely uninstalled. I also keep a CLEAN copy of my registry in case any entries were not removed and a backup of my hard drive to restore any files modified by an install (if the install does not work). A backup you say? Yep. I installed the MSBackup program from Win98 on my computer. It does not come in ME. Although the applets file does have the paragraph in it for it??? I guess Microsoft thought that their NEW System Restore would take care of that. Anybody who works with computers will tell you that you do not backup to the same device that might fail (taking your backup with it). The only thing System Restore is good for is a roll-back. Anyway if Eugene's way doesn't work for me I will try your new link for 3534 and yeah...that was the same thing a few others said. My driver defaults to SB0222 also and no matter what other driver model you select Windows PNP will tell you that driver was not written specifically for your device and may not work properly. Hmmmm..... I'll let you know if I was successful after I try it tonight.

Russ · Mar 3, 2011, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcb

My driver defaults to SB0222 also and no matter what other driver model you select Windows PNP will tell you that driver was not written specifically for your device and may not work properly.

That is normal with kX (probably because the driver is not certified by MS or something)...

I have done the kX install on WinME many times (I use XP, but used WinME for testing some stuff), and sometimes it installs without any problems and other times you have to jump through hoops

Russ · Mar 3, 2011, 04:12 AM

I managed to track down the files necessary for 3538h (using some Russian ftp search engine).

I zipped them up and uploaded them to Megaupload: download link

I scanned them for viruses and none were detected, but people should do their own virus scan as well.

I did a test install on WinME, and it installed successfully.
Here are the install instructions again: New users: Installing 3538

Again, some previous versions of kX may work better then 3538h (on Win98SE/WinME), so if your card works correctly in a previous version of kX, then there is probably no reason to install 3538h (but it was the last version to support Win98SE/WinME).

tcb · Mar 4, 2011, 04:18 AM

Thanks Russ. I'll do that and let you know result. Doing what I told you I was going to do last night did work much better thru the install and I thought I finally got it but....you guessed it....that didn't work either. I'm going to download both 3534 and 3538h. I'll try 3538h first. If this works I still have 2 other things to figure out. 1) Why I keep getting the error message "Cannot flash BIOS with HIMEM.SYS present" even though I deleted every file on the boot floppy except COMMAND.COM (DOS) and CONFIG.SYS (after deleting all references to memory in the CONFIG.SYS file) and booting into DOS from a cold boot. I need to do this to be able to use a Pentium 3 1.1 Ghz cpu I just bought. And 2) where to find a free copy of Norton Utilities 2002. I have NU 2001 and speed disk won't run after I install Intel's Application Accelerator ATA Ultra Storage upgrade (a known problem). Symantec corrected the problem in NU 2002 but did not provide a patch to users of NU 2001 (What a nice gesture!). Just mentioning it....I know it's beyond what this forum is all about.

Russ · Mar 4, 2011, 04:35 AM

Hehe... Sounds like fun

(If you have not done so already) Try hitting F8 when you see the Starting MS-DOS message so you can do the step by step confirmation thing..

tcb · Mar 4, 2011, 11:32 PM

Hi Russ. Downloaded the files last night and was preparing to install but I want to be sure to do this is the proper order. The following files were extracted from your ZIP file: kx3538h.rar, kxdrv3538-full.exe and kxdrv3538g-update.exe. The kx3538h.rar file contains the following files: kx.sys, kxapi.dll, kxasio.dll and kxmixer.exe. I read and copied the "New users: Installing 3538" link you provided and quote it here for reference:

"The different packages of 3538 (c,g,h etc) were designed to be upgraded from the previously installed version, but here is the easy way for those who are daunted by the idea of installing the drivers 3 times.
Step 1 - installing 3538c
Download 3538c from here
Install the application, but do not install the drivers
Step 2 - installing 3538g
Download 3538g from here
Install the application, but do not install the drivers.
Step 3 - installing 3538h
Download 3538h from here (This file needs to be downloaded - right click - save as - and renamed from .htm to .rar)
You will need winrar to extract this file (or winace or another program that works with .rar files)
extract this archive to your 3538 install directory (usually C:\Program Files\kX Project\3538\)
Click yes to any overwrite prompts
Step 4 - installing the drivers
Run the setup file from the 3538 install directory, once the drivers have been installed and your system rebooted, you are ready to use 3538h".

So here are my questions:

1) Do I prepare for this install by re-installing 3537?
2) There wasn't any 3538c included in the ZIP file. Is this OK?
3) If the above is OK do I start by running 3538g over 3537?

Russ · Mar 4, 2011, 11:42 PM

Without kX installed at all:

Run kxdrv3538-full.exe (this is 3538c). Leave all the default options enabled and continue until you are prompted if you want to install the diver... say no.

Do the same with kxdrv3538g-update.exe (updates 3538c to 3538g).

Next extract the files from kx3538h.rar to the kX folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\kX Project\3538) overwriting any existing files.

Next run setup from the above kX folder and install the driver.

Note: It worked first try for me when I last tested, but it took 3 reboots (well 2 reboots and a hard reset (because system hung up during 2nd boot (after logging in to Windows))).

Once you get it installed successfully, you may want to edit the skin (plugin categories) as I explained in post #2.

tcb · Mar 5, 2011, 08:25 AM

Gotcha. I'll do this tomorrow morning...getting late and I need some rest. As for your post #13...yeah it's always something ain't it! Fun, fun, fun. 'till tomorrow.

Max M. · Mar 5, 2011, 09:00 AM

mm... i'm not sure which version of the 38 it is required to rename/push kx98.sys vs. kx.sys manually

Russ · Mar 5, 2011, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max M.

mm... i'm not sure which version of the 38 it is required to rename/push kx98.sys vs. kx.sys manually

I never knew what that was all about.
I have never had to do that, so I figured it must not apply to WinME.
3538h does not even include a kx98.sys.

tcb · Mar 6, 2011, 10:01 PM

Hi Russ. By the time I got thru messing with my computer yesterday it was 3am (this morning)

so I didn't post any message. Well here it goes. 3538h didn't work. Tried several times with at least 3 reboots after each install. No problems during the install, just the same problem I have always had. 3534 did work

. 1st time after 2 reboots. However I get no sound output from WINAMP or DOOM (the game). They work...just no sound output. Windows Media Player does work. Hmmmm....strange

. Anyway just want to thank you for all your help. Best Regards.

Russ · Mar 7, 2011, 01:56 AM

Well, I am glad that you were able to get one of them working, and 3534f is preferable (mainly because of ASIO performance) for many people (over 3537 or 3538h), if their card is supported, etc.

As for your sound results with different applications:
Make sure kX's Swap front and Rear option matches how your speakers are connected (checked means they are swapped). Also make sure to setup Surrounder to match how many speakers you have, etc. Check your applications and make sure that they are all using the same wave device (kX Wave 0/1), etc.

As for DOS games, etc, you will probably have to add stuff to your autoexec.bat (e.g. the SET BLASTER= stuff) and/or maybe use a program like DOSBox. I do not remember ever trying any DOS games with kX/WInME, so I cannot say for sure what is needed, etc.

BTW: Make sure that both your front and rear speakers work (if you have both), as there was an issue with the analog rear channel on some SB022x models.

Also, you may want to disable any Windows Startup sounds, as often they will play before kX is fully loaded, and end up playing at full volume.

[edit]
I am not sure what version of Doom you are using, but I just tried (with kX/WinME) Doom95 (shareware) and I got sound with it.

tcb · Mar 13, 2011, 10:57 PM

Ok. Been busy all week with other software installs. Doom95 is the one I have also but with the (released a little later) upgrade patch which brings it up to, I believe, V1.666. It fixed a couple bugs and changed some of the monsters behaviors but I don't think it touched the sound at all. Anyway, it may just be a little adjustment in the sound device setup in Doom. I did do a search of Microsoft updates and upgrades I have done to Me (I did all the ones on their website except for the languages) in an effort to try to understand why the other versions don't work. If you remember the Device Manager error message I always got, one of the .dll's was NTKERN (which is really VMM32.dll). VMM32.dll was one of the updates. But it doesn't make sense since the earlier version (3534) works with it but not the later versions (3537 etc)??? In all the other version installs, Windows PNP always said that the installed version of the driver was the best one for the card and always said that any other version I tried to use (via the UPDATE DRIVER button) was not specifically written for the card....puzzling. Unless kX made a change in the driver which affects the loading of it at startup. Too bad I can't just overlay a later version over 3534. The problems others have mentioned with this version are the same as I am experiencing (crackling, snapping and popping at certain frequencies).

Russ · Mar 15, 2011, 11:49 AM

I do not know about the noise problems... It seems some people switched to 3534f (back then) to cure some noise issues... I wonder if you have one of those chipsets that was known to have problems (IIRC there was some issues with the NForce chipset (?), and with the VIA686B Southbridge (though my system has this Southbridge and works OK)).

I think if you keep tyring, you will get the other versions to install eventually, but I do not know if they are going to be any better...

------
BTW: From 3538i release notes:

Quote:

Removed Win98 support<br>

So that confirms that 3538i and up do not support Win98SE/WinME.
------

Looking through the forum, some people had some luck getting 3537 to install by installing it on top of 3534f (e.g. without uninstalling 3534f first).

You could also try the kx98.sys thing (with 3537) as Max M. mentioned. Again, I am not completely sure what it is for, or if it is necessary for WinME, but... To install it (if the kX installer does not do it automatically), do the kX install but do not install the drivers... Rename or remove kx.sys in kX folder, and rename kx98.sys to kx.sys, then install the drivers using the setup in the kx folder (similar to the way 3538h is installed).

Beyond the above, I do not know... Is there any chance that your system can run Windows XP?

Max M. · Mar 15, 2011, 12:46 PM

If you get the device manager complaining "error ... ntkern... bla-bla-bla" it is 100% because of wrong driver file being installed. Yet again, (i don't recall what version it appeared in (37?) and when it is gone (38xyz?)), but just check the folder kX installed in - if there's kx98.sys file then you must rename/install it manually for 98SE and ME (kx98.sys->kx.sys and then run setup executable in the same folder). It is required (the main installer was supposed to perform the sys swapping automatically but it never did that because of some script error).

Russ · Mar 15, 2011, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the explanation Max. That would explain why I could not get 3537 to work, but 3534f works (3534f does not include kx98.sys, but 3537 does).

(I have never used any version other then 3534f and 3538h with WinME (3538h was the current version at the time I started using kX)).

I wonder if 3538h is the version that it was removed? 3538c and the 3538g update both have kx98.sys, but the 3538h patch does not...

(and of course it would not be necessary in 3538i and up, since Win98 support was removed)

yargrebnev · Mar 3, 2012, 09:11 AM

I still search for the files needed for kx 3538h installation. Megaupload is no more, so the link above is dead. So i ask anyone to share them once more....

Russ · Mar 3, 2012, 07:55 PM

You can try the files here:
kxdrv3538-full.exe
kxdrv3538g-update.exe
kx3538h

yargrebnev · Mar 4, 2012, 04:59 AM

I already looked here. Downloaded only kxdrv3538-full.exe. Other links don't work.

Russ · Mar 4, 2012, 02:42 PM

Oops...
Try here.

yargrebnev · Mar 4, 2012, 03:48 PM

Yeah, that`s a real oops... Many thanks

cjmccoll · Mar 17, 2012, 07:07 AM

Hello eveybody,
Just joined,can't see how to post,so I'll reply this one.Thanks to the "kx project" I finally got sound on my SB Live,in a Win7 dual boot upgrade.What I need now is for the Gameport to also work.There is no sign of it in Control Panel,and after searching the database and forums ,i read something about "insall the gameport Driver".Well i couldn't see anything in the Kx folder other than the setup.exe file.So Can anyone give me any advice as to where to go next,as I really need to use my Joyick/rudder/throttle setup in Win 7 [aswell as XP].Appreciate any advice.

Feb 27, 2011, 07:36 AM	Thread Starter #3
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Thanks Russ. I think I did reboot twice but I can try again. One thing you did mention though is interesting. When I was looking at the Device Properties of the soundcard to view the problem I clicked on update driver to see what would happen and then chose the View All Drivers for this device option. The list did show many SBL5.1 models and the SB0222 model was the one highlighted as the one currently installed. I have model SB0220 so I chose that one thinking that might be the problem but Windows said that one was not specifically written for my card??? I loaded that one anyway to see what would happen but no difference...same error message. So maybe your are right....3537 might not completely support my model. I will try to find 3538h as you said. Is that different from 3538? I downloaded the driver package from a driver download website and they did have every version of kXproject ever made available. One more note. I have seen in my Google results that some OEM Sound Blasters (Dell in particular) can only be used with the original drivers supplied with the computer. They are custom made. Since I do not know what computer this card came out of, that too could be the problem...but I hope not!

Feb 27, 2011, 02:58 PM	#5
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize There were many 3538 versions, but any version past 3538h will not work with WinMe. 3538 (itself) might be referring to 3538c (e.g. 3538c installer was kxdrv3538-full.exe). (removed link, downloads were corrupt) I suggest re-seating the card in the PCI slot, and/or move it to another slot, and maybe re-try with 3537 (if you cannot find the necessary files for 3538h). Also, make sure that Windows detects the card before installing kX (e.g. as unknown PCI multimedia device, or whatever) and make sure that you have DirectX 9 installed. Here is on old thread for with some tips for installing on 98SE/ME: Win 98SE Insall Issues Last edited by Russ; Feb 27, 2011 at 07:18 PM. Reason: more info

Mar 2, 2011, 01:14 AM	Thread Starter #6
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Thanks for your reply. I'm almost ready to throw in the towel on this and try another card (SBL of course....) but I see that Russ has some more suggestions so I'll try again. Like your quote and tree disclaimer!

Mar 2, 2011, 01:37 AM	Thread Starter #7
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Hi again Russ. The only versions of 3538 that I found out there were "L" and "M" so I picked "L" as the one to try. If it is for XP and up I would never have known because it ran completely error free just like 3537. But it did no better. I got the exact same result and message from the device manager: "NTKERN and MMDEVLDR cannot install the driver for this device". Windows PNP has always detected it at startup ever since I installed the card. I get two PNP hardware install messges: 1) Multi-Media Audio device and 2) PCI Input Controller (Joystick). Also, I do have DirectX 9 installed. I will check out the link you mention and see if there is any additional info. I have also noticed one other thing after each attempt to install....there are about 6-7 thousand OEM.INF files in my recycle bin as if Windows is stuck in a loop trying to find the original INF file for info on what files to load, where they are located and what registry entries to make. When it gives that up I get the message that it can't find certain files and it allows me to point to where they are, which I do, and then it continues on with the install. Even though Tyrsonswood's reply attests otherwise I still wonder if the card is an OEM card and telling Windows what INF file to look for first. Can the card do that? Another possibility is that the card might be bad. I have already contacted the repair shop and he does have others and is willing to exchange. But I will try your ideas first before I throw in the towel on this card and try another.

Mar 2, 2011, 03:25 AM	#8
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Installing on WinME can be a pain.... Newer versions of kX are not going to work.. It may attempt to install, but it is not gonna work. I just booted up my old WinME installation, and tried installing 3537 (just to see (I have never used that version)), and I could not get it to install right (and this is right after uninstalling a working kX (3538h)). I tried several times and could not get 3537 to work... I then tried 3534f (as I have used it before), and did get it to install (took 2 tries though). Looking at the INF for 3534f (which (BTW) is a popular version), it looks as though it may support SB0222, so you may want to give that a try... You can download it here: K X P R O J E C T (--> 3534f plná verze) Last edited by Russ; Mar 3, 2011 at 01:16 AM.

Feb 26, 2011, 09:36 PM	#1
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Sound Blaster card won't initialize Hi all. I got a Sound Blaster Live 5.1 Digital card from a local computer repair shop but he didn't have the original install CD. So I did a web search to see if I could find a driver and whatever other files are needed to use the card. I found the kX project in a Google search and downloaded the install file. The version is 3537 (the one dated 2/16/2004). I chose this one because I have Windows ME. I saw in the changelog that in the next version, support for Windows 98SE is removed and I assume this includes ME as well. Anyway, after the install and reboot I get the error message that the system cannot initialize the card. I went into My Computer/Properties/Device Manager to view the problem. In the Sound, video and game controllers list the emu10k1 device has an exclamation point in a yellow triangle next to it. Right clicking on it gives the details of the problem: NTKERN and MMDEVLDR cannot load the driver for this device. I have tried the install several times including allowing Windows Add New Hardware to detect and install it but I get the same result each time. The gameport (joystick) portion installs just fine however. Anybody know what's going on and how to fix it? Thanks.

Feb 26, 2011, 09:56 PM	#2
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Note: Sometimes a second reboot is needed with WinME, IRC, 3538h was the last version to support WinME, and it may be necessary for some Live! 5.1 models (that were not supported in 3537, etc). However, it may be difficult to find all the necessary files to install 3538h. e.g. See installation instructions here: New users: Installing 3538 Additionally, I recall there being a problem with the plugin categories menus in the DSP with 3538h and WinME (would crash when trying to load a plugin). Workaround was to edit the skin file, to move all the plugins out of the categories (e.g. open kxskin.kxs (in C:\Windows\System) with WinRar, edit categories.ini and comment out (or delete) everything (i.e. the GUID's) at the bottom). Aside from the above, if you find out what the exact model number is (using info printed on the front and back of card or the serial number), you could probably find an ISO of the original install CD somewhere on the Internet. There used to be links to these ISO's in some threads in the Creative Labs forum (I do not know if the links are still good). Last edited by Russ; Mar 4, 2011 at 01:22 AM. Reason: typo

Mar 3, 2011, 01:18 AM	Thread Starter #9
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Thanks Russ. I was just looking at the link you provided in your last reply and I see that others have had the same problem. One would think that the "bugs" in Win98 would be fixed in the next release (ME) but I guess not. It appears that ME continues on with that fine Microsoft tradition. Eugenes's suggestion seems to be worth a try...I never allowed Windows to attempt to install the card at boot-up. I did the same thing others have done and just clicked CANCEL. His recomendation is to let Windows attempt to install it and let Windows just give up. That way it is in Device Manager as an "unrecognized device" before the kXproject install. I am going to try this way. BTW I like to keep my computer clean of any stray leftover install and uninstall files so I run Norton Registry Tracker during the install process ONLY THE FIRST TIME to see what the install program creates in the way of registry entries and files on the hard drive. Then I make note of them and then rollback and do the install again without Norton running. This is what I have found for anyone woundering why there is less space on their hard drive after the uninstall: The install program creates 3 files in Windows\System that the uninstall does not remove. They are MFC42D.dll, MSVCRTD.DLL and KSHELP.CHM. The 1st 2 are Microsoft Virtual "C" Debug versions, the last one is self explanatory. It might seem incredibly picky but I know how many files are on my hard drive and the free space so I always have a reference point from which I can determine if an uninstall has completely uninstalled. I also keep a CLEAN copy of my registry in case any entries were not removed and a backup of my hard drive to restore any files modified by an install (if the install does not work). A backup you say? Yep. I installed the MSBackup program from Win98 on my computer. It does not come in ME. Although the applets file does have the paragraph in it for it??? I guess Microsoft thought that their NEW System Restore would take care of that. Anybody who works with computers will tell you that you do not backup to the same device that might fail (taking your backup with it). The only thing System Restore is good for is a roll-back. Anyway if Eugene's way doesn't work for me I will try your new link for 3534 and yeah...that was the same thing a few others said. My driver defaults to SB0222 also and no matter what other driver model you select Windows PNP will tell you that driver was not written specifically for your device and may not work properly. Hmmmm..... I'll let you know if I was successful after I try it tonight.

Mar 3, 2011, 04:12 AM	#11
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize I managed to track down the files necessary for 3538h (using some Russian ftp search engine). I zipped them up and uploaded them to Megaupload: download link I scanned them for viruses and none were detected, but people should do their own virus scan as well. I did a test install on WinME, and it installed successfully. Here are the install instructions again: New users: Installing 3538 Again, some previous versions of kX may work better then 3538h (on Win98SE/WinME), so if your card works correctly in a previous version of kX, then there is probably no reason to install 3538h (but it was the last version to support Win98SE/WinME). Last edited by Russ; Mar 3, 2011 at 08:55 PM.

Mar 4, 2011, 04:18 AM	Thread Starter #12
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Thanks Russ. I'll do that and let you know result. Doing what I told you I was going to do last night did work much better thru the install and I thought I finally got it but....you guessed it....that didn't work either. I'm going to download both 3534 and 3538h. I'll try 3538h first. If this works I still have 2 other things to figure out. 1) Why I keep getting the error message "Cannot flash BIOS with HIMEM.SYS present" even though I deleted every file on the boot floppy except COMMAND.COM (DOS) and CONFIG.SYS (after deleting all references to memory in the CONFIG.SYS file) and booting into DOS from a cold boot. I need to do this to be able to use a Pentium 3 1.1 Ghz cpu I just bought. And 2) where to find a free copy of Norton Utilities 2002. I have NU 2001 and speed disk won't run after I install Intel's Application Accelerator ATA Ultra Storage upgrade (a known problem). Symantec corrected the problem in NU 2002 but did not provide a patch to users of NU 2001 (What a nice gesture!). Just mentioning it....I know it's beyond what this forum is all about.

Mar 4, 2011, 04:35 AM	#13
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Hehe... Sounds like fun (If you have not done so already) Try hitting F8 when you see the Starting MS-DOS message so you can do the step by step confirmation thing..

Mar 4, 2011, 11:32 PM	Thread Starter #14
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Hi Russ. Downloaded the files last night and was preparing to install but I want to be sure to do this is the proper order. The following files were extracted from your ZIP file: kx3538h.rar, kxdrv3538-full.exe and kxdrv3538g-update.exe. The kx3538h.rar file contains the following files: kx.sys, kxapi.dll, kxasio.dll and kxmixer.exe. I read and copied the "New users: Installing 3538" link you provided and quote it here for reference: "The different packages of 3538 (c,g,h etc) were designed to be upgraded from the previously installed version, but here is the easy way for those who are daunted by the idea of installing the drivers 3 times. Step 1 - installing 3538c Download 3538c from here Install the application, but do not install the drivers Step 2 - installing 3538g Download 3538g from here Install the application, but do not install the drivers. Step 3 - installing 3538h Download 3538h from here (This file needs to be downloaded - right click - save as - and renamed from .htm to .rar) You will need winrar to extract this file (or winace or another program that works with .rar files) extract this archive to your 3538 install directory (usually C:\Program Files\kX Project\3538\) Click yes to any overwrite prompts Step 4 - installing the drivers Run the setup file from the 3538 install directory, once the drivers have been installed and your system rebooted, you are ready to use 3538h". So here are my questions: 1) Do I prepare for this install by re-installing 3537? 2) There wasn't any 3538c included in the ZIP file. Is this OK? 3) If the above is OK do I start by running 3538g over 3537?

Mar 4, 2011, 11:42 PM	#15
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Without kX installed at all: Run kxdrv3538-full.exe (this is 3538c). Leave all the default options enabled and continue until you are prompted if you want to install the diver... say no. Do the same with kxdrv3538g-update.exe (updates 3538c to 3538g). Next extract the files from kx3538h.rar to the kX folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\kX Project\3538) overwriting any existing files. Next run setup from the above kX folder and install the driver. Note: It worked first try for me when I last tested, but it took 3 reboots (well 2 reboots and a hard reset (because system hung up during 2nd boot (after logging in to Windows))). Once you get it installed successfully, you may want to edit the skin (plugin categories) as I explained in post #2. Last edited by Russ; Mar 5, 2011 at 12:10 AM.

Mar 5, 2011, 08:25 AM	Thread Starter #16
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Gotcha. I'll do this tomorrow morning...getting late and I need some rest. As for your post #13...yeah it's always something ain't it! Fun, fun, fun. 'till tomorrow.

Mar 5, 2011, 09:00 AM	#17
Max M. h/h member-shmember Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Evil Empire Posts: 2,639 Rep Power: 69	Îòâåò: Sound Blaster card won't initialize mm... i'm not sure which version of the 38 it is required to rename/push kx98.sys vs. kx.sys manually __________________

Mar 6, 2011, 10:01 PM	Thread Starter #19
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Îòâåò: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Hi Russ. By the time I got thru messing with my computer yesterday it was 3am (this morning) so I didn't post any message. Well here it goes. 3538h didn't work. Tried several times with at least 3 reboots after each install. No problems during the install, just the same problem I have always had. 3534 did work . 1st time after 2 reboots. However I get no sound output from WINAMP or DOOM (the game). They work...just no sound output. Windows Media Player does work. Hmmmm....strange . Anyway just want to thank you for all your help. Best Regards.

Mar 7, 2011, 01:56 AM	#20
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Well, I am glad that you were able to get one of them working, and 3534f is preferable (mainly because of ASIO performance) for many people (over 3537 or 3538h), if their card is supported, etc. As for your sound results with different applications: Make sure kX's Swap front and Rear option matches how your speakers are connected (checked means they are swapped). Also make sure to setup Surrounder to match how many speakers you have, etc. Check your applications and make sure that they are all using the same wave device (kX Wave 0/1), etc. As for DOS games, etc, you will probably have to add stuff to your autoexec.bat (e.g. the SET BLASTER= stuff) and/or maybe use a program like DOSBox. I do not remember ever trying any DOS games with kX/WInME, so I cannot say for sure what is needed, etc. BTW: Make sure that both your front and rear speakers work (if you have both), as there was an issue with the analog rear channel on some SB022x models. Also, you may want to disable any Windows Startup sounds, as often they will play before kX is fully loaded, and end up playing at full volume. [edit] I am not sure what version of Doom you are using, but I just tried (with kX/WinME) Doom95 (shareware) and I got sound with it. Last edited by Russ; Mar 7, 2011 at 03:57 AM.

Mar 13, 2011, 10:57 PM	Thread Starter #21
tcb HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Ok. Been busy all week with other software installs. Doom95 is the one I have also but with the (released a little later) upgrade patch which brings it up to, I believe, V1.666. It fixed a couple bugs and changed some of the monsters behaviors but I don't think it touched the sound at all. Anyway, it may just be a little adjustment in the sound device setup in Doom. I did do a search of Microsoft updates and upgrades I have done to Me (I did all the ones on their website except for the languages) in an effort to try to understand why the other versions don't work. If you remember the Device Manager error message I always got, one of the .dll's was NTKERN (which is really VMM32.dll). VMM32.dll was one of the updates. But it doesn't make sense since the earlier version (3534) works with it but not the later versions (3537 etc)??? In all the other version installs, Windows PNP always said that the installed version of the driver was the best one for the card and always said that any other version I tried to use (via the UPDATE DRIVER button) was not specifically written for the card....puzzling. Unless kX made a change in the driver which affects the loading of it at startup. Too bad I can't just overlay a later version over 3534. The problems others have mentioned with this version are the same as I am experiencing (crackling, snapping and popping at certain frequencies).

Mar 15, 2011, 12:46 PM	#23
Max M. h/h member-shmember Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Evil Empire Posts: 2,639 Rep Power: 69	Îòâåò: Sound Blaster card won't initialize If you get the device manager complaining "error ... ntkern... bla-bla-bla" it is 100% because of wrong driver file being installed. Yet again, (i don't recall what version it appeared in (37?) and when it is gone (38xyz?)), but just check the folder kX installed in - if there's kx98.sys file then you must rename/install it manually for 98SE and ME (kx98.sys->kx.sys and then run setup executable in the same folder). It is required (the main installer was supposed to perform the sys swapping automatically but it never did that because of some script error). __________________

Mar 15, 2011, 01:09 PM	#24
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Thanks for the explanation Max. That would explain why I could not get 3537 to work, but 3534f works (3534f does not include kx98.sys, but 3537 does). (I have never used any version other then 3534f and 3538h with WinME (3538h was the current version at the time I started using kX)). I wonder if 3538h is the version that it was removed? 3538c and the 3538g update both have kx98.sys, but the 3538h patch does not... (and of course it would not be necessary in 3538i and up, since Win98 support was removed) Last edited by Russ; Mar 15, 2011 at 01:22 PM.

Mar 3, 2012, 09:11 AM	#25
yargrebnev HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	Îòâåò: Sound Blaster card won't initialize I still search for the files needed for kx 3538h installation. Megaupload is no more, so the link above is dead. So i ask anyone to share them once more....

Mar 3, 2012, 07:55 PM	#26
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize You can try the files here: kxdrv3538-full.exe kxdrv3538g-update.exe kx3538h

Mar 4, 2012, 04:59 AM	#27
yargrebnev HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	Îòâåò: Sound Blaster card won't initialize I already looked here. Downloaded only kxdrv3538-full.exe. Other links don't work.

Mar 4, 2012, 02:42 PM	#28
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Oops... Try here.

Mar 4, 2012, 03:48 PM	#29
yargrebnev HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	Îòâåò: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Yeah, that`s a real oops... Many thanks

Mar 17, 2012, 07:07 AM	#30
cjmccoll HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	Re: Sound Blaster card won't initialize Hello eveybody, Just joined,can't see how to post,so I'll reply this one.Thanks to the "kx project" I finally got sound on my SB Live,in a Win7 dual boot upgrade.What I need now is for the Gameport to also work.There is no sign of it in Control Panel,and after searching the database and forums ,i read something about "insall the gameport Driver".Well i couldn't see anything in the Kx folder other than the setup.exe file.So Can anyone give me any advice as to where to go next,as I really need to use my Joyick/rudder/throttle setup in Win 7 [aswell as XP].Appreciate any advice.