KX screwed up my computer!

boltaction · Oct 13, 2005, 11:02 PM

I am so pissed off.

I have a 1ghz dell GX150 with onboard sound disabled and a SBLive value. I installed the latest KX drivers and after I reset when it told me to, I couldnt use it. I got an error saying it could not initialise the sound card. I uninstalled and reinstalled many times, and it didn't work. I finally removed it, and NOW I CANT USE MY MIXER. Windows treats it like I don't have any mixer devices available.

I can force sound in winamp by specifying the Sound Blaster live under DirectSound, and windows knows I have a sound blaster in device manager, yet otherwise I am up shit creek. Thanks, kx. I owe you one.

Help!

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2071/untitled8pz.jpg

Maddogg6 · Oct 14, 2005, 01:41 AM

If win amp shows a SB for direct sound - it didnt completely un-install.

ALSO - READ the supported cards on the KX site - I thought I seen (assuming its a DELL SBLive) - that its not compatable with KX.

Use the driver heavens 'Driver Cleaner' - to remove all traces of CL and KX drivers.

Ps.. Id be pissed off to if I owned a Dell.

**dj_stick** · Oct 14, 2005, 01:46 AM

Live Value *should* be safe. But kX did not mess up your install, you didnt follow the recommended procedure, part of which maddog mentioned in his post
Boot into safe mode
Run Drivercleaner to remove all aspects of kX and CL
Reboot
Install kX
Reboot

boltaction · Oct 14, 2005, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_stick

Live Value *should* be safe. But kX did not mess up your install, you didnt follow the recommended procedure, part of which maddog mentioned in his post
Boot into safe mode
Run Drivercleaner to remove all aspects of kX and CL
Reboot
Install kX
Reboot

I did what you told me to do, same freakin' problem.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/1999/untitled7hi.jpg

See, I should explain what this is all about. This is a media computer, with a TV out card. It is a super slim P3 with 512MB RAM and I added on a SBLive. If it wasn't for the gaming, I would have ripped out my Audigy 2 Plat and thrown it in. The computer is hooked up to a vintage Yamaha Natural Sound reciever, 12' M&K sub, and Polk Monitor 5jr+s. This is why audio fidelity is important to me.

thomasabarnes · Oct 14, 2005, 05:05 AM

Which kX Driver are you installing? If you have Windows 98 SE, 3538i is not compatible with Windows 98SE. Any earlier kX Project Audio driver versions are compatible with Windows 98 SE. Are you using windows XP? If you are, Turn off system restore before using Driver Cleaner. Also use Cab Cleaner from the Tools menu of Driver Cleaner.

NOTE: Driver Cleaner must be used in SAFE MODE.

PCs like Dell, HP, and Compac come with lots of bloatware (unnecessary programs installed) that can cause problems when you want to uninstall some of those things (such as the driver that came installed on it). If you still have a problem after doing what's mentioned above listen to this:

You will have to install Windows from a standalone windows CD to more assuredly install kX and other 3rd party drivers and programs successfully.

Find out if your SB Live is truely compatible with kX. Then, if it is here's what I recommend. Find all the drivers for your hardware (see the Dell site), and keep them on a CD or something other than the Hard Drive you will install the Operating System to. Get a stand alone Windows CD (I dont mean a copy of windows that's installed using 2 or more CDs from the Dell manufacturer. Those are the CDs with the bloatware), and install windows booting from the CD drive and reformat the hard drive.

Then, you will be able to install kX on a compatible sound card.

I know it's a lot of work, but you have to decide if it's worth it.

Cya

boltaction · Oct 14, 2005, 05:36 AM

This PC is completely custom as far as software is concerned. There is no bloatware, aside from Azereus. The major problem isn't with the KX drivers, its that I lose mixer controls when I try to use it. I am using XP pro SP2.

boltaction · Oct 14, 2005, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boltaction

This PC is completely custom as far as software is concerned. There is no bloatware, aside from Azereus. The major problem isn't with the KX drivers, its that I lose mixer controls when I try to use it. I am using XP pro SP2.

Now even when I deleted everything with driver cleaner, and started completely fresh, I can't use my sound card. No mixer devices available. KX drivers screwed up my sound card. I physically removed it, rebooted in safe mode, removed drivers, rebooted in normal, turned off, put card in, still doesn't work.

thomasabarnes · Oct 14, 2005, 06:40 AM

You dont have to remove the card and you should uninstall drivers in normal mode.

Apparently, something is wrong with your installation of Windows.

If you can reinstall windows reformating the HDD (dont install a sound card driver), do a reinstall, if windows installs a sound card driver, uninstall the Driver (in normal mode) that Windows installs.

Reboot to safe mode, use cab cleaner from Driver Cleaner Tools menu, then, use Driver Cleaner for Creative drivers, reboot.

Install kX, reboot and kX should work. If it doesnt, maybe your soundcard is not compatible.

Note: the kX Project driver is software, and no software can ruin your sound card. You can ruin hardware, such as a Graphic card or motherboard by overclocking, or flashing an incorrect BIOS. But software such as a driver wont ruin your card if you try to install it.

I dont want to sound harsh, but dont be a whimp? Learn to troubleshoot and work with your system to get it to work like you want it to, if possible. But if you dont want to try to use the kX Project Audio driver (which is the best performing driver for any compatible sound card), I assert: just reinstall Windows (by reformating the HDD and reinstall Win XP) and that should fix your Windows Mixer problem.

If you have problems after that look for hardware problems.

thomasabarnes · Oct 14, 2005, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boltaction

I physically removed it, rebooted in safe mode, removed drivers, rebooted in normal, turned off, put card in, still doesn't work.

If you did things in the sequence you have written above, of course the card wont work. You have to install drivers for it 1st.

boltaction · Oct 14, 2005, 08:46 AM

Funny, the sound card seemed to function properly before I got involved with any KX drivers. And when I say ruined the soundcard, I meant software side. In short, you are telling me I need to reinstall windows to get my STOCK sound back. What buggy software. Obviously, nothing WAS wrong with my windows install.

trevbushell · Oct 14, 2005, 09:40 AM

bolt action i think your shooting the wrong horse!!

take a deep breath and re read/do what the previous posts have said, i think your frustration has got the better of you and you may have missed something or done it in the wrong order?

good luck
trev

**dj_stick** · Oct 14, 2005, 02:19 PM

what is the model number printed on your card, it should be CTxxxx or SBxxxx

boltaction · Oct 14, 2005, 03:38 PM

Ct4780

Doug W · Oct 14, 2005, 09:25 PM

That one is compatible.

So where are you trying to go from here? Do you want to uninstall kX and install the Creative drivers or do you want to get kX properly installed on the computer?

If you stick with it, you will get it fixed. I have installed kX on a number of computers and it was a different experience each time but I got it working each time.

In my opinion the kX drivers are much better and you will get the kX "brand new puppy merit badge" if you hang in there.

You do want a merit badge don't you?

boltaction · Oct 15, 2005, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug W

That one is compatible.

So where are you trying to go from here? Do you want to uninstall kX and install the Creative drivers or do you want to get kX properly installed on the computer?

If you stick with it, you will get it fixed. I have installed kX on a number of computers and it was a different experience each time but I got it working each time.

In my opinion the kX drivers are much better and you will get the kX "brand new puppy merit badge" if you hang in there.

You do want a merit badge don't you?

I do, but every time I try I fail. I have gone over driver cleaner more than a few times in safe mode, I even manually installed it. Nothing seems to work.

Doug W · Oct 15, 2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

I even manually installed it

Do you mean you did the "update driver" thing in the control panel? This is what I used last time I installed kX, after deleting Creative drivers from the control panel.

Then navigate to this folder when it akes where the drivers are

C:\Program Files\kX Project\3537(or whichever version you're using)

Maddogg6 · Oct 15, 2005, 04:30 PM

With my A2ZS - in winxp-sp2 - KX V3538 H & I - (I tried I and went back to H)

After uninstalling all the CL stuff in -add/remove programs, I went to the device manager and did a 'remove' on the CL driver.

I then re-booted - canceled the 'found new hardware' wizard

Install KX (including the 2 updates in the case for H, with out rebooting until H was installed)

Re-boot

And all was good for me. It worked in that manner 3 times with no hitch.
And note - I never 'HAD' to run driver cleaner - But I did have AFTER installing H - just to make sure I got rid of all of creatives registry bloat.

boltaction · Oct 17, 2005, 09:06 AM

Thanks for everyones help, but I ordered a Chaintech AV-710 on newegg instead of dealing with this, even if it is completely possible to fix.

Lee Rees · Dec 20, 2005, 08:00 PM

I have excatly the same problem here, the no mixer issue, basically the only way to get sound is via asio as the direct x sound is corrupt. this is not acceptable as nearlly all games / non music related windows apps do not use asio.

i uninstalled the kx drivers aswell as the sblive card and brought a new sound card (emu 0404)

now the new sound card is presenting me with the excat same problem!!!!

kx drivers have done something to windows and i really would love to get a fix as reinstalling windows is not an option.

Oct 13, 2005, 11:02 PM	#1
boltaction DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	KX screwed up my computer! I am so pissed off. I have a 1ghz dell GX150 with onboard sound disabled and a SBLive value. I installed the latest KX drivers and after I reset when it told me to, I couldnt use it. I got an error saying it could not initialise the sound card. I uninstalled and reinstalled many times, and it didn't work. I finally removed it, and NOW I CANT USE MY MIXER. Windows treats it like I don't have any mixer devices available. I can force sound in winamp by specifying the Sound Blaster live under DirectSound, and windows knows I have a sound blaster in device manager, yet otherwise I am up shit creek. Thanks, kx. I owe you one. Help! http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2071/untitled8pz.jpg

Oct 14, 2005, 05:05 AM	#5
thomasabarnes Long Time ***** Friend Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: USA Posts: 1,375 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Which kX Driver are you installing? If you have Windows 98 SE, 3538i is not compatible with Windows 98SE. Any earlier kX Project Audio driver versions are compatible with Windows 98 SE. Are you using windows XP? If you are, Turn off system restore before using Driver Cleaner. Also use Cab Cleaner from the Tools menu of Driver Cleaner. NOTE: Driver Cleaner must be used in SAFE MODE. PCs like Dell, HP, and Compac come with lots of bloatware (unnecessary programs installed) that can cause problems when you want to uninstall some of those things (such as the driver that came installed on it). If you still have a problem after doing what's mentioned above listen to this: You will have to install Windows from a standalone windows CD to more assuredly install kX and other 3rd party drivers and programs successfully. Find out if your SB Live is truely compatible with kX. Then, if it is here's what I recommend. Find all the drivers for your hardware (see the Dell site), and keep them on a CD or something other than the Hard Drive you will install the Operating System to. Get a stand alone Windows CD (I dont mean a copy of windows that's installed using 2 or more CDs from the Dell manufacturer. Those are the CDs with the bloatware), and install windows booting from the CD drive and reformat the hard drive. Then, you will be able to install kX on a compatible sound card. I know it's a lot of work, but you have to decide if it's worth it. Cya __________________ May a song always touch you in a positive way. SONAR X1D Expanded, Windows 7 Pro 64Bit, MOTU UltraLite MK3, 150 GB HDD, 250 GB HDD, 1 TB x2 HDD 7200 rpm My Music Production: Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Pop/Rock, Decent Rap, Inspirationals, and Children Songs Last edited by thomasabarnes; Oct 14, 2005 at 05:29 AM.

Oct 14, 2005, 06:40 AM	#8
thomasabarnes Long Time ***** Friend Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: USA Posts: 1,375 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	You dont have to remove the card and you should uninstall drivers in normal mode. Apparently, something is wrong with your installation of Windows. If you can reinstall windows reformating the HDD (dont install a sound card driver), do a reinstall, if windows installs a sound card driver, uninstall the Driver (in normal mode) that Windows installs. Reboot to safe mode, use cab cleaner from Driver Cleaner Tools menu, then, use Driver Cleaner for Creative drivers, reboot. Install kX, reboot and kX should work. If it doesnt, maybe your soundcard is not compatible. Note: the kX Project driver is software, and no software can ruin your sound card. You can ruin hardware, such as a Graphic card or motherboard by overclocking, or flashing an incorrect BIOS. But software such as a driver wont ruin your card if you try to install it. I dont want to sound harsh, but dont be a whimp? Learn to troubleshoot and work with your system to get it to work like you want it to, if possible. But if you dont want to try to use the kX Project Audio driver (which is the best performing driver for any compatible sound card), I assert: just reinstall Windows (by reformating the HDD and reinstall Win XP) and that should fix your Windows Mixer problem. If you have problems after that look for hardware problems. __________________ May a song always touch you in a positive way. SONAR X1D Expanded, Windows 7 Pro 64Bit, MOTU UltraLite MK3, 150 GB HDD, 250 GB HDD, 1 TB x2 HDD 7200 rpm My Music Production: Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Pop/Rock, Decent Rap, Inspirationals, and Children Songs Last edited by thomasabarnes; Oct 14, 2005 at 06:46 AM.

Oct 14, 2005, 09:40 AM	#11
trevbushell DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: portsmouth, england Posts: 323 Rep Power: 0	bolt action i think your shooting the wrong horse!! take a deep breath and re read/do what the previous posts have said, i think your frustration has got the better of you and you may have missed something or done it in the wrong order? good luck trev __________________ [COLOR=black]http://www.myspace.com/trevbushell[/COLOR]

Dec 20, 2005, 08:00 PM	#19
Lee Rees DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	I have excatly the same problem here, the no mixer issue, basically the only way to get sound is via asio as the direct x sound is corrupt. this is not acceptable as nearlly all games / non music related windows apps do not use asio. i uninstalled the kx drivers aswell as the sblive card and brought a new sound card (emu 0404) now the new sound card is presenting me with the excat same problem!!!! kx drivers have done something to windows and i really would love to get a fix as reinstalling windows is not an option. Last edited by Lee Rees; Dec 20, 2005 at 08:09 PM.

Oct 14, 2005, 01:41 AM	#2
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	If win amp shows a SB for direct sound - it didnt completely un-install. ALSO - READ the supported cards on the KX site - I thought I seen (assuming its a DELL SBLive) - that its not compatable with KX. Use the driver heavens 'Driver Cleaner' - to remove all traces of CL and KX drivers. Ps.. Id be pissed off to if I owned a Dell.

Oct 14, 2005, 05:36 AM	Thread Starter #6
boltaction DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	This PC is completely custom as far as software is concerned. There is no bloatware, aside from Azereus. The major problem isn't with the KX drivers, its that I lose mixer controls when I try to use it. I am using XP pro SP2.

Oct 14, 2005, 08:46 AM	Thread Starter #10
boltaction DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Funny, the sound card seemed to function properly before I got involved with any KX drivers. And when I say ruined the soundcard, I meant software side. In short, you are telling me I need to reinstall windows to get my STOCK sound back. What buggy software. Obviously, nothing WAS wrong with my windows install.

Oct 14, 2005, 03:38 PM	Thread Starter #13
boltaction DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Ct4780

Oct 14, 2005, 09:25 PM	#14
Doug W HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Montevideo, MN USA Posts: 973 Rep Power: 0	That one is compatible. So where are you trying to go from here? Do you want to uninstall kX and install the Creative drivers or do you want to get kX properly installed on the computer? If you stick with it, you will get it fixed. I have installed kX on a number of computers and it was a different experience each time but I got it working each time. In my opinion the kX drivers are much better and you will get the kX "brand new puppy merit badge" if you hang in there. You do want a merit badge don't you?

Oct 15, 2005, 04:30 PM	#17
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	With my A2ZS - in winxp-sp2 - KX V3538 H & I - (I tried I and went back to H) After uninstalling all the CL stuff in -add/remove programs, I went to the device manager and did a 'remove' on the CL driver. I then re-booted - canceled the 'found new hardware' wizard Install KX (including the 2 updates in the case for H, with out rebooting until H was installed) Re-boot And all was good for me. It worked in that manner 3 times with no hitch. And note - I never 'HAD' to run driver cleaner - But I did have AFTER installing H - just to make sure I got rid of all of creatives registry bloat.

Oct 17, 2005, 09:06 AM	Thread Starter #18
boltaction DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for everyones help, but I ordered a Chaintech AV-710 on newegg instead of dealing with this, even if it is completely possible to fix.