Sidewiner FFB2 problem

[XyZspineZyX]

Help!!
FB ran fine on my system until my trusty old FFB1 finaly broke. Since buying a FFB2 I have had nothing but problems.

Firstly, it's USB and my old FFB1 plugged into my soundcard. After installing my FFB2, my USB modem didn't work. I installed new drivers to get me back online but as the only thing on my pc that had changed was the USB stick, I think the MS FFB2 affected it in someway.

Secondly, since the FFB2 came along FB is crashing on me. After only a minute or two online or offline the game screen freezes. I have to reboot. About half the time these crashes are accompanied by a screeching high pitch tone.

I think this is a USB related issue. The 3 other USB ports on my machine (other than the one using the the FFB2) hold my modem, track IR and my printer.

I have downloaded a small patch for the FFB2 compatability with VIA USB controllers (swff2qfe1.exe) This has made no difference.

Apart from throwing money at my pc for a new mobo and processor, can anyone help with the game freezing issue?

pc spec

Epox 8k7a mobo
amd 1.33ghz processor
1024 pc2100 ddr ram
winfast an250le gf4400 128mb vid
audigy2 soundcard

[XyZspineZyX]

Help!!
FB ran fine on my system until my trusty old FFB1 finaly broke. Since buying a FFB2 I have had nothing but problems.

Firstly, it's USB and my old FFB1 plugged into my soundcard. After installing my FFB2, my USB modem didn't work. I installed new drivers to get me back online but as the only thing on my pc that had changed was the USB stick, I think the MS FFB2 affected it in someway.

Secondly, since the FFB2 came along FB is crashing on me. After only a minute or two online or offline the game screen freezes. I have to reboot. About half the time these crashes are accompanied by a screeching high pitch tone.

I think this is a USB related issue. The 3 other USB ports on my machine (other than the one using the the FFB2) hold my modem, track IR and my printer.

I have downloaded a small patch for the FFB2 compatability with VIA USB controllers (swff2qfe1.exe) This has made no difference.

Apart from throwing money at my pc for a new mobo and processor, can anyone help with the game freezing issue?

pc spec

Epox 8k7a mobo
amd 1.33ghz processor
1024 pc2100 ddr ram
winfast an250le gf4400 128mb vid
audigy2 soundcard

[XyZspineZyX]

You should save any data on external storage.

Reformat C

Reinstall Windows.

If you are using XP, do not install the sidewinder drivers...ever. If you are using windows 98, see if the joystick will work without the software. If not then install the software.

Try to take some load off your USB hub. Does your printer really need to be USB? Perhaps you have a parallel cable that would work instead?

And your modem .. USB? Is this broadband or dial up? I would think if it's broadband you should get a ethernet card (provided your modem has LAN line capability)

Also maybe it was the way you plugged in the USB devices. Maybe there is a certain order, whether the machine should be off or on, etc.

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[XyZspineZyX]

If all you changed was to go from a MS FFB1 to MS FFB2 then I don't think a reformatting of your HD is required!

I would suggest going into the remove/add software section and removing anything related to EITHER stick. Then shut off and restart the computer.

If you are running XP you will not need to install the driver from the CD (though I did, without ill effect). If you are not using windows XP then remember to install the driver first and then plug in the usb plug.

if that doesn't work, post your problem again with your dxdiag, I hope this works though :-)

cheers,
CG