SideWinder Controller Becomes "Not Connected" When Sound Plays
  
PSS ID Number: Q173794
Article last modified on 07-31-1998
 
WINDOWS:1.0,2.0
 
WINDOWS
 

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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro version 1.0
 - Microsoft SideWinder game pad version 1.0
 - Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro version 1.0
 - Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro version 1.0
 - Microsoft SideWinder Game Device software version 2.0
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SYMPTOMS
========
 
If you connect a Microsoft SideWinder game controller to a computer that
uses a sound card with an ESS or Opti chip set, the Game Controllers tool
in Control Panel may report a status of "Not Connected." In addition,
while you are playing a game, the joystick may stop responding.
 
CAUSE
=====
 
The Microsoft SideWinder and other digital game controllers may be unable
to communicate properly with the game port on sound cards with ESS or Opti
chip sets when sound is enabled.
 
RESOLUTION
==========
 
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
 
1. Install the Microsoft SideWinder Game Controllers version 3.0 software.
 
   For more information about how to obtain the latest version of the
   SideWinder software, please see the following article in the Microsoft
   Knowledge Base:
 
      ARTICLE-ID: Q179113
      TITLE     : Availability of SideWinder Software Updates
 
   If you still experience problems using the SideWinder game controller,
   proceed to the next step.
 
2. Configure your sound card to use Single Mode DMA. To do this, follow
   these steps:
 
   a. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
 
   b. Double-click Multimedia.
 
   c. On the Advanced tab, double-click Audio Devices.
 
   d. Click the "Audio for..." entry that corresponds to your sound card,
      and then click Properties.
 
   e. Click Settings.
 
   f. Click the Use Single Mode DMA check box to select it.
 
   g. Click OK until you return to Windows.
 
   h. Restart the computer.
 
Additional query words: 1.00 2.00 side winder gamepad gaming
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Keywords          : sidewinder kbimu swff swpp kbenv kbhw kbsound kbfaq
Version           : WINDOWS:1.0,2.0
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb
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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1998.