Computer Hardware

[Ninjakitty]

I figured out that VDMSound can automatically create these shortcuts. Now Shadow Warrior (run with or without the VDM shortcut) doesn't even have CD audio and it freezes whenever a sound is supposed to be played.

Do I need SoundFX AND VDMSound installed at the same time...?

[Corvin]

no

[Ninjakitty]

Alright, well, either there's a way to fix the crashes caused by cli2nop, or playing old Dos games on an Inspiron 8000 running Windows 2000 with an ESS Maestro 3 sound card, IS FLAT OUT IMPOSSIBLE

I've found something, though:

Q. Are there any problems in using CLI2NOP to work around the VDM interrupt problem?

A. To quote the SoundFX 2000 manual again: "Removing the interrupt disable sequences can render the application liable to race conditions and contentions that the original programmer had designed to avoid. Consequently the application may be unstable and hence crash more after being patched. Further the patch algorithm is very simple and can possibly replace instructions or data that are essential to normal operation."

When creating PIF settings for applications patched with CLI2NOP you should usually enable the "Compatible timer hardware operation" option after patching. This reduces the frequency of crashes caused by timer interrupt race conditions. It does tend to slow the app slightly so experimentation is worthwhile. A final reminder: if no output file is specified when using CLI2NOP, then the input file (the original game executable) will be modified. You have been warned.

This is probably what I need. However, I don't know how to create a PIF file for this.

[Corvin]

I doubt its the hardware problem, more like and OS and Workaround problem.

I think if you run CLI2NOP, don't you use -p in the command line? You must have to enable another option the same way??

I was never happy with the out comes from the NT systems trying to run the BUILD Games, I think linear frame buffer is lost too in the video.

I have no idea, but Ken S. made a patcher for SW to disable echo(reverb) in BUILD Games that's used 3DR sound Engine. The PCI sound cards (certain ones) crashed the game when particular sounds played back. Maybe you need that?? But if your losing too CTD everytime sound is played, maybe not.

Hope you figure it out. Sorry I wasn't much help.

If I was you I'd just use Win9x (98SE or ME) and play it through that. Screw all the workarounds, (except for DOSBOX EMU).

[Ninjakitty]

The reason I can't use 98 is because my soundcard doesn't have a 98 driver. I can't use ME because ME won't let me get out of safe mode. Besides, SoundFX isn't for ME
cli2nop has been updated and no longer takes parameters like that. I've figured out how to use it.


I found the "Compatible timer hardware operation" setting under advanced properties of the MSDOS shortcut, but it does not stop the crashing.

[Ninjakitty]

So...
It seems I'm completely out of options. It is currently impossible to get Shadow Warrior to run correctly with sound on an Inspiron 8000 laptop with a ESS Maestro 3 sound card.

OOF, that was a lotta effort

[Corvin]

Hey Robman. I got a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 for free recently, past few months or so.


I was wondering if you tried the PAX drivers for it yet? (They are based on the last released drivers from Creative). I tried them on XP.

I also found software that enhances or enables and uses special features of the card that the drivers originally disabled.
It's Some support pack.
danielkawakami.blogspot.com/2017/01/sb-audigy-series-support-pack-62.html

I think the link above is where I got it.
Anyway, All of it comes in handy if your really looking to maximize the use of the card.

[Robman]

Nice, yeah no doubt I'll be playing with it at some point in the future, I've got a fair amount of creative labs soundcards now that any help is always appreciated. Thanks man.