Trying to find Win98se drivers for Dell Dimension 2400

I acquired a 9 yr old pc the other week, in the hopes of putting together a box that I could run Win98SE so I can play my old games that will not run on XP. This pc did have XP Home installed on it, and that's what it was made for, but I was hoping to be able to find Win98SE drivers that would be compatible. From the Dell site I was able to find out the chipset used, which is an Intel 845GV. The mobo has integrated vga video, sound and networking. I was able to get a Win98SE compatible driver for the chipset from the Intel site, and with a little tweaking, I can get the video in the device manager to be conflict free. With a little searching, I was also able to find a Broadcom driver. But my problem as been the integrated sound driver. It seems I have a choice of three to search for, a ADI 198x, a Sound Blaster 24 bit or a Sound Blaster Live. After putting in a days worth of searching and coming up empty, I decided to try disabling the onboard sound and putting in an aftermarket card. I have several, and was not able to find a driver that would install correctly. The cards I tried were as follows. a SB AWE64D, an Ensoniq PCIAudio, SB Live CT4860, SB Live SB0100 and a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. I was able to get the SB AWE64D to install, once, with no conflicts, but still had no sound, and there wasn't a recognised audio device in the Multimedia properties, so even though it was installed, for whatever reason the O/S wasn't seeing it. I'm pretty much at my wits end with this. I would still be willing to use the onboard sound if I can find a compatible driver. I used to use Driverguide.com for drivers, and it used to be a pretty good resource for hard to find drivers, but their site is so loaded with ads, and now they want you pay for a manufacturer driver that may or may not work. If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated.

On a side note, I have tried running Win98SE in vmware player and Microsoft vm, and neither were successful. I also tried using DOSBox, but you really need to be a DOS guru for that software, and that I'm not.

Thanks in advance.

 

Do you have a motherboard number? If you can get that, it may help in determining the sound chip used. Also, what is the service tag number on the side of the computer?

As a side note, I have played DOS games on XP using DFend Reloaded which is a GUI frontend for the DOS virtual box. It has a little bit of a learning curve but works well.

http://dfendreloaded.sourceforge.net/

Edit: Here is a good guide.

http://www.dedoimedo.com/games/reviving/d-fend-reloaded.html

 

Thanks for the quick response, I do have the service tag and mobo number, but I'm at work at the moment and I can post them later. But the driver info on the Dell site is the same whether you use the service tag or not. I just checked that from work.

I was looking on the mobo so see if I could spot something that looked like an audio chip, but didn't see anything.

 

Maybe there is a number on the motherboard itself. A FCC ID number would be good also if it is on the board.

 

Yes there is, I just don't have it with me. Infact there is a number stamped on the mobo, begins with DE I believe, but there is also a sticker with a serial number that begins with CN-...... Supposedly the next number identifies the mobo in some way as well.

 

Hi guys,

Jefflbi you probably want to wait for tgell to sort through this reply but I happened to be at m step-father's house and he has a dell 2400. I installed XP on it a year or so ago and it was the 198x driver that I used but it was labeled something like SoundMax.

So for some technical info the device name in Device Manager is Intel(r) 82801DB/DBM AC '97 Audio Controller


The hardware IDs are:

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_01601028&REV_01
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_01601028
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&CC_040100
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&CC_0401


I came up with this link for a possible driver but tgell would have better info on whether it is valid. http://www.inetbridge.net/forum/driver-intel-82801db-dbm-da-ac97-audio-vt544.html

And I noticed that on the Dell site versions up until A16 under Other Versions seem to have instructions for installing on 98/ME.

So I would think trying the Dell version A16 or the other link might be worth a try for the onboard sound.

 

Thanks sach2 for the vendor and Device ID's. I think the driver you referenced will work. @jefflbi, if sach2's driver does not work try this one. Believe it or not people have also had luck using this driver.

http://majorgeeks.com/VIA_AC97_Vinyl_Audio_driver_d4505.html

 

I will try those drivers. Thanks! But just for the record, here are mobo numbers that were requested:
E139765, and next to it or below it said "Model Name=Bluford"

The sticker on the board had this string of characters:
CN-0G1548-70821-36S-DONR

I read somewhere where it said 0G1548 was the mobo identifying number.

I'll report back on that sound driver.

If anyone has a better video driver than the one provided by the Intel chipset driver, I'd appreciate that as well. With that driver, I had 3 memory range conflicts with the System Board API......something or other, I can't remember exactly, but I was able to manually change the range on the first two to a setting where there were no conflicts, but not the last. But after rebooting, that last memory range no longer showed a conflict. Could be the plug n play kicked in and resolved it somehow.

 

Just a little update, the driver from inetbridge.net was not the right one, but the VIA AC97 seems to be the right driver, only it was looking for two more files, wdma_int.cat, which I couldn't find, and wdmaudio.cat, which was under my windows/system/catroot/..... directory.

I'm going to do an internet search for the first file. I feel I'm almost home with this thing!!!

Thanks guys!

 

If you cannot find those files, I found a Dell ADI driver for windows 98 that may work.

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers...Formats?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&DriverId=R46202

And the intel driver

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...0&keyword=ac-97&DownloadType=Drivers&lang=eng

 

Try the Dell one. That is just one version ahead of the one I mentioned and in the release notes it mentions the file wdma_int.inf as one that should be deleted/renamed if it exists on your system. So I'm guessing it includes a new copy.

It is an exe so it should complete all the steps automatically.

Edit: Didn't realize there was also an Intel link. I guess either one will do.

 

Well this is turning into a harder issue to resolve. None of those drivers are the one I need, although it appears the AC97 one is the one the system wants to install, and tries to. I have all the files it asks for, but when I reboot I get the error message that "No ADI codex driver is installed". Then when I go into the device properties there is a yellow exclamation by the driver, and when I go into the properties, the following error is displayed: "The NTKERN.VXD, MMDEVLDR.VXD device loaders for this device could not load the device driver. (Code 2)

So it looks like I need to find this ADI codex. And that rings a bell, like I tried installing something a few days ago that wanted to install the codex, but there was no device for that codex. I guess I need to go thru all the sound drivers I've tried and see if I can figure out which one it was, if I am remembering correctly!

 

What is the error when you try to install the Dell? When you run the exe it unpacks to the R46202 folder and then does it ask you to run the installer? Does it give an error?

Currently, before doing anything else do you have anything that looks like an audio driver in Device Manager under the Sound etc. listing?

 

No errors during the install, just after the reboot, as stated below. There is a device in the Device Manager, under the Sound/Game Controller category, and it reads: Intel(r) 828QADB/DBM/DA AC '97 Audio Controller.

It looks like that's the right one, but I'm just missing the codex.

 

One more question. In Device Manager when you right click that audio device and select Properties do you see a hardware id like this with the last numbers matching PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24C5&SUBSYS_01601028 or is it a different number?

Edit: Please check this name/number again "Intel(r) 828QADB/DBM/DA AC '97 Audio Controller", I can't find anything googling that sequence.

 

No hardware id field that I can see. But I did make a mistake in the device name. It should read Intel(r) 82801DB/DBM/D AC '97. Sorry, it's getting late and my eyes are getting tired. Sux getting old!

 

I haven't installed a driver on win98 in a while so I'm not sure if our driver is installed or not. That seems like the correct name but the device still isn't working. (I don't know what the codex errors mean) Let's see if tgell has some input.

 

I just tried reinstalling the R46202 exe and it's definitely not the one. When I boot and the plug n play kicks in and I try to browse to the SE folder where the drivers are there are 3 listings, smwdmCH1.inf, smwdmCH2.inf and smwdmCH4.inf. Selecting any of those brings up the Select Device window and there are no devices listed. But if I let the system find a driver, it finds the one I mentioned in the previous post.

 

Did you try the R72429 one I posted http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails?driverId=R72429&fileId=2731107785

It specifically list your Hardware ID. Give that one a quick try as it was for the 2400 just an earlier version. Dell says only for 2000/XP but the release notes inside say it will install for 98. Or you can unpack it and then try to update your driver and go to the SE folder and select the smwdmCH4.inf.

Edit: Just to add thatthe CH4.inf in the R46202 folder does not include your hardware ID so this will be different.

 

I just tried R72429 and it installed and rebooted with no error messages and no conflicts in the Device Manager, but I still don't have sound and there are no audio playback or recording devices listed in the Multimedia Properties in the Control Panel. I don't get it, that one should have worked. Maybe a couple of reboots, or maybe I should totally uninstall, reboot then reinstall. That's gonna be my last try for the night. I'm exhausted, but thanks so much for all your help!! I really do appreciate it.

 

Yes, everything runs together after a while.

Uninstalling and reinstalling would be the next test. When you get a chance read the readme.txt in that folder it mentions renaming the wdam_int.inf before uninstalling the driver. I don't know where that file is or if it is relevant. Maybe tgell can give it a read too. I'll attach it to this post in case he gets a chance in the morning.

 

Ok, I just uninstalled, rebooted then reinstalled and I got the same result. But in going into the Multimedia Properties and clicking on the Devices tab it does list the SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio as being a recognised device, but after Status, it says "Driver is enabled but inactive due to an unknown problem.

Any idea on how to find out what the unknown problem is?? I'll have to Google it..............tomorrow!!

 

So I did a quick search last night and found a thread with the same error message on an ME system and the fix was replacing a line in the system.ini. I checked my system.ini and didn't see anything like what the thread was talking about. I didn't want to go ahead and start messing with that file until I posted here.

 

Here's some food for thought. I loaded up the Microsoft VM of 98 that I created a week or so ago, with the same 98 disk that I used on the system I just made, and there is a listing for the configuration lines mentioned in the thread I found doing a search. The system line reads as follows:

"Drivers=mmsystem.dll power.drv"

That line is missing from my system.ini, and of course I'm not home now to try it. But I think I'm going to make a backup of my system.ini, then add the above line and see if that resolves my issue.

 

Thanks sach2 for jumping in. If editing the system.ini file does not work for you try using the inf method. Sometimes this will work when the exe install will fail. Using Winrar or other archiver, unzip the R72429 file that sach2 posted to a folder on your desktop. In that folder look for the following files. smwdm.sys smwdm.inf smx.cat (for signed drivers). When asked to browse to the file, select the smwdm.inf file.

There are good directions in the readme file that sach2 posted that tell how to install via the Device Manager.

 

I'm wondering if that missing line in the system.ini is what was preventing the Intel(r) 82801DB/DBM AC '97 Audio Controller from working, as that does seem to be the typical driver used for this system. Is it possible that more than one driver will get the integrated sound to work?? At this point, I'll be happy with either one!! Unfortunately I have to wait until I get home from work to try all these solutions. I feel like a dog with a bone.........I just don't want to let go!

 

I think that line looks promising. I was thinking about this last night and you basically had one of your sound cards installed with similar listings and still got no sound. (I think using the card you still had nothing in Multimedia properties, so this may be one step ahead). Maybe it is something more fundamental than just the audio drivers (although they are obviously troublesome too) such as the system.ini line.

Just a couple of thoughts I had that I will just mention before I forget.
There is one more older version, R61449, of the audio driver file for your HD ID there under my original Dell link (I doubt it would be much different since this one seems to install OK, but just making a note of it).
I seem to remember that under Win98 a simple driver problem often ended up requiring a reinstall to get things cleared up. You have done so many driver related actions maybe a fresh install would be an option if you run into a wall with this. You have your video, chipset and ethernet drivers readily available so it shouldn't be a huge deal. (Not recommending it now just noting it.)

 

I have an old Windows 98 computer that I can fire up. I am wondering if Windows 98SE has its own ADI driver in it's sound driver list. I am going to take a look.

 

Well, Windows 98 sure takes a long time to boot on an old Pentium 66! ADI was not in the list of audio drivers that I saw, sorry. But, I did find out that Windows 98 does not list Vendor and Device ID's.

 

I sure hope to God I don't have to do a complete reinstall!! Sure I got all the drivers, but I really would rather not have to go through this again if I don't have to. I haven't gotten to bed before midnight now for the past 5 nights, and some nights have been well beyond! :cry

 

See if the inf method I posted works for you if the system.ini edit does not work.

 

I just wanted to let you know that the R72429 did get me sound on the 2400.

I didn't have a lot of time but did the install twice. My disc was Win98se so I'm not certain if your version is the same. I did have the"Drivers=mmsystem.dll power.drv" line in my system.ini immediately after install. It was still there after installing the driver. I had just the "driver enabled" but not the "unknown problem" message.

What was odd was that even with multiple restarts I still had no sound. I then went to Control Panel>Sounds and highlighted one of the system sounds and pushed the test/play button. It played fine. I then restarted and my sound was working along with the speaker icon in the system tray. I did a second install jus to verify this weird sequence but it happened exactly the same way. Without going and testing a sound, I got no sound even with multiple restarts. Playing one of the system sounds got me sound.

So if the system.ini edit doesn't work after a reboot, do try to play a system sound in Conrol Panel>Sounds.

 

EUREEKA!!!!:clap

Adding that line worked!!!! I rebooted and the first thing I noticed was the little speaker icon in the taskbar! When I saw that I knew I was golden!!!

I have to admit I it took me a minute to remember that I had to edit the .ini file in the DOS editor. This whole process really reconnected some old brain cells. I had forgotten how to work within the 98 system. It was kind of like, remembering as I went along.

I want to thank everyone for the suggestions and patience!! I'm a happy camper and there will be old school gaming tonight and this weekend!!!

:dancer

On an ending note, during the process, I stumbled across was supposedly is a cumulative Service Pack of all the 98se updates, along with the option of installing a few tweaks added by the creator of the file. I installed it and it appears to work. So here is the link, just in case anyone might want to put themselves through a week of hell like I just did!!

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Unofficial-Windows-SE-Service-Pack.shtml

 

Nice Work! Especially tracking down that line in the system.ini file. And a thanks to sach2 for coming up with the right driver file.

 

Nice work finding the system.ini fix! Definitely old school.

After trying Win98 for an hour this afternoon, I remember why I celebrated the one month anniversary of XP's release with a ceremonial burning of the Win98 CD. Aack!

@tgell, if you ever see me post in the Drivers section again, Please feel free to report the post as a danger to myself and others.rolleyes

Edit: Okay it was a WinME CD; I admit I bought it (and was one of the first 500 to do so, thus I have the neon plastic watch "reward gift" to prove it!)

 

I tried ME once, and had it been more secure from viruses and spyware, I think it would have been more successful, I did like the interface, but it didn't take long for my system to get compromised. XP was definitely a huge leap forward! I'm not quite ready to go totally Win7. I need to get more familiar with it.

 

ME was just a money grab for Microsoft. I think XP came out about 8 months after ME.
ME's only selling point was System Restore which didn't work every time (much like it still doesn't work every time).

I love win7. Cleaner interface than XP. Search box in the Start menu is very good for finding programs and system files (not that great at searching all files on the computer). Help/Troubleshooters are actually helpful in some instances. And I have never had to reinstall Win7 because of some weird problem that causes the OS not to boot. With enough searching there is always a fix short of a reinstall.
Just very stable. Random reinstalls seem to be a thing of the past. (I used to install XP new at least one a year as a matter of maintenance but with Win7 I find myself going on two years and reluctant to bother with a fresh install.)

Oh and drivers install without resource conflicts! :-D

 

ouch!!!

 

A year and a half on, I want to say BIG THANKS to the posters on this thread. I now have the sound working on MY 2400/Win 98SE and I couldn't have done it without you, guys. Yeah, games, but it needs its modem too, and it hangs if you try to boot with a USB drive in -- I'm using NUSB 3.3, have done so on other '98 machines, and had no trouble, so ???

But those are other threads for another time. Again, THANK YOU.