CompuServe Thread

Paul, given some of the comments here, I suspect that the "new" version 2.21 available from MS on CIS may be corrupt — or just plain FUBAR. Your better experience with the Creative Labs version seems to corroborate that. Unfortunately, my system configuration (486/33, Windows 3.0 [which I only use for one program required by work], and Ad-lib & Disney sound) doesn't match yours, so commentary may be fruitless; but let's try! I'm with you: I don't think a 386SX/20 should be a slow machine. There hasn't been enough comment from people on W3.1 yet to know its pitfalls, BUT a couple of folks have had VERY serious problems trying to install the 7205 with W3.1. One reported a complete hard disk crash. Is "backup" in your lexicon?!? Some things you might check for that might help: 1) Check your config for proper sony_cdu switches, especially /M:H (details in lib #4, laser3.txt, but I think you already have it, yes?). 2) Check the switches on mscdex, especially /M:8 and /E, the latter if you have or can make expanded memory. Try increasing the /M:8 to /M:20 or so and see if it makes a difference. 3) Check your video driver to be sure it is compatible with W3.1. The current issue of PC Rag has a list. 4) Spend some serious time "optimizing" Windows, especially the Advanced PIF options. Pay particular attention to choice of Background or Exclusive in the Execution section; likewise the Multitasking & Memory Options. Not knowing all the 3.1 quirks (my copy is in the mail), much less the 3.0 ones, I can't be real helpful; but lots of memory is a virtual necessity, and its configuration (or a lot of TSRs and drivers can bog it down big time. If you don't need all the paraphenalia when you're playing KQ5, consider the use of something like MBOOT (in my file, near the end) to boot a minimally-configured W3.1 session that can devote more resources to CDROM. Hope there's a nugget there somewhere!