Cannot Install Sidewinder Gameport Driver on XP PC

I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find file specified". I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. ftt P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card.

I had the same problem, and the solution was to clean the USB plug with cotton wool and methylated spirits hope this helps Gavin "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > file specified". > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks. > > ftt > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card.

Stop!! You're making me crave a filtered cigarette and a drink!! "FC" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:zgmM8.1495$[email hidden]...

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> I had the same problem, and the solution was to clean the USB plug with > cotton wool and methylated spirits > > hope this helps > > Gavin > > "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > > file specified". > > > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > > > ftt > > > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card. > > >

I don't believe XP supports any Gameport devices. Friends of mine have had to revert to '98 to use their MS FF Wheel. Andi. "JTBurn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:cDoM8.169895$[email hidden]...

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> Stop!! You're making me crave a filtered cigarette and a drink!! > > > "FC" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:zgmM8.1495$[email hidden]... > > I had the same problem, and the solution was to clean the USB plug with > > cotton wool and methylated spirits > > > > hope this helps > > > > Gavin > > > > "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:[email hidden]... > > > I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > > > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > > > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > > > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > > > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > > > file specified". > > > > > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > > > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > > > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > > > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > > > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > > > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > > > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > > > > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > > > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > > > Thanks. > > > > > > ftt > > > > > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card. > > > > > > > >

The 3.02 software is DEADLY to Widnows 2000 and XP. I am really suprised you were even allowed to install it. I've never seen it actually allow installation before. I hate to say this, but the Gameport versions of Microsoft Controllers are at a dead end. Microsoft doesn't really support them, and they have made it clear that they have no inclination to do so. There is a SideWinder "Mini-Driver" in 2K/XP for SideWinder Devices, but you have to set it up manually in the Game Controller control panel. It's called SideWinder something or another. I can't look right now because I'm logged into my newsgroup server via Terminal Server, and I don't have privilages set to open control panels like this. There is also a SideWinder 4.5 driver update that will show up on Windows Update if you have a SideWinder installed. I have had problems installing it in the past, though, due to the wizard not being able to find files it needs during the install. I've never really figured that out. Frankly, you need to move on to a USB controller if you intend on staying with Win2K/XP. -Larry "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > file specified". > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks. > > ftt > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card.

He has the GamePort version. -Larry "FC" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:zgmM8.1495$[email hidden]...

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> I had the same problem, and the solution was to clean the USB plug with > cotton wool and methylated spirits > > hope this helps > > Gavin > > "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > > file specified". > > > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > > > ftt > > > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card. > >

"Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<ZcvM8.30143$[email hidden]>...

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> > There is a SideWinder "Mini-Driver" in 2K/XP for SideWinder Devices, but you > have to set it up manually in the Game Controller control panel. It's > called SideWinder something or another. I can't look right now because I'm > logged into my newsgroup server via Terminal Server, and I don't have > privilages set to open control panels like this. > > There is also a SideWinder 4.5 driver update that will show up on Windows > Update if you have a SideWinder installed. I have had problems installing > it in the past, though, due to the wizard not being able to find files it > needs during the install. I've never really figured that out. >

Thanks for the pointers. However, I've searched the traditional driver sources that I'm familiar with and I haven't found this Sidewinder "Mini-Driver" and 4.5 driver update. It does not show up on Windows update even though I have a gameport Sidewinder installed under XP. I'd appreciate it if you can tell me where I can download these patches. Thanks once again. ftt

Windows XP "supports" game port devices by having in-box minimal drivers only, since the industry has moved to USB devices. Some information is available here: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/SWUpdate/default.asp#gameport (URL may wrap!) Installing, or attempting to install the 3.x drivers on XP is a waste of time, because the operating system no longer supports the .vxd format in which those drivers thrived. I'd suggest before fiddling too much with the system, you make sure you're updated on whatever drivers are necessary for the game port device. Check the manufacturer's web site for the latest. Drivers furnished within XP were "minimal" and supplied by the hardware manufacturers last Summer, probably two months prior to XP hitting the retail shelves. Full drivers for most devices have been updated several times over since XP came out in October (witness all the NVIDIA drivers). All the patches for Microsoft SideWinder controllers are listed here: http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/downloads/default.asp (URL may wrap!) and other than some VIA updates which may help your situation, there will be no forthcoming updates for game port devices. Microsoft, with the Windows XP operating system, has joined the game controller industry in moving full support to USB devices. Most game port controllers are now three to five years old, and I don't believe any of the major controller manufacturers are even producing them. -- Chris H. "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > file specified". > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks. > > ftt > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card. >

Filipo wrote:

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> I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > file specified". > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks. > > ftt > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card.

I'd get a gameport-to-USB adaptor. XP don't fully support the gameport version. -- Fester "The Ferrari is a tainted vehicle and Formula 1 is no longer a sport. If they had instructed me to do the same I would have told them to stuff it." -- Stirling Moss

Good idea, however, unless the device is support by additional software for the conversion from game port to USB, it would just be a waste of money. Microsoft has not issued any "upgrade" anything for game port devices, "Microsoft is not planning to update the SideWinder software (version 3.02) for game port devices." 8-( -- Chris H. "Uncle Fester" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Filipo wrote: > > I am trying to install a gameport-based Microsoft Sidewinder FF Wheel > > on a Dell 8200 PC with Windows XP. The Hardware Installation Wizard > > says it is installing HID compliant software, you see the yellow > > folder flying from one location to another, then announces that "An > > error occurred during installation of device. The system cannot find > > file specified". > > > > I think I tried the troubleshooting button and I got a message saying > > "driver for device not installed (Code 28)". I get the same message > > when I try Device Manager - game controller. The hardware is detected > > but XP refuses to load the game driver which is supposed to be > > built-in. I tried installing Sidewinder V. 3.02 anyway despite XP's > > stern warning not to and it seems to work but the mouse cursor turns > > into a nervous wreck jumping all over the Options screen. > > > > I thought the built-in Windows XP drivers are compatible with > > gameport-based Sidewinder FF wheels. Any help would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > > > ftt > > > > P.S. the gameport is on a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card. > > > > I'd get a gameport-to-USB adaptor. XP don't fully support the gameport > version. > > > -- > > Fester > > "The Ferrari is a tainted vehicle and Formula 1 is no longer a sport. If > they had instructed me to do the same I would have told them to stuff > it." -- Stirling Moss > >

Chris H. wrote: > Good idea, however, unless the device is support by additional software for > the conversion from game port to USB, it would just be a waste of money. > Microsoft has not issued any "upgrade" anything for game port devices, > "Microsoft is not planning to update the SideWinder software (version 3.02) > for game port devices." 8-( I don't recall who it was, but somebody here made the USB software (4.0) available for d/l in the recent past. Maybe Google can help for that. -- Fester "The Ferrari is a tainted vehicle and Formula 1 is no longer a sport. If they had instructed me to do the same I would have told them to stuff it." -- Stirling Moss

It certainly wouldn't be Microsoft. 8-) I haven't tried using an adapter with the 4.0 software, but really don't believe it'll address the controller's buttons and actions in the same manner. Would be a kick if it did, though. -- Chris H. "Uncle Fester" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Chris H. wrote: > > Good idea, however, unless the device is support by additional software for > > the conversion from game port to USB, it would just be a waste of money. > > Microsoft has not issued any "upgrade" anything for game port devices, > > "Microsoft is not planning to update the SideWinder software (version 3.02) > > for game port devices." 8-( > > > I don't recall who it was, but somebody here made the USB software (4.0) > available for d/l in the recent past. Maybe Google can help for that. > > > -- > > Fester > > "The Ferrari is a tainted vehicle and Formula 1 is no longer a sport. If > they had instructed me to do the same I would have told them to stuff > it." -- Stirling Moss > >

Wait, mistake... WinXP already has the 4.5 SideWinder driver installed standard. It's only Win2K that will see this under Windows Update. As for the mini-driver, it was there in Win2K. It still should be there under XP. I don't have a way to check it because I don't have a Gameport Controller. -Larry "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > "Larry" <[email hidden]> wrote in messagenews:<ZcvM8.30143$[email hidden]>... > > > > There is a SideWinder "Mini-Driver" in 2K/XP for SideWinder Devices, butyou > > have to set it up manually in the Game Controller control panel. It's > > called SideWinder something or another. I can't look right now becauseI'm > > logged into my newsgroup server via Terminal Server, and I don't have > > privilages set to open control panels like this. > > > > There is also a SideWinder 4.5 driver update that will show up onWindows > > Update if you have a SideWinder installed. I have had problemsinstalling > > it in the past, though, due to the wizard not being able to find filesit

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> > needs during the install. I've never really figured that out. > > > Thanks for the pointers. However, I've searched the traditional driver > sources that I'm familiar with and I haven't found this Sidewinder > "Mini-Driver" and 4.5 driver update. It does not show up on Windows > update even though I have a gameport Sidewinder installed under XP. > > I'd appreciate it if you can tell me where I can download these > patches. Thanks once again. > > ftt

It won't help. Each version of the 4.0 software (and there ARE multiple versions of it) are hard-coded to only work with the specific USB controllers they come in the box with. It's nuts. If you have, say, a MSFFW and a FF2 Joystick, you have to install the same basic 4.0 software TWICE because of this. Microsoft needs to completely re-write the ancient SideWinder software, but they don't seem to be in much of a hurry. If they are willing to break their own HWQL rules and certify driver software (4.0) that reports it's not compatible and may cause problems during installation, it shows how little interest they have in getting the SideWinder situation squared away :( -Larry "Uncle Fester" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Chris H. wrote: > > Good idea, however, unless the device is support by additional softwarefor > > the conversion from game port to USB, it would just be a waste of money. > > Microsoft has not issued any "upgrade" anything for game port devices, > > "Microsoft is not planning to update the SideWinder software (version3.02)

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> > for game port devices." 8-( > > > I don't recall who it was, but somebody here made the USB software (4.0) > available for d/l in the recent past. Maybe Google can help for that. > > > -- > > Fester > > "The Ferrari is a tainted vehicle and Formula 1 is no longer a sport. If > they had instructed me to do the same I would have told them to stuff > it." -- Stirling Moss >

Larry wrote: > It won't help. > > Each version of the 4.0 software (and there ARE multiple versions of it) are > hard-coded to only work with the specific USB controllers they come in the > box with. Damn. Thought there may have been a workaround in there. Sorry guy. -- Fester "The Ferrari is a tainted vehicle and Formula 1 is no longer a sport. If they had instructed me to do the same I would have told them to stuff it." -- Stirling Moss

Uncle Fester <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>... > Damn. Thought there may have been a workaround in there. Sorry guy. Against overwhelming odds, and through sheer persistence and determination, I was able to sneak the Sidewinder gameport software V. 3.02 past Windows XP and install it. As currently configured, the Sidewinder gameport wheel now works reasonably well even in its alien XP USB environment. Some buttons work and some don't, and the mouse cursor is still jerky in the options screen, but that's OK by me since all I really want to do is accelerate and steer and not much else. I tested and calibrated the wheel in Control Panel and everything works, but the NFS Porsche Unleashed program does not recognize all buttons, only some of them. However, not having used FF before, I'm not sure if I'm getting force feedback or not. When I push the FF button on, the wheel whips around briefly with a quarter turn backlash and noticeably stiffens. However, when actually cruising, I don't feel the gravel surface and tire burning and the bumps and all the other good stuff that force feedback is supposed to give me. I've even tried crashing the Porche into concrete walls, and I don't feel the wheel vibrating like its supposed it. I know how a vibrator feels and this wheel is not vibrating, its just stiffening <g>. Is it just me or is it my oddball gameport/XP combination that is denying me these wonderful FF special effects? My next move is to get a MS FF USB joystick. Are they any good for auto sim? Finally, I'm 54 - am I too old for this? Thanks, all for the wonderful responses. ftt

You're really playing with fire here... The driver model that the 3.02 software uses is not really supported in Win2K/XP, and I can't help but think it's going to cause you grief somewhere else. The 3.02 software uses the old VXD driver model, which is a no-no under 2K/XP. However, just for technical sake, I would be interested in how you got it to install at all. This is the first I've ever heard of anyone being successful at it (for good reason) :) At a minimum, I would expect it to cause you problems (possibly) with shut-down, APM, sleep, hybernation and APCI. And who knows what else... :) -Larry "Filipo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Uncle Fester <[email hidden]> wrote in messagenews:<[email hidden]>...

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> > > Damn. Thought there may have been a workaround in there. Sorry guy. > > Against overwhelming odds, and through sheer persistence and > determination, I was able to sneak the Sidewinder gameport software V. > 3.02 past Windows XP and install it. As currently configured, the > Sidewinder gameport wheel now works reasonably well even in its alien > XP USB environment. Some buttons work and some don't, and the mouse > cursor is still jerky in the options screen, but that's OK by me since > all I really want to do is accelerate and steer and not much else. I > tested and calibrated the wheel in Control Panel and everything works, > but the NFS Porsche Unleashed program does not recognize all buttons, > only some of them. > > However, not having used FF before, I'm not sure if I'm getting force > feedback or not. When I push the FF button on, the wheel whips around > briefly with a quarter turn backlash and noticeably stiffens. However, > when actually cruising, I don't feel the gravel surface and tire > burning and the bumps and all the other good stuff that force feedback > is supposed to give me. I've even tried crashing the Porche into > concrete walls, and I don't feel the wheel vibrating like its supposed > it. I know how a vibrator feels and this wheel is not vibrating, its > just stiffening <g>. Is it just me or is it my oddball gameport/XP > combination that is denying me these wonderful FF special effects? > > My next move is to get a MS FF USB joystick. Are they any good for > auto sim? > > Finally, I'm 54 - am I too old for this? > > Thanks, all for the wonderful responses. > > ftt

Filipo wrote: > > Finally, I'm 54 - am I too old for this? If you're breathing, which you obviously are, you're not too old Beers and cheers (uncle) Goy http://www.theuspits.com "A man is only as old as the woman he feels........" --Groucho Marx--