Update:
I spent yesterday uninstalling/reinstalling the Creative software according to the directions on their site (through the Clean Boot process and all that), and then updating their and Windows updates. All re-boots went fine with no hangings that required restarting in Safe Mode. I also went into MSCONFIG and removed most of the unnecessary startup progs. Still a few more I can yank out, I think. Wish there was a good way to figure out exactly WHICH programs are essential.
Today I tested it by going to the site with that midi Christmas jingle, which played fine (nauseating as that was
). I played through an hour's worth of Titan Quest and Neverwinter Nights 2, no problems. I even went to the new Anime News Network stream of Kanon episode 1 and it played without a hitch.
BUT: I just went back to the jingle-site and after a half-hour there the damn sound cut out again, leaving just that faint high pitched frequency tone. Upon re-boot it reset fine and sound is back. I'm dreading watching any more anime on my PC though because I HATE when the sound stops mid-scene
I just can't figure why the sound sounds GREAT everywhere else and then all of a sudden quits!
Incidentally, if this matters, the mouse also froze upon one of the crashes at the "jingle-site"; a one-time only occurrence. Since reinstallation it's been fine though, aside from the sound cut-out. (It's a MS wireless optical mouse.)
I guess I'll have to try the youp-Pax next, after I get the energy up to deal with uninstalling all of the Creative BS again. After tomorrow, probably
Thanks for suggesting it, and your help (and Zero's too)
