[SU182]

Every time I try to start it I get an error message saying "There was an internal error that may be due to low system resources. Please close this program, as well as other programs, and try agian. If the problem persists, your computer may be missing necessary components of this program. Please reinstall the software.", What files do I need to run it and how do I fix it?

Also I'm running Vista Build 5308.

[SU182]

*bump*

[Eck]

I see your "bump" so I thought I'd help. If you've searched around you've probably noticed that the software for the older Sidewinder game controllers, Sidewinder version 3.0, never worked on Windows XP. If that is what you're trying to use on Windows Vista I'm surprised you even got it installed. It won't even install on XP.

The way you use the old devices on XP is to go to Windows Control Panel's Gaming Options applet and add the Microsoft Sidewinder Auto-Detect in the drop-down menu. Whatever controller is attached will be detected and the built in Windows XP driver will be used. The device should work perfectly, but you will not be able to route the buttons as Microsoft never provided updated software to do this. Newer games have this kind of thing built into the game's setup. You can try stuff like "joy2key" if you insist on changing the buttons. I don't know if that works for digital pads like most Sidewinder's.

If you mean the newer Sidewinder software version 4.0, then that has been working on Windows XP. The recommended install was to install the software, reboot, then while connected to the internet you attach the gaming device and let Windows access the net to install the updated driver rather than the one that the cd had installed. This fixes some problems with XP compatibility. Reboot again and the device and software should work. Sometimes I had a problem with the proper fonts installed by the software working within the Sidewinder program. I fixed this by simply opening the fonts applet in Windows control panel and double clicking (opening) and then closing each of the installed Sidewinder font's. Then they would magically be registered properly so they would appear correctly within the Sidewinder program.

If that version is what is giving you the problems, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it. However it is possible that even that is no longer compatible with Windows when using Windows Vista. You can probably still use the pad with whatever driver is included with Windows Vista. Just install the Sidewinder Auto-detect selection while the pad is attached. Again, you will no longer be able to reprogram the buttons.

[reece52]

Thanks for the info.