[Jonsey]

So I get the Graphire3 4x5, insert the driver CD, plug it into the USB, start the install process...then get errors left & right. I go to the Wacom site & download the latest driver, run the install, it says that I already have a wacom driver on the PC and I have to remove that one first, but there's no driver to be found.

I called their tech support, after about 45 minutes of checking files & such he said he's not able to help - he said that ME is notorious for problems like this and that I should switch operating systems.

So... has anyone else had this problem? Should I ask how difficult it would be to change operating systems?

Thanks!

[Snixe]

You didn't say exactly what kind of error messages you got when you tried to install the Graphire3 the first time.

I have an Aiptek HyperPen tablet that I installed on my laptop that is running ME and I didn't have any problems. ME may be notorious for problems with installations, but that tech was out of line to simply suggest that you change operating systems!

One thing I noticed when I was installing my HyperPen was that I had to disconnect the tablet from the computer before installing the driver. Did your instructions mention anything like that? If possible, can you restore the system to a date before the day you tried installing the Graphire and then try installing from scratch again, installing the driver before you connect the tablet?

And where did you look for the Wacom driver to uninstall it? In Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs? Or did you do a simple Windows search for it?

Maybe someone else has some better suggestions.

Sally

[Jonsey]

Well, first off, I have an E-machines wint Win ME...from what I hear, that's not a great computer to begin with...

The tech suggested to switch after troubleshooting for 45 min. I later called back & talked to another rep who also told me it was pretty much hopeless seeing that required files were not installed to begin with. They both said that if I could come up with an ME disc they MIGHT be able to get what they need, but it would ify. My emachines restore cd is not an official ME disc, and the necessary files weren't on it. He said to switch half jokingly, but it was really his best suggestion.

The wizard said to plug the usb in then run the install, which I did. I didn't note the actual errors, but I know there was a kernel error and I had to unplug to reboot (a regular occurrance!) There was no list of it in add/remove, the rep told me key words to search for and delete them, which I did, and the 2nd driver still says to remove the 1st driver (!!). The rep said it wouldn't make any difference anyway...

Thanks for the response, but unless someone has a magic wand I've pretty much given up on this. I'll wait a few days to see if anyone has any ideas, but for now it's back in the box ready for the return bin. I'd like to just get a new computer, but $$ is tight right now...

[slipe]

I’m guessing your ME is missing some .dll and .vxd files the tablet needs. If you have a list there are people on the software forum good at tracking them down online and replacing them.

If the wizard says to plug in the tablet first then that is the way to go. Many devices install that way with the occasional device that wants the software installed before the hardware.

If you have some way to back up your stuff a full restore might fix things so you can install with no problems. It would probably make the computer run a lot better independent of the install.

If not you have to remove the tablet in Device Manager and/or Control Panel. That takes the driver off the computer so you can install the new one.

[Jonsey]

The techs were looking for some .cab's and .inf's, saying the tablet runs on 2 drivers or something...that's where I got lost... I asked if I could just find the files for download off the net and he said no, they're licensed - don't know if they have to say that or what....

He had me remove something in the device manager, which caused the tablet light to go out, and there is nothing under the control panel that looks like it.

Funny thing...I just tried to run a system restore, but there are no restore points. At all. None. No auto checkpoints or anything - I can't even page back in time on the system restore calander. Yesterday I did try to restore it to a prior day (it let me then) but at the end it said "restore unsuccessful - nothing has been changed".

I think I just need to get a new computer. This one has ticked me off one too many times!

[slipe]

I wasn’t referring to the system restore but the restore CD that came with the computer. It does a complete reinstall, but you have to back everything up. Computers run so much better after a clean reinstall.

Maybe you could get back with support and get the exact files that are missing. There are people on the software forum that could probably find them. Or maybe someone would just mail them to you.

[Jonsey]

I'll give them a call back & see what info I can get on the missing files.

Man, they probably hate me by now!

Thanks for the advice...