[2steps]

I've been given a pc with windows 98 on that I'd like to get working for my daughter. It seems to be fine other than a few small issues I'm not sure how to fix. I need to find a sound driver and the pc has no brand name or serial numbers for me to look it up by. I have plugged it into the internet via the network but keep getting a 'runtime error' when loading pages. If I click on the box it comes up over and over again and then eventually loads the page, only to do the same again loading the next page. It happens in explorer and firefox. Also the usb ports don't seem to be working. If anybody could help me out it'd great.

[etaf]

lets have a look at device manager
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/285122
1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon.
3. Click the Device Manager tab.
we are looking for any ? X or ! in the device manager

download and run www.belarc.com - see if that finds the sound card details

'runtime error'

what sort - Java - maybe an update to the machine needed for java runtime

[2steps]

Thanks. The device manager and system information say the driver is missing for a pci multimedia audio device and also another pci card which I think is the dial up modem but I don't need that so not to worried about it.

The runtime errors are different each time. I've had 'unexpected quantifier', 'local vars is undefined' and others

[etaf]

so we need to know what the sound card is
it maybe a PCI card plugged into the motherboard OR it maybe an intergrated sound card on the motherboard
You can tell by where the sound card outputs are located on the backpanel

if belarc does not tell you - then we need to physically open the case (with the power plug unplugged) and look and see
if its intergrated - should be able to get the driver by knowing the make and model of the motherboard
if a seperate card - should get the driver from the manufacturers website

[2steps]

Belarc didn't show anything. Opened the case and all that's behind where the sound ports are is a brown and metal box connecting to the main board, there isn't an actual card.

[etaf]

its intergrated - can you see the make and model of the motherboard? usually etched onto the card

Examples of what you are looking for
Asus
MSI
gigabyte
etc
and then a model number

[2steps]

Can't see anything written on it but only one side of the case comes off so I can't see the underside

[etaf]

Can't see anything written on it but only one side of the case comes off so I can't see the underside

- its normally on the topside - so can be seen in the PC

Did Belarc tell you the make and model of the mother board ?

if not
lets see if we can a configuration program to work
online scan
http://www.d-a-l.com/hardware-scan.php

Great standalone program with pdf and email output (not sure if it works on 98)
http://www.pxserver.com/WinAudit.htm

This is a useful wizard for detecting hardware
http://www.cpuid.com/pcw.php

See if this will help

[2steps]

It did but the BIOS is American Megatrends Inc 062710 07/15/97 if that's any help.

Will try those other links and post back, thank you.

[etaf]

It did but the BIOS is American Megatrends Inc 062710 07/15/97 if that's any help.

No - lots of company use the same bios

[2steps]

Only the pxserver link worked. The first says it only works on xp or higher and the last was page not found. But it still didn't find the motherboard

[etaf]

and the last was page not found

try this link
http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php

[Ed999]

Which runtime error do you need to fix? The solution to "runtime error" messages in Internet Explorer is different depending on the type of runtime error:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822521


Try disabling Javascript. Internet Explorer doesn't need it. Open Internet Explorer 6, then -

1. Go to: Tools > Internet Options
2. Click on the "Security" tab.
3. Highlight the icon labelled "Internet", then click the button marked "Custom Level".
4. Scroll down the list you get given, to the section headed "Scripting".
5. Select "disable" for all 3 options ('Active Scripting', 'Allow Paste operations via script', and 'Scripting of Java applets'); then click on "OK".
6. Click on "OK".
7. Restart the computer normally.


Note: As it's a 1997 model computer, chances are it's using an integrated sound driver, i.e. one contained in a chip on the motherboard. Probably that chip is providing AC'97 audio, which was all the rage back in '97.

If so, you'll need an audio driver for AC'97 audio from the motherboard manufacturer. You can read the model number off the motherboard: it'll be painted on in white lettering. That motherboard model number will enable you to do a Google search that should reveal the motherboard manufacturer: their website will be the most likely source of the driver you need; but also try http://www.driverguide.com/