First post, by Nicht Sehr Gut
- Rank
- l33t
First things first. VDMSound is a soundcard emulator with some additional features to enhance gameplay for DOS programs being run on a NT Operating system.
It is NOT a PC emulator like DosBox or Bochs. If your program can't run at all without VDMSound, don't count on that program to start working when you run it with VDMSound. The exceptions to this would be programs that require a stick controller, a sound card, or EMS memory to be present for the program to start up. If the program causes 16-Bit subsystem errors or similar problems, those can only be cure by emulation or running them in a DOS-based OS.
Also, you will need to understand a few basics of DOS. You don't need to be an expert, but you may need to do some basic editing or testing using the command prompt. You will need to understand common Windows terminology like "Right-click", "Drag'N'Drop", etc... If you're not familiar with these, check the documentation of your OS (Operating System) and learn about them.
Insert link for basic DOS commands.
Remember, VDMSound is an audio emulator for DOS programs
...ONLY for DOS programs
Do NOT attempt to run VDMSound with Windows programs. It is not MADE for Windows programs, it is not NEEDED with Windows programs.
Do NOT run VDMSound with Windows programs. Enough said.
One more note: when possible, try installing the game and running it without sound. While many games run adequately in NT (Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are all NT Operating Systems), there are many others that simply will not run properly. Sometimes it can be fixed, sometimes it cannot.
Many people have pointed the "finger of failure" at VDMSound, when the problem was the operating system.
Now...What OS are you running?
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If you are running Windows 95, 98, 98SE, or ME...
Unfortunately, these operating systems are based on DOS and aren't exactly the most stable environment to run hardware emulation.
There is an Alpha version, created for the purpose of testing out the viability of running VDMSound within these operating systems.
It's complicated and it's an Alpha...so don't expect anywhere near the performance of the NT version of VDMSound and support is near non-existant (due in no small part to the OS in which it is run). This guide will not deal with Alpha version.
If you wish to give it a try, go here.
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If you are running Windows NT 4.0:
For now, just install VDMSound 2.04...
Do NOT install or use VDMSound 2.10 on Win NT 4 yet!
(Attempts at a fix are in the works...)
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If you are running Windows 2000, or XP:
NOTE: If you already haven't done so, enable your OS to display the three-character extensions for filenames.
START --> Folder Options
Start with installing VDMSound 2.10. Make sure you have "Administrator’s Rights" before you attempt to install. In other words, make sure you have complete access to all the features of the OS. Unless someone else has set up your access, you should have these rights by default. When you start it will give you the option to add some utilities along with VDMSound. They are handy for a number of situations, I recommend installing them (although the source code isn't needed).
When it gets to the part about rebooting....DO IT. It doesn't have to happen at that moment, but it does have to happen before you attempt to use VDMSound. Do NOT skip this step.
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