The 2230 doesn't require memory resident drivers at all. If you install the full set you will not gain any meaningful function. Just use sb basic and stick your set blaster and diagnose /s in the autoexec.bat to initialize the card

Thanks! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to lose functionality if I didn't use the included driver disks (they appear to add on a bunch of apps I don't want).

I grabbed the Sbbasic.exe file and tried installing it. I'm using DOS7.1 from Win95. When I go into DOS and try installing (after extracting the files), it says I'm running from a Win95 installation, and that it'll only install the 3.1/DOS drivers. Good, I want the DOS files. But then the thing crashes right after and doesn't install anything. I also tried booting directly into DOS7.1 without going into Win95 first, and it gives me the same thing.

Just use UNISOUND.

There are tricks to install the original SB16 software in MS-DOS 7.10 - SB16 Setup with DOS 7

But yes, with the advent of UNISOUND, no real need for the original stuff...

I had a rough time messing around trying to get my CT2230 working fine with DOS 7.10, and as soon as I discovered UNISOUND I immediately tossed it all to the side. UNISOUND just makes configuring everything so, so much easier, and I highly recommend using it if you aren't already.

I actually have it on my other DOS machine for a soundcard that I couldn't find drivers for. I didn't realize I could use it transparently for a SB though. Thanks, I'll transfer it over and see how I fare.

Dont forget to set high DMA variable and T6 for 16bit. 😉

Unisound is great. I'll be using it from now on I think. I have a couple questions out of curiosity though.

When using 'Set Blaster', is this actually making a setting on the card itself, or is it just inputting a variable in the DOS environment? I think this is just to tell DOS how the card is set up.

Because you also have the Diagnose /s thing coupled with it. I'm guessing Diagnose checks the actual settings on the card itself against what you put in Set Blaster, but correct me if I'm wrong. Also, exactly what is the /s switch for with Diagnose?

Thanks for the replies in advance 😀

Syntho wrote on 2024-08-03, 06:07:

When using 'Set Blaster', is this actually making a setting on the card itself, or is it just inputting a variable in the DOS environment? I think this is just to tell DOS how the card is set up.

"set blaster..." only inputs a variable into the DOS environment.
It doesn't affect any hardware settings.

To actually set the hardware, something more is necessary, eg. UNISOUND...
UNISOUND reads the BLASTER variable, and sets the sound card accordingly.

Many DOS programs also read the BLASTER variable to find the sound card settings.

Because you also have the Diagnose /s thing coupled with it. I'm guessing Diagnose checks the actual settings on the card itself against what you put in Set Blaster, but correct me if I'm wrong.

I think "diagnose /s" does the same as UNISOUND - reads the BLASTER variable, and sets the sound card accordingly.

Also, exactly what is the /s switch for with Diagnose?

That switch makes it to set the hardware, and exit.
Without the switch, it runs in interactive mode, allowing the user to choose the settings, and perform diagnostics.

Got it. Thanks a lot 😀