The AWE32 cards are quite easy to set up.
For DOS: Download the PnP setup utility (If you have a PnP version of the AWE32, if you do not, skip this step) and install it from
http://support.creative.com/downloads/downloa … nDownloadId=230
NOTE: When installing, copy the program into a temp folder, and then extract it (It's a self extracting archive)
Next, install the driver utility from here, same procedure.
http://support.creative.com/downloads/downloa … nDownloadId=273
Make sure that you install Windows 3.1/11 BEFORE you install these drivers, if you plan to run it.
To check if the RAM is working, use the DIAGNOSE tool, and ask it to scan the memory. If it goes through, then your memory is compatible and working.
To install a soundfont you need to place your GM/MT32/GS .sbk file (SF2 files not supported) into the folder (Named something like soundbanks or banks, whatever)
and name it synthgm.sbk for GM, synthmt.sbk for MT32, and synthgs.sbk for GS
Turn on MIDI emulation using the following commands
When using General MIDI do
AWEUTIL.COM /EM:GM
When using Roland MT32 do
AWEUTIL.COM /EM:MT32
When using GS do
AWEUTIL.COM /EM:GS
You need to have appropriate soundfonts for this to work. For the default MT32 soundfont (The GM one is included with the drivers)
look here:
http://www.philscomputerlab.com/drivers-for-awe64-gold.html
NOTE: MIDI only works on real mode DOS games, or protected mode games with dedicated AWE32 support.
Windows is REALLY easy. The best option is Windows 95C. Just install the card, install the OS (Or the other way around if you like) and if it doesn't detect and install it immediately, go to Add New Hardware, and select from the list Sound Blaster AWE32 PnP for PnP cards, and Sound Blaster AWE32 for non-PnP cards. If you do not see either, or these do not work, please download this and install
http://support.creative.com/downloads/downloa … nDownloadId=417
You normally do not need to do this, but this will also upgrade your drivers, so you may want to do it anyways.
For loading soundfonts in Win9x download this utility from the Creative website:
http://support.creative.com/downloads/downloa … nDownloadId=269
This apparently is only for Windows95, but it may work (Untested by me) in Windows 98, most likely as long as you use the VxD drivers for Windows 98 (I am unaware of WDM drivers for the AWE32)
This utility is easy to use. Select Soundfonts, select User Bank, and load your soundfont. You can use protected and real mode Windows and DOS in Window applications (I think) now, and the emulation has almost universal support by Windows programs.
If you have issues, perform clean installs on DOS or Windows 9x, and then reinstall the driver utilities. Make sure your RAM settings are done properly, and you may want to load everything high after the program is done in Autoexec.bat and Config.sys.
Good luck!