Audio System Device Conflict

[ronawatts]

My new PCI Sound Card (DCS S817) was working when I got my PC back from the computer repair folks, but it now shows a conflict with the System's "Direct Memory Access Controller." Since I don't know what that is, I don't know if I can remove it. Help! Since then I have installed and uninstalled an Iomega External Zip Drive and an EasyPhoto ImageWave Scanner (they don't like each other). Any advice?

[Paleo Pete]

For the sound card problem, I'd remove it and reboot, let Windows find it again and see if it installs without the conflict. Windows is good about assigning non-conflicting resources. Don't remove the DMA Controller, although Windows will simply reinstall it too.

Add to that...I'd boot to Safe Mode and remove all Sound cards that show up in Device Manager. It's PCI, Windows will find and reinstall it when you reboot. Any old cards might still be there, but only when you look in Device Manager in Safe Mode.

For the zip/scanner problem get a data switch. They're about $20 and allow you to run up to 4 devices on one parallel port. Only drawback is you have to remember to set the switch to the device you want before you try to use it. Electronic data switches are available, but I don't know if they're worth using. I have a mechanical switch by Belkin, and love it. Scanners don't get along well with zip drives and laser jet printers.

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