How I Solved The X-FI + Vista Driver Unrecognized Device Prob

Question

Okay, the solution first, then comments. It's not bad hardware, like myself and so many others assumed. Those of us who are used to using Creative products are familiar with the drop down menus to get to your type of device, model, and OS. Here's the rub: Currently, if you quite naturally choose "X-FI" in the top of the box (especially makes sense since it's at the top of the list,) and then choose "Soundblaster," you will be taken to the download for the driver that?seems to primarily work as a driver for insanity in the user. If, instead, you choose "Soundblaster" in the FIRST box, and then "X-Fi" in the SECOND box, you will be taken to a completely different driver that recognizes the card, sets up the drivers, and everything goes hunky dory from there. (Don't let the "beta" fool you.) The downloaded file should start with "SBXF" instead of "XFXA." Of course, you're going to have to close a bunch of Vista windows trying to "help out" along the way, but choose wisely (you want to accept the ones that ask if you REALLY want to install the drivers you're installing, and cancel the rest) and you will be a happy camper. "X-Fi" instead of "unknown media device," and the pretty, pretty sound. Now my comments: I am a Creative fan, from the early days when they replaced the Ad Lib cards?for me, to my Prodikeys keyboard. They've always made great products with great support. I have never before been frustrated like this by them. And one of the things that made that support so great was the familiarity of the process for downloading drivers.
This is a MAJOR hiccup, and a LOT of people are posting all over the net about the percei'ved problem. Creative may have to talk a bit with whomever let that bit of confusion come about over something as simple as redundant menu choices on a website. Anyway, I am not going to copy this post all over the net, so if you try this solution and it works for you, please spread the word. It would have saved me three or four hours. Hope this helps even one person,--Tim Mitchell

Answer 1

What are you going on about? Using drugs? That sounded pretty logical to me? So why wouldnt people who have half a brain do that without youre "smart" solution?