Had a bit of a scare with my sound, as I kept hearing popping noises.
I ran Audacity 1.3.4 and 1.3.6, and I tell the programmes just weren't behaving properly at all!
So, I decided to do a fresh install of XP, only to have my pc crash during setup. I try this several times, but keep getting stop code 0x8e. 'Fine! Whatever!' I think to myself. 'As long as I still have my files.' I booted up normally and did a few searches on the subject. I came across WinASO, a registry cleaner (trial). What the heck, I figure. I've never, EVER cleaned a registry on any of my pcs because I just don't think about.
Ran WinASO, found like (literally) over a 1,000 errors in the registry. Unfortunately, the trial only let's you correct 10 at a time, so I just bought that programme. With it, I was able to clean my registry, clean up invalid shortcuts, and a number of other diagnostics. I perform an analysis using System Mechanic, which stated that I had 0% memory available. I fixed it, then remembering what everyone here had been telling me all along, I decided to MANUALLY defrag my drives instead of trusting the System Mechanic's analysis test.
That done, I used Free Internet Washer to clear off internet debris (probably an unnecessary action, but I wanted to be sure).
A re-boot and suddenly Audacity is doing cartwheels like a kid whose just gotten over the measles. I was able to work within the problem with VERY, I mean, VERY little resistance. I worked on four projects back to back and Audacity pulled through.
All over the forum, I hear the same thing about how Audacity just doesn't like a dirt system. Funny how a little 4mb programme can demand so much attention. I haven't figured out the stop code during setup. At this point, I'm inclined to just leave it alone.To just keep cleaning the registry and defragging.
So, what I've learnt so far:
1.) When Audacity starts coughing, it's usually because it's getting ill. Check, HD space, and defrag the HD regularly. Do a virus scan, just to be sure.
2.) Do not neglect cleaning the registry! Earlier I stated that I was noticing a decline in my pc's performance. Most likely because of over 1,000 errors all vying for attention. The last thing I would have thought about is registry issue. I mean, who thinks about their pc's registry?
3.) Keep sound drivers (all drivers really) up-to-date.
4.) Let Audacity have center stage when it is running. Shut off A|V scanners and such. Because I mostly use my phone for internet connections, I go ahead and shut down my firewall.
5.) This is something I'm going to start implementing, along the lines of what was said earlier about those who do a fresh install after a big project. Basically, after I'm finished working with Audacity, I'm going to do tests for disk space, registry, and defrag (if needed).
I feel like a disruptive child who must write 'I'm sorry' a hundred times on the blackboard.
Live and learn, huh?
here are some third party drivers available for this card called the Kx project
I just dl'ed the drivers. I haven't installed them yet. But, I'm happy to have them for when I'm ready to do such. I want to make sure I fully understand how to install them.
I'm a Mac shop now
Macs are more expensive than PCs. Is this because they are more "specialised" in terms of parts and such? I can easily build a pc using Frankenstein parts. Is this not so with a Mac? Mind, I'm still toying with the idea of taking that jump into Appleworld.
