Buzzing noise problem

This file contains information to alleviate the buzzing noise generated
by some Sound Blaster cards on some machines.  This is not a fix, this
is merely a work-around.  

To determine if this work around will work for you, read this entire
file and review the symptoms below.   

First, some definitions.  

	Random occurrences refer to occurrences that happen without
	warning or pattern.

	Intermittent occurrences refer to occurrences that happen at a
	certain point, such as launching Windows or turning on the
	computer, but may not occur all the time.

If the buzzing noise occurs consistently at the same point, you will
most likely benefit from this work-around. 

If the buzzing noise occurs intermittently, check the symptom checklist
to be sure.

If the buzzing noise occurs at random, or if there are random playing of
instruments, or random lock ups, you are encouraged to contact Technical
Support.

Symptoms that qualify for this work around:

	Buzzing noise occurs when entering Windows.  (Primarily occurs
	on Gateway 2000 local bus systems)

				   or

	Buzzing noise occurs when the computer is turned on and cold or
	intermittently. (Usually occurs on Leading Edge computers, but
	has manifested itself on other clones)

				   or

	Buzzing noise occurs when exiting Windows or playing any Midi
	files.	(Has been known to occur on various clones).

				   and

	Running TEST-SBP will turn off the buzzing noise, and the
	buzzing noise will not return until after the computer is
	rebooted.


The work-around

When you install the software for the Sound Blaster, the default
location would be C:\SBPRO.  For the purpose of  this work-around, the
term %SOUND% will be used to identify the directory where the Sound
Blaster files are located.

When you boot up your system, the AUTOEXEC.BAT will have at least three
statements that set up your Sound Blaster Card.  With the default
installation, the statements would look something like this:

	SET SOUND=C:\SBPRO
	SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 T4
	C:\SBPRO\SBP-SET /M:12 /VOC:12 /CD:12 /FM:12

These statements may not be in any specific order, nor will they
necessarily occur next to each other.  However, the SBP-SET instruction
should occur last. 

What you need to do is edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, locate the SBP-SET
instruction and add two more instructions after that line.  It is
recommended that you move all the statements to the top of your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  The two instructions are:

	%SOUND%\SBFMDRV
	%SOUND%\SBFMDRV /U

The first instruction re-initializes the FM-Chip which will stop the
noise.	It also loads the FM driver into memory, which is not necessary
to keep the noise away.  Therefore, the second instruction, with the /U,
is used to uninstall the driver and reclaim the memory.  If you move the
Sound Blaster instructions to the top of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, they
should occur in this order:

	SET SOUND=C:\SBPRO
	SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 T4
	C:\SBPRO\SBP-SET /M:12 /VOC:12 /CD:12 /FM:12
	%SOUND%\SBFMDRV
	%SOUND%\SBFMDRV /U

For systems that manifest the buzzing noise at the point of powering up
the system or using the CTL-ALT-DEL, the buzzing noise will continue
until the AUTOEXEC.BAT file issues the work around.  Testing has shown
that by pressing the RESET button to reboot your system does not cause
the buzzing noise to return.

If the buzzing noise persists, or the work around stops working, please
call Technical Support.