MS Sidewinder FFB 2

[Spidermonkey 0]

Hey guys, I have two computers, one with XP Home, and one with XP PRO. My home edition computer will install the FFB2 with no problems. The "Pro" computer however will not. The computer recognizes the Joystick, but when the "Found New Hardware" window pops up, it states: There was a problem installing this hardware. The data is invalid. I am using the 4.0 software on cd that came with the stick. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is this controller compatible with XP PRO? I just want to clear this up before I buy another Stick. Thankyou for any help.

[GTwannabe 0]

You probably need the Sidewinder patch for VIA USB chipset computers.

[Spidermonkey 0]

Any idea where I can aquire that patch. I think I read something about that on MS's site, but I could never find it. All links to it seemed to be wrong.

[GTwannabe 0]

Not sure... Microsoft seems to have dropped all support for their joystick products.

 

My patch came on install disc 2 with the joystick. Gave it to my dad, so I don't have it anymore. Maybe check DriverGuide.com?

[Spidermonkey 0]

Nope, unable to find it there. I really cannot believe how dificult this has been to install a simple USB joystick. I guess I'll have to buy a new stick. I thank-you for your assistance.

 

[Wilhelmus 1]

Before you buy new one, try this:

 

1)

Open registry editor, regedit.exe.

 

2)

Doubleclick HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, then SYSTEM, CurrentControlSet, Enum and finally PCI. You'll be now on "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\PCI" path.

 

3)

You will see a number of keys of the form "VEN_xxxx", where xxxx are strings like "VEN_105A&DEV_0D30&SUBSYS_4D33105A&REV_02" Under each of these folders will be another folder with a long numerical name, like "4&16b3c044&0&48F0".

 

4)

Open each folder and look for the "DeviceDesc", which matches the hardware you are trying to install. For example 'Unknown USB Joystick', 'FFB2 Joystick', etc.

Picture #1.

 

5)

Rightclick on the "VEN_xxxx" for that device and select 'Permissions' and then tick "Allow" for "Full Control".

Picture #2.

 

6)

Close Regedit and then try re-install your joystick.