Microsoft KB Archive/89873

= WSS Compatibility with Sound Boards and MS-DOS Applications =

Article ID: 89873

Article Last Modified on 10/15/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Sound System 1.0
 * Microsoft Windows Sound System 1.0a

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This article was previously published under Q89873



SUMMARY
The Windows Sound System driver has limited compatibility with other sound boards.



MORE INFORMATION
The Windows Sound System board is Adlib-compatible, which means that it only supports the FM synthesis used in games and other MS-DOS programs. It is also compatible with the SoundBlaster (Adlib-compatible model only).

Using the Windows Sound System with MS-DOS Based Games
If an Adlib-compatible game does not recognize the Windows Sound System driver as Adlib-compatible at an MS-DOS command prompt, then try the game in MS-DOS after restarting the computer, but before running Windows. The Yamaha OPL3 synthesis chip has a incompatible mode that may have been set; restarting the computer clears this mode.

If the game still doesn't recognize the Windows Sound System driver, then the game either does not support Adlib sound cards or has an incorrect interaction with the OPL3 synthesis chip. To resolve this problem, contact the game manufacturer.

There is no software volume control for MS-DOS programs using Adlib compatibility; you may have to turn down your stereo or headphones when running a game. Windows cannot adjust the volume because the game takes over control of the Yamaha OPL3 chip, which prevents the Windows driver from adjusting the volume control.

MIDI Control in Enhanced Mode
If you run Windows 3.1 in enhanced mode, MIDI playback may not work after you play an Adlib-compatible game from the MS-DOS command prompt while the command prompt is still running. To prevent a conflict when the Yamaha OPL3 synthesis chip is used, the command prompt (virtual machine) prevents other virtual machines from accessing the I/O ports. The I/O ports are locked until you exit the command prompt that is using the Windows Sound System.

Keywords: KB89873

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