help with creative mp3 soundblaster setup

**pete6737** · **10-13-06, 04:38 PM**

Hello all, I am new to the soundcard thing, and I could use some help. I tried to install the soundblaster, last night. The computer does not show the soundblaster as an option as a device. Also the usb port gets a warning message about the voltage surging, and I have to keep disconnecting it from the port. The computer is a Dell Inspiron 8500 laptop. What is the solution to this problem? Thank you in advance for your replies and help....Pete

**Wayne A. Pflughaupt** · **10-13-06, 08:52 PM**

Pete,

Dell’s support site has some patches for the Soundblaster and other cards. Maybe one of them will do the trick. Here's the link.

Regards,
Wayne

**pete6737** · **10-14-06, 08:24 AM**

thanks for the help, Wayne. most of the links are for the soundblaster "live", do you think that they would work for the mp3+? A friend thinks I need a powered usb hub for the usb power surge problem...another expense....sheesh, all for the love of killer audio....

**brucek** · **10-14-06, 09:27 AM**

Quote:

I need a powered usb hub for the usb power surge problem

Maybe. The USB port can support only a limited number of devices and then it needs help by means of a powered hub. I know I'm at my limit on my computer.

It would seems strange if the soundcard was the only device you're using and the port can't handle it. But if it says it can't power the device, you're kinda stuck getting a powered hub. They are dirt cheap though...

brucek

**Wayne A. Pflughaupt** · **10-14-06, 12:17 PM**

Quote:

But if it says it can't power the device, you're kinda stuck getting a powered hub. They are dirt cheap though...

You can hang on to the receipt in case that’s not the problem. Worse case you can try another sound card.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

**pete6737** · **10-14-06, 05:24 PM**

Bruce and Wayne,
I bought a usb hub which seems to stop the surge balloon I was getting. After reinstalling the software, I'm still not getting the soundcard to register...I guess I need to get with creative, , I'm really bummed. I want to check out the REW and I'm getting stopped at every turn....Thank you for the help. I'm off to the creative website....Pete

**Wayne A. Pflughaupt** · **10-14-06, 08:55 PM**

Keep us posted…

Regards,
Wayne

**fibreKid** · **10-15-06, 01:46 AM**

Hello;

I use the creative mp3+ usb sound card too. I used it with a little shuttle PC without a hitch but it also failed with my wife's laptop. I have since purchased a powered hub. (ie usb hub with it's own power supply) have you tried to uninstall the SW and then reinstall the sound card software. I know I had some quirks getting the card to to be recognized.

Good luck
-john

PS: Once I got it up and running, it worked perfectly after that.

**Glyptoron** · **10-15-06, 03:18 AM**

Hello,

I'm using a Creative USB MP3+ too.

First, you should unplug the card.
Second, you should uninstall Creative software.
Third, you should clean up Windows Registry with CCleaner (free) or Tuneup Utilities 2006 (full demo).

Then, please verify that the switch of the Creative card is on " DIGITAL / ANALOG " position.

Now, you can plug the USB card in.

Launch the CD and install "Sound Blaster" and "Creative MediaSource" drivers.

Reboot your laptop if you are asking to do it.

Least, but not last, download the last Creative drivers before using the sound card :
http://us.creative.com/support/downl...pe=1&x=31&y=17

Hope it will help !
Best regards from Normandy (not near Aldershot in England [JohnM ;-) ] but in France).

**Glyptoron** · **10-15-06, 03:21 AM**

Sorry,

Please read "Last, but not least" and not "Least, but not last".

**pete6737** · **10-15-06, 08:57 AM**

hello all, thanks for all the help. The powered usb hub seemed to do the trick. I did have to uninstall the software and download the update. Now I am showing that the soundblaster is installed, and it registers in the REW program! yeah!...I will hooking it up to the theater and checking out the REW later today.
You guys rock! thanks, Pete

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