Static or Computer Hangs Playing MIDI Files in Windows 98

• Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

When you try to play a Musical Instrument Device Interface (MIDI) file on your Windows 98-based computer, you may hear static, and your computer may stop responding (hang).

CAUSE

This issue can occur if your computer has a slower Central Processing Unit (CPU), and has a sound card that uses a Windows Driver Model (WDM) driver. When Windows 98 installs WDM sound card drivers, it also installs the Microsoft GS Synthesizer tool. This tool is very CPU intensive, and may not perform well if you have a slower CPU.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Multimedia.



2. Click the Midi tab.



3. Under Single Instrument, click a device other than the Microsoft GS Synthesizer, and then click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

The Microsoft GS Wavetable Synthesizer tool is new in Windows 98 and is available only if you are using WDM drivers.

Additional query words: 98

Keywords          : kbhw kbsound win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb 

Last Reviewed: February 10, 1999