Hi, I recently reformatted my HD (80gig Maxtor 7200 RPM) and installed Windows XP Professional (downloaded SP1, and other important updates via windows update). I'm working on a Dell Dimension 8100 1.5gig P4 w/ recent self-installed upgrades of an extra 256megs ram (Total 512), an SB Audigy Gamer sound card, Inspire 5.1 5300 surround speakers, Xtasy's AGP 128meg DDR GeForce4 4200 graphics card, and a new DVD rom. I've installed the updates as I mentioned and XP now doesn't complain about any non-digitally signed drivers or any hardware conflicts, but certain applications cause all aspects of the computer to freeze and a high-pitched, feedback-like whine to emit from the speakers. This doesn't happen with explorer or Roxio Easy CD creator 5(Which came with the computer) but so far has occured more than once while using Creative Playcenter, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Dungeon Keeper II, and once while clicking a button on Norton Antivirus. Has anyone had or heard of a problem like this before? Any information would be appreciated. -Jeff

Jeff, My system with an Audigy was going into a black screen of death. I submitted the error code to Microsoft (it was automatic), Microsoft came back that it was some unknown driver causing the problem. I updated all, including the SB. No troubles since. The system black srceened just as the booting sound started, leading me to believe it was the SB causing same. Go to Creative and get the latest drivers for your sound card. My system put out a short squeal and a loud thump before coming down. DVW PS: According to the builders of my system, the worst offenders in lousy drivers are: 1. Video cards. 2. Sound cards. I think that they know what they're talking about, 'cause they have the tee'd off customers coming back in the door.

Hola, quiero instalar WinXP profesional pero no tengo la clave del producto alguien me puede decir cual es pide 25 caracteres. soy de mexico.

It turns out the problem was that Creative's Audigy card had certain issues with a particular chipset that was used in some Dell computer boards. Dell released a bios patch that seems to have cleared things right up. Thanks for the suggestions though, guys!