Static or Computer Hangs Playing MIDI Files in Windows 98 (188511)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98

This article was previously published under Q188511
If this article does not describe your hardware-related issue, please see the following Microsoft Web site to view more articles about hardware:

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.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/13/2006
Keywords:kbHardware kbprb kbsound KB188511