Hey there everyone. I recently was given an older (2003) Gateway laptop computer, model 450ROG.

Now, I am no stranger to reformatting the hard drives, installing a fresh OS, and getting the drivers and hardware up and running. I have built many computers and have reformatted many different types of computer s.

I have a fresh install of Windows XP Profesional on the computer. I have the all of the drivers working except for the modem (which i wont install cause who uses a modem these days?) and the audio driver.

Now all the info I can find says that this laptop contains a Sigmatel® Soft Audio AC97 rev 2.3 codec (STAC9752) chipset. I have tried downloading the audio driver that is listed for this model laptop on the Gateway site. The new hardware wizard starts to install the drivers for the audio and the blue screen of death flashes real quick and the computer reboots, once windows is logged on, the hardware wizard tries again to install the audio and the entire process repeats.

I have tried downloading the AC97 drivers straight from the Realtek site as well as older versions that I have found. The only way the computer will work is to boot in safe mode and disable the Realtek ACA97 audio and restart. The computer seems to run fine with the audio disabled.


Anyone have any ideas?

Those offering help please note help also asked for here:Gateway 450rog Audio problem - FixYa

As not to confuse any help given/received.