Freezing/Slowdown Fix for Dell Optiplex GX110

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

20001001: Freezing/Slowdown Fix for Dell Optiplex GX110

October/2000
Tech Note #1

Tip of the Month! Ron H contributed this lifesaver of a Tech Note. This fix is only for the Dell OptiPlex GX110 workstations that have the SoundMax Integrated on-board sound card. The most common symptoms of this problem are the keyboard and mouse stop responding for a few seconds or for as long as a few minutes. The computer beeps when it resumes. The problem tends to get worse and worse, until the user finally gets so frustrated, they reboot. After reboot, the system will appear normal for an indeterminate amount of time (minutes, hours, days) and then the fault will recur. Also, if left running constantly without logging off and on and resynchronizing the time, the system clock may display an earlier time than is correct.

The fix is to change the sound card driver. The driver shipped with these systems is version 5.00.2231. Version 4.06.0526 is an older driver but it fixes the problem.

You can obtain the correct (ie. older) driver from Dell or from the shop ftp site.

After you extract the files, run setup, reboot and accept defaults.

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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2001 June 9

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