M$FFB2 & DEP. HELP PLEASE!

[hml1953]

Is there anyone out there who is familiar with making software programmes work with the Data Execution Prevention (DEP) utility?  I'm having a problem with adding the Microsoft ForceFeedback 2 joystick programme into it.  I downloaded the driver from the joystick from a website; I noticed that when I entered the name of this file, as requested in the DEP menu, there was no .EXE  at the end of the file which was a requirement.  Obviously the file must be executable for the joystick to work. I have opened up the Games Controller folder and I did not see any .EXE file;  they were mainly .DLL files.  I wondered if the downloaded driver was corrupted, incomplete, etc?  or have I done something wrong.  I would very much value anybody's
advice and suggestion on how to solve this problem.  Thank you.

[congo]

If you are using windows, you don't need drivers for a sidewinder, the stick is supported in windows. I've used Sidewinders for years and never installed any drivers or utils for it. Never used the DEP util. Something screwed up yesterday and some DEP alert popped up, first time I ever saw it.

Dll's are the driver files, an .exe would be the driver installer only, in any event. (I'm guessing there is an installer.) Don't know why you can't see the file extension. I always changed my windows to view file extensions by default after I install windows.

[hml1953]

Thanks Congo;  unfortunately I'm running XP(SP2) which has this DEP utility to block certain software which it detects to be breaching the pc's security; it's a known issue with SP2.  However, an exception to the rule can be implementeded if I've the right file to do so.  You're right about the drivers being in Windows, but not for M$FFB 2;  somehow M$FFB PRO's driver is there!

[congo]

Just disable DEP if it's reaking havoc.

I never heard of any MS FFB that wouldn't run in XP, but then I never had a FFB2 stick and I'm not familiar with it's foibles, I thought they were all supported, even if the stick chosen doesn't exactly match the ones in the list, my stick isn't listed but still works fine if I choose a similar stick from gaming options. It should auto detect in gaming options though, if it doesn't try one of the others.

Like I said, if it still needs the drivers, turn off DEP, it's just a tick box in some advanced options, ask if you can't find it and I'll have a look.

[hml1953]

I've sorted out the problem. You're right about diasabling DEP but I had to add this file rundll32.dll(Systems 32) in the list to enable the profile and recorder to work.  Thanks Congo for your advice.

[congo]

Hmm, I couldn't totally disable DEP, it stays on for essential windows elements, which really sucks.

I should be able to allow my system to be virused if I wish, not having that option really annoys me.

I can't stand it when elements run automatically with no option to turn them off. There is no way to troubleshoot if those running programs are causing problems.

[Weather_Man]

Turning off DEP is easy enough.

To disable, you need to navigate your your boot.ini file.
control panel > system > advanced > startup and recovery / settings > edit

At this line at the end, change optIn to optOut

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptOut

More info on DEP here: http://support.microsoft.com/default.as ... -us;875352

[congo]

Or just open C: drive and edit the file with notepad,

Thanks very much Weatherman!

[Weather_Man]

There's several ways to do it, some which aren't mentioned. I disabled mine by changing to "Execute=OptIn.  I meant to go back and edit the post to "AlwaysOff", as that is more clear.

[congo]

The webpage you listed is quite clear on the keywords Weatherman, thanks again.