Sidewinder 3D pro drivers for win2k/xp?

[vofflujarnid]

Hi there

I have a Microsoft Sidewinder FreeStyle Pro gamepad and I was just wondering if anyone else, who have same or similar gamepads, are looking for drivers/software for win2k/xp. I can't find drivers for my gamepad and the CD the came with my device, has only drivers for windows 95/98.

I have searched the whole Microsoft site for hours but I have found nothing. And as most of you know, there is a hell of a trouble contacting microsoft due to their complicated contacting methods

Doesn't sound right to me to just throw my gamepad away and buy and new one just because my gamepad doesn't support drivers for win2k/xp.

Any suggestions comments?

Kind regards.

 

[(Shovel)]

Not sure about 2K, but XP just has support for them out of the box.

You'll find there's a "Microsoft Sidewinder Auto-Detect" option in the Joystick options.

 

[Jonty]

Hello

All downloads for the Sidewinder series seem to be located here: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/Downloads.asp As you rightly say it says Windows 95/98, but you might want to give the software a try and see what happens. Otherwise, you might to check the knowledge base located at http://support.microsoft.com

Sorry I can't be of more assistance

 

[vofflujarnid]

Hi again

Thanks for your answers. I tried to install the win95/98 driver, but there came a software error. I think I will also need the Gamepad software, so I can configure the gamepad's buttons for the games i'm playing. Don't think win2k/xp have it built-in, will check though.

Thanks again.
Kind regards.

 

[Krazeh]

2k and xp both come with the sidewinder drivers, just select Sidewinder auto detect in the game controllers panel

 

[(Shovel)]

And, to my knowledge, the software has been discontinued for 2k/XP. Not sure why though.

I have a couple of Sidewinder devices though, and have not been able to get programmable software for it - not that I ever used it.


It may be something to do with modern games using all eight buttons, whereas when the gamepads were released many games stilled used the old 2/4 buttoned analogue system.

 

[Jonty]

Just as a general point, although it's not applicable here, but Microsoft are to discontinue their Sidewinder series. It's a shame, since they're good products, but instead they're going to focus on their other hardware projects (XBox, mice, keyboards, routers etc.) Microsoft will probably continue to support their Sidewinder series, but I wouldn't expect any major updates in the future.

Kind Regards