Wow! 2 years? I re-format and re-install everything about every six months whether I have problems or not. I have all my systems on a network-so it's easy to backup everything.
I like to try out software, and if I dont like it, I uninstall it, but there are almost always some remnants. Stuff like that can build up and slow the system down.
What version of Windows you running? If 95, a or b?
You mentioned that you de-frag often....you do use scandisk often, too, right? It's just as important, if not more important.
Also, are there any conflicts with system resources? Sometimes when there's a conflict, the hardware will work, but just not reliably...intermittent problems. other times it just wont work. Having 2 soundcards can be hard to set up without some conflicts...but I know it's possible...it better be
.....I have a SB Live on the way to use along with
my Delta 66.
As far as turning off background programs, it's also good to disable things like screensavers, desktop wallpapers, animated icons, and windows themes...I know you probably know this, but just in case...I'm just brainstorming here...trying to think of every possibility.....
You're processing power, and ram are plenty for AT LEAST 4(or more)tracks...I've done that with a Pentium 200mmx with 128megs with no problems. Of course...I'm assuming we're talking about 16 bit, 44.1kHz.
Another thought....I assuming you're using the DMAN for your audio recording and the AWE64 for games and cd's and stuff? If you're using the AWE64 for recording.....since you updated the drivers.....did you run the wave profiler in Cakewalk again?
About your hard drive, if it's an 8 gig IDE, I'd bet it's a 5400 rpm - maybe UDMA 33?.....not blazing, but definitely fast enough for several tracks. One thing about the hard drive.....is it sharing the primary IDE channel with any other devices like a cdrom drive? If it's an older cdrom drive, it(cdrom drive) NEEDS to be on the secondary channel.
Well, That's enough brainstorming for now. Hey, If you fix the problem(s) PLEASE let us know what it was if you know, so's our brains can get more wrinkles.
[This message has been edited by MrBoogie (edited 07-19-2000).]