DOS Games Discussion

Michael · Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2003 Posts: 1

Hi everybody!!

What I want to know is how to get rid of that horrid pc speaker in dos games! I don't know if there are any patches for my sound card which is a soundblaster 128 pci. I just want normal sound can anyone help!?

Thanks

Splodginator · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 6:51 am Post subject:

Theres a topic here to turn it off in Windows. I don't think you can in DOS.

emmzee · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 12:23 pm Post subject:

In pure DOS (ie there is no Windows on the computer, you're using DOS only), the only way to disable the PC speaker that I know of is to open up your case and unplug it. Its not difficult and you're 100% sure you'll never hear it beeping again! Happy

For Windows, the above solution also works Wink

or you can visit the thread pointed to by frogboy above Happy

Dogbreath · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 12:42 pm Post subject:

I once read a method used by this guy at Z2 to convert it from PC speaker to external speakers (the ones you can control volume with)... he actually opened up his case and rewired it so that instead of sending the signal to the bleeper it would send it to his sound card (?). What scares me is it actually worked and he was able to control his PC speaker volume... in any case, it's simple enough just to detach it and leave it be if you don't want to run the risk of seriously screwing up your computer.

(Also, can't you adjust PC speaker volume in BIOS? I distinctly recall doing that at one time or another...)

Kazer0 · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 3:01 pm Post subject:

My old olivetti m300 has a pc speaker volume control on the case. I can turn it down from there.

Da_Goat · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 5:17 pm Post subject:

I don't know how or why, but my computer automatically sends PC speaker sounds through my regular speakers. It's great. I haven't had to listen to them for ages now.

MadTom · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 7:56 pm Post subject:

Old Toshiba laptops have their virtues, and the ability to control PC speaker output is one of them.

For a ZZTer, a true blessing!

Dogbreath · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 8:09 pm Post subject:

MadTom: What's the market value on one of those these days? I may invest in one if only to avoid hearing the Mission Impossible theam being blared out of my PC every time I start up one of half of the zzt games in the archive...

Amro · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:55 pm Post subject:

i remember there being a program that could change all volume settings in DOS... maybe it can disable the PC Speaker

try using the game's setup and set Sound to None.

MadTom · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2003 10:11 am Post subject:

Dogbreath · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2003 12:53 pm Post subject:

In that case, I'll have to get one of those someday. I've been looking for a good machine to play old (1990 and before, with some exceptions) DOS games like Star Command or PSI 5 Trading Station.

J-Man · Member Joined: 10 Oct 2003 Posts: 22

Some programs can silence the PC speaker (not 100% though). They act as TSR's and they can eliminate MOST of the PC speaker sounds. They are either shareware or freeware and they are available on some download sites.

Interon · Guest

If you want to turn off the PC speaker permanently, here's what you need to know:

There are two types of PC speakers. One is integrated into the motherboard (called piezo) and the other has a separate speaker. If your computer has the piezo then you're stuck with that annoying beeper. If you have the separate speaker, simply unplug it from the motherboard (You can even leave the speaker inside the chassis in case you ever want to use it again).

The brand-namers (HP, Dell, IBM, Gateway, etc.) tend to use piezo and the custom-built or local shop clones tend to use the separate speaker.

Of course, you could try the silencer programs but they are rarely 100% effective (also, most occupy a small piece of that precious 640 K).

wardrich · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:04 pm Post subject:

The easiest way is to simply unplug it from the Motherboard. Just remeber that when you plug it in again, the label on the plug goes inwards.

-Richard-

Interon · Guest

For piezo PC speakers, the piezo piece is soldered on to the motherboard so it can't be disconnected without ruining the motherboard.

wardrich: Your solution only works for the separate speaker type, which not all computers use.