Windows 7 MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2

[ribben]

Hey,

Some people, including me, have experienced problems when using MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in Vista. This joystick seems to work properly when it is plugged for first time. However, if you choose to, for some reason, unplug it and later re-plug it, Sidewinder loses its force feedback features (including return-to-center function).

Has anyone faced these kind of issues when using Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in Win 7? According to Win 7 Compatibility Center, Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 should be compatible with Win 7.

Thanks.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick when using it in Windows 7. Although the Windows 7 Compatibility Center lists the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 as compatible with Windows 7, there might still be specific issues arising when unplugging and replugging the joystick. Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem with the force feedback and return-to-center function of the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in Windows 7: 1. Reinstall Drivers: - Ensure you have the latest drivers for the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. Sometimes, outdated or corrupted drivers can cause compatibility issues. You can check Microsoft's official website for the latest drivers. 2. Calibration: - Re-calibrate the joystick in the Windows Control Panel. This can sometimes reset any erroneous settings that may be causing the issue. 3. USB Port: - Try using a different USB port on your computer. Sometimes, different ports can have varying power levels, which might affect the functionality of the joystick. 4. Power Management: - Check the power management settings for the USB Root Hub in Device Manager. Disable the option to allow Windows to turn off the device to save power. 5. Compatibility Mode: - Try running the software that controls the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in compatibility mode for Windows Vista or an earlier version. Right-click on the software executable, go to Properties, and then the Compatibility tab to make changes. 6. Test on Another System: - Test the joystick on another computer running Windows 7 to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your computer. If you've already tried these steps and are still experiencing issues, it might be helpful to reach out to Microsoft support or forums dedicated to gaming peripherals for further assistance. Additionally, other users who have faced similar problems with the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in Windows 7 might share their experiences and solutions online, so searching for specific forums or threads related to this issue could provide more insight. Hopefully, these steps will help in resolving the problems you're encountering with the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 in Windows 7. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you have any other questions!