My Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro version 1.0 worked perfectly with my system comprising WindowsME, an Asus P3V4X motherboard with a Intel PIII 600EB, and Vibra 128 Sound Card. However, since changing the motherboard to an Epox EP-8KTA3Pro with AMD XP1600+ my SideWinder is recognised in Control Panel but will not connect. I have installed the SWGameEN.exe (v3.02) software and swapped the SW3DPro.vxd v 3.00.00 file in WINDOWSSYSTEM for v3.00.01. Is there something we have missed or have our Joysticks been made redundant with advancing technology?

As you have installed the latest version of the SideWinder game control software and updated the SW3DPro.VXD file, I assume that you have followed the procedure at support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q236113. Another Microsoft Knowledge Base article that may interest you is support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q218615 which provides general advice for the instances when any SideWinder control will not connect. However, I think we can assume that the cause of the problem is that you have a bus speed over 100MHz. The first Knowledge Base article mentioned that even after performing its procedure, the problem may persist on some computers with a bus speed faster than 100MHz. However, I am not sure about any solutions to fix this problem. I am also doubtful that it can be fixed as Microsoft does not offer any other suggestions. I apologise that I could not be of more help.