Installation of the GIGAPORT HD Driver under Windows (up to v3.0)

Introduction

The GIGAPORT HD driver is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7/8, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The installation procedure may vary slightly depending on the operating system version. This guide first details the installation for Windows Vista and Windows 7/8, followed by instructions for Windows XP. Please refer only to the section relevant to your operating system. This guide is applicable for driver versions up to 3.0. For later versions, please consult the original article.

Installation under Windows Vista and Windows 7/8

Before starting the installation, disconnect your GIGAPORT HD if it is already connected. Then, launch the setup.exe file from the unzipped downloaded driver. During the launch, Windows Vista or Windows 7/8 may display a security message; ensure you allow the installation. You will then see a dialog box similar to the one described below. Click 'Next' to proceed. You can specify the target directory for the installation at this stage. Confirm your choice by clicking 'Next'.

[Description of Image 1: Welcome screen for the ESI-GIGA PORT HD Audio Driver Setup, advising to disconnect USB audio devices and close other programs before proceeding. It prompts the user to click 'Next'.]

[Description of Image 2: Destination Location dialog, allowing the user to select the installation folder for the driver, with the default path shown as 'C:\Program Files\ESINGIGA_HD'. Buttons include '< Back', 'Next >', 'Cancel'.]

The installer will then indicate that the driver installation is about to begin, as shown in the dialog below. Confirm this by clicking 'Next'. Throughout the process, a Windows Security dialog box may appear one or more times, requesting confirmation to install the driver software. Approve any such dialog by clicking 'Install'.

[Description of Image 3: Driver setup progress screen, warning that the system might prompt for confirmation of software not passing Windows Logo testing, and advising to select '[Continue Anyway]' before clicking 'Next'.]

[Description of Image 4: Windows Security dialog asking for permission to install the 'ESI Sound, video and game controllers' device software from 'ESI Audiotechnik', with options to 'Install' or 'Don't Install'. A checkbox 'Always trust software from "ESI Audiotechnik".' is present.]

You will next be prompted to connect the hardware. In the subsequent dialog, plug in your GIGAPORT HD. Do not click 'OK' immediately. Wait a few seconds for the automatic device driver installation to complete. You can monitor this process via a bubble message in the task notification area, which will inform you when the driver has been installed.

[Description of Image 5: Information dialog box with an [info icon] stating 'To finish the installation connect your device to this computer and turn it on.' with an 'OK' button.]

Installation under Windows XP

Before starting the installation, disconnect your GIGAPORT HD if it is already connected. Then, launch the setup.exe file from the unzipped downloaded driver. You will see a dialog similar to the one shown below. Click 'Next' to proceed. You can specify the target directory for the installation at this stage. Confirm your choice by clicking 'Next'.

[Description of Image 6: Welcome screen for the ESI-GIGA PORT HD Audio Driver Setup, similar to the Vista/7/8 version.]

[Description of Image 7: Destination Location dialog for Windows XP, allowing the user to select the installation folder, with the default path shown as 'c:\Program Files\ESINGIGA HD'. Buttons include '<Back', 'Next >', 'Cancel'.]

The installer will then inform you that the driver installation is starting, as depicted in the dialog below. Confirm this by clicking 'Next'. During this process, you may encounter a dialog box multiple times, indicating that the driver software has not passed Windows Logo testing. Rest assured, ESI drivers have undergone extensive testing and are confirmed to be functional. Approve any such dialog by selecting 'Continue Anyway'.

[Description of Image 8: Driver setup progress screen for Windows XP, warning about potential prompts for software not passing Windows Logo testing and advising to select '[Continue Anyway]' before clicking 'Next'.]

[Description of Image 9: Software Installation dialog for Windows XP, explicitly stating the GIGA Controller driver has not passed Windows Logo testing and warning about potential system instability, with options to '[Continue Anyway]' or '[STOP Installation]'.]

You will then be prompted to connect the hardware. In the dialog shown below, plug in your GIGAPORT HD. Do not click 'OK' yet. During the driver installation, Windows may prompt you to confirm the Windows Logo testing dialog with 'Continue Anyway' one or more times before the driver installation is finalized.

[Description of Image 10: Information dialog box with an [info icon] stating 'To finish the installation connect your device to this computer and turn it on.' with an 'OK' button.]

Completion Confirmation

Once all the preceding steps are completed, the installation is finished. To confirm successful installation, check for the ESI icon displayed in the taskbar notification area, as illustrated below. A system reboot may occasionally be required.

If the ESI icon is present, the driver installation has been completed successfully.

[Description of Image 11: A representation of the taskbar notification area showing the ESI icon and a [clock icon], indicating the driver installation is complete.]