Originally written: 3/14/2012; last Web page update: 3/13/2020, referencing rEFInd 0.12.0
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This page describes rEFInd, my fork of the rEFIt boot manager for computers based on the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) and Unified EFI (UEFI). Like rEFIt, rEFInd is a boot manager, meaning that it presents a menu of options to the user when the computer first starts up, as shown below. rEFInd is not a boot loader, which is a program that loads an OS kernel and hands off control to it. (Since version 3.3.0, the Linux kernel has included a built-in boot loader, though, so this distinction is rather artificial these days, at least for Linux.) Many popular boot managers, such as the Grand Unified Bootloader (GRUB), are also boot loaders, which can blur the distinction in many users' minds. All EFI-capable OSes include boot loaders, so this limitation isn't a problem. If you're using Linux, you should be aware that several EFI boot loaders are available, so choosing between them can be a challenge. In fact, the Linux kernel can function as an EFI boot loader for itself, which gives rEFInd characteristics similar to a boot loader for Linux. See my Web page on this topic for more information.
: For very old PCI models (Windows XP/Vista era), the Sound Card Drivers v2.2 collection contains original installer files for a wide variety of generic PCI audio cards. How to Identify Your Driver
If you have an older desktop computer or are repurposing legacy hardware, you may have come across a PCI sound card labeled "Ezhou." Because these cards are often generic or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) products, finding the correct driver can be difficult. This guide provides the download links and steps necessary to get your audio working.
Because "Ezhou" acts primarily as an OEM or regional brand, official drivers are sourced directly from the semiconductor manufacturers who created the core audio chips. Download the official package matching your hardware identity below: C-Media Chipsets (Most Common) ezhou pci sound card driver download link
Open the device properties in the Sound Control Panel, go to the Advanced tab, and lower the default format to 16-bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) to ease processing load on legacy chips.
Go to > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart . : For very old PCI models (Windows XP/Vista
Finding a driver for an "Ezhou" sound card requires a bit of detective work. The safest and most straightforward path is using a professional driver tool like . However, if you prefer a hands-on approach, identifying the Hardware ID and searching for generic chipset drivers will yield the best results. Ultimately, this will bring your audio hardware back to life.
If the above links do not work, you can find the specific driver by identifying your card's : Because "Ezhou" acts primarily as an OEM or
Select .
Look at the physical card. The largest chip on the board usually has the manufacturer’s name (like C-Media, Realtek, or VIA) and a model number printed on it. Troubleshooting Tips
Click . Select Have Disk... and click Browse .
Expand the section (or check Other Devices if it shows an exclamation mark).
copyright © 2012–2020 by Roderick W. Smith
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