ASUS G73JH+Creative Software *how to use it without freezing the laptop*

Creative Software on the G73JH
One of the biggest major issue of the G73 is caused by this software: random freezes that requires you to shut down the laptop with the power button. Many users recommend it to be uninstalled or to not be installed in the first place. However in some cases this software can be useful and if used right, it won't freeze your machine.

Why do I need it?
The ASUS G73JH comes with a built in subwoofer and a sound card with EAX support. These can only be activated in the Creative Audio Center.


As you can see, it is not possible to configure the speakers in the Realtek HD Audio Manager and you can't set sound effects neither. On default settings the subwoofer is off, so if you wan't to use it, you need this software to be installed.

Why does it freeze my laptop?
The exact reasons are currently unknown, we only know that it is incompatible with some other software.

Currently known software that have compatibility issues: (03-05-2010)
- STEAM client
- Windows 7 Ease of Access Center
- Ventrilo

How do I know if it's incompatible?
Your laptop will freeze and you need to shut it down with the power button.

So why do I need it if it freezes my laptop?
You don't, but you won't be able to use the subwoofer without it and if you are careful it won't freeze.

When will it be fixed?
I don't know, depends on when will ASUS release a new version of Creative Audio Manager(I can't even find thecurrent version on their download page).

INSTALLATION
- if you have the default OS it is already installed
- you can use the driver DVD
- I uploaded Creative Software+Realtek driver here: click 4 letter password is: note book review forum
Note: DO NOT install the latest Realtek audio driver, because the Creative software will not be able to detect the audio device!

How to enable the subwoofer?
1) Start Creative Audio Center

2) Click on the Speakers button


3) Click on "Bass settings"


4) Here just put the check in the box and it is now enabled! (You can test it with music, you will hear the difference)



How to enable/set EAX?
Just click on the "EAX Effects" button in the main menu and it will take you to the page where you can enable and set it.



From the main menu you can also reach CMSS-3D settings, Equalizer, Mixer and the volume control.


What do I need to watch out for? + tips
1) You CAN'T have EAX/subwoofer enabled OR run Creative Audio Manager the same time with an incompatible program (see "Currently known software that have compatibility issues:" above). If you want to run one of the mentioned software, you need first to DISABLE the subwoofer/EAX/etc. and CLOSE Creative Audio Manager BEFORE you launch that program!

2) Close Volume Panel

I also recommend to disable auto start up

3) Before you launch an incompatible program check if everything is disabled (just in case you forget)

Why is this better than uninstalling it?
+ you can listen to music and watch movies with subwoofer (big difference in the sound quality!)
+ you can play games with subwoofer (except for the ones that are on your STEAM account)
+ easier to click a few instead of reinstalling it every time you want to use the subwoofer

Does it really work?
It is very simple but, yes if you do everything correctly, you don't have to worry.


See? I have every possible Creative software installed that came with the laptop and I'm still able to run STEAM without a problem, all I had to do is to disable the subwoofer which I used previously and exit the program.

ps: I checked, when I forgot to disable the subwoofer, the laptop freezed after starting STEAM.