This is a troubleshooting guide for Firewire in Windows XP or Windows 7 with emphasis on its usage in music recording. This guide is not applicable to other operating systems such as Mac or Linux. There are lots of audio interface that is using the Firewire port to interface with the PC.
If you are having issues with Firewire in audio applications; this guide can definitely help.
Most Important Step: Does Windows recognize Firewire?
The first step to any Firewire troubleshooting is to make sure that your operating system recognizes IEEE 1394. OK supposing you have a motherboard with built-in Firewire or a PCI based Firewire, how do you know that it is recognized by Windows?
Actually, it is very simple:
1.) Go to Start – Run and then type this command:
devmgmt.msc
Or you can go to Start – Control Panel – Right click on “System” then go to “Hardware” tab and then click “Device manager”. You get the same results but the long way of accessing device manager.
Windows Device Manager Screenshot
2.) If you cannot see IEEE 1394 in the device manager and you are sure that you have a Firewire in your computer, it implies that you have issues with your Firewire.
If you are not using an onboard Firewire; you will need to remove the PCI Firewire card and replacing it with other Firewire PCI cards to see if it works. You can also use the motherboard built-in Firewire port if it’s available.
Before removing any Firewire devices in your PC such as your PCI card or replacing your motherboard; there are also cases where the operating system won’t be able to detect Firewire.
3.) Most computers have BIOS admin screen, so you need to login and check your BIOS admin screen (depends on the motherboard model), to check if you have enabled Firewire. If Firewire is not enabled in the BIOS, then your operating system cannot use it.
Below is an example screenshot of an enabled Firewire in ASUS motherboard BIOS screen:
Enabled in Bios
In the above example, it uses the VIA Firewire chipset. It might be a different one in your motherboard. The most important thing to look at your motherboard BIOS screen is the “1394” (regardless of chipsets used) that stands for a Firewire device. Then make sure it is set to “enabled”. If you do not see this under your BIOS onboard devices, then your motherboard does not have a built-in Firewire.
4.) If you are sure that you have IEEE 1394 enabled in BIOS and still Windows won’t be able to detect it (you don’t see it in the device manager). There is a high chance that you have a damaged Firewire.
From my personal experience: I encounter some scenario where I have a dual boot system (Linux and Windows) that uses the Firewire audio interface. Then suddenly it stops working and device manager in Windows is not detecting it.
I completely turn off your computer (as well as your Firewire audio interface) for some time and then boot directly to Windows operating system. Then Firewire appears in the device manager as shown in the screenshot previously.
Hardware is not working properly with Firewire installed
When you are sure that Windows is detecting the Firewire; the next step is to verify if your hardware drivers are correctly installed. If this is not correctly installed, your hardware will not work properly (e.g. Firewire audio interface).
Don’t panic. Windows will automatically search for drivers in your PC and in the event of driver corruption or problem, Windows can reinstall the drivers.
If you see a message “Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard“, click “Not this time“. Or select the option “Install the software automatically (recommended).” In this method, Windows will attempt to search for the working drivers for your Firewire hardware and restore it. I have used this feature before and it is really useful.
Below are the signs that your Firewire hardware connected is working properly:
1.) The Firewire LED indicator is on. In most Firewire audio interface there is a Firewire LED indicator. If this is lit, it means that Firewire is active and working.
2.) The playback and recording works properly. You won’t be hearing pops and clicks or any distortion in the playback/recording.
Things to do if driver re-installation won’t solve the problem (try any of the following):
1.) Visit the manufacturer website of your Firewire audio interface and download/install the latest drivers.
2.) If re-installation using latest drivers won’t work, ask the technical support team of your Firewire audio interface.
Built-in Firewire (motherboard) vs. PCI Firewire
If you are selecting between an onboard or PCI Firewire; it is wise to check the type of Firewire chipset first that is compatible with your Firewire audio interface.
For example, Firewire audio interface manufacturers like Focusrite has some recommendations when it comes to optimal chipsets. You can find it in this document.
Both motherboard Firewire and PCI Firewire will work as long as you have compatible chipsets. For example, in my ASUS motherboard I have Belkin Firewire that is compatible with Focusrite Firewire audio interface. I am currently using this one.
What can possibly damage a Firewire?
Firewire behaves differently from USB. In most cases:
1.) It is not advisable to disconnect the connected Firewire hardware while your operating system is running. You should shut down your operating system first before disconnecting the device.
2.) If you have a connected Firewire audio interface to the Firewire port that is not running; it is wise to disconnect it.
3.) It is not advisable to connect a Firewire powered device (like a Firewire audio interface) in the Firewire port of your computer while the operating system is running.
4.) It is advisable to turn off your Firewire audio interface only if the computer is turn off. Turning it off while the OS is running would make sense, but for me this is not a good practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Firewire Troubleshooting
Can I replace a damaged motherboard built-in Firewire?
No, the simplest solution would be to buy an external Firewire solution like PCI. Make sure that it is compatible with your audio interface.
Can quality of the Firewire affects the quality of my recording?
Yes, if you are using an incompatible Firewire chipset, chances are your audio interface is not running at optimal condition. You should be using compatible Firewire with the audio interface that you are going to connect.
I see an exclamation mark on my Firewire section in Device manager
This implies that your Firewire has been detected but it is not running properly. You can do two things:
a.) Disable the device. During reboot Windows will attempt to find the device and then reinstall the drivers either from your own PC or the one that you will provide.
b.) Uninstall and reinstall the drivers. If you have the copy of the Firewire drivers provided by the manufacturer, you can use it to reinstall.