problem running Mbox through VMware

[layinitdown]

I'll get the basics out of the way first
Computer model and processor speed-----Custom build, 3.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4
OS version -------Main OS is Vista Ultimate-XP Pro SP2 running in VMware
Pro Tools version-----7.3.1
Amount of RAM installed----2bg Kingston HyperX dual channel
Any attached peripherals (hard drives, video devices, other firewire or USB devices that may be attached, etc)---1 Standard CD-ROM, 1 DVD-RW drive, 80gb SATA Hard Drive, Nvidia GeForce 7600 GS


Situation: Installed Pro Tools 7.3.1 into XP Professional OS running through VMware under Vista Ultimate OS, installation presented no issues. Installation went smooth, no software problems. While loading Pro Tools through XP Pro, the software is unable to detect the Mbox 2.

Troubleshooting done: Verified that in order for an OS running under VMware to recognize USB port devices, the main OS (Vista Ultimate) must first recognize the hardware in order to pass it along to the virtual OS. Device drivers supplied by the pro tools 7.3.1 disk are not compatible with Vista, but do allow Vista to recognize the Mbox 2, just not allow it to work properly.

Problem: Looking for answers as to whether it will be possible to get Vista drivers for the Mbox 2 to allow Vista to recognize the device as a functioning device which will allow the virtual OS to also recognize it. Then in the in virtual OS, install the original drivers to provide functionality in the virtual OS with the Pro Tools software. Is this something that can be done? Thank you to any and all who give input. Looking forward to your responses.

[spkguitar]

You're kidding, right?

[layinitdown]

no hehe. Dont want to waste the money I used on Vista, and can't really afford another PC lol. Do you know it can't be done? Any help would be appreciated. When I bought Pro Tools and the Mbox, the service guy said that all I had to do to get this thing to work on Vista was download drivers but after opening and attempting an install I found out prety quick that this wasn't the case. Tried running it through XP Pro through VMware and trying to make it work. I don't like the idea of a dual boot. Any ideas?

[albee1952]

Vista only works with 7.4

[ejwells]

What Albee said.

[layinitdown]

Does anyone know wehre to get 7.4 drivers for only the Mbox 2 hardware?