steel series keyboard driver install crashes

Hi Pavlos,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community Forum.

Based on your post, I understand that you are not able to install the zengine software in your Windows 8 computer.

1. What is the model of the keyboard?
2. What is the exact and complete error message you are getting?

3. From which website did you download Steelseries keyboard drivers?

First of all I suggest you to check the compatibility of the software in the Windows 8 compatibility center. You can follow the link mentioned below to check the compatibility.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/win8/CompatCenter/ProductDetailsViewer?Name=Z%20Engine&vendor=Ideazon&Locale=1033&ModelOrVersion=2&BreadCrumbPath=Z%20Engine%20&Type=Software&tempOsid=win8

Method 1:

You can uninstall the driver and re download it once again from the link mentioned below.

http://steelseries.com/support/downloads

Method 2:

If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to install the software in compatibility mode and check if the issue persists.

You can follow the link given below to install the software in compatibility mode.

What is program compatibility?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/what-program-compatibility

Make older programs compatible with this version of Windows

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/older-programs-compatible-version-windows

I have the same problem on Windows 8.1 for "steelseries engine driver" (compatible Windows 8 x64) used for every steelseries mices and keyboards.

Driver process installation blocks and break Windows 8.1 totally.  I have to re-install Windows 8.1 without steelseries driver.

I also tried with compatibility mode, same issue.

Please suggest

I also had this problem with the steel series program and drivers for the Apex Keyboard.

After installing  Windows 8.1 would not start up, first time had to reinstall windows. It would not let me start up the computer in safe mode or refresh the computer at all so I had to reinstall by formatting hdd. After that time I tried installing again and restarting to check and it was this problem, was able to refresh this time though.

Keyboard itself works fine. Just not able to install the software.

I got the following walk thru from the support guys @ steelseries. Worked like a charm, hope it helps.

Please take the following steps and make sure your device is connected during these steps unless otherwise specified. To ensure a successful installation, use the download link in step 9 and save the software to your desktop. Be sure to re-download the software as requested and do not rely on a previous download to avoid any complications.

1) Close the software (ctrl-alt-delete) -> task manager -> processes tab -> find “zboard.exe” and terminate this process.

2) Go to start -> control panel -> programs and features (add/remove programs in win xp), find the ZEngine and uninstall it.

3) Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Run
Type “%appdata%" then click "Ok"
Find the Ideazon folder and find the SteelSeries folder (if it exists) and delete them.

4) Delete the remaining folder in directory: c:/program files/ideazon/

5) Access your Device manager through Control panel. Go to the Keyboards section and right click any applicable keyboard entry -> uninstall -> repeat this process for additional entries. Keep in mind that this will make the keyboard stop working.

6) Unplug the keyboard and restart you computer (keeping the keyboard unplugged - do not plug in until instructed).

7) Re-download the latest Z Engine drivers - please do not rely on a previous download and use the 'save' option, NOT the 'run' option: www.steelseries.com/support/downloads

8) Right click the Z-Engine installer file -> properties -> compatibility tab -> check “run this program in compatibility mode for” and select “Windows XP SP3” from the dropdown box -> check the “run this program as an administrator” checkbox -> hit apply -> hit ok

9) Right click the installer once more and click “run as administrator”

10) Once installed, plug in your keyboard and wait for drivers to successfully load, close the software (ctrl-alt-delete) -> task manager -> processes tab -> find “zboard.exe” and terminate this process.

11) Access the Zengine folder: c:/program files(x86)/ideazon/Zengine/ -> right click the “Zboard” executable -> properties -> compatibility tab -> check “run this program in compatibility mode for” and select “Windows XP SP3” from the dropdown box -> check the “run this program as an administrator” checkbox -> hit apply -> hit ok

12) Restart your computer and then verify that the settings in the Zboard executable have been saved.

13) Access your Z-Engine -> Tools -> Skins
Select "Do not use skins"

Please advise if this resolves the issue or if further troubleshooting is necessary.