After upgrading from Win7to Windows 8 >> Win 8.1; I encountered the fact that Windows would "see" a SmartFade controller... but would default to the 1248 and be "offline".
So after a call to ETC's TSD, I encountered other issues--the Support Article (below) has not been updated for Windows 8.1.
https://www.etcconnect.com/Support/Articles/SmartSoft-Under-Windows-8.aspx
Here is MY version of the article
SmartSoft under Windows 8.1
My update applies to SmartSoft under Windows 8.1 only
When connecting a SmartFade or SmartFade ML to a PC running Windows 8.1, the operating system will block the installation of the drivers as Windows 8.1 now requires all drivers to be 'signed' by a Microsoft associate.
To install the drivers manually:
Move your mouse cursor to the upper right part on the screen then select:
- Settings > Change PC Settings > Update and Recovery > Recovery > "Advanced Startup" > Restart now.
The system will restart and show the boot menu. This may take some minutes.
After some time you will be prompted with a menu with following options:
- • Continue
- • Troubleshoot
- • Turn off your PC
> Choose "Troubleshoot"
The following menu appears:
- • Refresh your PC
- • Reset your PC
- • Advanced Options
> Choose "Advanced Options"
The following menu appears:
- • System Restore
- • System Image Recovery
- • Startup Repair
- • Command Prompt
- • UEFI Firmware Settings
- • Windows Startup settings
> Choose "Windows Startup Settings" then click "Restart"
The computer will restart and the boot startup settings menu appears
Select "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" from the menu.
Windows 8 will start and you can then install the SmartFade driver from Device Manager as follows:
- [Windows Key] & [X] for a pop-up menu >> choose "Device Manager"
Locate the ETC SmartFade console in the list
It may show as "USB High Speed Pipe"
Right-click on it and choose "Update Driver..."
Browse for drivers and select the folder "Drivers" folder in the SmartSoft installation.
Default is "C:\Program Files (x86)\ETC\SmartSoft\Drivers"
Ensure "Include Subfolders" option is ticked
You will get a warning that the driver isn't signed. Choose "Install Anyway"
SmartSoft should now connect to your SmartFade or SmartFade ML console and function normally.
