For some reason, Windows can't find the drivers for my sound card (see sig).  This happened after a controlled shutdown.  I also had problems with dropouts and static leading up to this, but everything had been working well for a couple of days prior to this problem.  Everybody is flummoxed.  RME, ADK and my computer guy haven't a clue as to what's going on.  RME and ADK dissected my computer remotely, and could find nothing wrong.  Windows sees the card, but can't even find previous versions of the drivers. The soundcard works fine on other computers with W7.  I know it could be a million things, but does anything come to mind from anybody?  My computer guy wants to reinstall Windows 7, but I've got a fairly large number of VSTs and software that are no longer made.  It would take forever to reinstall the ones that are still available.     
 
A friend who used to work for IBM suggested an upgrade to Windows 8.  Says it should and emphasized SHOULD, fix the driver problem and keep my programs intact.  That's no problem if anybody else thinks that would work.
 
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or thoughts. 
 
Stephen

I wouldn't upgrade to Win 8 (8.1 now).  If it won't work on Win 7 it won't work in Win 8.  Win 8.1 needs specific drivers for many devices and some audio devices are not Win 8 compatible (mainly some PC audio cards).  Roland issued Windows 8.1 specific drivers for my Octa-Capture.
 
Try reinstalling the Intel motherboard chipset drivers.  They are key to everything working properly. 
 
Have you reinstalled or tried to reinstall the drivers for the RME?  I didn't think it was a "plug and play" and Windows automatically found the drivers.
 
System Restore is another option, if you have a restore point that is before whatever happened.   

Thank you for the kind reply and attempt to help me. The computer is in the shop right now; your first suggestion has been tried already. The chipset drivers thing will be communicated to my tech guy. 

Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to help come to a solution. 

Stephen

I realize it's a major PITA, but at some point... the lesser of two evils is to re-install the OS and all apps/plugins. If you know the audio interface is fine, that's the most logical/sensible solution.  Yes, you'll spend several days getting the machine loaded... but it's better than spinning your wheels.
 
As was already mentioned, I wouldn't do an upgrade install of Win8.
That may not solve the problem... and you'd waste more time/money.
 
Once the machine is back up and running, take the time to make an up-to-date backup image file.
That way... you'll avoid situations like this in the future.
If something fouls up the machine, you re-load your backup image file... and you're right back in business.
 
I'd start by making a backup image file of the existing Win7 install (just in case).
Now, re-install Win7 and the audio interface... and make sure it's working.
If audio behaves as expected, then I'd start the process of installing programs/plugins.

Thanks for the reply Jim.  I think you're probably right.  I do have an older mirror drive that was working fine, but making noise.  It's disconnected, but still in the machine.  My computer tech thinks we should try ghosting it before we give up.  Otherwise, I'll be forced to go with your plan.
 
I appreciate the suggestion.
 
Stephen