Terry.

Use the Windows audio settings to turn off the mic, or change the input to line.

The MIDI tracks do need to go to a VSTi/DXi synth, but the Coyote WT synth which is bundled with PowerTracks is General MIDI and will do the task nicely. It should have installed itself at the same time as PT.

The Access Violation could be due to any one of many things, including a conflict with one of your soft synths. See if it always happens when you're using a particular one. Get back to me if you still have problems.

ROG.