7i97 configuration utilities that actually work ?

I can't find a conclusive answer and my attempts to install version 2.9 have been met with failure due to broken dependencies. I have on hand a 7i97 and a 7i76 for my lathe. Whats the solution ? 

2.8.4 should work, but I don''t know if there are any GUI configuration utilities
that work for the 7I97. There is a sample 7I97 configuration file set in the 7i97,zip
support package (basic7i97.zip)

I am sitting here reading the documentation on how to edit hal/ini files. There is a sample config, but I need to be able to use IO on another card as well. I have the card and the cable. After that, I am not sure how I am going to handle the ladder programming for the tool changes. I also need to have a lube pump activate etc.

how do I configure the second card that's attached with the cable on the 7i97 ? or how do I address the card ? I've been searching for examples but have found none

What second card?

I have a 7i76d that I need to use for IO, this lathe has 16 solenoids I need to control, multiple pumps, and that's without accounting for the pressure switches etc.

I've started reading up on how to work with Hal, but to be honest. I need this machine to run faster than my ability to learn Hal and ladder. If you know of someone willing to exchange some $ for some configuration and plc work, I will pay