How to fix sound in Windows XP

[Kief]

*PLEASE NOTE THIS MAY NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE*

I noticed that a lot of people are having problems with their sound, there are many threads looking for help but very few giving it so I tohught I'd let you all know.

Now in my case I reformatted my drive and then went through a lot of trouble getting my sound back. Endless google searching and downloading programmes that were useless. So without further delay I'll begin on how to fix this problem.

1) Go to start/ control panel/ administrative tools/ component services/ services.
2) Scroll down to Windows audio and make sure that it is enabled. If not simply click it then enable.
Now check if your sound is back.

If not continue with these steps:
3) Restart you computer, as it loading press F2 (for Dell computers) to access the BIOS menu.
4) Use the down key to scroll down to 'Integrated devices' press enter to access it. Now go to sound and check if its off. In my case it was, if it is for you press the spacebar on it to turn it on.
5) Press ESC and then ESC again now make sure to pick 'Save and exit' and hit enter.

Now your computer will start up
6) Go to control panel/ sounds and audio devices and see if your sound is back.
If not continue with these steps.

7)Go to your computers manufacturer website and make sure you have the basic audio drivers.
8) Download and install, you may have to restart.
9) Restart and now check if your sound is working, in my case it was back working with no problems.

I hope this guide help fixing your sound and audio problems.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a post with your question.

Happy listening,
Kief

[Kief]

Could someone make this a sticky or something because the amount of people looking for help with audio problems is unreal and I think this might help

[Kief]

Let me know if it works

[d_baker]

Hi, I was noticing the same thing and since I just got xp, I have to say its freakin me out a little bit. I think my problem is a little different and I'm hoping you have a suggestion. In my case I had taken an old Dell with 98 on it and had it completely wiped out and had the guy install xp for me. Hey, I'm thinkin this is great except no sound. I start playing with it and noticed that the picture of the speakers my system shows are the old ones I used to have. When I try to play music I don't get any errors. Everything seems to be working fine except for no sound. My soundcard is fine as far as I can tell. I have been trying to figure out how to reconfigure my speakers for the ones I have now but so far can't figure it out. I'm trying to be careful also because this guy that fixed it surprised me with a Roxio program that looks pretty cool for burning CD's, recording, etc. and I'm afraid that he didn't know about the speakers being different and now its all tied together and I don't want to mess up what he did. One other thing is that notice I didn't say "new" speakers, just different. They are JBL Platinum Series desktop speakers. I went to HP's website to try getting installation info but my system doesn't offer the options they're website told me to go to. I'm stumped. ANY suggestion would be great....Thanks

[Kief]

Originally Posted by d_baker

Hi, I was noticing the same thing and since I just got xp, I have to say its freakin me out a little bit. I think my problem is a little different and I'm hoping you have a suggestion. In my case I had taken an old Dell with 98 on it and had it completely wiped out and had the guy install xp for me. Hey, I'm thinkin this is great except no sound. I start playing with it and noticed that the picture of the speakers my system shows are the old ones I used to have. When I try to play music I don't get any errors. Everything seems to be working fine except for no sound. My soundcard is fine as far as I can tell. I have been trying to figure out how to reconfigure my speakers for the ones I have now but so far can't figure it out. I'm trying to be careful also because this guy that fixed it surprised me with a Roxio program that looks pretty cool for burning CD's, recording, etc. and I'm afraid that he didn't know about the speakers being different and now its all tied together and I don't want to mess up what he did. One other thing is that notice I didn't say "new" speakers, just different. They are JBL Platinum Series desktop speakers. I went to HP's website to try getting installation info but my system doesn't offer the options they're website told me to go to. I'm stumped. ANY suggestion would be great....Thanks

Well first and foremost did you try my guide? Because this is pretty much the same as what I had. I dont think it has anything to do with the new speakers or anything its just that when a pc is reformatted a lot of the settings are messed up and set back to default. So if you havent already please give my guide a try.

Thanks and let me know what happens

[d_baker]

Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. Well, step 1 was ok. Windows audio is enabled so I tried step 2 but when I get to BIOS I didn't see 'Integrated Devices'. I arrowed over and down but still didn't find it. Any suggestions???

[Kief]

No problem happy to help!

OK well it might be different for your computer. Try htting enter on all the options and something for sound should come up it should be on all pc´s. If I remember correctly your on Windows 98 so it would have basically the same options in the BIOS they have just changed things around a bit.

If you still cant find it then I will come up with alternatives,
Kief

[PeckerWood]

So, 'd backer' what is the model and number of your Dell ?

Mine is a Dell Optiplex GX110.

[d_baker]

Originally Posted by Kief

No problem happy to help!

OK well it might be different for your computer. Try htting enter on all the options and something for sound should come up it should be on all pc´s. If I remember correctly your on Windows 98 so it would have basically the same options in the BIOS they have just changed things around a bit.

If you still cant find it then I will come up with alternatives,
Kief

ok I've tried everything. Nothing is working. This is soooooo frustrating. The only thing I haven't done is go to "integrated ???" in BIOS. I don't see that option. I can't tell what model of dell that I have. Please help.

[d_baker]

I have a dimension L400C desktop. I hope you can help because I'm about ready to give up but it sure sucks without sound. Shouldn't I at least have sound from my modem??? I have nothing. Its weird. The computer thinks it has sound cuz I don't get any errors but can't hear a thing.

[PeckerWood]

d baker,Does the Windows 2000 Audio drivers work?--->GoHere

[Kief]

OK I had a look for drivers for the L400C and there was none available because it only supports up to Windows 2000 so it might be hard to get drivers for it. So try peckerwoods advice and download the drivers for Windwos 2000. They would be the most up to date ones and see if it works.

[d_baker]

I don't see a windows 2000 driver...Do you mean download the BIOS? I went to the link you sent me and there are 6 downloads but none of them mention audio???

[d_baker]

Originally Posted by Kief

OK I had a look for drivers for the L400C and there was none available because it only supports up to Windows 2000 so it might be hard to get drivers for it. So try peckerwoods advice and download the drivers for Windwos 2000. They would be the most up to date ones and see if it works.

Okay, downloaded the Windows 2000 driver. I also restarted my com. and moved the connector to a different spot (I have 2) and still nothing. I'm beginning to think this is hopeless.

[Kief]

Did you download audio drivers? Theyre should be something that sais Analog drivers or something like that not sure.

Also could you check something for me? Go to start, control panel, audio and see if everything is grayed out