Soundmax HD Audio problem/question

[Sirius C]

Hello All,

I just want to ask you how I can get my headset with microphone connected to the front computer box panel, without necessarily switching off the 2.1 speakers backside. This only works when I remove my Soundmax HD Audio driver, came with my computer installation CDs, and then re-install it, but only until the computer is turned off. I asked in various forums but didn't get any really serious answers. Most of them were for re-installing Windows HP. By the way, please see part of my e-mail to the software company, created the driver:

Thanks for your time reading my explanations about the problem I have with my audio driver. It is Soundmax HD audio and generally so far it is operating well. Nevertheless, I would really appreciate if you tell me how I can switch on headset with microphone on the front panel of my computer box without necessarily switching off the 2.1 speakers on the back side of it. The computer box is situated close to a corner wall and there are a lot of cables that really obstruct changing of cables positions. I can buy some cable adapters, but I am wondering why I can't use two different microphone ports from two different locations on my computer box at the same time from software point of view. It is possible only when I remove the Soundmax HD Audio from the computer and add it again. I of course tick the two boxes for the front panel microphone and boost after re-installation, but the driver works properly only until the moment I switch off my computer. In fact, the only microphone I need is the front panel one. I use the backside outlets only for listening to music (connecting of speakers), but not for microphone purposes.

The computer is relatively new and I checked that all inputs and outputs are working properly before asking for your assistance, including the front panel audio autputs. In the beginning, I thought that the reason was in the not connected front panel audio outputs or in the mis-change on installation, but no - they are connected right, also working properly as hardware.

I really apologize if my questions are general or the description above is something stupid or out of place for you. I tried finding help in different forums, but I received only general guidance and mostly - about re-installation of Windows. My Windows is XP and it itself tells me that the audio driver is operating normally. I don't think that the problem is solely or at all in the main operation system.

So, in one sentence, can you please advise me how I can re-arrange my Soundmax HD Audio or download another updated driver on internet, so I can use my front panel headset microphone without the physical switching off of the 2.1 speakers on the back side of my computer? Now, this only happens by removal and re-installation of the Soundmax driver but only until turning the computer off. Skyping using the front panel outlets with properly working speakers connected backside after turning off the computer?

Is it normal or the software/windows only recognizes one in/out source of audio signal (the audio card in-/outlets on the back)?

Many thanks to all of you and really apologize if the question is not appropriate or stupid. I just want to know what the logics is!

[Disk_Contented]

Your front connections possibly aren't compatable with the Intel HD standard. Most you see are still AC97 stuff. Intel uses jack sensing that AC97 doesn't. Plug in the front, lose the back. I would say your sockets are acting like I would expect.
Thus a driver won't help.

There may be a setting in the bios to switch between the two standards that might overcome it.

Alternatively, check Intels site:
http://www.intel.com/support/motherb.../CS-020642.htm

[Sirius C]

Hi Disk_Contented and thanks for your reply. You might be right. I will call my dealer and ask them about what could happen. I will possibly be referred to the service facility. Anyway, I have read in another forum that there was a tick on the General Menu of the SoundMAx HD driver about independent front microphone that had to be unticked. It seemed unbelievable because it doesn't make any sense, but I will contact the person posted his opinion there. Hopefully, I will have this resolved shortly. He had the same situation of speakers (back) and headset with microphone (front), but he didn't have any sound in the headphones. It is a little different, but reading many opinions, these soundmax drivers are something really out of use for many people. By the way, Id didn't get anything by Andrea's team... Thanks again!

[Sirius C]

Me again. I managed to switch on sound both from the front panel and from the back. Now I have sound both in my front panel connected headphones and in the 2.1. speakers backside. The problem is the microphone. I can get any sound speaking on it. When I use the Windows Sound Recorder, it doesn't react at all and when I play it, I hear only noise. Even when I speak, the in-built equalizer moves up and down without actually saying anything. I tried reading in SoundMax Help, but there isn't such a problem. Does anyone know how I can fix this?