Sound Recorder not Working after Re-Installation of O.S.

minstrelite · #1 04-02-2005, 04:31 AM

I had to re-install Windows XP (long story) and the Sound Recorder has not been working since. I use it regularly to create .wav files from cassette recordings, and eventually create mp3's to email to others. Now I am getting no signal. Everything's plugged in right--earphone from cassette player to microphone jack in the back of the computer, as always. What could be the problem? And where do I find controls for the microphone, to see if it's muted or what-not? I can't even find anything about the microphone in the control panel. Please help.

Ant · #2 04-02-2005, 06:35 AM

Right click on the volume control icon in the bottom right of the screen and open volume control.

If you cannot see the volume control for the microphone, click on the Options menu and Properties. In the list, enable microphone and its volume control should appear.

Incidentally, I also record sound using the Line-in connection rather than the microphone. Have you tried connecting your sound input cable to the Line-in connector?

canuck_teacher · #3 04-02-2005, 04:21 PM

My 'Wave Recorder' difficulties have been ongoing for a few months. The problem is a bit unique in that my SB card produces sound, but won't make 'wave' recordings. I'm hoping this thread will turn up a suggestion to resolve it. I have also had Win-XP problems, having roll-backed SP2, doing a repair-install, and then re-loading SP2.. whew...

I have a SB live 5.1 card (model SB0220). I've tried a couple of driver sets from 'Creative', plus the usual 'remove device', 're-install device' etc. All checks in 'Hardware-Device Manager' state the card is 'functioning properly'. Well, my card produces crystal clean sound on all media players--I can rip, burn, stream - yada yada. When I speak into the mic, sound comes out the speakers (I wish it didn't-that would be easy), but even the Windows Sound Recorder will not function (when I speak, sound comes out of the speakers, but only 'silence' is recorded).

I have other software which, in the past, would record from CD, Wave, 'What You Hear', channels with no problem. I webcast swing music at live365.com - hence, I have mixed sound bites and intros for special programs for a few years.

ok - I've done some research on the web in addition to fiddling with the maze of so-called troubleshooting menus in XP. The best clue I can provide (today) is this: under 'Sound and Audio Device Properties' , the Volume and Advanced tabs light up for 'Sound Playback', but, for Sound Recording, only the 'Volume' option is available (not the 'Advanced'). If I need access to 'Advanced' to make a change to my settings, that could be the core of the problem.

Thank you in advance for comments. I'd appreciate reading any posts or threads that explore solutions to this particular annoyance. My XP O.S. is not in the best health at the moment-so, a 'Restore' is not possible. I realize that a fresh install of XP would likely resolve this -- but if I can whup this problem, I have no need to re-install... lol...

Ant · #4 04-04-2005, 11:13 AM

Sorry, but my "Advanced" button is also grayed out...

Ant · #5 04-07-2005, 02:05 AM

Further investigation has revealed problems with my sound recording / speech / microphone too.

I have re-installed my speech engine, sound recorder and played around with my settings. I managed to get sound recorder working, though it doesn't seem to be "addable" from within add/remove programs/ windows components), but it isn't available from the "Entertainment" menu.

Windows also suggested checking my soundcard and drivers (ac'97 with the latest drivers).

I can still record sound from within my tv tuner program when the sound leads are connected to my Line in socket.

I'll put this in a new thread and see what feedback I get.

Ant · #6 04-07-2005, 02:19 AM

Another similar thread...

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com...ead.php?t=7165

canuck_teacher · #7 04-08-2005, 11:34 PM

Canuckteach reporting in that after re-installing XP Home SP2 (actually moved down from XP-Pro) my Sound Recorder is functioning again.. The SB Live 5.1 card was evidently not to blame, nor was it a driver,, etc... My Windows install was just messed up or old registry items were creating havoc... whatever...

I recommend the 'clean install' to anyone having these ongoing headaches. plain and simple: store your data carefully on a separate hard-drive with backups on CD-ROMS so that you can re-configure the O.S. with no undue loss. I've also regained the backup/restore/'create restore point' options.

Hopefully, now I can back to my hobby - creating voiceovers for my jazz webcast over at live365.com.. which passes in my universe for 'a life'.