Once again my pc decides to stop playing any kind of sound!
- Thread starter cbrennan04
- Start date
i know why! yee
this shit happened to me 3 months ago..
you gotta uninstall your sound driver, and reinstall it..peep..
HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Resolving Sound Problems
Security level: Public
___________________________________________________
This document applies to Windows 98, Me, and XP.
The steps in this document fix a wide variety of sound problems, such as no sound at all, no sound only when playing games, or static or other strange noises coming from the speakers.
If you cannot hear any sound coming from the computer speakers, start on Step 1.
If you can hear sound, but the sound is not working properly or you are hearing static or strange noises coming from the speakers, start with Step 3.
NOTE: If you are experiencing problems while trying to connect new speakers or are trying to adjust 5.1 (or greater audio), refer to Installing and Configuring Speakers .
NOTE: If you are experiencing problems with digital out or an S/PDIF connection, please refer to the HP support document Using Digital Out or SPDIF Audio .
NOTE: If you experience sound failure only when playing CDs or DVDs, refer to the HP support document No Sound When Playing a Music CD .
Before you begin
Before troubleshooting sound problems, know the type of speakers being used.
Powered speakers use an adapter or batteries to amplify the volume. These should be connected to a line-out connector (usually green) on the sound card.
Non-powered speaker are speakers that must be connected to a sound connector that is amplified (usually an orange speaker out connector). If non-powered speakers are used with a non-powered signal, the volume will be much lower than normal. Many new PCs require powered speakers.
Step 1: Checking volume and mute settings
The volume setting for one or more sound devices might be disabled or set too low. Use the following steps to adjust volumes to their correct levels:
In Windows XP, click Start, and then Control Panel.
In Windows 98 and Me, click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel.
In Windows XP, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then click Sound and Audio Devices.
In Windows 98 and Me, click Sounds and Multimedia, and then click the Audio tab.
In Windows XP, click the Advanced button under Device Volume.
In Windows 98 and Me, click the Volume button under Sound Playback.
Remove all check marks from Mute boxes at the bottom of the Master Volume window and adjust the volume setting slide bars to a high position.
Figure 1: Master Volume window
When you click and release the master volume slidebar, a sound should come from the speakers.
If can you hear the sound caused by clicking the master volume slidebar, the problem should be resolved. If you are experiencing sound problems only with a specific software application, refer to the software manufacturer Website for known issues or update the sound driver .
If there is still no sound when you click the master volume slidebar, go to the next step.
Step 2: Verifying connections
Use the following steps to verify that the sound cables are properly connected from the speaker to the computer (cable connectors and plug assignments are normally color-coded to aid with connections).
Unplug the sound cable from the PC.
Plug headphones directly into the speaker out connector on the back of the computer. The speaker out connector may have a symbol of a speaker or a circle with an arrow pointing out, or it may be labeled as "OUT".
Test for sound using the PC.
If sound cannot be heard or the sound problem continues when headphones or other speakers are connected, continue to the next step.
If sound can be heard when headphones are connected, not when the main speakers are plugged in, replace the original sound cable and double-check all connections. When done, test again for sound. If sound cannot be heard after replacing the cable, the speakers set or a fuse is probably bad and should be replaced .
Figure 2: Example of PCs with 3 rear audio connectors
1 - Microphone (on some PCs microphone can also be configured as the Center/Subwoofer out through the Sound Manager software)
2 - Line-out (to front powered speakers)
3 - Line-in (on some PCs microphone can also be configured as the rear speaker out through the Sound Manager software)
Figure 3: Example of PCs with 6 rear audio connectors
1 - Side speaker out
2 - Rear speaker out
3 - Center and subwoofer out
4 - Microphone
5 - Line-out (to front powered speakers)
6 - Line-in
Step 3: Restoring the audio driver
Files and settings for your sound card may have changed and could be causing the sound problem. Restoring the audio driver can quickly reset all settings to default and overwrite any changed files with those files known to be compatible with the sound hardware.
Use the HP or Compaq application recovery process to restore audio drivers for your original PC sound hardware. This software utility is part of the recovery software and can be used to restore drivers and software. You can find this application in the start menu under HP Tools, HP Help & tools, Compaq, or Compaq Tools. For more information, refer to Restoring Software and Drivers Using HP Application Recovery and Drivers.
Restart the PC after restoring the audio driver software and test for sound. If there is still no sound, continue to the next Step.
Step 4: Updating the audio driver
If the PC is experiencing sound problems after upgrading the operating system (Windows) or is experiencing sound problems in a particular software application, an updated audio driver may resolve the problem.
Find and install audio software for your HP or Compaq PC. Go to the HP Software download page and enter the model number for your PC (usually located on the front of the PC).
If the problem still exists after updating the driver or if HP does not have an updated audio driver for your PC, continue to the next step.
Step 5: Configuring on-board sound in the BIOS
Some PCs come with sound on the motherboard (on-board), and some have a sound card, some PCs may have both on-board and a sound card. The on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be set according to your particular sound configuration. Perform one of the following sets of steps depending on whether you want to reset the BIOS to it's factory default settings or only adjust the on-board sound setting:
Resetting the BIOS, resets the on-board sound setting to automatic for almost all HP and Compaq PCs.
Reset the BIOS
To enter the BIOS, turn on the PC when the first logo screen appears, press the F1 key repeatedly until a BIOS Setup screen opens.
NOTE: On certain Compaq Presario PCs (prior to 2002) press the F10 key at the logo screen to enter setup.
Press the F5 key.
Select Yes or OK (press the Enter key).
Press the F10 key. Select Yes or OK to save the default settings (press the Enter key).
Start Windows and check for sound. If there is still no sound, go to the next step.
If you would like to keep your current BIOS configuration or resetting the BIOS to default setting does not help,
Change the on-board sound setting in the BIOS
Look at the back of the PC and use one of the following three items to determine the proper sound configuration and sound setting. Read all three items before making your choice.
If the sound plugs for the speakers and microphones are located next to the parallel, serial, or USB ports, then the PC has on-board sound. The on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be Enabled.
Figure 4: Sound connectors on motherboard
If the sound connectors for speakers and microphone are located away from the other ports and sit in an area by themselves, the PC has a soundcard. If the BIOS lists this setting, the on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be Disabled.
Figure 5: Sound connectors on sound card
If the PC has sound connectors in both locations the on-board sound setting should be Disabled.
To enter the BIOS, turn on the PC and press the F1 key repeatedly at the first logo screen.
A BIOS Setup screen opens.
Use the Left and Right Arrow keys to select the Advanced tab.
Press the Down Arrow key to select Onboard Audio Options and press Enter.
If Onboard Audio Options is not available, select I/O Device Configuration and press Enter.
If On-Board Sound, Audio, Audio Codec or similar item is listed, select it and press Enter.
Select either Enabled or Disabled depending on your configuration and press Enter.
Press the F10 key and then press Enter to save and exit.
Start Windows and check for sound. If you can hear sound, you are done. If there is still no sound, shut down the computer and continue using these steps.
Once the computer is completely shut down, unplug the PC power cable and press the PC power button for 20 seconds. This removes all of the power from the computer.
Plug the power cable back in and turn on the computer.
To enter the BIOS, turn on the computer and when the first logo screen appears, press the F1 key repeatedly until a BIOS Setup screen opens.
Press the F5 key, select Yes, and then press F10 to save the default BIOS settings.
Start Windows and check for sound. If there is still no sound, go to the next step.
Step 6: Removing sound drivers in Safe Mode
Turn on the PC and press the F8 key repeatedly until a menu appears.
Select Safe Mode and press Enter.
In Windows XP, click Start, and right-click My Computer.
In Windows 98 and Me, right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.
Click Properties from the list that appears.
In Windows XP, click the Hardware tab then the Device Manager button.
In Windows 98 and Me, click the Device Manager tab.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Sound, video and game controllers.
Figure 6: Sound reference in Device Manager
Click a sound device name other than audio codecs and Legacy Audio Drivers, and then click Remove. In Windows XP, the Remove button is a small picture of a computer overlaid by an X. Click OK on the warning windows that appear.
Continue removing sound devices until all are removed. If the device is a combination sound-modem card, remove items under Modem as well.
NOTE: Do not remove audio and video codecs.
Click OK in Device Manager when there are no more items to remove under Sound, video and game controllers.
Close all programs, restart Windows, and go to the next Step.
Step 7: Reinstalling the sound drivers
Windows should find new sound hardware. If Windows does not find any new hardware, refer to: HP Desktop PCs - Restoring Original Drivers and Software to reinstall the original drivers.
If a window appears stating that it needs help finding a particular file, browse and select the file using each of the following path names until the file is found:
C:\Windows\inf
C:\Windows\options\cabs
C:\Windows\system
C:\Windows\system32
C:\Windows\I386
Click Continue Anyway on any Digital Signature Verification windows that appear.
Restart the PC and test for sound. If no sound is heard, remove and seat the sound card into a different slot to make sure. Use the support document HP Pavilion PCs - Replacing or Adding a Sound Card for assistance.
Step 8: Inspecting speakers and fuses
If you have powered speakers, check to see if the power cord is connected and that the speakers are receiving power.
Many powered speakers, especially speaker systems with subwoofers, have fuses. If there is no sound coming from the speaker, not even a humming noise, remove and replace the fuse. Even if you do not think that the fuse has blown, it is a good idea to swap the fuse to make sure. If the fuse is still good, you will have a backup fuse in case one blows.
Turn off the power to the subwoofer and unplug the power to the speakers.
Remove the fuse ciover and then the fuse and look through the glass cylinder. If you see a wire inside that has been separated, dark spots, or burn marks, the fuse has been blown and needs to be replaced. If the fuse looks good swap, the fuse anyway and keep the old one as a spare.
When purchasing a new fuse, it is a good idea to take the old fuse to the electronics store when purchasing the new fuse. This way, you can use the old fuse to make sure that matches the new fuse at the store.
Install the new fuse, replace the fuse cap, apply power, turn the speakers on, and test for sound.
To prevent damage to your speakers and to prevent fuses from blowing in the future, keep the following items in mind when using your computer:
Turn the speaker volume control off before applying power to the speakers.
Just like a high-quality home stereo system, it is not good to raise the volume more than half the range of the control knob. Doing so, reduces the quality of the sound and makes it much harder on the speakers. This happens because lower sound levels become raised to a peak level. Lots of sound occurring at one peak level stresses the speakers and causes sounds to overlap each other.
this shit happened to me 3 months ago..
you gotta uninstall your sound driver, and reinstall it..peep..
HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Resolving Sound Problems
Security level: Public
___________________________________________________
This document applies to Windows 98, Me, and XP.
The steps in this document fix a wide variety of sound problems, such as no sound at all, no sound only when playing games, or static or other strange noises coming from the speakers.
If you cannot hear any sound coming from the computer speakers, start on Step 1.
If you can hear sound, but the sound is not working properly or you are hearing static or strange noises coming from the speakers, start with Step 3.
NOTE: If you are experiencing problems while trying to connect new speakers or are trying to adjust 5.1 (or greater audio), refer to Installing and Configuring Speakers .
NOTE: If you are experiencing problems with digital out or an S/PDIF connection, please refer to the HP support document Using Digital Out or SPDIF Audio .
NOTE: If you experience sound failure only when playing CDs or DVDs, refer to the HP support document No Sound When Playing a Music CD .
Before you begin
Before troubleshooting sound problems, know the type of speakers being used.
Powered speakers use an adapter or batteries to amplify the volume. These should be connected to a line-out connector (usually green) on the sound card.
Non-powered speaker are speakers that must be connected to a sound connector that is amplified (usually an orange speaker out connector). If non-powered speakers are used with a non-powered signal, the volume will be much lower than normal. Many new PCs require powered speakers.
Step 1: Checking volume and mute settings
The volume setting for one or more sound devices might be disabled or set too low. Use the following steps to adjust volumes to their correct levels:
In Windows XP, click Start, and then Control Panel.
In Windows 98 and Me, click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel.
In Windows XP, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then click Sound and Audio Devices.
In Windows 98 and Me, click Sounds and Multimedia, and then click the Audio tab.
In Windows XP, click the Advanced button under Device Volume.
In Windows 98 and Me, click the Volume button under Sound Playback.
Remove all check marks from Mute boxes at the bottom of the Master Volume window and adjust the volume setting slide bars to a high position.
Figure 1: Master Volume window
When you click and release the master volume slidebar, a sound should come from the speakers.
If can you hear the sound caused by clicking the master volume slidebar, the problem should be resolved. If you are experiencing sound problems only with a specific software application, refer to the software manufacturer Website for known issues or update the sound driver .
If there is still no sound when you click the master volume slidebar, go to the next step.
Step 2: Verifying connections
Use the following steps to verify that the sound cables are properly connected from the speaker to the computer (cable connectors and plug assignments are normally color-coded to aid with connections).
Unplug the sound cable from the PC.
Plug headphones directly into the speaker out connector on the back of the computer. The speaker out connector may have a symbol of a speaker or a circle with an arrow pointing out, or it may be labeled as "OUT".
Test for sound using the PC.
If sound cannot be heard or the sound problem continues when headphones or other speakers are connected, continue to the next step.
If sound can be heard when headphones are connected, not when the main speakers are plugged in, replace the original sound cable and double-check all connections. When done, test again for sound. If sound cannot be heard after replacing the cable, the speakers set or a fuse is probably bad and should be replaced .
Figure 2: Example of PCs with 3 rear audio connectors
1 - Microphone (on some PCs microphone can also be configured as the Center/Subwoofer out through the Sound Manager software)
2 - Line-out (to front powered speakers)
3 - Line-in (on some PCs microphone can also be configured as the rear speaker out through the Sound Manager software)
Figure 3: Example of PCs with 6 rear audio connectors
1 - Side speaker out
2 - Rear speaker out
3 - Center and subwoofer out
4 - Microphone
5 - Line-out (to front powered speakers)
6 - Line-in
Step 3: Restoring the audio driver
Files and settings for your sound card may have changed and could be causing the sound problem. Restoring the audio driver can quickly reset all settings to default and overwrite any changed files with those files known to be compatible with the sound hardware.
Use the HP or Compaq application recovery process to restore audio drivers for your original PC sound hardware. This software utility is part of the recovery software and can be used to restore drivers and software. You can find this application in the start menu under HP Tools, HP Help & tools, Compaq, or Compaq Tools. For more information, refer to Restoring Software and Drivers Using HP Application Recovery and Drivers.
Restart the PC after restoring the audio driver software and test for sound. If there is still no sound, continue to the next Step.
Step 4: Updating the audio driver
If the PC is experiencing sound problems after upgrading the operating system (Windows) or is experiencing sound problems in a particular software application, an updated audio driver may resolve the problem.
Find and install audio software for your HP or Compaq PC. Go to the HP Software download page and enter the model number for your PC (usually located on the front of the PC).
If the problem still exists after updating the driver or if HP does not have an updated audio driver for your PC, continue to the next step.
Step 5: Configuring on-board sound in the BIOS
Some PCs come with sound on the motherboard (on-board), and some have a sound card, some PCs may have both on-board and a sound card. The on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be set according to your particular sound configuration. Perform one of the following sets of steps depending on whether you want to reset the BIOS to it's factory default settings or only adjust the on-board sound setting:
Resetting the BIOS, resets the on-board sound setting to automatic for almost all HP and Compaq PCs.
Reset the BIOS
To enter the BIOS, turn on the PC when the first logo screen appears, press the F1 key repeatedly until a BIOS Setup screen opens.
NOTE: On certain Compaq Presario PCs (prior to 2002) press the F10 key at the logo screen to enter setup.
Press the F5 key.
Select Yes or OK (press the Enter key).
Press the F10 key. Select Yes or OK to save the default settings (press the Enter key).
Start Windows and check for sound. If there is still no sound, go to the next step.
If you would like to keep your current BIOS configuration or resetting the BIOS to default setting does not help,
Change the on-board sound setting in the BIOS
Look at the back of the PC and use one of the following three items to determine the proper sound configuration and sound setting. Read all three items before making your choice.
If the sound plugs for the speakers and microphones are located next to the parallel, serial, or USB ports, then the PC has on-board sound. The on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be Enabled.
Figure 4: Sound connectors on motherboard
If the sound connectors for speakers and microphone are located away from the other ports and sit in an area by themselves, the PC has a soundcard. If the BIOS lists this setting, the on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be Disabled.
Figure 5: Sound connectors on sound card
If the PC has sound connectors in both locations the on-board sound setting should be Disabled.
To enter the BIOS, turn on the PC and press the F1 key repeatedly at the first logo screen.
A BIOS Setup screen opens.
Use the Left and Right Arrow keys to select the Advanced tab.
Press the Down Arrow key to select Onboard Audio Options and press Enter.
If Onboard Audio Options is not available, select I/O Device Configuration and press Enter.
If On-Board Sound, Audio, Audio Codec or similar item is listed, select it and press Enter.
Select either Enabled or Disabled depending on your configuration and press Enter.
Press the F10 key and then press Enter to save and exit.
Start Windows and check for sound. If you can hear sound, you are done. If there is still no sound, shut down the computer and continue using these steps.
Once the computer is completely shut down, unplug the PC power cable and press the PC power button for 20 seconds. This removes all of the power from the computer.
Plug the power cable back in and turn on the computer.
To enter the BIOS, turn on the computer and when the first logo screen appears, press the F1 key repeatedly until a BIOS Setup screen opens.
Press the F5 key, select Yes, and then press F10 to save the default BIOS settings.
Start Windows and check for sound. If there is still no sound, go to the next step.
Step 6: Removing sound drivers in Safe Mode
Turn on the PC and press the F8 key repeatedly until a menu appears.
Select Safe Mode and press Enter.
In Windows XP, click Start, and right-click My Computer.
In Windows 98 and Me, right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.
Click Properties from the list that appears.
In Windows XP, click the Hardware tab then the Device Manager button.
In Windows 98 and Me, click the Device Manager tab.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Sound, video and game controllers.
Figure 6: Sound reference in Device Manager
Click a sound device name other than audio codecs and Legacy Audio Drivers, and then click Remove. In Windows XP, the Remove button is a small picture of a computer overlaid by an X. Click OK on the warning windows that appear.
Continue removing sound devices until all are removed. If the device is a combination sound-modem card, remove items under Modem as well.
NOTE: Do not remove audio and video codecs.
Click OK in Device Manager when there are no more items to remove under Sound, video and game controllers.
Close all programs, restart Windows, and go to the next Step.
Step 7: Reinstalling the sound drivers
Windows should find new sound hardware. If Windows does not find any new hardware, refer to: HP Desktop PCs - Restoring Original Drivers and Software to reinstall the original drivers.
If a window appears stating that it needs help finding a particular file, browse and select the file using each of the following path names until the file is found:
C:\Windows\inf
C:\Windows\options\cabs
C:\Windows\system
C:\Windows\system32
C:\Windows\I386
Click Continue Anyway on any Digital Signature Verification windows that appear.
Restart the PC and test for sound. If no sound is heard, remove and seat the sound card into a different slot to make sure. Use the support document HP Pavilion PCs - Replacing or Adding a Sound Card for assistance.
Step 8: Inspecting speakers and fuses
If you have powered speakers, check to see if the power cord is connected and that the speakers are receiving power.
Many powered speakers, especially speaker systems with subwoofers, have fuses. If there is no sound coming from the speaker, not even a humming noise, remove and replace the fuse. Even if you do not think that the fuse has blown, it is a good idea to swap the fuse to make sure. If the fuse is still good, you will have a backup fuse in case one blows.
Turn off the power to the subwoofer and unplug the power to the speakers.
Remove the fuse ciover and then the fuse and look through the glass cylinder. If you see a wire inside that has been separated, dark spots, or burn marks, the fuse has been blown and needs to be replaced. If the fuse looks good swap, the fuse anyway and keep the old one as a spare.
When purchasing a new fuse, it is a good idea to take the old fuse to the electronics store when purchasing the new fuse. This way, you can use the old fuse to make sure that matches the new fuse at the store.
Install the new fuse, replace the fuse cap, apply power, turn the speakers on, and test for sound.
To prevent damage to your speakers and to prevent fuses from blowing in the future, keep the following items in mind when using your computer:
Turn the speaker volume control off before applying power to the speakers.
Just like a high-quality home stereo system, it is not good to raise the volume more than half the range of the control knob. Doing so, reduces the quality of the sound and makes it much harder on the speakers. This happens because lower sound levels become raised to a peak level. Lots of sound occurring at one peak level stresses the speakers and causes sounds to overlap each other.
