Troubleshooting Sound on a Computer
Sound card and speakers are a typical addition to most computers. For gaming computers, sound is a necessity. When sound fails on a Windows computer, it lowers the quality of gaming and interaction on the computer. If the sound card or speakers fail, the only choice is to purchase new hardware. However, there are several troubleshooting guidelines to ensure the problem is reversible through configurations.
Drivers and Compatibility
1. If a new operating system has been installed or updates to the sound card have been made, the user may need to update drivers. Drivers are the essential applications that give the hardware the ability to interact with the software. Drivers are always packaged with the sound card on a CD-ROM. Install the drivers using the installation CD and reboot the computer. There are no drivers for speakers.
Compatibility may also be an issue with the sound card. Although Windows is compatible with most hardware, older sound cards may have a compatibility issue with newer operating systems like Windows Vista. Microsoft also provides a list of driver updates for most hardware. Search the corporate page at update.microsoft.com. If the driver is old or outdated, install any updates available on the site.
Use the Sound Troubleshooter
2. Microsoft provides a sound troubleshooter application that scans the computer for possible problems with the sound card and drivers. The application is found in the "Help and Support" section of the Windows main menu. Click "Fix a problem" in the application and then select "Games, sound, and video problems." This runs and application to check the machine for bad hardware, corrupted drivers, or installation errors. The sound troubleshooter attempts to deliver sound to the speakers for testing, so ensure the speakers are attached prior to using the tool.
Switch the Device
3. Occasionally, the problem may be the speakers but the sound card is operational. Attach another set of speakers into the sound card. If sound is functional, then only new speakers need to be purchased. Attach speakers to a different sound card in another machine. This tests to see if speakers are functional and often means the sound card may be an issue. The user can also place the sound card in another machine to test compatibility. Occasionally, the motherboard slots fail, so the sound card may still work in another machine.
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