Windows® XP Audio Driver
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Problems when installing Windows XP audio driver and ways to resolve problems
Computer hardware devices require software components known as ‘drivers’ to help the computer utilize the device properly. Sound cards require audio drivers to function. Without drivers, sound will not come out of the speakers. Installing and updating audio drivers is relatively easy and can be done automatically through Windows or manually by downloading the drivers yourself. There are some problems which can arise when installing Windows XP audio drivers. One such problem is that after installation, you are unable to hear sound from earphones or speakers. Sometimes, once the driver is installed, it may appear that a track is playing but, you are unable to hear anything. Thirdly, a sound may play but it stops abruptly. Alternatively, when you play a sound, it may skip or miss. The sound may play scratchy or distorted. The computer may stop responding when any sound is played. Sometimes, you may find that your computer restarts on its own when the sound is being played. You could also receive an error message whenever you try to play something.
Now that we have looked at some common problems when installing the Windows XP audio driver, let us look at some ways to resolve these problems:
- Try another sound device
- Use Windows XP Sound Troubleshooter
- Update sound drivers
Try another sound device
If you suspect that the installation of the audio driver was performed successfully, then you may want to try plugging another output device into the computer. For instance, if you are using speakers to playback a sound, then, try connecting a different pair of speakers or perhaps try using a pair of earphones. This will help you ensure that the problem does not lie with the output device itself. If you do not face any problems with the playback of the sound, then it could indicate a problem with the output device you originally used. If the sound is still not heard despite using another output device, then you will need to try other means of resolving the problem.
Use the Windows XP Sound Troubleshooter
Your Windows XP includes a troubleshooting program that may help you solve most of your sound related issues. Click on the Windows XP Sound Troubleshooter either manually or automatically and then answer the questions that are prompted to you to try and find a solution. If you are clicking on the troubleshooter manually, click ‘Start’, and then ‘Help and Support’. Subsequently, under ‘Pick a Help Topic’, click ‘Fixing a problem’. Then click on ‘Games’, ‘Sound and video problems’ and on the right side, you will find the ‘Sound Troubleshooter’. Now, determine if you can hear the sound. If so, your problem is resolved. If not, you will need to try some other methods of resolving the audio problem.
It could also be your audio driver itself that is causing the problem. You may have installed an outdated driver which is causing problems. You can start by checking if an updated sound driver is available. Use Microsoft Update to help you decide if the current driver that you installed is the most updated one or if an update is available. You may want to contact the audio driver hardware or computer manufacturer to ask for the latest version of the audio driver.
