Computer Sound problem

Factual Questions
1

Here’s the deal: I got one of those AV viruses and had to completely wipe my computer. Since then, I have been unable to get the sound to work.

My symptoms and issues:

  1. After I got the virus, the sound stopped working.

  2. When I reinstalled Windows XP, sound still didn’t work. I did a CTC Ram memory clear.

  3. When I checked the drivers, it says the correct drivers are installed (Realtek.)

  4. When I try to reinstall the drivers, the software says I need service pack 1.

  5. I can’t install service pack 1.

I currently have 2 choices:

  1. Buy Windows 7.
  2. Buy a new computer or sound card.

However, if this is a hardware issue, buying windows 7 won’t matter…the sound still won’t work.

So, my question is: how can I tell if it is a hardware issue or a driver issue?

2

Probably this: Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) High Definition Audio class driver version 1.0a available for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 - Microsoft Support

To be more helpful, the Realtek integrated audio stuff needs this UAA fix before its driver can see it.

3

When you say “completely wipe” are we talking about a low-level c: format here? Or what, specifically?

Why not? And what about SP3?

4

Cool, I’ll try it…I read the link and it says it only works with SP 2. What happens when I install SP 3?

5

It’s included in SP3.

So re-installing the driver after you load SP3 should give you sound.

6

Ok, I’ve got my fingers crossed…what’s scary is that the first time I set up this computer, sound worked right away.

7

My usual fix, and often successful, is to uninstall the sound card in the control panel and reboot.

8

Ok, got it. I couldn’t load SP 1 because I didn’t load the ethernet driver (it wasn’t the full sp, it was a loader.) Once I loaded the ethernet driver, sp1 could load which then allowed me to load SP 3, where the sound started working.

Thanks all who replied. :slight_smile: