Updated to service pack 3 and now have no sound

[leeravens]

Hey,

Before i describe my problem i have to tell you i am a complete technological fool and so in regards to responses, the simpler the better if you could be so kind.

 

About a week ago i had to reinstall windows XP Media Edition on my Dell Dimension C521 because of how badly it was running and as instructed installed all the latest updates, upto and including service pack 3.

 

After this i found that i had no sound working on my computer, getting 'Windows Media Player cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device. There might not be a sound device installed on your computer, it might be in use by another program, or it might not be functioning properly.' when i try and play music in media player.

 

When checking my device manager, i have a small exclamation mark in a yellow circle next to my 'IDT High Definition Audio CODEC'. When i double click on this i get 'This device cannot start. (Code 10)'.

 

I have tried updating and rolling back the current driver but nothing seems to work. I was advised by a friend to download some kind of driver from a 3rd party but i have no idea what or where to look for.

I am using AVG anti virus if that's needed to be known.

 

I would be very grateful for any help anyone can give me, and if any information is needed to answer my question that i've forgotten to put in just say and ill put it in

 

System: Microsoft Windows XP

Media Center Edition

Version 2002

Service Pack 3

 

Thanks,

leeravens

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hi Lee

 

Welcome to FPCH

 

Have you actually been to Dell Support to obtain the specific driver for that model at all?

[Diurno]

Hello leeravens,

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help!!

 

beeceebee: no sound thread

'before you do anything else please go into your control panel and click on "sounds and audio devices." Select the audios tab and make certain that the realtek device is listed as the default.

 

Plastic Nev: no sound thread

'While still in device manager, a right click on the AC97 should come up with "Update driver", provided you are connected to the web or online, windows will search for and install the missing driver, without looking for other drivers.'

 

beeceebee: no sound thread

1. Go back to your device manager and delete the realtek AUDIO device completely. After you have done that shut down and reboot the computer. Hopefully it will recognise the sound device and install it with drivers.'

 

Hope any of this helps.

 

Please visit this website, you might find the driver that you need

Edited January 1, 2009 by Diurno

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Can we just see if Lee has been to Dell before confusing this issue please.

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi Lee,

 

If you know how please give us the name and model of your sound card.

 

Have you tried the Dell support site for drivers. If you have the model and serial number they are often very precise in what you need by way of drivers.

 

The post that Diurno has given relates to other very specific issues and that do not necessarily apply here.

[leeravens]

if this picture link works these are the sound devices i have under my device manager. i have been to the dell website but none of the 4 listed drivers seem to tally directly with the IDT High Definition Audio CODEC device that has the alert symbol and error code with it, unless i just can't see for looking.

 

Thanks,

leeravens

drivers.bmp

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Have a look here Lee.

 

Download ECS 945GCT-M2 (V1.0) IDT High Definition Audio Driver 0.40 Driver for Windows 2K / Windows XP / Windows 2003 / Windows Vista - Softpedia

[Diurno]

Hello leeravens,

 

Do you know what is your service tag?

 

EDIT:

I believe that the driver suggested by wolfeymole is the correct one. Try to install it if it doesn't work then tell us your service tag.

Edited January 1, 2009 by Diurno

[leeravens]

service tag = JGHKP2J

 

i tried downloading and installing the driver but under the install process it claims that 'the file 'ksuser.dll' on windows xp professional service pack 3 CD is needed' and cannot find it anywhere on my computer, though as i downloaded service pack 3 straight from windows under windows updates i don't know where this CD comes from.

 

would this happen on all driver installation attepts do you think?

 

thanks,

leeravens

[Diurno]

Hmm, that's weird are you sure that is the correct service tag? According to dell.com that service tag belongs to a Dell Precision WorkStation 390 and not a Dell Dimension C521 like you stated before.

[Tootech]

You've done a full reinstall from scratch, so in theory you have a clean system.

 

I think the best way to deal with this is to remove Service Pack 3, install your audio drivers, make sure they work and then go back and reinstall Service Pack 3.

 

Realtek HD Audio has a similar problem with SP3, there are workarounds, but the best way is to install to SP2 standard, then install audio drivers, then SP3.

 

The only other option is to get hold of Dell - they will be aware of the problem and may offer assistance.

[leeravens]

sorry my label is upside down on my computer lol was a 6 not a G, so J6HKP2J is my service tag

 

Uninstalling SP3 for SP2 sounds like a good idea, i'll try that and post back with how it goes, thanks.

 

leeravens

[Plastic Nev]

I do hope the roll back to SP2 goes OK for you Lee. Installing SP3 is not as simple as you may think. It has caused many problems for some, please have a look at this help page regarding SP3 from the MS help pages.-

Information about Windows XP Service Pack 3

Let us know how you get on, so we can help further.

Nev.

[RandyL]

That's strange Dell says the Dimension C521 needs SIGMATEL STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio. I don't know why you are showing the IDT High Definition Audio.

 

When it comes time to reinstall the drivers you may need to look into that.

[BeeCeeBee]

The Dell issue does not surprise me and I would not dwell on it. When a Dell product is ordered the so-called service tag is created which lists every component to be installed on a product. In the case of severs (and I assume PCs as well) they are listed under a chassis name which may differ from its commercial trade name.

 

The service tag is entered into the system that service tag (referred to as a traveler) then follows the order in paper form from the point where the components are pulled until it passes its final test and is boxed.

 

If a unit's components differ from that which is on the initial traveler sheet (availability) it is altered. In theory a unit should not pass its initial test even if it works fine but has a component change (e.g. a sound card is different) unless that change is noted in the system.

 

It is quite possible that the service-tag reflects what was on the initial order and not any changes made. I would go with the device manager as being the more likely.

Edited January 2, 2009 by BeeCeeBee