asus a8v audio infected / warbled on xp 32 &64

[jud1255]

I have lost some audio and some what is left although not all is warbled / distorted

eg when I connect thru control panel / sounds and audio devices properties.

in sounds some play and some don’t eg

Start windows and windows logon is working ok

Where as new mail, device connect does not work at all.

Most saved mp3 are affected though not all

Cd’s original are affect though don’t seem as bad

My system descktop /pc is asus a8v deluxe with onboard sound using realtek ac97

Radeon 9250

Recently Bios upgraded from 1014 to 1017 to enable the extra 2 gig ram now 3gb in total.

This as far as I know is the only thing change as I went from

2x 512mb rams in the blue slots

to 2x 512mb + 2x 1gb in the black slots

140gb ide hdd with 64bit xp pro

and 160 gb sata hdd split into 2x 80’s

80gb using win xp pro 32 bit and the other 80gb used for storage

could the upgrade of bios upset the audio

I have reformatted the 80gb sata and reinstalled xp 32bit realtek ac97 etc

Updated the Via 4 in 1 files and its still the same.

Any suggestions apart from chucking through the window.

[Dalo Harkin]

The BIOS flash can indeed disrupt the audio - you will have to reinstall the audio driver and then reinstall either an updated version or the most up to date.

If you are unsure how to do this please ask

[jud1255]

The BIOS flash can indeed disrupt the audio - you will have to reinstall the audio driver and then reinstall either an updated version or the most up to date.

If you are unsure how to do this please ask

 

thanks, im gonna try backdating to 1014 from 1017, if that dont work ill try going forward to the latest 1018

thanks again

[Dalo Harkin]

You dont need to change the BIOS back - just download and update the audio drivers from the ASUS website

[jud1255]

You dont need to change the BIOS back - just download and update the audio drivers from the ASUS website

Thanks, already done that and made no difference.

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok let us know how the BIOS backdate goes, but I would guess that wont make a difference either - Sound drivers and BIOS updates are meticulously tested before being released.

You issues must lie elsewhere - have you run a dxdiag report?

[jud1255]

Ok let us know how the BIOS backdate goes, but I would guess that wont make a difference either - Sound drivers and BIOS updates are meticulously tested before being released.

You issues must lie elsewhere - have you run a dxdiag report?

 

running dxdiag shows

on sound test, i can hear but volume has to be on full

then it states your card does not support hardware buffering , sounds will only play back from software buffers. Again i can only just hear the sounds emmitted.

in the sound test notes: it states all test were successful

 

the music test played 100% ok

is there anything else i could/should look for

thanks

[Dalo Harkin]

when you removed the old drivers for the Audio - did you re configure the software as windows doesnt normally do it - its got to be something simple even like the frequency being too high for your speakers

[jud1255]

update still missing SOME audio (nothing changed) eg most mp3's are warbled, i tried backdating bios from 1017 to 1014 but got the cmos error so updated to the latest 1018.002 that went ok. but still acting up.

what i cant understand is i get windows startup and win shutdown audio

but NO new message and no recyle bin.

maybe this should give you some pointers.

ps, i formatted c drive again and reinstalled xp pro 32 bit to find its still the same.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, you say only the windows opening and closing sound is all that plays correctly, have you had a look in sounds and audio devices, I include a screen shot of the window. (from control panel)

 

Click on the sounds tab and you should see the scroll down list of all windows sounds, including windows opening and closing, a click on each to highlight it then the button (arrowed) will play that sound, can you check some, no need to check them all, and let us know whether you find some OK, and some not, or ideally they should all work correctly from there.

[jud1255]

yes i already done that thanks.

as you say some are working eg win start up and win shutdown are working

 

recycle bin and new mail are not.

this means its not just my mp3's

 

i have assigned other audio files to the new mail and recycle bin for now.

thanks 4 your interest

[Plastic Nev]

Hi again Jud, it has to be some odd software problem causing this, besides the BIOS update, have you installed any program or deleted one, just before all this started?

Also, have you tried removing the extra RAM you installed as part of the BIOS update or upgrade?

You also say you have now tried a full re-install of the operating system, was this from a full XP retail disk or from a system recovery disk?

[jud1255]

Hi again Jud, it has to be some odd software problem causing this, besides the BIOS update, have you installed any program or deleted one, just before all this started?

Also, have you tried removing the extra RAM you installed as part of the BIOS update or upgrade?

You also say you have now tried a full re-install of the operating system, was this from a full XP retail disk or from a system recovery disk?

 

the only thing i can think of that MAY be connected , is my soninlaw stuck a memory stick in 2 mnth ago and mcaffee said it contained a virus i withdrew it straight away ,shut down and restarted and scanned etc.

since then i cannot d/click my pc to access files i have to exploe my pc then open.

then my mp3's and other audio's were ok, next was the playing of mp3's some are nearly ok some warbled some echoing some hardly hear able and some nearly ok. and exactly same results from cd's

now like i say i got no email no recycle and also no audio at all on youtube.

i did remove my tv card tried with and without then formatted hdd and reinstalled several times from oringinal cd the xp pro 32 bit NOT system recover nor repair it was a full install

wall with new ram and with previous ram.

i do have xp 64bit on another hdd running along side and that's exactly the same

dont know how many times ive reinstalled the realtek ac97 or alc 850 from asus disk ive tried installing a different audio system cant remenber which it was from asus though.

I actually think its somet on mobo as why does it affect 2 different os's the same even as far as exploring my computer i cannot just doubble click as i used to.

im no expert but im learning fast.i cannot believe i aint chucked thru the window yet

[jud1255]

im also aquiring a new hdd so that i can then eliminate the mobo or os

[Plastic Nev]

Ok Jud, from what you say, having done a full install of the OS with no change, like you, I am suspecting a fault now in the Realtek chipset, although it seemed more a software problem, hardware now looks to be the culprit, and a motherboard replacement is the only way to prove it I am afraid.

 

One thing that may be worth a try if you can get one, would be a separate sound card installed and see if that clears the problem. Hopefully you may be able to borrow one, as if it doesn't work you will have bought one for nothing.

 

The strange warning of a virus in a RAM stick should not have happened either, as once removed from a power source, as far as I am aware, all data should have gone from it, taking any virus with it. (I will stand to be corrected on that, as I am not totally sure)

 

If you wish to leave it till the morning, Dalo will be back and he may have more ideas to go from here.

Nev.

Edited April 13, 2009 by Plastic Nev

[jud1255]

Ok Jud, from what you say, having done a full install of the OS with no change, like you, I am suspecting a fault now in the Realtek chipset, although it seemed more a software problem, hardware now looks to be the culprit, and a motherboard replacement is the only way to prove it I am afraid.

 

One thing that may be worth a try if you can get one, would be a separate sound card installed and see if that clears the problem. Hopefully you may be able to borrow one, as if it doesn't work you will have bought one for nothing.

 

The strange warning of a virus in a RAM stick should not have happened either, as once removed from a power source, as far as I am aware, all data should have gone from it, taking any virus with it. (I will stand to be corrected on that, as I am not totally sure)

 

If you wish to leave it till the morning, Dalo will be back and he may have more ideas to go from here.

Nev.

sorry only just got the last message,

i tried 2 different sound cards and stil the same, i must admit "it is very strange " as i cant see both 32 and 64 os's being at fault.

Im learning to live with it for now as im ftp ing all music to my satellite receiver and playing all mp3's through that. The main problem is if i visit such as youtube or receive wmv via emails etc .

Thats another thing some youtube and some wmv's do play ok, its gotto be that its not suporting a particular spec of sound. eg my sat wont play anything under 112kbps all above is ok.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi jud, time has passed on since I last worked on this, so a re read of it all makes me realise I may not have picked up on the virus issue last time.

You state everything dates back to that point in time when the infected memory stick was inserted.

Even though your anti virus picked up on it, something may well have got in anyway.

So, to be on the safe side I will ask you to try our malware procedure.

If you already have one or more of the antimalware programs installed, first make sure they are fully up to date.

 

Your computer appears to be infected with Malware. Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a combination of the words malicious and software. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

 

It is in your best interest to note the following:

1. Please disable your resident security applications (such as AVG, Spybot, WinPatrol, etc.) before performing the below procedure so that they do not interfere with the process.
   
2. Perform all the steps in the order listed to avoid any conflicts.
   
3. If unsure, please stop and voice your doubts.
   
4. You might be required to go offline during the disinfection process. Therefore, it is recommended to print off the instructions below for ease of reference.
   

If you stick to the above guidelines, all should go smoothly.

 

 

================================================

STEP 1

1. Download ATF-Cleaner by Atribune.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click on the file to run the program.
   
4. On the Main tab, check the Select All button.
   
5. Next, click on the Firefox tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Firefox, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
6. Now, click on the Opera tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Opera, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
7. Press the Empty Selected button and click OK to acknowledge the corresponding prompt.
   
8. Click on the Exit button to quit the program.
   

================================================

STEP 2

1. Please click here to download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. At the end, make sure a check mark is placed next to:
   
   1. 
      
   2. Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      
   3. Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      

[*]Click Finish.

[*]The program will download and update itself if it finds the necessity to do so. Please allow this.

[*]Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.

 

 

Note: Depending on your computer specifications, the scan may take some time to complete. Please wait patiently and do not interrupt the process.

[*]When the scan is complete, click OK, and then Show Results to view the results.

[*]Make sure that every entry is selected, and click Remove Selected.

[*]Restart your computer.

================================================

STEP 3

1. Please click here to download SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version).
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
   
5. Under Configuration and Preferences, click the Preferences button.
   
6. Click the Scanning Control tab.
   
7. Under Scanner Options make sure the following fields checked:
   

    

   [*]Click the Close button to leave the control center screen.

   [*]On the main screen, under Scan for Harmful Software click Scan your computer.

   [*]On the left, make sure you check mark All the Fixed Drives.

   [*]On the right, under Complete Scan, choose Perform Complete Scan.

   [*]Click Next to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.

   [*]After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click OK.

   [*]Make sure every entry has a check mark next to it and click Next.

   [*]A notification will appear that Quarantine and Removal is Complete. Click OK and then Finish to return to the main menu.

   [*]Restart your computer.

   ================================================

   STEP 4
   1. Please visit the ESET Online Scanner, using Internet Explorer to initiate the scan.
       
      Note: If you are running Windows Vista, then you will need Administrative privileges to complete the latter part of the procedure. To do so, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Start Menu and select the Run As Administrator option in the shell context menu.
      
   2. Check mark the YES, I accept the Terms of Use box.
      
   3. Click the Start button.
      
   4. Click the Install button on the following screen.
      
   5. Click Start. This will will initialize and update the scanner engine.
      
   6. Check mark the box beside Remove found threats.
      
   7. Click the Scan button. This will start the scan. Please be patient while it is in progress.
      
   8. Restart your computer.
      

   ================================================

   STEP 5
   1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select System Restore.
      
   2. Choose the radio button marked Create a Restore Point on the first screen and click Next. Give the restore point a name then click Create. The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a note of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
      
   3. Next, click on Start > Run, type Cleanmgr and click on OK.
      
   4. Click on the More Options tab.
      
   5. Click the Clean Up button in the System Restore section to remove all previous restore points except the most recent one.
      

   This will remove any infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in "System Restore" are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only foolproof way to ensure the deletion of those files.

    

   Note: Do not clear restore points on a regular basis as doing so will clear all previous restore points even those that you may need. System Restore is a useful tool to revert your computer back to a working condition if something goes wrong.

    

   Re-enable all your security applications and please return here and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

    

   Happy Safe Computing! http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/../images/additional-smilies/thumb.gif

Close browsers before scanning
Scan for tracking cookies
Terminate memory threats before quarantining

[jud1255]

Nev, thanks 4 the response, the virus issue was regarding a memory stick (usb storage device) not the memory cards.

upon inserting usb storage device Mcaffee popped up stating virus detected but when scanned no virus was found

so it is iether a virus issue ,

or

possible dry joint when forcing memory cards into there slots (bending motherboard slightly)

or

to do with bios update from 1014 to 1018 before upgrading memory from 2x 512mb to 2x 512mb + 2x 1gb.

i cannot backdate to the 1014 ias i get cmos error when i do try.

 

Do you think, what you suggest is really necassary as i dont like the idea of installing these malware programs as most of the time they leave info on hdd's and i dont seem to trust them.

(most of the time they are free to install but then cost to use).

is it the same with the above ?)

thanks jud

[RandyL]

All of the programs that Plastic Nev linked to have a free version that will not only scan but actually remove infections.

 

They are not only safe but some of the best programs in the world.

 

They are easily removed from the control panel should you choose to do so.

 

They have been thouroughly tested by us and many others.

 

We do not receivve any compensation by suggesting these. We do so because they work.

 

You are wise to suspect unknown programs but rest assured you need have no fear here. We deal with rogue fake programs all the time and these tools will actually help eliminate those programs.

 

Best of luck.