PC Tips for Vista SP2 Sound Problems

Microsoft is making it easy for users running Windows Vista Service Pack 2, but also SP1, to resolve sound problems affecting the operating system after the deployment of a service pack. In this manner, the Redmond company is acknowledging that Vista users can run into issues related to sound once they upgrade their platform either to SP1 or to SP2. Fortunately enough, the software giant provides users with an automated solution for eventual sound problems via KB948481. Microsoft is essentially providing a Fix It button and associated solution that will help users troubleshoot any sound issues introduced with the installation of a new service pack.

“After you install a Windows Vista service pack, you may experience one or more of the following problems with sound: no sound is produced when you play audio files or run programs that have an audio component. The speaker symbol next to the clock in the notification area may display the following message: No Audio Output Device is installed. The Sound Controller in Device Manager displays a yellow exclamation point. The sound quality changes. For example, if you previously had surround sound, you may now have stereo sound,” Microsoft explained.

KB948481 also describes a range of steps designed to let do-it-yourselfers manually troubleshoot and resolve any sound problems. At the same time, the software giant is also providing users with a list of audio drivers and devices that fail to play nice with Vista SP2. The Redmond company is pointing to KB948481 as a resource for beginners, and to KB971220 as a destination for more advanced users.

The company explained that the installation of Vista SP2 was synonymous with the updating of some system files and device drivers. A newer service pack can contain an older device driver, which, once deployed, can cause sound problems. Below you will be able to find a list provided by Microsoft with the audio drivers that have been identified as causing problems with Vista SP2.

Realtek AC’97
For x86-based computers: Alcxwdm.sys – version 6.0.1.6242 or earlier.
For x64-based computers: Alcwdm64.sys – version 6.0.1.6242 or earlier.

IDT/SigmaTel
For x86-based computers: Sthda.cat – published 12/17/07 or earlier.
For x64-based computers: Sthda64.cat – published 12/17/07 or earlier.

IDT/SigmaTel
For x86-based computers: Stwrt.cat – published 12/17/07 or earlier.
For x64-based computers: Stwrt64.cat – published 12/17/07 or earlier Exceptions for IDT/SigmaTel drivers were made on certain models of Dell, HP, and Sony computers because these drivers were updated to address this issue before the 12/17/07 publish date.

Creative Audigy
For x86-based and x64-based computers: P17.sys – versions earlier than 5.12.1.2004.

Conexant HD Audio
For x86-based computers: Chdart.sys – version 4.32.0.0 or earlier.
For x64-based computers: Chdart64.sys – version 4.32.0.0 or earlier.

Related posts:

1. Vista SP2 HD Audio Controller PC Tips for Vista SP2 HD Audio Controller With the...
2. Vista x86 32 Bit Or x64 64 Bit? PC Tips for Choosing Vista 32 Bit or 64 Bit...
3. How to make Windows Vista boot faster PC Tips for making Windows Vista boot faster The time...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

PC Tips for Vista SP2 HD Audio Controller

With the advent of Windows Vista, Microsoft praised the boost in energy consumption efficiency in comparison with Windows XP. Still, there are exceptions to every rule. And while Vista indeed uses less energy over XP, users of the operating system can still experience excessive power use. One such example involves Vista SP2 and earlier during sleep or hibernation, and the HD audio controller, the Redmond-based company explained. The software giant has noted that there are two scenarios in which Vista SP2 sucks more power than it should.

“If you put the computer to sleep or into hibernation when it is running on AC power, the high definition (HD) audio controller continues to use power. Additionally, even after the computer transitions to DC power while the computer is asleep or in hibernation, the HD audio controller still uses power. This behavior persists even though you disable the ‘Allow this device to wake the computer’ option in the HD audio controller properties,” Microsoft explained.

In addition, the company has revealed that there is also an issue associated with the Wake on Ring properties not responding to the configuration introduced by users. “After you disable the ‘Allow this device to wake the computer’ option in the HD audio controller properties, the Wake on Ring feature still wakes the computer from sleep or hibernation,” Microsoft stated.

A hotfix is currently being offered specifically to customers affected by this issue, the company underlined. Users that have experienced problems with high levels of power consumption because of the HD audio controller running Windows Vista SP1 or SP2 need to contact Microsoft and get the hotfix.

“If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix,” the software giant added.

Related posts:

1. Vista SP2 Sound Problems PC Tips for Vista SP2 Sound Problems Microsoft is making...
2. Vista to XP Copying Performance Slower PC Tips for Vista to XP Copying Performance being Slower...
3. Add an elevated Command Prompt for Vista PC Tips for Adding elevated Command Prompt for Vista Add...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

PC Tips for Understanding My Music in Windows XP

The My Music folder is the place where Windows automatically saves all the audio clips you download from the Internet or save on your hard drive with Windows Media Player. The My Music folder, like My Pictures, is an automatic part of the My Documents folder.

To open the My Music folder from the Windows XP desktop, click the Start button and then click My Music (normally third from the top in the right-hand column in the Start pop-up menu). To open this folder from another folder, such as My Computer, click the Address bar drop-down button (on the right side) and then click My Documents at the top of the pop-up list (right below Desktop at the very top). You can then open My Music by double-clicking that folder icon (the one with the music note in it) in the My Documents window.

Like the folders in My Pictures, the folders in My Music appear in thumbnail view. To play a particular audio file that you’ve saved in the My Music folder with Windows Media Player, right-click the file icon and then click Play on the shortcut menu. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing your selection.

To play all the audio files in a particular folder, click the folder icon before clicking the Play All hyperlink in the Music Tasks section of the My Music folder. To play all of the audio clips and tracks saved in the My Music folder, make sure that no folder or file is selected before you click the Play All hyperlink.

Related posts:

1. Make your Folders Private on Windows XP •Open My Computer •Double-click the drive where Windows is installed...
2. How to use Windows Update Properly on Windows XP If you want to save your files to your hard...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

PC Tips for Playing DVD in Windows XP

Microsoft raves about how Media Player plays DVDs. But that’s a lie. Windows XP can’t play DVDs right out of the box. See, even though you’ve bought a Windows XP computer, a DVD drive, and a DVD, you need something else: special software called a decoder. This bit of software, called a codec because it converts one format to another, enables your computer to translate numbers on a disc into videos of galloping horses on the screen.

Unfortunately, Windows XP doesn’t come with a DVD codec, so you must pick up one somewhere else. Where? Well, most computers with DVD drives come with DVD-playing software — a little box with its own little controls. That software installs its own DVD codec in Windows, and Media Player simply borrows that. But if you don’t have DVD-playing software, there’s nothing to borrow, and Media Player ignores your DVDs.

If you choose Windows Media Player instead of your third-party DVD player to watch DVDs, the controls are pretty much the same as they are for playing CDs.

You probably need to update your DVD software so that it will work under Windows XP. Otherwise, your DVD software won’t work under Media Player, either. Head for the Web site of your DVD player’s manufacturer and look for a Windows XP patch or upgrade. If you’re lucky, the manufacturer won’t charge you for the upgrade. Some companies, however, make you buy a new version.

DVD stands for Digital Video Disc & Digital Versatile Disc.

Bending to pressure, Microsoft made a last-minute deal with three companies to provide software for Windows Media Player to create MP3s and play DVDs. The catch? The complete package costs between $20 and $30, with separate components (the DVD decoder on its own, for instance) costing less.

The three companies, CyberLink, InterVideo, and RAVISENT, each offers a DVD Decoder Pack for Windows XP. After October 25, 2001, Windows XP users may order and download the add-on packs from each company’s Web site through links inside Windows Media Player.

If you’ve upgraded to Windows XP from an earlier version of Windows, and your old DVD software no longer works, using the links to get the add-ons might be your best option.

Related posts:

1. Can Your PC Really Handle Vista? PC Tips for Your PC Handling Vista Our first article...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.