Tuesday, July 26, 2011

What You Need to Know about Windows XP Sound Device Driver?


Have you ever used a PC without a sound? I’m sure lots of you will answer me with a “yes.” PCs without sound can still works, however, soundless PCs are so boring to use. PCs have also been considered as one of the best entertainment mode a human being can use. Computers can be used in playing videos, music files, and games. You can never achieve the potential and the highest entertainment level if PCs don’t have sound. 

Some Indications PC users can Experience When There are Sound Errors

No sound can be heard when playing games, videos, movies, and music files.
The sound fades in and fades out.
The sound produced is scratchy when played.
The sound jumps or skips when played.
Windows run slow when a sound file is opened.
Windows hangs up and freezes when playing sound.
The computer restarts every time a sound file is played.

Reasons Behind Sound Problems in PCs

There are many reasons behind sound problems in computers running the Windows XP operating system from information technology (IT) giant Microsoft Corp. Here few of those reasons:
1. The master sound volume is muted.
2. The sound device is damaged.
3. The sound cables are detached or cut.
4. No sound device driver is installed.
5. Sound device driver installed is corrupted.
6. Defective sound card.
7. Sound file is not supported or compatible in Windows XP.
8. Sound or movie file is corrupted.

Sound Error Messages

Here are few of the many sound error messages prompted by the Windows XP operating system:

WAV sound playback error detected”

“No wave device that can play files in the current format is installed”

“Your audio hardware cannot play files like the current file”

“The CD Audio device is in use by another application”

MIDI output error detected”

The Importance of Sound Device Driver
Drivers are important because these contain instructions needed to run a sound device like the sound card. Sound cards are responsible in handling the input and output of audio signals from the computer to an external sound device like speakers and headphones. There are built sound cards and there are also external. Built-ins are those which are set up inside the motherboard. On the other hand, external sound cards are put up on PCI slots and can be detached if not needed. The latter is much more practical especially if you want to replace damaged cards. 

If a sound card is installed without a driver, this will not run. You will not be able to hear sound from the PC. Windows XP will keep on prompting the PC user that a driver is needed. This error message can lead to computer freezes. Windows will also run slow if drivers are not installed.

How to Select the best Windows XP Sound Device Driver?

PC users need to consider many things in the selection and purchase of the best sound device driver. Here are some tips on what to do in choosing the perfect driver.
1. Check the compatibility. Always ask the supplier or the PC store if the driver is compatible in PCs running the Windows XP operating system from information technology (IT) firm Microsoft Corp.  Also, check whether the driver is compatible with the sound card or sound device.
2.  Download or purchase only from trusted and official supplier. Be cautious in downloading drivers because there are others which contain viruses and malicious programs that will slowly ruin the entire PC system.
3. Read reviews online. It will be wiser to read official reviews from people who are already proven its worth in the PC sound sector.
4. Read testimonies and online forums to boost up knowledge about sound drivers.
5. Ask only the experts.
 

Driver Update
Updating sound device drivers is also a crucial task every PC user must bear in mind all the times. You can visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/166774 from Microsoft Corp. in updating your sound device driver.

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