Finding the correct audio drivers for your computer soundcard can be a headache. However, if the soundcard did not come with an audio driver CD there are still several ways to locate the drivers. Even if you don’t know what kind of sound card you have you can still get the drivers using online resources. If there is no way to identify the card whatsoever, you can also use diagnostic tool software to tell you what kind of card you have.
Audio Drivers Download An Audio Driver is software which connects and controls the Audio (or sound) card in your computer, tablet or smartphone. Typically, out-of-date, corrput or missing Audio Drivers can cause problems such as a 'No Sound' error, or crackled or distorted sound.
IHV USB Audio 2.0 drivers and updates For IHV provided third party driver USB Audio 2.0 drivers, those drivers will continue to be preferred for their devices over our in-box driver unless they update their driver to explicitly override this behavior and use the in-box driver. In computing, a device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer. A driver provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling operating systems and other computer programs to access hardware functions without needing to know precise details about the hardware being used. Hi, Be sure to check with the System maker and their forums for known issues. Also check with the actual audio/sound device maker if possible.-----Do these to clear corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files. The Best Free Audio Drivers app downloads for Windows: Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows 7 / 8/ 8.1/ 10 64-bit) IDT High Definition Audio C.
Step 1
Run 'dxdiag.' In some cases you may be able to figure out the type of drivers you need by running a simple command. Click on your “start menu” in the bottom left corner of your computers task bar. Type “dxdiag” in the search bar, and press enter and a window will open. This window will display your video, sound and system information. Click on the “sound tab” to see your sound card information. You can use this data to find the sound card name and brand.
Step 2
Refer to your computer manual. An easy way of locating the correct sound drivers is by checking the manual that came with your computer. It will specifically tell you what kind of sound card your computer has installed. Once you figure out the soundcard model, you can download the drivers off the manufacturer’s website. If you have a specific brand computer such as a Dell, you can also look up the drivers using your computer serial number at Dell's website.
Step 3
Open your computer case. If you don’t have a manual or your computer isn’t a name brand, you can sometimes find the sound card model information on the card itself. Turn off the computer and remove the power plug. Remove the side panel and look for the sound card. It will be attached to the motherboard. You can tell which component the sound card is by tracing the cables from the speakers to the computer. On the card there may be a brand name or label identifying the card. In some cases you may not have a specific sound card and the speakers may plug directly into the motherboard. In most cases the motherboard will have a specific brand that can be identified in the case as well. Use this information to locate the manufacturer’s website and download the drivers.
Use a diagnostic program. If you don’t have a computer manual or your computer is not a name brand, you can use software to find the correct drivers. Programs like Dr. Hardware can scan your computer and decipher the type of sound card you have.
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Hi,Check with Dell Support, their drivers, on-line documentation and their forums for help with
the no sound and the problem downloading and installing drivers.
Dell Support
http://support.dell.com/
Dell Drivers - Product Manuals & Warranty Info (left side) - Tech Support and more
http://support.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs
Dell Forums
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/--------------------------------------------
Do these to clear corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files.
Start - type in Search box - COMMAND find at top of list - RIGHT CLICK - RUN AS ADMIN
sfc /scannow
How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
Then run checkdisk (chkdsk).
How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
Sound Drivers For My Computer
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html--------------------------------------------------------------------
After the above : (References to Vista also apply to Windows 7.)
Control Panel - Device Manager - SOUNDS - look for HD Audio - Mine says RealTek High
Definition Audio (that is an example and yours may have an entirely different name/maker).
Write down description make and model - double click on it - drivers tab - write down version.
Now Click UPdate Drivers which may not do anything as MS is far behind certifying drivers.
Then RIGHT CLICK on it and UNINSTALL - REBOOT - this will rebuild the driver stack.
1st go to system maker's site and look for latest driver Download - SAVE - go to right click on
and RUN AS ADMIN (This is your fallback.) REBOOT after each driver installation.
NOTE : Sound drivers often rollback so check the version after installation and the
reboot to see if the version you installed is there, if not repeat the install - reboot
until it is. It can take several tries depending on how many rollbacks it does.
Then do same for Device Maker's site.
Manually look at manufacturer's sites for drivers - and Device Maker's sites.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm
Installing and updating drivers in 7 (updating drivers manually using the methods above is preferred
to ensure the latest drivers from System maker and Device makers are found)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43216-installing-updating-drivers-7-a.html
-----------------------------------------------------
Error “the Audio Service Is Not Running” When Opening the Volume Mixer in Vista
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/error-the-audio-service-is-not-running-when-opening-the-volume-mixer-in-vista/
Also Right Click Speaker near clock - Playback Devices - right click in the box area -
check Show disable and disconnected devices. Highlight speaker and on the lower
Right click Properties check settings for Device Usage enabled and so on. Also do
same for Configure on Lower Left of that box.
In Control Panel you can also look for an Audio Manager along with the Sound Settings.
Problems with sound and audio or no sound - a Mr Fixit
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/no_sound
Tips for fixing common sound problems
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/1e87a3e8-c0e8-49af-980f-9eb6686f42d21033.mspx
Speakers and other audio output devices
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/a43f3a31-6d9f-49d1-be22-e2f47b8b1f2c1033.mspx
How to Enable Hidden Audio Devices in Vista
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/143447-audio-device-enable-hidden-devices.html
How to troubleshoot sound problems that you experience after you install a Windows Vista
Service Pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948481
Hope this helps.