Audio problem

[LilBob]

Wife’s running XP Pro with SP3. A while back, she started having problems with sounds. I tried updating her driver, replacing the speakers, the audio card & using different PCI slots but no luck. WAV extension files seem to play OK but everything else sounds garbled or broken up. Running out of ideas. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help you can offer.

Bob

 

[cdogg]

If I'm reading that right, you say you've also tried a different sound card?

If so, then it's likely a corrupt setting in Windows or some kind of resource conflict (including low resources). You could spend hours troubleshooting. Instead, if it were me, I'd reload Windows from scratch. That will take care of any software issue. You could even use a spare hard drive as a temporary test if you're worried about losing a lot of time reinstalling apps and personalizing Windows. Then if it turns out the temporary clean installation is working, you can decide later to back everything up off the old installation. If the temp install doesn't resolve the issue, then you still have the original drive in hand and can revert back to where you left off.

~cdogg
"All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain
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[flyboytim]

Low resources can creep up on an XP machine - fragmentation of the files and directories etc., due to downloads, installations, hotfixes and normal file writing and editing activities can lead to further fragmentation of system files, in particular the pagefile.sys virtual memory swap file. As well as that, a lot of debris in the form of temporary files, internet cache files, and unused shortcuts and old registry entries will generally impede performance. Don't forget to clean out the Antivirus vault and old virus definition files.

A system cleaner such as Piriform CCleaner or ToniArts EasyCleaner can be used to deal with registry trash and unnecessary files, as well as some judicious manual pruning of old installed software, and backing up audio and video and image archives to DVD or CD, or online archives can clean up a lot of space.

A boot-time defragmentation and optimization can then be used to get the slimmed-down system into condition again. One I have used to good effect is the free Puran Defrag home version, which is considerably faster than the supplied Windows defragmenter.

http://www.fxxxingcomputers.co.uk

 

[cdogg]

Yes, those are some good tools to consider. Just keep in mind that if you're unable to resolve it within 1-2 hours, you're better off ditching the tools and resorting to a clean install. In the end, it may not even be a resource issue and you'd hate to spend too much time going down a path that leads to a dead-end.

~cdogg
"All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain
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[BadBigBen]

so far, all good suggestions, but with the statement that Lilbob made:

WAV extension files seem to play OK but everything else sounds garbled or broken up

I am more inclined to believe that it is a CODEC corruption...

thus I would set a RESTORE POINT, then install a CODEC pack, e.g. K-Lite Mega Codec Pack, as a test to see if it is the problem... then you can always revert and or start with a clean install...



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[cdogg]

>> "[blue]I am more inclined to believe that it is a CODEC corruption...[/blue]"

Good point to try installing the codec pack. Bob, let us know what kind of files you've tried to play (i.e. WMA, MP3, etc.) that are giving you trouble, especially if the codec pack doesn't resolve it.

Also, do you have the same problem playing video files such as MPEG or AVI?

~cdogg
"All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain
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[linney]

It is probably not related but there was a recent post where the sound problem occurred when the setting was for "Surround Sound" speakers, which corrected itself when set for "Stereo".

What is the sound like via Headphones?

 

[LilBob]

Sorry for the delay in replying but had to replace my router & bride's adapter card.
I guess I was a bit lax in details. Since I retired (from computer repair), my input isn’t what it should be. Besides what I mentioned earlier, these are all the things I’ve run/checked (not necessarily in chronological order but how this old dog’s memory works):

Verified Windows, all other apps & drivers were latest edition

Ran msconfig to verify nothing but bare necessities were loaded @ start-up; also deleted a few unneeded apps on her PC using Revo (also to verify nothing new was introduced to her system)

Device Manager shows no conflicts Process Manager shows very little CPU usage & CPU running cool (Intel 4 1.5GHz with 1.5MB RAM)

Ran CCleaner, deleted all junk files & fixed all registry issues

Defragged HD using AusLogics & later with Puran (thanks for that bit of info, it’s even faster than Auslogics & seemed to do a better job)

Updated & scanned HD with MBAM, Spybot & Avast; nothing found

Also, ran chkdsk and sfc

Finally, I think, I ran DirectX Diagnostic tool & after testing under Sound tab I got the following error message: ‘Your sound card does not support hardware buffering. Sounds will only play back from software buffers.’ In the Music tab, all sounded fine with no errors.

Downloaded & installed VLC. Voila! All works, somewhat again!

Sound is much better but still not perfect. Tried going to YouTube to play a file there & sound still bad. Music I had on my PC & shared with hers played pretty good, but it did not like it when I tried to multi-task (garbled again). Inserted music CD’s & file extensions on all songs were changed to *.cda. linney, headphones showed no improvement.

Ben, I’ll try that website you sent and .wav files still play fine.

As added info, M$ Security Essentials stopped working & will not allow me to reinstall. Comodo firewall is acting strange, won't remember answers to allow/block. Ah! Talked with the bride & according to her after each reboot, New Hardware Wizard pops up to install 'Creative Gameport Device'. Obviously, I need to explain to her all details are important. I uninstalled the driver & rebooted but windows can't find a driver for it, but then again, I can't either. She won't upgrade to 7 (took me forever to get her to go from 98 to XP. I may just buy her a new audio card.

Will let all know how things go soon & thanks again to all, Bob

 

[BadBigBen]

I am inclined to say, you may have more than one hardware problem...

I would suggest running MemTests and HDD Diags...

, New Hardware Wizard pops up to install 'Creative Gameport Device'

may be an indication of a failing mainboard ...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[xkjdhdg]

I say you have a virus! run Malwarebyte,hitmanpro 3.5 and you will find your problem. Both are free just make sure you update them before you scan your system.

 

[cdogg]

Bob,
Go into Device Manager and find the main audio device. Right-click and go into Properties. On the details tab, reply to this post with the entire line of characters that define the VEN (Vendor's ID). It wouldn't hurt to do the same for the Creative Gameport Device which is probably listed as "Unknown" since there's no driver installed for it.


~cdogg
"All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain
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[LilBob]

As I said, I ran MBAM, Spybot & Avast already (also scanned with MBAM & SUPERAntiSpyware in safe mode - nothing found).

Ben, I believe I tested HD & RAM but will do that again. Downloaded the codec pack but have not installed it yet.

cdogg, Device Manger shows:
Creative AudioPCI [ES1371,ES1373] [WDM]

Device Instance ID:
PCI\VEN_1274&DEV_1371 &SUBSYS_13711274&REV_08\4&2B96F39&0&48F0

Gameport Device shows it's located on the Audio card with no driver.

Device Instance ID:
LEGACY\JOYSTICK\5&471FCE&0&ENUM&

Also downloaded & saved a device driver from a site I've used in the past. Will test HD & Ram tonight then try the codec pack if all pass fine & recheck sound. I'll post as soon as I finish.

Thanks again for all the advice, Bob

 

[cdogg]

Bob,
Based on that Device Instance ID, it appears you have the Soundblaster PCI 64. This is a very old card released at a time when Windows 95 was common, and could be cause for concern in XP. You can read more information about it here:

http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArticle.aspx?sid=5790

For less than $20 on Newegg, you can upgrade this to a more recent 5.1 card. I'd go with SIIG or Startech on that site if you are just looking for something cheap.

~cdogg
"All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain
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[LilBob]

cdogg,
I know. After replying, I realized that too. I built her tower from spare parts I had in the shop. I called the supplier I used & he had an Asus 5.1 card I could have for $20. She still won't let me upgrade but maybe when Windows 8 comes out, I'll finally get her to do so. I'll tell her, like M$, I won't support XP any more.
Bob