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Sounds/speakers do not work

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8 replies

by bertmerc

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I have a Dell Desktop 9 Dell Dimension 8200, Pentium (R) 4 CPU 2.00 GHz, 1.9 GHz, 768 MB RAM, XP. My sound/speaker stopped working a couple days ago. I've tried troubleshooting via the Device Manager to no avail. I hooked up a spare set of speakers I know work and nothing. When I go to "Sound and Audio Device Properties and click on "Audio", then click on "Volume", I get the following error message: "Windows cannot execute SndVol32.exe, use Add/Remove programs control panel to install".

Help!

Thanks, -Bert

8 replies

by nepenthe0

1) Use System Restore to restore your computer to a time when your speakers were working OK.

2) If no retore point available, use the installation/recovery CD in [i]repair[/i] mode to reinstall the audio driver.

3) Be sure the speaker cable is installed in the correct slot

4) If none of this works, back up all your personal data files, and do a [i]clean install[/i] of Windows.

Please post back in this thread and let us know what worked for you (or what didn't work).

Rick/Portland, OR

by oh smeg

Open the Device Manager and make sure that the Sound Device hasn't been changed in the Sound & Audio Devices. When some games or other software is installed it can change the Sound Device that is used to generate audio.

If you know which Sound Device you have built into your System you can also visit the Dell Web Web Site and download the newest Drivers and use them but as the Dimension 8200 has 11 different Sound Drivers available for it you really need to know which sound device you have installed in your particular system. The Download Site for the 8200 Drivers is here though.

http://tinyurl.com/69c5aq

But from your description and the posted error message Windows has been corrupted somehow. I suggest you start here to find the source of the problem

http://tinyurl.com/6m2jns

Col

by bertmerc

I checked the Device Manager and the Sound Device hasn't been changed in the Sound & Audio Devices.

I have the original Sound Blaster Installation CD and reloaded the drivers and my sound came back. However, when I shut down my comptuer and start it up again the sound goes away. Any ideas?

Thank you for your help.

by oh smeg

As suggested above. This has now gone on way too long and it's a waste of your time & effort messing around with this unit.

Col

by bertmerc

They're working now but not with as much sound.

by oh smeg

If you tell us what was done it may help to come up with a solution here.

Col

by bertmerc

I did two things. First I reinstaled (again) the original drivers from the SoundBlaster disk.

Second, I attempted to update the drivers thinking they may be outdated. I got alomst to the end of the update and the process errored out saying my system did not support it.

I shut down my computer and restarted it and it works now. Just not nearly as much sound.

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