Reference number: CH000207

Recovering lost sound in Windows 3.1x.

Issue:

Recovering lost sound in Windows 3.1x

Cause:

Corrupt or missing drivers. Generally resolved by restoring the system.ini and or win.ini. 

Solution:

Exit to MS-DOS prompt by clicking File / click Exit Windows. At the C:\> type the below commands. Additional information about getting into a MS-DOS prompt can be found on document CHDOS.

cd\windows
md chbackup
copy system.--- chbackup
copy win.--- chbackup
ren system.ini system.ch
ren win.ini system.ch
ren win.--- win.ini
ren system.--- system.ini

The above steps will recover the original backup of the system.ini and the win.ini which are generally system.--- and win.---. If you are able to successfully complete the above instructions, attempt to reboot your computer and see if your sound is back. If you are unable to copy the system.--- or win.--- at c:\windows:

dir system.*

This will give you a listing of all files beginning with system. See if system.000 / .001 / .bak / .bac is available. Locate the oldest backup and replace --- with the name of the backup which is located on your computer. You will also need to locate the backup of the win.* file.