Sound is choppy on my XP SP3. Do I need newer Codecs?

[pattybrew]

You could try Fixit here.

I am trying to install this bu get a message: 'unable to download troubleshooters, check your Internet connection'. Internet connection is fine so I added it to the exception list of Firewall And still get the same error message.

[plodr]

SuperDave, please post a link for Fixit not from Softonic. I download nothing from that site and in fact my uBlockOrigin blocks that site. Badware risks

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]

[plodr]

I found an alternate download site here
http://ccm.net/download/download-14957-microsoft-fix-it#q=microsoft+fix+it&cur=1&url=%2F

I downloaded it then scanned it with Malwarebytes and MS Security Essentials so the download is clean.

[pattybrew]

I tried several times and still get the  'unable to download troubleshooters, check your Internet connection'.  I went to the community site referred me to for the fix for this problem and followed directions several times in the order told and still get the same error msg. I went into Internet options and ticked Allow first party cookies and also turned off pop-up blocker and that did not make any difference. I do have SP3 and the necessary MSXLML 6.0. Do you have any other recommendations?

[SuperDave]

Did you check your Device Manager for any yellow warning icons?

[pattybrew]

Thank you SuperDave. I checked everything in Device Manager and nothing was flagged with yellow icon. Everything looks good.

[SuperDave]

Do you get the same thing using earphones?

[pattybrew]

I have nev

Do you get the same thing using earphones?

er used ear phones on this desktop. I don't know if I have some that have the right connection for it.

[SuperDave]

Any set of earphones or earbuds will do.

[pattybrew]

I'll do some digging and see what I have. I think I have a pair of USB connections from phones that will work.  I spent several hours today working on connecting my new printer to this old gir. Now I can print all the drivers and order of installation. I am excited about that because I think newer drivers will help her to function much better. I hope so anyway.

[plodr]

Where are you getting these newer drivers from?
The Dell support page for your Dimension 4700 lists drivers
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/dimension-4700/drivers
the audio is from 2005, chipset 2004, modem 2004, 2005 and 2006 depending on the hardware inside your tower, video 2005 and 2006 again depends on the hardware.
I would not recommend downloading drivers from any 3rd party sites.
The newer drivers that you think you need might be to add function for Vista, 7 and 8 but won't do a thing for XP.

As I mentioned previously, I rarely update drivers. We have a Dimension 2400 (also from 2004, same as the Dimension 4700) running XP and an Optiplex 745 (2006) purchased refurbed and upgraded to Win 7. I haven't touched the drivers in either computer.

Phones use 3.5mm audio connections, not USB,  the same as a computer's audio port.

[SuperDave]

I am excited about that because I think newer drivers will help her to function much better. I hope so anyway.

I doubt that. In all my years of owning and working on computers I've never had to update drivers.

[Geek-9pm]

It is not a function the drivers. I the used to work, they still work.
Choppy sound is when the system is not doing its job.
Most common is when two or more programs are trying to be the alpha dog.
Make sure only one  media player is installed.
Make sure no other service try to use  the sound, except the OS.
Stop any background programs that are not needed.

Some early Pentium CPUs do not have Hyper thread. I am not sure if that is a factor or not. It should not be. Good multimedia sound was the norm back with th Windos95 and the CPUs of that era.

Reduce number of programs that run in the background. Make sure only one program is playing media. Which media player do you use?

[patio]

You never mentioned a hardware/cabling fault...however ...carry on...

[pattybrew]

I have messed with machine too much now. I just lost my taskbar with the Start menu and am unable to know how to shut it down or restart.