No audio device on my computer + me making problems worse..

[korrenmaa]

Hi,
A few weeks ago my computer stopped recognizing my audio driver and i attempted fixing the problem myself by installing some things (i was looking for help on some other website) and i probably just made things worse..
i have an hp pavilion slimline,
Windows XP,
1.40 GHz,
504 MB Ram,
SP3,
if that helps

and also when i go into my device manager, whatever i installed/uninstalled for audio, all i have now is
-Realtek High Def Audio


my brother has the same computer, with perfectly working sound and in his device manager i found
-audio codecs
-legacy audio drivers
-legacy video capture devices
-media control devices
-realtek high def audio
-video codecs

i don't know what to do to reinstall software/fix my problem
help would be GREATLY appreciated!

[Mulreay]

Can we have some more info on soft/hardware please.

[korrenmaa]

here's this if it helps

    Version                                           EVEREST v2.20.405
    Homepage                                          http://www.lavalys.com/
    Report Type                                       Quick Report
    Computer                                          YOUR-27E1513D96
    Generator                                         HP_Owner
    Operating System                                  Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
    Date                                              2009-07-18
    Time                                              12:32


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Computer:
      Operating System                                  Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
      OS Service Pack                                   Service Pack 3
      DirectX                                           4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
      Computer Name                                     YOUR-27E1513D96
      User Name                                         HP_Owner

    Motherboard:
      CPU Type                                          Mobile Intel Celeron M 360J, 1400 MHz (14 x 100)
      Motherboard Name                                  Unknown
      Motherboard Chipset                               Intel Grantsdale-G i915GV
      System Memory                                     503 MB  (DDR2-400 DDR2 SDRAM)
      BIOS Type                                         AMI (10/28/05)

    Display:
      Video Adapter                                     Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family  (128 MB)
      3D Accelerator                                    Intel GMA 900
      Monitor                                           HP vs15 flat panel monitor [NoDB]  (CNC5381V11)
      Monitor                                           HP vs15 flat panel monitor [NoDB]  (CNC5381V11)

    Multimedia:
      Audio Adapter                                     Intel 82801FB ICH6 - High Definition Audio Controller [B-1]

    Storage:
      IDE Controller                                    Intel(R) 82801FB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 2651
      IDE Controller                                    Intel(R) 82801FB/FBM Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 266F
      SCSI/RAID Controller                              AROHBR0E IDE Controller
      Disk Drive                                        SAMSUNG SP1614C/R  (160 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA)
      Disk Drive                                        Generic USB SD Reader USB Device
      Disk Drive                                        Generic USB CF Reader USB Device
      Disk Drive                                        Generic USB SM Reader USB Device
      Disk Drive                                        Generic USB MS Reader USB Device
      Optical Drive                                     LITE-ON COMBO SOHC-4836K
      Optical Drive                                     OA7454A MUG425T SCSI CdRom Device
      SMART Hard Disks Status                           OK

    Partitions:
      C: (NTFS)                                         146113 MB (100231 MB free)
      D: (FAT32)                                        6498 MB (955 MB free)
      Total Size                                        149.0 GB (98.8 GB free)

    Input:
      Keyboard                                          Enhanced Mulmedia PS/2 Keyboard
      Mouse                                             Microsoft PS/2 Mouse

    Network:
      Network Adapter                                   NETGEAR WG111v2 54Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter  (192.168.1.2)
      Modem                                             Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem

    Peripherals:
      Printer                                           Fax
      Printer                                           HP Deskjet D4100 series
      USB1 Controller                                   Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
      USB1 Controller                                   Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
      USB1 Controller                                   Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
      USB1 Controller                                   Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
      USB2 Controller                                   Intel 82801FB ICH6 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [B-1]
      USB Device                                        NETGEAR WG111v2 54Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
      USB Device                                        USB Mass Storage Device

[truenorth]

Korrenmaa, Well you're right you don't appear to have any audio device installed. Now we know you actually do.Is it an on-board audio device or is it a stand alone card? If it is standalone do you still have the install CD that would have come with it? If it is standalone you could try physically removing it and then reinserting it again (preferably to a different slot if possible). See if "new hardware found" comes up. If you can find the sound card manufacturer on line and download the latest drivers for it after you have removed and reinstalled it that could help. I doubt that doing that at this stage would do much as the device is not even being found. In the "device manager" what if anything is listed in "audio devices" and if anything is listed what are the symbols beside it? Yellow asterisk or question mark? It may be that your audio device has failed and a replacement may be needed to get something functioning again. I assume you get no sounds of any kind from the computer--is that correct? truenorth

[truenorth]

P.S. I am curious to why you think posting the problem twice is going to get any different results.truenorth

[korrenmaa]

oh sorry about posting it twice i don't know why i did that x]

any way ill attach a picture of what is shown in the device manager and as far as i know from looking for help on the HP support site, its a stand alone sound card that can be taken out
i was trying to fix it from this website,
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01427349&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=1137823&os=228&rule=3485&lang=en
and i got down to step 5 which is replacing/resetting the sound card. i personally don't feel comfortable doing it because i don't want to break something by not knowing a lot about computers especially internally. i considered performing a total system recovery which sucks but if necessary.. i also tried doing a system restore back to about a month ago and it wouldn't work

my brother has the same computer as me and i looked at this device manager and in the audio section he had, and i was missing,
-video codecs
-legacy audio driver
-legacy video capture device
-media control device
-audio codecs

[korrenmaa]

here's the picture..

[attachment deleted by admin]

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, The device manager is showing a problem with your 'audio drivers" which is consistant with your problem. However as i stated earlier your "everest" scan does not include a reference to any manufacturers audio hardware that i could see. I am suspicious that you claim it is a standalone as opposed to an on-board motherboard connected device. But maybe it is a standalone--without seeing anything in the scan it is difficult to be certain. Now if it is a standalone the accessing it and removing and reinstalling as i suggested is a very easy function. There is one thing i want you to check and tell us 1st before we assist you with accessing it. Look on the back of the computer where the plugs are for the "line in ,mic, and speakers' are located and tell us their position on the rear of the tower. Are they in the area of the horizontal tabs and other hardware that is located from about the middle and down on the back of the tower or are they up near the top (usually on the left as you are facing the back of the tower)?truenorth

[korrenmaa]

ok well its really possible it's not a stand alone i don't know the difference between the two
the mic, line in, and speaker, when looking at the back of my computer are in the bottom left area

[korrenmaa]

here's a picture i found online of the back of my computer

[attachment deleted by admin]

[patio]

Here  is the link to your Audio drivers...

[korrenmaa]

i clicked on the link but i don't know what i'm downloading from there.. 

[Mulreay]

Go to the download centre to find your driver..

[patio]

Intel 82801FB ICH6 - High Definition Audio Controller

Audio drivers...

[korrenmaa]

alright well thanks for trying to help but i really don't know what i'm doing anymore

[Mulreay]

alright well thanks for trying to help but i really don't know what i'm doing anymore

Did you search for your audio driver?

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, There comes times in ones life that "trust" enters into the things one does. This is one of those times. You have posed a problem to the CH forums. People of varying degrees of knowledge and expertise are coming forward to try and help you. It is well understood that you don't know what the problem is being caused by and how to fix it. That is why your here. Some of the best minds (not necessarily mine) on the forum are now on board and offering to help. Now you need to determine to what degree you are prepared to follow their council.It is now evident from your picture that your sound device is NOT stand alone but is an "on board" sound device. Therefore there is in a practical sense no way to remove it. There are additional things that may become necessary if Patio's suggested method doesn't work. However it is absolutely a safe way to go and has little if any potential to cause further problems for your computer. If it works as it may then problem solved.
What Patio has done is provide you with the web site for the specific drivers that you require for the sound device in your computer. You need to (using that same computer) go to that site and download to the computer those drivers. They should automatically associate themselves with your existing sound device and providing the device is not otherwise damaged allow it to work again. If it doesn't we can move on to the next solution. This is the least destructive,least costly and easiest solution--if it works.truenorth

[Mulreay]

korrenmaa, There comes times in ones life that "trust" enters into the things one does. This is one of those times. You have posed a problem to the CH forums. People of varying degrees of knowledge and expertise are coming forward to try and help you. It is well understood that you don't know what the problem is being caused by and how to fix it. That is why your here. Some of the best minds (not necessarily mine) on the forum are now on board and offering to help. Now you need to determine to what degree you are prepared to follow their council.It is now evident from your picture that your sound device is NOT stand alone but is an "on board" sound device. Therefore there is in a practical sense no way to remove it. There are additional things that may become necessary if Patio's suggested method doesn't work. However it is absolutely a safe way to go and has little if any potential to cause further problems for your computer. If it works as it may then problem solved.
What Patio has done is provide you with the web site for the specific drivers that you require for the sound device in your computer. You need to (using that same computer) go to that site and download to the computer those drivers. They should automatically associate themselves with your existing sound device and providing the device is not otherwise damaged allow it to work again. If it doesn't we can move on to the next solution. This is the least destructive,least costly and easiest solution--if it works.truenorth

I could not have put it better myself.

[korrenmaa]

ok thank you very much for not giving up on me!
i just got frusterated
when i went to the intel site patio gave me the link to it was for "chipsets" i believe? and i couldnt find anything to download off that
so i went to download center and i wasn't sure what to type in the search =/

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, By following Patio's initial web link and doing a search based on your "everest" summary and typing "INTEL 82801FB Ich6 " into the search box the following page was displayed. I believe i know which of the available options is the one you require.However i would prefer that Patio come back and specifically point out the one he believes is the right one. So just be patient and I'm sure he will come back to point you in the proper direction.
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Search.aspx?Prod_nm=intel+82801fb+ich6&lang=eng&MissingSearchTxt=Please+enter+a+valid+product+name%2C+filename+or+product+ID+%23.&x=15&y=3
truenorth

[korrenmaa]

alright thanks i'll check back later
i was able to get myself to that page too but i didn't know which one to download

[korrenmaa]

well truenorth, if you wana suggest the one you think it is maybe i'll just try it?

[truenorth]

OK  let's do it. http://downloadcenter.intel.com/default.aspx  Go to the link i just listed. In the smallwindow open on that page which heads by"Automatically identify and find drivers" click on "Audio drivers for Intel". I haven't gone beyond that point but i believe it will take you to a site that will allow you to run a scan on your computer and tell you the chipset drivers appropriate for your audio device. It should then offer you the ability to download those precise drivers. From there it should download them and associate the downloaded drivers with the audio device on your computer. There may be an install function as well you will know that if required after the download. It may not be necessary .you will have to try it to find out. Then once the drivers are installed your audio device will function (if that was the problem). If after you have done this it still doesn't work come back and tell us what if anything has changed then we will move on if necessary. Hopefully it won't be necessary. truenorth

[korrenmaa]

dang it didn't work ill post a picture of the results

[attachment deleted by admin]

[truenorth]

So it did not find your audio device on an Intel based search. So no drivers were offered for install. What precise model of  "slimline" do you have? Unless someone has any other ideas i am now leaning towards a standalone audio card and i want to determine what options your computer has for card installation via available empty slots. truenorth

[korrenmaa]

i have an hp pavilion s7210n slimline
and my mom said she's pretty sure its an on board not a stand alone

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, Yes the aspect of what you have for an audio device currently installed is no longer an issue --it definitely is an on board audio device. However it may soon be my recommendation that you replace it with a standalone audio card. However do NOT go there yet as i am attempting consultation with another and hopefully we will know where we are going and what you should do very soon. Please be patient and  we will get back to you. You are not being abandoned.truenorth
P.S. This is your computer --in case you want to really get to know it.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00503102&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=1137823

[westom]

i have an hp pavilion s7210n slimline
and my mom said she's pretty sure its an on board not a stand alone

  Its an HP.  That means it comes with comprehensive hardware diagnostics that test all hardware provided by HP - including the on-board sound card.

  Windows should load drivers automatically.  But will  not if hardware is defective.  Is your problem in Windows or with hardware.  Current you do not know.  And this is exactly why better computer manufacturers provide those comprehensive hardware diagnostics for free.

  Diagnostics can be booted from the hard drive, may have been provided on a CD-Rom, or can be downloaded from HP's web site.  If the soundcard passes, then problem is in Windows.  If soundcard fails, problem may only be a setting change (such as from digital to analog output).

[korrenmaa]

alright, thank you truenorth i'll keep checking back till i hear from you again

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, I want you to be aware of what my dilemma is at the moment. I am seeking confirmation from another "genius" CH member that you have actually endeavored to install a "chipset driver" appropriate for your particular computer. It is essential that it was a "chipset driver" and not simply an "audio driver". There is a big difference between what a chipset driver does and what an audio driver does. A chipset driver allows components of the computer to be recognized and function with the computer motherboard (there are usually 2 regions of the motherboard that require a chipset--a south bridge and a north bridge). The fact that while it is clear that you do have an on-board audio card installed it is not being detected could be a result of an improper chipset driver. I am concerned that the process that i linked you to may only have been for an audio driver for the sound card. If the sound card is not detected (as was the case) of course the scan is not going to find an audio driver for it. I want to be sure it was the chipset driver that being searched for. So again i ask for a bit more patience before we move on to another type of solution. I hope our "genius" will appear soon or some other knowledgeable CH member that can go through the process that i guided you to and verify that it was the chipset and not the audio drivers. i have not forgotten you.truenorth

[westom]

... verify that it was the chipset and not the audio drivers.

  Or is hardware defective.  Driver problems are Windows.  HP provides comprehensive diagnostics to learn if the hardware even works.  No driver will load if hardware is defective.  And will not report the defect even in Devcie Manager.  First determine if the problem is hardware or Windows using a comprehensive hardware diagnostic provided by HP for free.

[korrenmaa]

alright truenorth, thank you for keeping me up to date on this!

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, Do you have the ability to perform the diagnostic test that westcom has reccommended.? It cannot hurt anything to do that. If you need help as to how to perform it let us know? If i were convinced that it is a hardware failure we could move on--but i am not convinced of that yet.
westcom,did you follow the route i had him do the "driver" search and install? What do you think it was searching for? Chipset or audio drivers? truenorth

[westom]

westcom,did you follow the route i had him do the "driver" search and install?

Drivers can fail due to wrong driver or due to hardware failure. His computer comes with the most definitive thing that can provide answers without doubt - a comprehensive hardware diagnostic.  It reports things (without doubt) that drivers cannot.  It says quickly whether to keep searching for drivers or not.

  BTW, some of those sound cards have the option of outputting digitally or analog.  Another setting that could only complicate the solution when we don’t even know to look at hardware or Windows.  Another reason why the simplest and definitive answer from  diagnostics would expedite a solution.

  You did not mention it.  I don't know if those reports would indicate it.  But sometimes necessary is to remove all sound drivers in Device Manager and reboot before loading a correct driver. A wrong driver can cause a good driver to never load.

 In another case, a similar but wrong driver kept the correct driver from operating until  an entry was removed from the Registry (and rebooted).    Just another example of how to expedite the problem by first executing the hardware diagnostics  - to learn if the problem is in hardware or Windows.  I almost bought new hardware until the diagnostic said hardware was perfectly good.  Only then was a non-loading driver traced to a Windows problems.  I would have never looked without that diagnostic.

  So many suspects can be removed quickly by executing the comprehensive hardware diagnostic.

[korrenmaa]

no i would need someone to help me out with how to do a diagnostics

and by the way, the last post westom posted i think, referred to me as a him! which i am not

[truenorth]

westcom, sounds like a very persuasive and sensible reason for doing the diagnostic. I just have a strong hunch that this is NOT a hardware issue so that is why i am not recommending a hardware replacement yet. I anticipate that korrenmaa will be back asking for guidance on how to perform the diagnostic.Hopefully we will soon know where we need to go with his problem.truenorth
P.S. If we do get to a hardware replacement it appears his computer uses 1/2 height cards and has only one unused (provided he doesn't already have something in it) spare pci slot available.

[korrenmaa]

well im ready when you guys are to try this just let me know what i need to do!

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, I am hoping that westom will come back and give you step by step guidance as to how to access your HP diagnostic tool. However until he does try this and see if it takes you to it. If so just go ahead and run it and post the results. I do have an HP (Compaq Presario about 2003 vintage) however i cannot find anything identified specifically as "diagnostic" so perhaps it is a feature only available on more recent HP computers such as yours. I did find a reference to accessing it on a web search via the following method
"Click Start -> All Programs -> HP My Display -> Display Diagnostic Utility."
See if that brings it up for you. keep me informed.truenorth

[westom]

  A comprehensive hardware diagnostic means no Windows, no drivers, and no application software need even be in the room.  The effective diagnostic is that diagnostic software and the hardware - nothing more.  A hardware diagnostics means eliminating everything - especially Windows - to only test hardware.

  Only the better computers (ie HP, Dell) will provide these tools.  All others have diagnostics but cannot be bothered to release them (my personal slap at Gateway and eMachines because their techs were also just as uncooperative).

  When a computer first boots, you can selecct Windows or the diagnostic.  Generally, that option is enabled by pressing F2, F5, or F8 repeatedly when the computer first starts - so that options are offered.  Or the diagnostic can boot from a floppy or from the CD-Rom.  However those who fail to install a diagnostic partition on a new disk have simply destroyed a powerful tool.

HP provides details in Testing for Hardware Problems using PC-Doctor in:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00041380&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=62740

or Using PC-Doctor Offline DOS Diagnostics to Verify Hardware Problems in:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00471587&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=62740

  Next step.  Heat is a diagnostic tool.  Once these tests have passed in room temperature, then put the computer in a 100 degree F room and repeat testing.  Heat is not hardware destructive and is  how to find future failures long before failures harden.

[korrenmaa]

well i went to the first link for the PC Doctor and i ran the audio test for speakers i'll post a picture of the error message i got

[attachment deleted by admin]

[westom]

well i went to the first link for the PC Doctor and i ran the audio test for speakers

  Rather strange that a diagnostic (that is a self standing program and is not executing under Windows) requires a driver.

Meanwhile, audio drivers for Realtek audio, also known as the program  sp26558.exe,  are here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=pv-35408-2&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&os=228&product=1137823

  Also listed are pre-existing conditions to be met before loading an audio driver.

  If I read that diagnostic correctly, diagnostic drivers cannot access the hardware.  Either hardware is fubar, or something in the BIOS setup has created a hardware problem.

  I assume, back when Windows was operating, that nothing in Device Manager was in conflict.  And that anything that was in conflict was deleted in Device Manager, then the system shutdown and rebooted.  Conflict with any other device would means Windows cannot automatically reload correct drivers.

[truenorth]

korrenmaa,In my continuing effort to help you with your sound problem i have come across this article which seems to have a bearing on your situation, It is beyond me as to what it is advocating (other than there seems to be an issue with slimline computers as to what the drivers are--ATI or realtek) and the solution for this person's problem seemed to hinge on that point.Which did seem to get solved. Maybe it will make sense to you or others that have superior knowledge to me. truenorth
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=214076

[korrenmaa]

ok well i did look at that artice, truenorth but it didn't make alot of sense to me

[truenorth]

Korrenmaa,Yes well as i said it was somewhat confusing to me also but what i gather is that while basically HP (slimline) gives the owner the impression that all slimlines have a realtek audio device that in reality for whatever their reason they also install ATI audio devices in place of the realtek. Therefore when the user has a problem and believes that a solution will be forthcoming with realtek associated drivers they won't be. Because when the association of the downloaded drivers is attempted "no device found" is the result. Sound familiar? It is only when a search for the device with an ATI hardware base is executed does an association become possible. If i remember from that link wasn't a link to the alternative ATI drivers provided. I should have asked this earlier but where in the warranty process are you with the computer? I am not asking this in terms of returning the computer i am asking it in terms of possible free access to HP tech support for the problem and to perhaps resolve what actually you do have installed as a sound device. Also have you ever tried a time based recovery since this problem arose? truenorth

[truenorth]

korrenmaa, The Gods aligned to give ME almost the same problem we were trying to solve for you.I sought the help of the CH forum (hardware) gurus. Broni presented the following suggestions:

Try here: http://driverscollection.com/?H=nForce%20220&By=NVidia

Also...

One of these may help:
1. Uninstall the drive through Device Manager.
Restart computer. The drive will be automatically reinstalled.
or...
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060
Restart computer.
or...
3. Download, and run Restore Missing CD Drive patch
Double click on cdgone.zip to unzip it.
Right click on cdgone.reg, click Merge.
Accept registry merge.
Restart computer.
or...
4. Go to Device Manager, click a "+" sign next to IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.
You'll see two items:
- ATA Channel0 (or Primary Channel)
- ATA Channel1 (or Secondary Channel)
Right click on each of them, and click Uninstall. Confirm.
Restart Windows. They'll be automatically reinstalled.
Please note that the 1st option re the nForce drivers is not applicable to your chipset so don't try that one. However "2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060" using the "let me fix it" option solved my problem. You might want to check it out. If it doesn't work for you you might look at the other suggestions Broni provided. Goodluck truenorth