subject: Expert Methods For Downloading And Installing New Sound Drivers [print this page] At some point, the majority of PC users have to acquire new sound drivers. New sound drivers are often required so that your operating system can process the information coming from your sound card.
Many people have a tough time understanding the various lingo involved regarding sound drivers. Don't worry, because it is really fairly simple to replace your old sound drivers.
Going Over Speaker Settings
The first thing you should do is check to make sure that your speakers aren't the reason for your sound problems. Incorrectly connected or muted speakers will obviously hamper your system's ability to produce sounds.
You should try to connect some headphones to your computer to test and see whether your hardware is causing the issue. Also, you can plug your speakers into a different computer and test them that way.
If you've figured out that your speakers aren't the problem, you still need to go into your system's Volume Control to ensure you haven't muted anything or turned the volume down too low. You can check the volume fairly easily. Just do the following:
Click "Start."
Go to "Control Panel."
Select "Hardware and Sound."
Click "Adjust system volume." You've also got the option of double clicking the sound icon.
Take a look at the volume to ensure it hasn't been turned down too low.
Use System Restore to Fix Sound
If you aren't dealing with muted sounds or low volume, then one option to fix your sound is to restore your system to an earlier time. Normally your computer will log several restore points. If you've never restored your system before, here's how:
Click "Start."
Go to "All Programs."
Then, click "Accessories."
Next, select "System Tools."
Finally, select "System Restore"
The Restore Wizard will open up, and you'll need to select an appropriate restore point for your computer. This way you can attempt to get your speakers running again.
When Push Comes to Shove and You Have to Find New Drivers
However, if none of the above diagnostics and solutions work, then it's highly likely that you have to replace system drivers. Actually, you can go about this in a number of ways. You can go into Device Manager to actually delete drivers, and if you've got your Driver and Application Installation CD, you can reinstall your old drivers directly from the CD. However, you might need to install new drivers.
Downloading New Drivers
In this case, you can actually find new drivers straight from the driver manufacturer's website. If you're able to locate these drivers, then go ahead and download them. You'll still need to go into Device Manager to install the drivers.
Actually, the simplest way you can install new sound drivers is with driver update software. This is because driver update software actually scans your entire computer for old drivers. The software will then find the best drivers for your computer. If you're able to utilize driver update software, then go for it, because it's an easy way to replace sound drivers and fix your sound problems.
