Install Audio Drivers on Windows XP

Audio drivers can be installed in Windows XP if you've downloaded incompatible drivers, have outdated drivers, or if your drivers have become damaged due to a virus, power outage, or other computer problem. Audio drivers can be installed by either downloading important Windows updates, installing software from the disc provided to you by the device manufacturer, or by downloading audio drivers directly from the manufacturer's website.

Steps

Download Windows Updates

1. Click on the "Start" menu from the desktop of your Windows XP computer.
2. Click on "Control Panel."
3. Select "Automatic Updates."
4. Click on the button labeled "Automatic."
5. Select the day and time you'd like your computer to download Windows updates.
   • Select the soonest possible day and time available to download Windows updates and resolve your audio problem immediately.
6. Click on "Apply." If updated audio drivers are available for download, they will automatically be installed on your computer on the day and time you've selected for the Windows update.

Install Audio Drivers from Manufacturer's Disc

1. Insert the disc that contains your computer's software drivers into the disc tray of your computer.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to re-install audio drivers in Windows XP.
   • Refer to your computer's manual or contact the manufacturer directly if you need further assistance with installing the audio drivers using the disc.

Download Audio Drivers from Manufacturer

1. Click on your computer's "Start" menu.
2. Click on "Run."
3. Type "dxdiag" into the dialog box.
4. Click on "OK."
5. Click on the tab labeled "Sound."
6. Write down the name of your computer's sound card displayed next to "Name" under the section labeled "Devices."
7. Write down the name of the sound card's manufacturer displayed next to "Provider" below the "Drivers" section.
8. Click on "Exit."
9. Launch your computer's Internet browser.
10. Navigate to the website of your computer's audio device manufacturer.
11. Search the manufacturer's website for audio drivers you can download using the name of your sound card.
    • Navigate to the website's "Support" section to find audio drivers if they are not readily visible.
12. Follow the installation instructions provided on the manufacturer's website to install the audio drivers.

Tips

• Visit the "Microsoft Support" website provided to you in the Sources section of this article to contact the manufacturer of your sound card if you need additional support. In most cases, you will have the option to call the manufacturer directly, or obtain their website information.
• Configure your Windows Updates preferences to automatically install any important, recommended, or optional updates as they become available. Windows Updates can automatically install new software and other system features that can help prevent or resolve future computer problems.

Related Articles

• Find and Update Drivers for Windows 7
• Install Sound Onto an Windows XP System
• Resolve No Sound on Windows Computer

Sources and Citations

• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/no-sound-help#no-sound=windows-xp&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1&v4h=winxptab4
• http://support.microsoft.com/gp/oemcontact

See also

• Uninstall Windows XP and Revert to a Previous Operating System
• Install the Recovery Console in Windows 2000 or XP
• Use Windows XP
• Remove Windows Messenger on Windows XP
• Restore Recycle Bin in Windows XP Pro
• Perform a Backup on Windows XP
• Change the Default Photo Display Program in Windows XP
• Un Hide Folders and Files on XP
• Make a Hidden Icon on Windows XP
• Disable File Indexing on Windows XP

Read more ...