Audio / Sound

[SquirleyGirl]

Here is a screen shot of the WDM folder, I highlighted the file I think I need?

I will try again, and show you what I do in my next post.  So I guess I will just browse to that.  :::crossing fingers::::

[SquirleyGirl]

Here I did it again (tried to install).  I took shots of each step so you can see what happened.  I dont know what I'm doing wrong!!!

[Jerry_Lippey]

              

There are 18 *.inf files there, Jessica. You (or maybe Windows) is using the first one (HDA.inf). All of those shown below mention the driver we want (RTKHDAUD.sys) inside.

                                    

Can't hurt to try another. (I suppose it's not likely those mentioning Apple or HP are the right ones. But who knows?)

[Jerry_Lippey]

Oops. I hadn't finished viewing your pictures when I responded.

You didn't show what happens when you select the other option.

[SquirleyGirl]

Here are the pictures for what happened when I tried those...

[Jerry_Lippey]

It probably wouldn't have worked anyway. But OTOH the audio doesn't work now, so you haven't much to lose.

Have you tried any other of the *.inf files?

[SquirleyGirl]

yes I tried.

When I restart my computer I get this error message.  Dont know what it means, here it is attached.

[Jerry_Lippey]

Rthdcpl.exe is the Realtek HD Audio Sound Effect Manager, which is part of its audio.

I'd like to try to completely remove this sound stuff and start from scratch.

But it means doing some registry surgery. Are you game for that?

[SquirleyGirl]

Yeah, I'm totally game for it!  I will not let it beat me! lol

[Jerry_Lippey]

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The sound on my Toshiba Satellite laptop M115 S3094 stopped working suddenly.  It would give me an error message on startup.

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After all this, we need to recognize at this point that there is probably more than a 50-50 chance that the hardware has failed.

That said, full steam ahead. Uninstall the driver from Device Manager. If you're asked to remove the files, answer Yes.

Then follow the directions in my attachment to remove remaining debris for the Realtek audio. Note that the registry is a dark and dangerous place. It's easy to make a mistake that prevents Windows from even starting. Always export a registry key before changing it. If you haven't done this sort of thing before, read up on it.

   How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP

   Windows registry information for advanced users

After that, we'll try to install the driver again.

Do you happen to have an installation CD for Windows XP?

[SquirleyGirl]

Thanks, Ill read up on those links before I start.... but, I do not have a windows xp cd.  Should I not proceed without one?  My computer didn't come with any cds or anything of the sort (but I got it new).  I do have a certificate of authenticity for windows sticker on the bottom of the laptop with the product key number.  Whatever that is worth.

Another question, could I lose my files in my hard drive?

OK I will read then proceed with caution.  Ill check in too.

[Jerry_Lippey]

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could I lose my files in my hard drive?

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That's always possible! There are only two kinds of hard drives: those that have failed and those that will fail.

Your most important application should be backup of important data files.

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I do not have a windows xp cd.

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I wondered about that just in case you wanted to reinstall Windows from scratch.

In case you do want to restore the hard disk to its original out-of-the-box contents, you may be able to obtain the recovery disc(s) from Toshiba this way.

   Order Toshiba Recovery Media

If it's too old for them, you can get that from a third party.

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OK I will read then proceed with caution.  Ill check in too.

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Good luck, Jessica!

[SquirleyGirl]

OK Thanks!  It will probably be a couple days before I start into this.  I feel like I need a good long block of "time" so I can focus on this and get it done right.  So if I don't respond for a few days, don't worry, I will get to it and let you know how its going. 

[Jerry_Lippey]

Sure..