Intermittent Sound Loss

Running_Horse

Recently had to restart computer from factory settings, and also had the memory doubled. Since then the computer has worked really fast compared to before.

The problem is the volume now cuts out after a while on things like YouTube and CBeebies games. The only way to get it back is to restart the computer, but it will often cut out again after a few minutes.

Any ideas?

Thanking you in advance.

SteveJH200

Assuming you're running XP, Vista or Windows 7?????

If you went back to 'factory' settings have you installed all the windows updates and the latest audio drivers? That is always a good place to start.

Running_Horse

How would I install updates and audio drivers?

Windows XP. There were dozens of updates to install at the time.

Bottom right icons, there is something called Sound Effect AC97.

SteveJH200

Have you actually installed the Microsoft updates? You need to be on Service Pack 3 - to check go to Control Panel and double click on System. Please tell us what it says. AC97 is the standard built in sound driver for many older motherboards.

Running_Horse

Yup. Got service pack 3, and set to automatic updates. Updates from time to time when switching off.

SteveJH200

Right - go to programmes, Microsoft update, click on Custom level, and see if there are any hardware drivers shown relating to sound. If so, install these. I assume that you are not using a separate sound card but are plugging the speakers into the green socket on the rear of the motherboard.

Running_Horse

OK, these seem to be the main available updates.

This item updates the list of root certificates on your computer to the list that is accepted by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft Root Certificate Program. Adding additional root certificates to your computer enables you to use Extended Validation (EV) certificates in Internet Explorer 7, a greater range of security enhanced Web browsing, encrypted e-mail, and security enhanced code delivery. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.


Install this update to resolve a set of known application compatibility issues with Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.


This Compatibility View List update helps make Web sites that are designed for older browsers look better in Internet Explorer 8. When users install Internet Explorer 8, they will be given a choice about opting-in to a list of sites that should be displayed in Compatibility View. After you install this item, you may have to restart Internet Explorer.


The Windows Management Framework Core package includes Windows PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Remote Management (WinRM) 2.0. For more information on the Windows Management Framework, see


The Windows Automation API library contains the latest version of the Microsoft User Interface Automation (UI Automation) and Microsoft Active Accessibility libraries that are provided in Windows 7. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

Base Smart Card Cryptographic Service Provider (Base CSP) allows smart card vendors to more easily enable their smart cards on Windows with a lightweight proprietary card module instead of a full proprietary CSP. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

Windows Search 4.0 helps you to find, preview, and use your documents, e-mail, music, photos, and other items. On an upgrade from previous versions, you will need to rebuild your index. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

Windows Media Player 11 offers great new ways to store and enjoy digital media beyond music. It's easier than ever to access all of your video, pictures, and recorded TV on your computer. Play it, view it, organize it, sync it to a portable device for viewing on the go, or share with devices around your home—all from one place. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

The .NET Framework is a component of the Windows operating system. For developers, the .NET Framework makes it easy to rapidly create powerful software that maximizes performance, scalability, opportunities for integration, reliability, security, and the end-user experience, while minimizing the costs of deployment and management. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

SteveJH200

Thanks - yes, these are just optional software installations. The only one to consider downloading is Media Player unless you're using another player. Running out of solutions now - I have worked on loads of XP machines and never had the problems you are experiencing. Final thoughts are to make sure you have Adobe Flash player, Shockwave player, and Air installed - get these free from Adobe. Also Check that you have Java installed.

Go to Control Panel, system, hardware, device manager, sound video and game controllers, then double click on the audio card. It should say something like AC97 or Realtek. Click on driver and then click update driver.

Otherwise I can't think of anything else at the moment.