Troubleshooting Sound Issues in Windows 7: Part Three

This is part Three of the series on the subject of troubleshooting sound issues in Windows 7. In this part we will look at the drivers and installation of the sound hardware within the computer.

1. To begin, click on the Start button in the bottom left.
   
   


2. On the right side of the new Start Menu window, right-click on Computer and choose Properties.
   
   


3. On the new window, click on Device Manager in the top left.
   • After clicking on Device Manager, you may be prompted to allow or grant permission. Choose the option in the affirmative (Yes/Allow) to continue.
     
     
   
   
4. Within this new Device Manager window, locate the section labeled Sound, video and game controllers.
   
   


5. If this section is not listed, check any resource or drivers discs included with your computer for sound/audio drivers. Otherwise, check the manufacturer’s website for a driver download.
6. IIf it is listed, double-click on Sound, video and game controllers to expand that item.
   • In most cases the sound card will be listed as High Definition Audio Device. If that is not listed it may be under another name.
     
     
   


7. Right-click on the sound card and choose Uninstall.
   
   


8. When prompted, click OK to uninstall. If prompted to delete the drivers, do not delete the drivers.
   
   


9. Once uninstalled, close any open windows and save all open work, then restart the computer.
10. After the reboot, ensure that the volume is turned up and then test the sound on the computer. If it still does not function there is typically some form of hardware malfunction, and the computer will need to be serviced.

You can also contact Technical Support here.