Week Nine

Troubleshooting Sound

Having sound problems in Windows can be a frustrating experience. Either it is simple to fix, or seemingly impossible. Sound problems tend to fall within three groups: hardware, configuration, and application problems.

1. Hardware - Many sound problems are caused by hardware that isn't set up properly.

• The first thing to check when sound dies is the volume controls. Volume can typically be set in two areas: in software, and on the speakers.
• The second thing to check is the speakers. Make sure they are turned on and are getting power. Also check if they are plugged in to the sound card.

2. Configuration Problems - Configuration errors can occur when the sound card is physically good but a setting has not been properly configured. These errors typically occur at installation but can also appear on a working system.

• First place to check is the device manager. If the driver has a problem it will be displayed. 
• Second place to check is the Sound applet for configuration errors. 

3. Application Problems - Application problems are the hardest to fix and tend to occur when it was previously playing sounds without trouble.

• First, look for an error message. If an error code occurs, this can be researched online.
• Second - Try playing the sound file with a different application.
• Third - Try reinstalling the application.

Source:
Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.